Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
On March 15, Nak’azdli’s Chief and Council along with newly appointed Trustees approved the Nak’azdli Whut’en Trust during the annual general meeting.
“This trust account has been set up to benefit our members long term,” Chief Fred Sam said.
A percentage of the funds from resource extraction and other projects will be placed in the trust to benefit future generations. The Trust will grow for several years before any income generated is used.
“No one knows for sure what the future holds for resource extraction and other economic opportunities. Our Trust ensures that future generations will benefit from today’s investments,” Trust Secretary, Rolene Sam said.
In addition, a legacy fund will be created by diverting 10 per cent of the trust funds for 25 years.
“It will be up to future generations to determine what they will want to do with this money,” Operating Officer, Nicholette Prince said.
The Trust was developed over a two-year period by the Nak’azdli Whut’en Trust Working Group and includes input from meetings, forums and surveys from Band members, Chief and Council.
The Trust, unlike government funds, will implement programs that benefit both on and off reserve members and will maintain that community interests are addressed and protected.
Appointed as Trustees for a five-year term are Rolene Sam and Tamara Sam.
Lauretta Prince, Nicholette Prince, and Rhoda Gregg were appointed to a three year term and Youth Advisor, Alyssa Krause has been appointed for a one-year term.
For more information regarding the Trust, contact Rolene Sam at: trustsecretary@nakazdli.ca