Esk'etemc - Specific Claims
About the Specific Claim for Tsqewt (Wycott's Flat)
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Updated December 16, 2025
Since the November 2025 Tsqewt newsletter distribution, the Investment Committee members have continued to exercise due diligence to ensure that all documentation is in place to safeguard the Esk’etemc Minors Trust funds and educate themselves to provide informed recommendations to the Esk’etemc Kukpi7 and Counc
Updated December 16, 2025
Since the November 2025 Tsqewt newsletter distribution, the Investment Committee members have continued to exercise due diligence to ensure that all documentation is in place to safeguard the Esk’etemc Minors Trust funds and educate themselves to provide informed recommendations to the Esk’etemc Kukpi7 and Council in creating the Esk’etemc Legacy Trust document. The Investment Committee has been conferring with Esk’etemc Specific Claims legal counsel, Stan Ashcroft, to ensure that all relevant areas of concern are discussed. Stan provided a six-page document outlining key issues to consider when providing recommendations to the Council. The Investment Committee met with Stan on December 4th to gain insight and clarification before making any recommendations. The next step is for two Investment Committee members to meet with the Esk’etemc Council and Stan Ashcroft on January 19, 2026, to review key Legacy Trust issues, with the Investment Committee representatives providing their counsel and relevant supporting information.
On November 19, 2025, the Investment Committee met to discuss the Esk’etemc funds being held by BMO for the Minors Trust and the $100 Million Balanced Fund investment. The meeting was attended by Natalie Camara and Cameron Stoddard, of BMO Global Asset Management, to discuss the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for the Minors Trust. The Investment Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Minors Trust funds are invested responsibly so that the Esk’etemc minor members receive their Tsqewt distribution of $25,000, plus accrued interest. The Committee also met with Otis Hiltz, BMO Trust Officer, to discuss next steps in building a framework for the Esk’etemc Legacy Trust that considers long-term community needs.
It should be noted that three separate BMO teams are working with the Investment Committee and the Esk’etemc Leadership and Management to oversee our Tsqewt settlement funds, as listed below:
- BMO Commercial Banking (administering general funds being paid as Esk’etemc adult payments);
- BMO Global Asset Management (responsible for Esk’etemc investments); and,
- BMO Trust Company (acts as Corporate Trustee to ensure that Trust monies are safeguarded).
News and Updates
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Updated December 16, 2025
The Tsqewt Lessons Learned session was held in Williams Lake on November 20, 2025, with the Tsqewt team, Esk’etemc Council, and the Esk’etemc CAO. This all-day session focused on a comprehensive review of lessons learned from the recent Tsqewt Specific Claim settlement and community engagement process, and plannin
Updated December 16, 2025
The Tsqewt Lessons Learned session was held in Williams Lake on November 20, 2025, with the Tsqewt team, Esk’etemc Council, and the Esk’etemc CAO. This all-day session focused on a comprehensive review of lessons learned from the recent Tsqewt Specific Claim settlement and community engagement process, and planning the internal work required for future Esk’etemc Specific Claims. The discussion included the challenges that management and leadership faced during the Tsqewt engagement process and strategic recommendations to improve future engagement, communication, and operational planning. A significant theme was the extreme workload, stress, and lack of support experienced by administrative staff, driven by the compressed timeline and complexity of the settlement process.
On December 4, 2025, letters were sent out to 82 Esk’etemc parents confirming that their minor child or children had been enrolled into the Minors Trust. Beginning in January 2026, all Esk’etemc members turning 18 will be paid directly by BMO. The member is still responsible for submitting their Tsqewt PCD payment application, along with the accompanying direct deposit form, to the Esk’etemc administration office. Forms can be submitted before the member’s 18th birthday, and they will be reviewed by the Esk’etemc administration department and then forwarded to BMO for payment processing.
The Esk’etemc Kukpi7 and several Council members met with BMO team members on December 8, 2025, in Esk’et for a reintroduction and to discuss Esk’etemc and BMO’s working relationship as we advance.
This meeting was attended by BMO personnel from locations such as Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Kelowna, who represented the three BMO organizations supporting Esk’etemc’s financial interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsqewt Settlement Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the Specific Claim reviewed December 16, 2025, found here at www.seculecwem.ca/faq
We also invite you to email your questions to specificclaims@esketemc.ca where we will respond to your questions and add the questions and answers to our FAQ document.