Listening to the People to Ensure Good Governance

The Líl̓wat Nation government is a government of the people. Governance ensures there are many opportunities for the Nation’s membership to engage with government. This is achieved through community engagement activities such as General Assemblies, information sessions and department open houses.

Governance moves toward fulfilling the vision of the Líl̓wat Nation by adhering to its strategic plan, a document that is renewed every eight years. The strategic plan is grounded in two essential concepts of Líl̓wat culture, Nt̓ákmen (Our Way) and K̓úl̓tsam (Integrity, responsibility and living well.) With many of the goals of the 2010 – 2015 strategic plan realized, a new strategic plan for 2016 – 2023 is being prepared. place. To ensure that this plan meets the needs of the Líl̓wat people, it is being developed through extensive consultation with community members, boards, and committees.

The People Come First: The Nation’s Organizational Chart

The following organizational chart shows the structure of the Líl̓wat Nation government. Committed to being government of the people, we never forget that our direction comes from the men and women who call the Líl̓wat Nation home. View Organizational Chart.

Intergovernmental Affairs

The Líl̓wat Nation works cooperatively with other governments, notably the Village of Pemberton (VOP), the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), and the Province of British Columbia, on a number of initiatives that enhance the area’s livability.

From the Winds of Change project to the co-management of parks and collaborative management areas, the development of a Community Alcohol Policy and management of shared transit, municipal water, and sewer services. The Líl̓wat Nation has also recently entered into a federally funded, Community Infrastructure Partnership Project with the VOP and is one of fewer than twenty communities in Canada chosen to be part of this pilot project.

Elections

In March 2013, the Líl̓wat Nation held a referendum that resulted in the ratification of its Election Code. The code, which came into effect with the March 2015 election, defines the responsibilities of elected officials, election processes and procedures.

Among the most significant changes to the nation’s election process outlined in the legislation was the move to a four-year term of office instead of a two-year term, and the addition of a Cultural Chief. Today, a Political Chief, Cultural Chief and 11 councillors govern the Líl̓wat Nation.

Communications

Ongoing and frequent communication with the community is essential to Governance fulfilling its goals of openness and transparency. Information about what government is working on is readily available through the news section of this website and publications such as Chief and Council Notes, the monthly Líl̓wat Nation Newsletter, and the annual report, and by attending General Assemblies and community consultations.

Getting Involved with Governance

Governance serves the day-to-day operations of the Líl̓wat Nation, funding Chiefs and Council activities, administration, legal, IT, transit, human resources, communications, and special projects. The department is also responsible for the development of policy. In order to move policy forward, Governance employs cross-functional teams, council representation and input from the community to allow community members to get involved in decision-making. People can also become involved with setting the Nation’s direction through participation in the boards and committees that liaise with the department and Chiefs and Council. Our aim is to attract more community members to help shape the future of the Líl̓wat Nation. Here are some other ways community members can be involved with Governance:

• Attending General Assemblies, community consultations and council meetings
• Reading the Nation’s publications and social media
• Discussing issues with senior managers
• Talking to council members
• Making sure you voice your concerns either in person, by email or phone.

Committees and Boards of Directors

The men and women who sit on Líl̓wat Nation and its partners’ committees and boards ensure that our work is consistent with our overall vision as detailed in the strategic plan. This broad-based participation helps us to deliver excellent service and programming that reflects and addresses the needs of the community. These committees and boards include several that are concerned with internal matters such as health, recreation, education, housing, land use and community services. As well Líl̓wat Nation elected officials, staff and community members are actively involved on the boards of the Squamish Líl̓wat Cultural Centre, the St̓át̓y̓emc Tribal Council, St̓át̓y̓emc Tribal Police, Winds of Change and Whistler Sports Legacies.

Partnerships and Participation