Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation and has served in elected leadership for more than 15 years. First elected to Council in 2008 at the age of 24, he became one of the youngest Councillors in the Nation’s history. After a decade of service, he was elected Chief in 2018 and is now in his second term. Prior to his leadership roles, he worked as a Wildland Firefighter and later as a Special Project Coordinator in WLFN’s Economic Development Department.
As Kukpi7, he has advanced initiatives that support economic development and self-determination, including implementing a land management system and negotiating agreements with industry partners. His approach emphasizes relationship-building and partnerships as pathways to reconciliation, helping to generate resources that support community programs and services.
He has also played a key role in the investigation of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School site, contributing to truth-seeking and healing for survivors and families. In addition to his leadership, he is an author of children’s books and actively supports youth well-being through sport, culture, and community engagement.
