About our organization
The Office of the Wet’suwet’en was created as a central office for the Wet’suwet’en Nation. The Office offers many services throughout the Nation focusing on the main areas of Lands and Resources (including Fisheries), Human and Social Services and Treaty Negotiations. The Office of the Wet’suwet’en is located in Smithers, BC. Our office has been in its operation since 1994 however was affiliated with the Gitxsan Nation for many years. Our office is not a tribal council however we fulfill similar administrative functions as a tribal council. The most significant difference is the Office of the Wet’suwet’en does not receive core funding (continuous funding from one year to the next) from any form of government. Each year negotiations with both the federal and provincial governments must take place to seek funding for the upcoming year. This situation creates added responsibility for management to ensure that programs meet goals to illustrate successes and generate support for continued funding. Accessing new monies requires proactive and persistent leadership while ensuring program goals are being met and growth is effective. Our office is governed by the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs residing throughout the traditional territories. The Chiefs meet at least monthly and often weekly to address specific issues that management needs direction for. Meetings are held throughout the territories in various locations.