Image Credit: Williams Lake First Nation

By Victor Kaisar

Child and Family Services

Williams Lake First Nation, Knucwentwecw Society break ground on new child and family services building

May 11, 2025 | 3:13 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) has broken ground at the site of a new Indigenous-led child and family services building within the Coyote Rock subdivision.

In a statement, it says the 11,000-square-foot, net-zero facility represents a $15 million investment in the local economy, which will provide vital space and services for Indigenous children, youth, and families, while anchoring a growing community at Coyote Rock.

Designed by Thibodeau Architecture and Design, and operated by the Knucwentwecw Society, WLFN says the project will be funded by the Government of Canada as part of its commitment to delivering First Nations child and family services.

“The programs and services that Knucwentwecw Society provides are vital to our community and having those programs and services out of a new, state of the art building, will be truly transformative,” WLFN Chief Willie Sellars said.

“The beauty and quality of this project will be unequalled in the Cariboo, and it aligns perfectly with our vision for development on our lands.””

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A rendering of the child and family services building. (Image Credit: Williams Lake First Nation)

The Williams Lake First Nation says once completed, the new building will feature dedicated ceremonial space, modern offices, and facilities for a wide range of child, youth, young adult, and family programs.

It will also feature a commercial-grade kitchen; a smudge room inspired by traditional pit houses, storytelling and cultural education spaces; and dedicated spaces for child protection services to “create a holistic, culturally grounded environment true to the spirit of the Society’s name: Knucwentwecw, meaning ‘helping each other.’”

“This building will have a direct impact on real people – children, families, and staff – many of whom have been working for years in facilities that no longer meet their needs,” Knucwentwecw Society Executive Director Arlene Adie said.

“We also thank Dr. Cindy Blackstock and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society for their tireless work toward substantive equality for Indigenous children and families.”

According to the reporting by the Williams Lake Tribune, the Knucwentwecw Society began conversations in March 2022 and an application for funding was submitted in April 2023.

“We always wanted a building here on reserve…coming home, being home, that is what they always wanted,” Sellars told the Tribune, adding community members have been expressing a need for culturally appropriate services on their own land.

“This building is a significant milestone in the healing of not only our community but Indigenous peoples in the region. [It] also is another example of what other communities can have, should have and what they should be striving for as well.”

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2028.

– With files from Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Image Credit: Williams Lake First Nation