Carrier Sekani Family Services

About Carrier Sekani Family Services

In the late 1980s, the elders and leaders of the newly formed Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) decided it was time to bring social and health issues to the forefront. The social well-being of the Carrier and Sekani people needed improvement, and it was time to begin on a new path that would lead their member nations to a better place and a solid future. The CSTC took their first step on this path by employing eight people to support Carrier and Sekani families in navigating the Child Welfare system. In addition, they saw the need to have a patient advocate for Carrier people at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. Based on their vision, in August 1990, a non-profit society was established to provide social welfare supports, legal guidance, and research to Indigenous people living in remote and urban areas in Northern BC’s central region. The non-profit was named Northern Native Family Services. In later years, it was renamed Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS). CSFS signed its first transfer agreement in 1997 to provide community-based health programs. As the service needs in child welfare, social, health, and legal programs were on the rise, these areas became the development priorities for the agency. Landmark events began with the incorporation of a small office and a handful of employees, and with the guidance of a board of directors, the society moved forward. Today, CSFS is a leading organization with more than 280 skilled staff members in Prince George, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, and Burns Lake. CSFS is committed to a strong foundation in Carrier and Sekani values, beliefs, and philosophies. As a result, we are progressive and a forerunner in the development and delivery of community-based programs.