Since 1993 I have worked as a Forestry Liaison Worker at TNG for the Tsilhqot'in Communities. Licensees of WLTSA request that I communicate forest development plans to the communities and set up meetings to start dialogue between the companies. With changes coming down in the forestry sectors, challenges increase to keep our communities up to date as well as are aware of the employment opportunities while protecting their rights & title.

Recently, the Tsilhqot'in Stewardship Department has being established. Under direction from TNG chiefs and WLTSA, I work with the Tsilhqot'in Stewardship Department in any new developments to enhancing communication to the communities.

Hunelht’ah? Sid ?eguh se?anest’ah. My name is Margaret Lulua and I am from the Tsilhqot’in community of Xeni, also known as Nemiah Valley. I am currently employed as the Community Natural Resource Worker with the Tsilhqot’in Stewardship Department here at the Tsilhqot’in National Government. I was hired on in July of 2005 as an auxiliary worker under a CCATEC program for the first six (6) months and was eventually hired on full-time with the Stewardship Department.

My job mainly is dealing with the incoming referrals for forestry, land & water, archaeology and recreation that are referred in the Tsilhqot’in territory. I work closely with each of the six (6) Tsilhqot’in communities to help them process and address such referrals. I am also currently a member of the Tsilhqot'in Stewardship Council on behalf of Xeni Gwet’in. I also assist with other management issues that are directly related with the Stewardship Department. I have had the opportunity to supervise two Youth Skills Development projects that were filtered through this department, one with Human Resource Skills Development Canada and the other with CCATEC. It was a learning experience for me. I am proud of the students that went through these programs, they did an exceptional job and I am sure that the skills that they have learned while working here will help them succeed in their endeavors. My long awaited future goal is to receive my Registered Professional Forester’s degree. I am very fortunate to be working with a team of inspirational and influential people here at the Stewardship Department and also the Tsilhqot’in National Government as a whole that continue to offer their unending support and expertise. Thanks guys!

Loretta Williams is a band member of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government. Loretta worked for Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government since 1994. In 1994 she started as a First Aid Attendant for Natasewed Ent. Ltd. (joint venture between Lignum and Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government). Her responsibilities were first aid and quality control of silviculture work.

In 1996 Loretta went back to school and accumulated many certificates such as Employment Counseling, Environmental Assessment Training, First Aid Level 3 (held for 10 yrs), Crew Boss Training, etc. She also has experience in working with Mining Companies in Northern British Columbia for consecutive years as First Aid Attendant.

Loretta started work again in 2004 for Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government as Natural Resource Worker. As Natural Resource Worker she once again found what she liked to do. Loretta developed a Mushroom Picking Policy for XGFNG in 2004 for the onslaught of mushroom pickers after the Chilko Fire in 1993.

Loretta’s next job after Natural Resource position was completed would be Assistant Project Coordinator for the Cultural Tourism Department in Nemiah. Xeni’s community future goals are to start a tourism industry in the Nemiah Valley. Loretta assisted in carrying out Strategic Planning sessions within the community. She assisted in developing future goals and how to go about reaching those goals.