People and Territories
Carrier and Sekani peoples have lived across more than 76,000 square kilometres of north central British Columbia since time immemorial.
Today, approximately 22 First Nations identify as Carrier or Sekani, representing more than 10,000 people.
CSFS is honoured to work alongside the 11 member Nations to support holistic wellness rooted in culture, language and community leadership.
CSFS Member Nations
The following Nations are Member Nations of Carrier Sekani Family Services. Each Nation maintains its own governance, leadership, and community priorities.
CSFS Member Nations include:
- Lake Babine Nation
- Nadleh Whut’en First Nation
- Saik’uz First Nation
- Stellat’en First Nation
- Takla Nation
- Cheslatta Carrier Nation
- Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Band)
- Wet’suwet’en First Nation
- Yekooche First Nation
- Nee Tahi Buhn Band
- Skin Tyee First Nation
Language Families
A simple starting point for anyone working with CSFS or Member Nations on research.
Babine-Wet’suwet’en
Sekani
Carrier
Chilcotin
(closely related)
Where Dialects Are Spoken
Babine-Wet’suwet’en
Spoken around Babine Lake and Takla Lake, including:
- Lake Babine Nation
- Takla First Nation
Some Takla members historically spoke Sekani and may identify with both language groups.
Wet’suwet’en
Spoken in the Bulkley Valley area around Broman Lake and Skins Lake, including:
- Nee Tahi Buhn Band
- Skin Tyee First Nation
- Wet’suwet’en First Nation
Carrier Dialects
Includes two main subgroups:
Stuart–Trembleur Lake Group
- Yekooche
- Tl’azt’en
- Binche
- Nak’azdli
Southern Carrier
(Fraser-Nechako + Blackwater)
- Saik’uz
- Nadleh
- Stellat’en
- Cheslatta
- Ts’il Kaz Koh (Burns Lake Band)
- Kluskus
- Nazko
- Red Bluff
- Ulkatcho
Governance, Clans and Bah’lats
Bah’lats (potlatch) remains one of the strongest sources of cultural continuity and governance for Carrier people. Many Nations continue to hold regular feasts that strengthen law, identity and relationships.
Carrier Clans
Likh ji bu
Gilhanten
Jihl tse yu
Likh sta Mis yu
Impacts of Colonization
Carrier and Sekani Nations continue to navigate the lasting impacts of colonial policies, including:
The Indian Act
The residential school system
Imposed band governance structures
High rates of child apprehension and incarceration
Persistent poverty and underemployment
Gaps in health, education and infrastructure
These impacts continue to influence daily life and community wellness.
Strength, Resilience
and Self-Determination
Carrier and Sekani peoples continue to lead the path forward. Community systems such as Bah’lats, language revitalization efforts and cultural governance practices guide strong futures.
CSFS is part of this work.
As a Nation-led organization, CSFS:
- is governed by a Board appointed by Member Nations
- provides holistic health, social, legal and research services
- advances self-determination and Nation authority
- honours cultural knowledge and community guidance in all programs
Learn More
Explore our shared history and the work carried out alongside the Member Nations.