Office Of the Wet'suwet'en

09/16/2026

Due to a passing in the community, tonight's Witsuwit'en Protected Areas meeting at the Witset Multiplex has been cancelled.

We will update with more information once we have it.

09/10/2026

In his evidence, Wah Tah K’eght (Henry Alfred) described how Wet’suwet’en people managed and cared for the resources within the territory.

He explained that House and Clan members met and shared information about where they had trapped and what they were observing. When younger beavers began appearing, they stopped harvesting from that area and left it undisturbed for two or three years.

Wah Tah K’eght testified:

“We try leave the little ones so they will grow up… and produce other smaller ones for future use.”

His evidence describes a deliberate system of stewardship based on observation, communication and restraint. People selected mature animals, protected the younger animals, rotated harvesting areas and allowed populations time to recover.

For Wet’suwet’en people, harvesting was connected to feeding families, supporting feasts and fulfilling responsibilities between Houses and Clans. The animals were not treated as unlimited resources. Decisions about harvesting included responsibility for maintaining healthy populations for those who would come afterward.

This knowledge was also passed forward from generations before. Wah Tah K’eght spoke about learning from his uncle Peter Bazil and his friend Alfred Mitchell, while his mother and sisters brought children onto the territory with them. The next generation learned by accompanying those who carried the knowledge and observing how the land and animals were cared for.

These practices existed long before contemporary governments began using terms such as “land management” or “resource management.” Wet’suwet’en people already had systems for knowing where to harvest, how much to take, when to stop, and what must be left for future generations.

Source: Delgamuukw v. The Queen, Trial Transcript, Volume 47, evidence of Wah Tah K’eght (Henry Alfred), January 22, 1988, pp. 2961–2964.

Photo: © Storey Photography

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

The Removed Child Class and Removed Child Family Class claims process is open.

If you or your family may be eligible, please review the information and submit a claim.

The Office of the Wet’suwet’en does not currently have a Jordan’s Principle worker in-house, but we want to help connect Wet’suwet’en families with the right people and supports.

If you need help connecting with a Jordan’s Principle Coordinator or understanding where to start, please contact our office at 250-847-3630.

09/04/2026

On April 22, 1987, Roy Morris Sr., who held the name Woos, gave evidence about Wet’suwet’en hereditary governance, the feast system and responsibilities to the Yintah.

Roy explained that he received the name Woos in the feast hall on October 15, 1978, after it had previously been held by Matthew Sam. His family selected him to carry the name, and the responsibilities that came with it included standing and speaking for his House and clan in the feast hall.

He also explained that although he was selected to speak for Gitdumden in the court case, this did not mean that he alone could make decisions for everyone. He placed the Elders ahead of himself, recognized that each Chief had their own seat and respected the authority of those responsible for their own territories.

In his words:

“We have to speak on our own but under one we speak.”

Wet’suwet’en hereditary governance is collective, accountable and connected to the Yintah. A Chief carries a name in service to the House. They speak with the authority entrusted to them, while respecting the Elders, the other Chiefs and those responsible for their own territories. Speaking for the people is not the same as deciding for them.

A hereditary name is not simply a title. It is received and witnessed through the feast system, carrying obligations to the House, the clan and the Yintah. It requires the person holding the name to listen, speak responsibly and uphold our Wet'suwet'en laws and decisions of the House.

Source: Examination for Discovery of Roy Morris Sr., April 22, 1987, transcript pages 3–6 and 33.

09/02/2026

🏮 TAKE BACK THE NIGHT 🏮
A Lantern Walk for Gender-Based Violence Awareness

🏮Lantern Walk
📆 Friday, October 2nd
🕛 7:00 p.m.
📍Meet at the corner of Main St. & Hwy,16, Smithers

✨ Take Back the Night is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with survivors, remember those who have been impacted by violence, and send a message that everyone deserves to feel safe in their community.

Hosted by Northern Society for Domestic Peace

09/01/2026

🎨 We're Hiring a Part-Time Workshop Planner (26 hours/week)

Love people? Love art? Love Smithers? We love that!

We're looking for a Workshop Planner to connect with the Bulkley Valley's diverse community and help create workshops that appeal to a wide audience! If you're a natural networker, a creative problem-solver, and someone who loves watching your ideas come to life — we want to meet you!

Experience is an asset, but we're willing to train the right person. This is a year contract with possibility of extension dependent on grant funding. Wage based on experience ($20 - $24 per hour).

Check out our website for full details:
https://www.smithersart.org/job-opportunities

09/01/2026

Today, we remember every life lost to the toxic drug crisis and hold close everyone carrying this grief. If you are struggling, you are not alone.

If someone may be overdosing, call 9-1-1 and give naloxone.

https://towardtheheart.com/

No shame. No stigma. Just care.

Tabï niwh’kësiy’

💜

08/31/2026

Witsuwit’en Language Programming – Fall 2026

Speak our language. Strengthen our future.

Community Language & Culture is preparing for our Fall 2026 Witsuwit’en Language Program, and we are currently gathering Expressions of Interest from community members who may be interested in participating.

We are exploring two learning streams:

Language Exposure Class:
For learners wanting to build their exposure to Witsuwit’en, learn from fluent speakers, strengthen listening and speaking skills, and connect language with culture, stories, and community.

Intensive Language Course:
For learners ready to make a stronger commitment to developing their Witsuwit’en language skills through more intensive and consistent learning.

Please note that Expressions of Interest is not registration; Expressions of Interest will help CLC understand community demand, learner needs, and which program stream people are most interested in as we finalize program planning.

Whether you are just beginning, returning to the language, or looking to strengthen what you already know, we want to hear from you.

Please send your Expression of Interest to [email protected]
Please include your name, contact information, and the program stream you are interested in. We also encourage you to submit for community members in your life that may need support.

Every word matters. Every speaker counts.
Learn Witsuwit’en. Carry it forward.