Chief Shane Gottfriedson

Putting People First

Chief Shane Gottfriedson knows that healthy people make healthy communities – and healthy communities grow.

Chief Gottfriedson, second term Chief of the Tk’emlups Indian Band as the 12th elected leader of the Kamloops community, supports self-sufficiency in Aboriginal communities. He believes that to achieve it, members must have access to healthcare, elder care, education and employment. But he also knows that language and culture is the lifeblood of Aboriginal people and must be supported and acknowledged as the fundamental pillar of our health as a people.

Our people are the stewards of our land, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the future generations are adequately prepared to deal with upcoming challenges.

In order to do so, we need to create financial security for ourselves through economic development that positively adheres to our traditions and cultures. For only when we are able to finance our own communities can we have meaningful participation in our health and well being.

Strategic Partnerships

Chief Gottfriedson builds community and economic development by building bridges.

Chief Gottfriedson has invested in partnerships with government, industry and business. He believes these will work well to advance Aboriginal title and rights at the provincial and federal level. He pledges to maintain his roots while expanding the reach of B.C. First Nations..

The time is now. We need to be creative, we need to be intelligent and we need to be consistent in our negotiations.

Inspiring Unity

Chief Shane acknowledges that the issue of title and rights is fundamental to our survival as Indian People. He believes that a nation-based perspective is required to advance Aboriginal title and rights.

Moreover, the most important partnerships we can make are with each other. Each First Nation should consider its relationship with its neighbors and work to create positive protocols that allow us to build up our nationhood. Let’s focus on respecting, appreciating and celebrating each other.