The Four Pillars Society Settlement is the result of a $2.8 billion settlement from the Government of Canada to the 325 Band Class Members involved in a class action lawsuit.
As a Band Class Member, McLeod Lake Indian Band is receiving a portion of the settlement funds, to support the development of a 5-10-year community plan that will focus on implementing programs, resources, and services for its members, anchored in four foundational pillars: heritage, culture, wellness, and language.
The Four Pillars Society Settlement does not provide any individual settlement distribution. The settlement process has already concluded, with McLeod Lake Indian Band being one of 325 Band Class Members that received funding through the settlement.
Four Pillars Community Program and Service Planning
The Band is in the process of developing its plans for each of the four pillars. All McLeod Lake Band members, both on and off-reserve, are invited to participate in discussions centered on programs, services, and projects that align with these pillars.
These engagement sessions are part of a long-term community plan spanning 5 to 10 years, specifically focused on four key pillars: heritage, culture, wellness, and language. Engagement session dates and details will be shared with members throughout the process.
The Tse’khene Language and Culture Department is developing its 5-10 year strategic plan, with the support and assistance of experienced planning consultants from Hill & Associates.
Hill & Associates has been supporting Indigenous communities, organizations and governments across BC and the North for more than 25 years. The expert planners and community advocates work in collaborative partnership with the organizations they serve, taking direction from the traditions and practices of the community, and guiding the planning process through their “Vision to Action” approach. The community session will be an opportunity to meet with the project’s lead advisors, David Hill and Mandy Cormier. Background information on David and Mandy is attached.
For more information regarding this information release, or questions about The Four Pillars Society Settlement, please contact the following individuals:
Deborah Prince Director, Tse’khene Language and Culture
Hill and Associates Planning Team
The Tse’khene Language and Culture Pillar is being supported by professional experienced planning consultants from Hill & Associates, David Hill and Mandy Cormier.
For more than 23 years, the team from Hill & Associates has been actively supporting Indigenous communities, organizations and governments in strategic planning, organizational capacity development, economic development, healing and well-being, governance and negotiations. We are a collective of experienced and like-minded professionals committed to supporting the vision, goals and objectives of communities and organizations.
David Hill
David is Principal with Hill & Associates, based in Lək̓ʷəŋən territory in the City of Victoria. David has been a professional community planner, facilitator, and consultation specialist for nearly 30 years, working with Indigenous communities and organizations, government, and the private sector. For more than 23 years, David has worked directly with Indigenous communities and organizations on strategic planning and capacity building projects of all sizes.
David has led community Health Planning, strategic planning, and program implementation for dozens of First Nations organizations, including Nisga’a Valley Health Authority, Tsilhqot’in Nation Government, Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services, Tahltan Nation, Taku River Tlingit Nation, Gitwangak Nation, Iskut Band Council, Westbank First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, and many others.
David has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and is Certified in Applied Project Management. David lives in the City of Victoria with his spouse of 27 years, two adult children and an aging but lively cockapoo.
Mandy Cormier
Mandy Cormier is an experienced leader in community development and health services, with a strong background in program management, policy development, and culturally relevant care. Mandy has proven expertise in managing services for Indigenous communities, supporting family wellness, and delivering land-based, community-centered programming. Mandy has worked for several years in Indigenous community development, planning and organizational management, including a Health Department Manager, Director of Social Development, and Community Counsellor in a number of remote and northern First Nations.
Mandy was raised in northern British Columbia on a trapline, and is still connected to the land that raised her. In all her work, Mandy brings her understanding of cultural practices and traditional ways of being, and the importance and value of integrating these practices into Western planning and service delivery.
Mandy has a Degree in First Nations Studies, and post-graduate certification in counselling, Indigenous Community Development, and is working towards becoming a registered Nutritionist. Mandy lives in Wet’suwet’en territory with her partner, a member of the Nlak’apamux Nations.