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Youth Centre 1880 Quail Lane, Westbank, BC
Monday to Friday | 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays | 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. T 250 768 4838
Youth programs and services provide youth, ages 12 to 18, with cultural and traditional learning. The provision of high quality youth programming and services will continue to serve as a WFN government priority. All youth living on WFN lands are encouraged to come out to meet new friends and get involved. Unless otherwise noted, activities are held at the Youth Centre.
Programs and Services
All activities and times are subject to change without notice. Youth are responsible for their own rides home. Out trips have limited space and are on a first come basis. After-school pickup is available at Constable Neil Bruce school at 3:30 p.m. and at Mount Boucherie Secondary School at 3:45 p.m. Space is limited, however, and available on a first come first served basis.
Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
When: Monday to Friday 3:30-8:00pm
Youth ages 12-18 years are invited to the Youth Centre to socialize and engage in a variety of activities. We have different resources available such as a small computer lab, video gaming systems, a pool table, air hockey, and foosball tables. Every evening youth have the opportunity to take part in drop-in sports in the gym including dodgeball, basketball, and open gym time. Youth also go on weekly out trips to places like H2O, movie nights, Scandia, lazertag and bowling. Youth from the community are all invited, whether they are WFN Members, Indigenous on reserve, or youth who live on WFN lands.
When: September 2024- January 2025
Hunting 101 Gas Card Program- WFN Members can earn gas cards for processing game! For more information, contact Nicole Werstuik, Youth & Recreation Manager at 250-317-1370 or Cat Bowen at 250-317-3594
When: Fridays | January to March | 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Join the youth department for Friday night Skiing/Snowboarding at Big White. Snowboarding equipment can be borrowed from the WFN Youth/Rec Department. Please bring all appropriate winter gear. A youth out-trip permission form is required to attend. There is no charge for lift tickets, however, youth will need to rent equipment, if needed.
IR#10 pickup 4:30pm/return drop-off @ 9:40pm at the Shoppers Drug Mart parking area.
When: Monday to Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Evenings as required) Contact: Child and Youth Counsellor | T 250-768-0227
The Child and Youth Counsellor provides counselling services using a variety of strategies and techniques, incorporating a holistic and culturally-sensitive approach. Counselling goals are developed with the family to ensure an inclusive, integrated approach is used. Young clients and their families may be supported through loss and grief, family conflict and/or change, violence, bullying, depression, and/or anxiety. Education and referrals to outside agencies may also be provided as required.
When: Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm | September to June |
A fun session to learn basic cooking techniques and all sorts of healthy recipes, such as moose stew and bannock to spaghetti, and caesar salad.
Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838 Ext.3135
When: Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30pm
Register with Nicole at the Youth Centre anytime.
The Drivers Training Program is a partnership between Westbank First Nation and DriveWise Driving School. The program is designed to help new drivers gain the confidence and skills needed to become a licensed driver under the graduated licensing program. There are two program options available to participants. WFN Youth & Recreation will compensate up to a maximum of $800 per student for lessons. This program is open to WFN youth who hold a valid Learner's license and who can contribute a portion of the fee. Please contact Nicole to find out more details.
DrivewiseDriver's Training Info
DriveWise Sponsorship
When: Thursdays TBD 4:00-6:00pm
Girl Power, a program for girls aged 12 to 16 years old, is geared towards encouraging the development of strength, courage, confidence, honesty, and communication skills for girls. The goal is to enhance girls’ abilities so that they are able to take full advantage of their talents, academic interest, leadership skills, career pursuits, and potential for healthy relationships. Topics covered include self-esteem, body image, practical skills, boundaries, friendship, anger and physical fitness. This program is open to WFN Members, indigenous or community members residing on reserve.
When: Saturdays | January-March 2024 | 9:00am to 4:00 p.m.
Westbank First Nation members with passes to Big White can get a ride in the Youth/Rec Van and head up for a day of boarding or skiing. Ages 11+ are welcome to attend, and while the program is intended for WFN members, community members may catch a ride in the Van & Truck, space permitting. There is some equipment available on a first come first serve basis. Any associated costs while up at Big White are the responsibility of the individual. Register the Thursday before to reserve your seat!
When: Monday and Wednesday | 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Siya Room 1900 Quail Lane, Westbank BC
Open to all WFN Members, Staff, and Taxpayers residing on WFN land.
For more information, contact Cat Bowen (Recreation Coordinator) at 250-317-3594 or cbowen@wfn.ca or Nicole Werstuik (Manager of Youth & Recreation) at 250-768-4838 or nwerstuik@wfn.ca
When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month | 5:00 to 5:30pm
Where: WFN Gymnasium 1920 Quail Lane, Westbank BC
Open to all youth over the age of 12. Youth who participate in fitness are able to attend a free trip to the movies with Youth Centre staff.
