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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 11 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.
Program and Leisure Guide
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.
We have different resources available such as a small computer lab, video gaming systems and a pool table. 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, and bowling.
Open to on-reserve youth aged 12-18 years.
When: October-November
Learn hunting skills, patience, gutting, skinning, butchering, see our traditional hunting territory, see the Derickson Trap line with Raymond Derickson & family, learn gun safety, traditional teachings when hunting, learn how to make a fire, hunting stories, just to name a few of the many exciting opportunities offered.
Limited seating available. Open to WFN Members and residents needing a ride up to Big White.
Equipment and gear can be signed out for each use. Sign up and gear up by each Thursday.
The van leaves from the Youth Centre on time and will return after a full day. See calendar for exact times.
We can provide riders with snowboard lessons from our Youth/Red Snowboard Certified Instructors. Kids 11 years and under must be accompanied by a parent during full sessions.
When: Fridays | January to March | 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
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 pick-up at 4:20 p.m., return drop-off at 9:40p.m., 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: Weekly | September to June | Refer to calendar. Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
A fun session to learn basic cooking techniques and all sorts of recipes, such as moose stew, bannock, spaghetti, and caesar salad.
When: Refer to calendar Where: WFN Gymnasium, 1920 Quail Lane, Westbank, B.C.
All WFN residents have access to the gymnasium to practice technique, play games, or shoot some hoops.
When: Varying. Refer to calendar. Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
This program is open to girls, ages 9 to 12, who are either WFN members, aboriginal or community member residing on reserve. It is geared toward 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, career pursuits, and potential for healthy relationships. Topics covered include self-esteem, body image, practical skills, boundaries, friendship, anger and physical fitness.
When: Wednesdays | December to March | 4:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Our youth and recreation department has nine snowshoes that can be borrowed on a first come first served basis. Protein bars and water will be provided. We will hike around our community or go up to Telemark.
When: Saturdays | Seasonal | 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
The snowboard team, open to WFN members, is geared towards developing skills in snowboarding which will lead to competitions. The team has the opportunity to work with an instructor to hone their skills, which will lead to more advanced training and to higher level competitions. To ensure our athletes reach their full potential, 90% attendance is mandatory. A $200 deposit is required at the start the season.
When: Refer to calendar Where: Refer to calendar Cost: Varying. Refer to calendar
Balance the body, calm the mind, and connect with the spirit. Yoga programs will vary throughout the year, and dates and times vary. Please check the calendar for updated dates and times.
The mission of the WFN Youth Council (WFNYC) is to guide youth in taking a positive, more prominent role in the community through promoting unity, leadership skills, and independence. Our goal is to empower youth, give them a voice in the community, build confidence and promote the development of future leaders.
This program is for youth ages 15-25 who want to pay a bigger role in the community, are positive role models, are interested in identifying problems facing WFN youth, and would like to help design and implement new youth activities.
Terms of Reference
Strategic Plan
Application Form
Brianna Wilson Chair,
The granddaughter of the late Victor McDougall, Donna Swite, William Wilson and the late Catherine Jean Wilson. She is the daughter of Jarvis McDougall and Hannah Wilson. Brianna is currently a student at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus and is enrolled in the Aboriginal Access Studies Program. Her career goal is to work in Governance. She is keeping an open mind and is interested in fields of Journalism and the Private Sector. Brianna wears numerous hats within the WFN community. She is the on call employee for the WFN Afterschool Care Program and Chair of the WFN Youth Council (YC). Brianna joined the WFN YC in May of 2015 and enjoys giving back to her community by the volunteer opportunities provided though the YC and she is proud of the relationships she has developed with her fellow youth councilors and community members since her term began. Brianna's favorite aspect of the YC is the monthly meetings because it's a chance to catch up, check, exchange information or thoughts in a positive space with great, smart and all around amazing individuals.
Addison Fosbery Co-Chair,
The son of Ray and Debbie Fosbery and the grandson of Bruce and Cathy Fosbery, and the late Fred Popp and Norma Popp. Addison is currently a third year student at Okanagan College enrolled in the Arts program as a history major. The goals from the years of education that will subsequently follow are leading to a doctorates degree and a position as a professor. He works as an on call field technician for Okanagan Nation Alliances (ONA) Natural Resource department.
