We feel that we have all of the abilities to proceed and fulfill our goals as care takers of the land. It is part of Chief and Council’s mandate to be involved in all aspects of the forest industry. Soowahlie is also interested in the start up of value-added forestry activities.

Along with the above mentioned areas, Soowahlie has obtained funds to carry out a strategic On-Reserve logging plan, and to train members in many aspects of forest work. Forestry and Watershed work are always an interest to Soowahlie. In the past 15 years Soowahlie has secured many Enhanced Forestry contracts through Forest Renewal BC., Sto:lo Nation Human Resource Department, and the First Nation’s Forestry Program. The intent of the contracts is to keep our members skilled and employed in Silviculture related jobs. We now feel that we have a competent crew to carry out many more contract projects. As part of our culture we consider this to be the most important role that we can play in maintaining the sustainability of the forest. The delicate balance between harvesting and sustainability is very important to our leaders and members.

As history shows that Soowahlie frequented the entire Chilliwack River Watershed. Depending on the seasons, villages could be found anywhere along the Chilliwack River. Some of the archives information reveals that as far back as 10,000 years ago, the Soowahlie people have lived in this area. As stated earlier, we have always been in this area taking care of the natural resources and we intend to continue with this long standing connection to the land. Soowahlie has also formed a company called Th’ewali Forestry Ltd. The company will adhere to the day to day operations of any forestry business and the Board of directors will give the direction for future growth.

If you have any questions in regards to this letter, please contact David Sepass, Project Administrator at 604-858-4631.

Soowahlie 2002 Summer Students Report:

Each year from around May to September, the Soowahlie Band employs a number of Secondary and Post Secondary Students within their Band Office, Health Office, Maintenance Department, Campsite, and Gravel Pit. The students are trained in many different jobs while they work here on the reserve. This past year 12 students were hired along with a new Campground Manager. The students carried out many different activities for the Band, and were much appreciated, as were all of the students in the past years. The funding for the student program comes from Sto:lo Nation Human Resource Dept. and the First Nation’s Education Steering Committee.

Summer Student Profiles - self written:

Brenda Wallace,

Hello! My name is Brenda Wallace and I'm from the Soowahlie Indian Band. I'm currently working at the Soowahlie Health Services office as a Health Clerk under the Summer Student Career Placement Program. I recently received a graduation diploma from Sardis Senior Secondary School. I have also been a General Studies Student for the past year at UCFV. It has always been a dream of mine to own a clothing and accessories business containing some native items; I think if you believe in your dreams enough it will become reality.

Thank you! - Brenda Wallace

Tanya Douglas,

Hello my name is Tanya Douglas and I am a Summer Placement Student working for the Soowahlie Health Services. I graduated from Sprott-Shaw Community College with a Medical Office Assistant/Medical Transcriptioning Diploma. And I will be going back to school for more training to further my education. I hope that my training and education will help me obtain a job in an office environment in the future. I am enjoying working in my own community, getting the experience that I need to follow through with my goals.

See ya! – Tanya.