Overview

In 1990, Chief Ervin Charleyboy of the Alexis Creek First Nation recognized the need for program that would be preventative in nature, geared to Aboriginal Youth, and deterrents to a criminal or negative lifestyle. Chief Charleyboy began speaking to government officials, members of the Chilcotin and Carrier Bands, and anyone who would listen to his idea. His perseverance and belief in his project soon gained support from the local communities and various levels of government and it became a reality.

The Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society was founded in 1998 as a not for profit society. The Society primarily served the Tsilhqot'in and Southern Carrier communities in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of BC. However, the Society office is located in Williams Lake and its camps are located in the Chilcotin territory with its services open to all. The society also invites participation from First Nations youth from other areas, and non-First Nations youth as well.

The Society's mandate is to provide programming in the areas of Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal Justice and social services to youth, family and community. The society does this through a variety of services including community programs and camp programs aimed at both crime prevention (diversion and alternative measures) and healthy development of Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal youth and families by emphasizing traditional cultural values, healing and support. The Society's camp format with its cultural component is the basis for its Aboriginal youth programs.

The Society also uses community development strategy to support communities through a number of initiatives and training opportunities for youth, adults and elders. The Society takes a wholistic approach using the medicine wheel as a philosophic base in its community work as in the camp programs.

Tsilhqot'in Justice Program

Mission Statement

It is our mission to strenghten and preserve our Nations through teaching and practicing our traditional values on our land, with our resources for our people.

We serve the following communities: Ulkatcho, Nemiah, Redstone, Anaham, Toosey, Stone & Alexandria

The Justice Program offers the following services:

1. Crime Prevention

Summer Culture camps 6-12 years old.
School programs - Bully Beware and CHOICES for Youth.
Aboriginal Perceptions Training for RCMP, Community organizations & corrections.

2. Adult & Youth CASE Aid

1. Probation referrals
2. Community work service
3. Alternative measures
4. Advocacy

3. Restorative Justice

1. Community training
2. RCMP, Community referrals
3. Peacemaking circles in communities
4. Traditional Justice practices
5. Tsilhqot'in Justice Committee Reps
6. Conflict resolution circles

4. Health Program

5. Community Peacemaking Circles

1. Victim and offender mediation circles
2. Referrals from RCMP
3. Tsilhqot'in Justice Program staff take referral
4. Meet with victim(s)/offender(s)
5. Arrange meeting place in community
6. Facilitate/co-facilitate conflict

CONTACT

Marie Beck, Executive Director

Norma Jean Stump, Justice Worker

Helen Messer, Program Coordinator

Luaine Stump, Assistant

253 Fourth Avenue North
Williams Lake, British Columbia
V2G 4T4

Phone: (250) 392-3918
Fax: (250) 398-5798