However, before Addison became a student in his first year of post-secondary he was given the opportunity to become one of the founding members of the Westbank First Nation Youth Council and later the co-chair. With the remaining years left as a counselor Addison hopes to continue to strive towards bettering the community for our youth so they will have the opportunities that Addison has had the privilege to experience. The youth are our future!
Saige Werstuik,
The daughter of Mickey and Nicole Werstuik and granddaughter to the late Marsha King. She is a proud member of Westbank First Nation and is currently attending post-secondary at UBCO completing her Associate of Arts degree, after completion she plans to continue her studies to ultimately achieve her Ph.D in Psychology. Saige is currently a Youth & Recreation Leader for WFN Youth/Recreation Department and has been volunteering for different community events as a drummer, singer, and dancer for WFN since she could walk! Her hobbies include Hiking, Reading and Snowboarding. Being a part of the WFN Youth Council has provided incredible opportunities and has impacted Saige's life in so many positive ways including the opportunity to win many bursaries and scholarships!
Justin Derickson,
The son of Chris Derickson and the late Danielle Marie Conlin, the grandson of Raymond and Carol Derickson, and a founding member of the WFN Youth Council. Justin currently resides in Vancouver where he is a working actor represented by Lucas Talent. Throughout his life, Justin has found that there are two passions of his, one is storytelling, and the other is working with youth. Justin has worked alongside both youth and early years kids to develop long-lasting relationships with them and aims to serve as a positive influence, role model, and friend, understanding that they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Wynnter Raphael,
The daughter of Pat & Leonard Raphael is a multi-disciplinary with a background of drawing, painting, photography and loves taking any challenges when come to art been exploring cosplay world and discover new techniques from this textile & prop making just a whole new level of experience. Wynnter has been on the Youth Council from the beginning and is a full time mother taking care of Qwaqwislakqin (Morning Star), NAPAT Graduated from En’owkin.
Chris Joe,
The grandson of Perry Joe from OKIB and Bonnie Coble from WFN. My mother is Michelle Joe and my father is Vern Campbell. I am one of the founding members of the youth council. I started my college as a AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, once completed my goal is to join the Canadian Armed Forces as an Engineer for aircraft. I current work part time as a custodian at Prospera Place in Kelowna, my hobbies include going to the gym lifting free weights to better my physical abilities and practicing martial arts.
Payton Wilson-Prince,
The daughter of the late Geoffrey Wilson and her mother Crystal Prince. Payton’s grandfather in her dads side is the late Gilbert Wilson and her grandmother Jeanette Wilson. Her grandparents on her mother’s side is Beverly Prince and her Grandfather Gerald VanWoerkom. Payton is a first year student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and is currently working in the Aboriginal Program for SD@23 as a Cultural presenter. When Payton is finished school she plans on working with youth in the community. During her time in high school at MBSS, Payton received the honor to carry the eagle staff for NO Sd23.. carrying the eagle staff came with the responsibility of being a positive role model to her peers and remaining drug/alcohol free and taking the time to be culturally involved.
When: Tuesdays | 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 to 10:00 p.m. (refer to calendar for most up-to-date times)
Youth Fitness is an exciting and fun way for our youth to get out and be active. There are all kinds of ways to be fit and active, and these different classes will be explored through this program. At the end of all that hard work, the youth can sit back and enjoy a movie and socialize with each other. It is a prerequisite to attend Youth Fitness in order to participate in Movie Night, so come out and have an active and entertaining evening!
When: Monday and Thursday, or as needed | 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
Homework or tutoring support from the youth leaders. Homework supplies are available if needed. Students are rewarded with individual pizza after homework is completed.
When: Monthly evening meetings | September to June Contact: Youth and Recreation | T 250 768 4838
The mission of the WFN Youth Leadership Council is to guide youth, aged 15 to 24, in taking a positive and 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.
The WFN Youth Leadership Council has a Female Seat available. Download an application if you are interested in joining.
When: July 3 - August 23, 2019
WFN Youth Works Summer program is for youth ages 11 to 18 who are interested in gaining employment skills and having a fun-filled summer! Each morning the youth will partake in employment training and spend their afternoons taking part in recreational activities!
Registration Cost: $200 until June 28, 2019 | $250 June 29 - July 2, 2019
Registration Form