Zwatetcáls i Sát’meca!

Lillooet Learns!

Scúzas es7áma smáwal’ lta St’át’imcúlmecwa
We envision a good life for all in St’át’imc territory.

Photo by Monique Knudson – Cozy & Candid Photography

OUR MISSION

The mission of Lillooet Learns is to foster active learning that contributes to socially just and economically thriving communities.

WE DO THIS BY....

1. Providing diverse education and creative opportunities that enhance well-being,

2. Facilitating local partnerships and collaboration between community organizations,

3. Engaging community participation in local events and initiatives,

4. Strengthening relationships between St’át’imc and local community members, and

5. Supporting and delivering community-led programs with a social and restorative justice lens.

About Lillooet Learns

Lillooet Learning Communities Society was established in 1999 and incorporated in 2002, in support of lifelong learning of individuals and community groups.

The founding mandate of the society requires a Board of 50% St’at’imc members.

Lillooet Learns is a diverse team that is representative and connected. Talk to us to learn more about what is happening in Lillooet and to find resources and support for community-led projects.

We believe that by working together, St’at’imc and Lillooet people can solve community challenges and change oppressive systems.

Our Beliefs

Encouraging a culture of learning and creativity enhances community wellness.

True St’át’imc partnership is active and participatory (going beyond allyship).

Collaboration of diverse partners increases capacity for healthy community development.

Individual participation in active citizenship leads to equitable and inclusive communities.

By working together, St’át’imc and Lillooet people can solve community challenges.

Restorative practices increase individual and public safety.

Decolonized justice and education opportunities lead to a better life for all community members.

The arts support resilient, creative, and empowered communities.

Goals & Objectives

Bringing mission and strategy into action, Lillooet Learns has the following goals to achieve impact in local communities.

1. A respectful network of lifelong learners in St’át’imc and Lillooet communities

1.1. Organize training and supportive employment and volunteer opportunities

1.2. Facilitate events, workshops, and training on topics of interest

1.3. Support community members and groups to organize events and workshops

1.4. Create organization systems and knowledge that uphold the value of learning

2. Bridging differences to bring together partners and the communities themselves

2.1. Build cross-cultural and cross-sectoral partnerships to share resources in support of local initiatives and programs

2.2. Provide safe spaces for diverse people to discuss challenges and work together

2.3. Convene St’át’imc and Lillooet community leadership for collaboration and learning

2.4. Advocate for systems changes that break down silos and allow collaborations to happen more effectively

3. Equitable and inclusive engagement of all people in St’át’imc and Lillooet communities

3.1. Work to ensure equal representation of St’át’imc people in Lillooet Learns at all levels

3.2. Increase public safety and reduce harm by acting with principles of restorative justice

3.3. Convene community conversations on Truth and Reconciliation and social justice topics

3.4. Encourage active participation in all of Lillooet Learns’ initiatives that inform strategic direction

4. St’át’imc and Lillooet communities are economically resilient and growing

4.1. Provide a retail focal point in downtown Lillooet

4.2. Develop branding and marketing for St’át’imc and Lillooet products, art, food, and craft

4.3. Connect entrepreneurs and small business owners to support services

4.4. Model a successful social enterprise and teach other non-profit organizations

Each goal has action-oriented objectives that can be read in the LLCS Strategic Summary

What We Do

Lillooet Learns helps our communities through mentorship, training, programming and project incubation, dialogue sessions and interventions, and social enterprise services that create systems change and improve the lives of St’at’imc and Lillooet community members.

Programs

Historical and current programming includes Restorative Justice, the Lillooet Indigenous Court, Elder Connect program and ongoing mentorship and job training opportunities for youth and adults.

The HUB

The Lillooet Community Connect HUB (the HUB) is a social enterprise that offers a local storefront, community information, space rental, shared services and equipment, and service contracts for value-aligned projects.

Initiatives

Providing support to community-led initiatives and building capacity for local social impact. Current initiatives include a local microgrant, community conversations, project incubation and non-profit support.

Kind words

What Our Community Members Say

Community comes first.

Thank you for the kind words of people we have worked with on projects and programming.

Vivian Birch Jones

Squamish Lillooet Regional District

“The SLRD Area B is a funder and supporter of the Community Connect HUB, which is run by Lillooet Learns. They are partnering with local government, businesses, and non-profit organizations. I am proud and excited about the truth and reconciliation work and community sessions happening through the HUB and their team.”

Ernest Arman

Lillooet Tribal Council

“Partnering with Lillooet Learns through the Indigenous Skills, Training and Employment Program has given community members good opportunities to get training and learn job skills.”

Jacquie Rasmussen

Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society

“LLCS is a valuable partner of the Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society. We are grateful for the shared workspace and collaborations. We see the impact that the HUB and the LLCS programs have in our community. They are integral to supporting non-profit work that is vital to our region.”

Norm Leech

Executive Director of Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House and R.O.O.T.S (Reclaiming Our Original Traditions & Spirituality)

"I think one of the greatest gifts of being human is that we can learn just about anything. It is the natural state of the human brain to gather information. And if we can learn it, then we can believe we can do it, and with a bit of time and effort, things get done."

Sarah Chandler

Previous Director of Lillooet Learns

"Lillooet Learns has been providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, life-long learning opportunities for people of all ages for nearly 25 years. It is a true gift that continues to give to everyone in the Lillooet/Upper St’at’imc Region.”

Barb Veda

Kinetic Books

"We had the privilege of partnering with Lillooet Learning Communities Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving diverse local communities. Over the past year, we've transformed their financial systems from an outdated bookkeeping process to a sophisticated, organized reporting structure that enables directors to effectively analyze their funding and programs. Thanks to the input from Megan who has a clear vision and really cares. We have had the pleasure of mentoring one of their staff members. When people learn together - everyone grows stronger!"

Join the Community

Contribute to Lillooet Learning Communities Society’s programs and initiatives by becoming a member or donating.

Donate Today to Support our Work

Contribute to Lillooet Learning Communities Society’s programs and initiatives by donating.