40th Annual BC Elders Gathering in Williams Lake, BC  July 11, 12, 13, 14, 2016

To all BC First Nations Communities and Annual BC Elders Gathering Society Sponsor Partners

The host for the 40^th Annual BC Elders Gathering under the guidance of Councillor Cecil Grinder and Elder Stan Stump  is the Tl'etinqox Government from the Tsilhqot'in Nation with support from the Secwepemc,  Carrier, Nuxalk & St'át'imc communities.

The  40^th Annual BC Elders Gathering,  will be held July 12,13 & 14, 2016 in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Next year’s 2016 gathering will begin with the ”early bird Wild West Celebration day” on Monday July 11 at the Williams Lake Stampede grounds beginning with a mountain race and  Rodeo.  A camp site on the Stampede Grounds is set up  for motor homes and tents with cultural activities, Pow Wow, Sweat Lodges,  healing circles and Slahal tournaments already in the early planning stages.

With the enormous excitement the elders from all across British Columbia have already demonstrated with next year’s gathering being held in Williams Lake, the organizing committee is already looking at a shuttle service to the gathering for hotels in Quesnel, Williams  Lake, Lac la Hache and 100 Mile House.  The committee is putting together a  list of camp sites for tents and motor homes. A list of billet and bed and breakfast locations is already being developed. With the early bird  Wild West Celebration elders  groups may wish to book four days this year.

The hunters, fisherman and cooks are already talking about making preparations for the traditional feasts.  Tours are already being planned that will provide the opportunity for elders and guests to witness the  rich culture, history and beauty of the Region.

Meetings have already taken place with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), Tsilhqot'in Nation Chiefs, Williams Lake City Hall, Williams Lake Indian Band, Cariboo Friendship Centre, Waste disposal service providers, Food Service providers, Portable washroom facilities providers, Williams Lake Tourism, Cariboo-Chilcotin School District, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex,  Williams Lake Stampede Grounds and many others in making preparations  for the gathering.

Our next planning meeting for the 40^th Annual BC Elders Gathering with the host community elders will take place July 31, 2015.

It is the hope of the Annual BC Elders Gathering Society that all 203 First Nations Communities in the province attend the 40^th Annual BC Elders Gathering in Williams Lake. It is also our wish that the Chief or their designated representative from every community attends the gathering in respect for their  elders.

We look forward to all our sponsor  partners and invited guests attending  next year’s gathering to share  a meal and get to know the traditions and rich culture  of our First People.

For inquiries and registration, please contact:

Cecil Grinder, Councillor

Tl'etinqox-t'in Health Services

PO Box 168

Alexis Creek, BC

V0L 1A0

Phone: 250-394-4240 ext 219.

Fax: 250-394-4234.

Email: cgrinder@tletinqoxtin.ca