Extreme Theater Tuesday Movie Nights
6:15-10:00pm
**One must attend Youth Fitness to qualify to come to the movies.**
When: Mondays and Thursdays, or as needed | 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
If you require any homework or tutoring support just ask, the youth leaders are here to help, we have homework supplies from pencils to art supplies if needed. You are rewarded with individual pizza after homework is completed! J Each homework session your name is entered to Win a $250 gift card to the mall!!
When: 2nd Thursday of each month 5:00-7:00pm
*CURRENTLY FULL*
The mission of the WFN Youth Leadership Council is to guide youth, aged 15 to 24, in taking a positive, more prominent role in the community, by promoting unity, leadership skills, and independence. The goal is to empower youth, give them a voice in the community, build confidence and promote the development of future leaders. All seats are currently filled with 2 alternate positions.
Youth Council Terms of Reference
Youth Council Strategic Plan 2022-2025
Application Form
Alyssa Sundstrom, Chair
The daughter of Wesley and Tiffany Sundstrom, granddaughter of the late Phyllis and Larry Sundstrom. Alyssa is working on as Bachelor of Health & Exercise Sciences at UBCO. She hopes to achieve her undergraduate degree followed by pursuing goals of working in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Throughout school, Alyssa has found passion for working in education with kids as well as when she began tutoring younger students in and outside of the community. Alyssa is driven and passionate about working with youth and having this opportunity to be a voice and a leader in her community.
Wade Werstuik, Co-Chair
The son of Nicole and Mickey Werstuik, grandson of the late Marsha King and late Faye Wilson. Wade has graduated from Mount Boucherie Secondary School and went to Nicola Valley Institution of Technology to become a Conservation Officer, but then changed his mind to go into the forestry field at UBCO. Wade is an avid huntsman and archer who loves the outdoors and his alone time. Wade has been currently working for our WFN owned forestry company Ntityix for 4 years, and has a future goal of becoming a licensed Arborist.
Sam Bellingham,
The daughter of Jennifer and Neil Bellingham, granddaughter of the late Michael Derrickson Watts Sr. The great-granddaughter of the late Micky Derrickson. Samantha is currently enrolled at UBCO, studying Political Sciences and Social Anthropology. She hopes to further her education at the University of Victoria. Samantha plans on getting her degree and hopes to work closely with Indigenous bands & Self-Governing First Nations on Aboriginal Rights.
Taylor McDougall,
The son of Jamie Houle and Richard McDougall, grandson of Mildred Hoary and Albert Hoary. Taylor is currently enrolled at Mount Boucherie Secondary School in Grade 10. Taylor aspires to be a welder and is going to be taking welding classes in his later years of high school. After high school he plans on going up North for the majority of his career. Taylor enjoys hanging out with his friends at the beach in the summers, and travelling. He also enjoys snowboarding with the Youth Centre and all his friends in the winter. As a member of the Youth Council, he is excited for what is to come.
Curtis Pharell Able,
The son of Lance Able and Sarah Setah, grandson of the late Bruce Able and Tess Stanley. Curtis' grandparents on his mothers side are Louis August and Nora Setah. Curtis is finishing his final year of high school. After he graduates, Curtis hopes to go into the trades of some sort. In his free time, Curtis likes to go to the gym and hang out with friends and family.
Madison Jack,
The daughter of Candace Jack, granddaughter of Stan Jack. Madison is currently completing her final year of high school at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. After graduation, she plans on attending UBCO, pursuing a career in Physiotherapy. Madison has played softball for the last 7 years of her life, and is dedicated to growing as an athlete. She hopes to spend her time on Youth Council advocating the Youth of the community by amplifying their voices. Madison is grateful for the opportunity to step up and take over a leadership role.
Alexa Posella,
The daughter of Guy and Barb Posella, granddaughter of Leonard Posella. Alexa is a third year student at UBCO, working toward her Bachelor of Arts in English and History. Alexa plans to become a teacher after she graduates. She is also a cheerleading coach for a local school and gym where she also participates as an athlete. Alexa loves to bake, garden, and spend time outdoors doing just about anything!
Lozen Lindley,
The daughter of Lonnie and Krista Lindley, granddaughter of the late Tom Sr and Cynthia Lindley. Lozen has just started her education at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. Lozen is wanting to pursue her education at UBCO and work on becoming a Language and Culture Teacher. Lozen found he passion for working with kids by being the oldest of 4. She has continued to work with kids and is driven to advocate for kids and support others.
When: 4th Wednesday of each month 4:00-5:30pm
With collaboration with our Wellness & Health Departments, our Youth Wellness program is designed to assist youth to connect to their true selves in an empowering, respectful, healthy and dynamic way and to have a safe environment to learn about Wellness. The program focus is on building skills to help youth excel socially and emotionally. This is open to WFN member, aboriginal or community members living on reserve.