Skalulmecw Chief Dean Nelson served two terms on council prior to being elected Political Chief of the Líl̓wat Nation in March 2015. He is the first chief to be elected under the new provision for a four-year term in office.

A former P.E. teacher at Xet’olacw Community School, Dean is a passionate proponent for Líl̓wat Youth. As a council member he was responsible for both the Youth and Recreation portfolios. Dean brings to the position of Political Chief experience, commitment and vision.

Entsas skalulmecw, my name is Dean Nelson. I have lived here my entire life. I attended the Mount Currie Indian Day School and Ts̓zil High School in the community where learning Lil̓wat7úl culture was greatly encouraged. To be presented the culture and to embrace our culture are two very different things. I have always believed that culture can save or condemn a First Nations person depending on where we are in life. I was fortunate to have key people at a crucial time in my life to assist me with the embracing and the practicing of the Lil̓wat7úl culture that would motivate me to where I am today culturally. As I begin my term as Political Chief for the Líl̓wat Nation, I am constantly thinking of the power of transformation and strong leadership.

I have always believed that the strength of Mother Nature and the culture can enhance and shape one’s life. Initially, I saw myself standing on the sidelines, watching our culture for most of my youth. When I became a teacher, I saw my students looking to me for direction as to whether or not to participate in our cultural practices. I asked myself, “How can we expect our children to embrace the culture when we cannot ourselves?” I started by holding a drum on the sidelines — again watching. I felt it was my responsibility to do what I could, so I joined the drumming circle and became strong enough to lead some of the Lil̓wat7u̓l songs.

I have always felt that if there were changes to make that we are aware of there is no one better to make those changes than ourselves. We can’t keep looking for someone to change things for us. Words I live by:
                                    “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi

It is truly an honour to serve as the Political Chief of the Líl̓wat Nation.

— Skalulmecw Chief Dean Nelson

Email: Dean.Nelson@Lilwat.ca

The name Gélpcal means (The One Who Gives Strength). Gélpcal thanks all of you for the trust you have placed in himself and having him be right where he is today. Gélpcal feels mighty honored to be in your service as Cultural Chief for this term in Líl̓wat Leadership.

Chief Gélpcal looks forward to a strong future where we can all come together in full cultural immersion to figure out the direction we will take for all present and future generations. This will require the full knowledge of Our Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Mentors. Chief Gélpcal believes we all have some understanding of who we are as Líl̓wat7ul, therefore, we all have knowledge that needs to be passed in trust to another. Following in the footsteps of Our Ancestors will help us figure out protocols that will make way for our true identities as a distinct first nation people. This truth must make its way into our everyday life so that no generation feels lost in any manner.

Gélpcal sees the present as an exciting time here in Líl̓wat Nation. With the bold representation of both Political and Cultural Leadership. The balance between the two positions carries endless possibility. Chief Gélpcal knows that any strength to be had, will be found right here at home. The transfer of cultural, traditional, spiritual and ceremonial values bring balance to all decision making on behalf of Our Nation.

Gélpcal is proud of the great cultural steps being taken within our nation. There is so much interest in learning the language, sharing the stories, regalia making, drumming, dancing and singing. This will make way to creating solid foundations for the nations precious children. Gélpcal is happy that our community school places just as much importance into cultural identity as it does with academics.

Chief Gélpcal can say that his door is always open, but the fact is that it is our collective door. The success of the nation has come through the trust in the people that work for all of us. Gélpcal proudly states that the Líl̓wat nation “has My love, trust and respect, as those are values that you have instilled in me as a community.”

Pala7míntwal̓ i Ucwalmícwa múta7 ti Tmícwa | The Land and The People Are Together as One

Takemlhkálh t̓u7 pála7 | We Are One.

Ku̓kwpi7 Gélpcal.

Email: Ashley.Joseph@Lilwat.ca