History
Culture, Pride and Perseverance has been the Wet’suwet’en way.
Wet’suwet’en First Nation (WFN) is located in the Central Interior of BC, west of Burns Lake. WFN members speak the Witsuwit’en dialect of Babine-Witsuwit’en, a Northern Athabaskan language.
Wet’suwet’en First Nation
Officials designated the Wet’suwet’en population as distinct Bands, based on their areas of residence.
Previously known as the Broman Lake Indian Band, WFN is now recognized as the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.
The Wet’suwet’en Nation includes the Skin Tyee First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn First Nation, Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Witset First Nation and Tse-Kya (Hagwilget).
Democratic Elections
WFN has a democratically elected Council including a Chief and two Councillors, who are elected for three-year terms according to a Custom Election Code ratified by the community in 2017.
Chief and Council over the Years
- 1987 – 2007 – Chief Maureen Luggi
- 2007 – 2010 – Chief Ruby Ogen, Councillors Danielle Wall and Margaret Sampson
- 2010 – 2013 – Chief Karen Ogen-Toews, Councillor Carla Lewis
- 2013 – 2016 – Chief Karen Ogen-Toews, Councillor Sharon Turner (2013-2014)
- 2016 – 2019 – Chief Vivian Tom, Councillors Tara William (early resignation), Ruby Ogen and Erwin Tom
- 2019 – 2022 – Chief Maureen Luggi, Councillors Heather Nooski and Karen Ogen-Toews
- 2022 – 2025 – Chief Maureen Luggi, Councillors Heather Nooski and Tracey Joseph
- 2025 – By way of acclamation, Chief Maureen Luggi, Councillors Ruby Ogen and Sharon Turner
Today
WFN supports the BC Assembly of First Nations and is a member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) and the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation.