Tŝilhqot’in National Government Increases Office Space in Williams Lake

The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has purchased property at 925 2nd Ave north, formerly known as the Tolko Industries Ltd. office. The property consists of a large building and secure parking lot that will start being utilized by TNG in April.

The TNG has experienced substantial growth over the past 5 years as the organization pursues priorities within areas such as housing and infrastructure, jurisdiction for Tsilhqot’in children and families, and land management. Williams Lake is located on the unceded territory of the Secwepmec Nation and is a valuable centre of business for the Tsilhqot’in.

The Tsilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tsilhqot’in people. The Tsilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

“The Tsilhqot’in National Government is growing and becoming a large employer in the Williams Lake and Chilcotin region. While our offices are growing in Williams Lake, our focus remains on the Tsilhqot’in people. The Tolko building comes with a works yard that will be used for storage that is necessary to serve our people and complete projects in the territory. I would like to thank Tolko for supporting us on this purchase.”

Nits’il?in (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tsilhqot’in National Government

“Our Williams Lake Woodlands staff who were previously in the building are in the process of relocating to Tolko’s Lakeview divisional office,” says Kevin Jewett, Tolko’s Vice-President, Woodlands. “As Tolko no longer needed the space, we were happy to be able to sell it to a valuable community partner like the Tsilhqot’in National Government, and we look forward to continuing our close relationship.”

Kevin Jewett, Tolko’s Vice-President, Woodlands

Contact:

Myanna Desaulniers – Communications Manager – Tsilhqot’in National Government –myanna@tsilhqotin.ca – (250) 302-3731

Source: Tolko Industries Ltd.