About CSFS

Who We Are

Carrier Sekani Family Services has delivered holistic wellness services for Carrier and Sekani people for more than 30 years.

CSFS was created to reclaim First Nations authority over justice, health, social and family services.

These systems were deeply harmed through colonization and CSFS was established to rebuild them in ways that reflect Carrier and Sekani ways of knowing.

Our teams work together across disciplines to support community wellness. Every service we offer is rooted in culture and strengthened by evidence-based practice. Our shared goal is simple: to provide holistic care that reflects the strengths, values and worldviews of the Nations we serve.

Guided by Bah’lats

Culture leads everything we do.
Bah’lats (Potlatch) is our governance system; our law.

Teachings of Bah’lats

At the centre of Bah’lats is the great law of sharing, supported by teachings that guide our work every day:

Quick Facts

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Years of Service

Member Nations

Health, social, family, legal and research services

Culturally grounded in the Bah’lats system

Our Mandate

Carrier Sekani Family Services was created under the guidance of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council to build the foundation for Carrier and Sekani Nations to regain authority over health, social, family and legal services. This mandate supports the long-term goal of Indigenous self-government in these areas.

CSFS works to: 

Deliver health, social, family, corrections and legal services based on the needs and values of Carrier and Sekani Nations.
Provide all services according to the great law of sharing in the Bah’lats system.
Strengthen and advance Carrier and Sekani human-service philosophies and standards.
Support, train and unify human-service workers across the territory.
Offer training and accreditation for human-service professionals grounded in Carrier and Sekani teachings.

Mission

With the guidance of our Elders, we support the well-being and empowerment of Carrier and Sekani families by asserting authority over health, social and legal services.

Vision

Yinka Dene living to their full potential.*

*Means creating a future where people can grow, learn and thrive in ways that reflect who they are. It is rooted in the teachings of the Yinka Dene Declaration, which reminds us to protect the land, honour our languages and cultures, share our strengths and learn alongside our Elders.

Our History

Late 1980s

A Call for Change

Carrier Elders and leaders saw urgent needs across their communities. Young people were struggling. Families feared losing their children to government systems. Health care was limited. Poverty and the loss of cultural teachings were affecting daily life.
Chiefs had promised to care for their people, and Elders reminded them of their responsibility. Together, they chose a different path — one rooted in culture, self-determination and long-term wellness.

1980s

1990

Forming Carrier Sekani Family Services

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council took the first step by hiring eight workers to support families. As needs grew, Elders and Chiefs brought in more nurses and social workers.

By 1990, this work led to the creation of an independent non-profit society: Carrier Sekani Family Services.

From the beginning, CSFS aimed to reclaim authority over social, health and justice services and deliver them in ways grounded in Carrier and Sekani teachings.

1990

1990s

Strengthening Child and Family Services

CSFS partnered with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to increase First Nations control over child welfare.

CSFS became a Level C4 child welfare agency, a milestone that meant more children remained connected to their Nations.

CSFS developed long-term plans for a fully Nation-led child welfare system, informed by parents, Elders and youth.

This work continues today as CSFS advocates for full jurisdiction and the funding needed to bring children home.

1990s

2002–2005

Culturally Grounded Mediation & Research

Recognizing the need for culturally relevant dispute resolution, CSFS partnered with the University of Northern British Columbia to develop a First Nations mediation program, especially for families navigating the child welfare system.

By 2005, the first cohort of 19 First Nations mediators graduated. During this period, CSFS became one of the first Indigenous organizations in the region to take direct responsibility for research involving its people. Today, research remains guided by community priorities and focused on protecting and strengthening cultural knowledge.

2000s

2014

Expanding Primary Health Care

When the First Nations Health Authority began operations, CSFS expanded its primary care services with more physicians, support staff and community-based health programming. This marked an important step toward greater control over health services across CSFS Member Nations.

2014

2015

Marking 25 Years

CSFS celebrated 25 years of service with a wellness conference, Annual General Assembly and community art gala. A commemorative booklet captured key milestones, stories and achievements shared with Member Nations.

25-Year Commemorative Booklet

2015

TODAY

Guided by Culture, Led by Community

CSFS continues to expand services, strengthen supports for families and improve access to health care. Every step reflects the same commitment that guided the founders: culture at the centre, community leading the way and a shared responsibility to create wellness together.

TODAY

Member Nations

CSFS works with Member Nations across several linguistic and cultural groupings. These include Babine-Wet’suwet’en, Yekooche and Southern Carrier dialects and communities that identify as both Carrier and Sekani. Each Nation brings its own knowledge, traditions and governance systems that guide how we work.