First Nation Takes Community Wellness by the Reins

Funding provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Horses are helping Tl’etinqox and other Tsilhqot‘in communities continue their legacy of self-reliance, ingenuity, and resilience. Last year, the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) celebrated the completion of the T7 Cultural Ranch in the heart of the Chilcotin region in British Columbia.

This new hub for community wellness features equine facilities, renovated log cabins, a bunkhouse, and more, all open year-round. The ranch supports a wide range of educational and cultural programs and activities.

As the original inhabitants of the Chilcotin region, the Tsilhqot’in people have a profound connection to this land. Traditionally known as horse people, their deep-rooted bond with nature reflects the T7 Cultural Ranch’s mission to enhance community well-being through land-based and equine therapies. Land-based and equine therapy differ from traditional psychotherapy, providing hands-on activities that honour cultural practices while promoting emotional and spiritual healing and growth. The healing methods that the ranch offers are not only innovative and culturally relevant but allow the TNG to provide support to its people internally, in harmony with their mission for autonomy. The facility also fosters community resilience by working to combat local concerns, such as the effects of addiction and other forms of violence and abuse.

“I like [the] horse program because you can learn to ride and you can learn interesting facts about horses, and can learn about how they feel. You can go on different adventures […] go on trail rides and experience new things and see interesting stuff, meet new horses, learn more about horses, meet your favorite horse, and learn all the horses’ names.”

Supporting Students
After viewing the positive impacts of the ranch’s programming, the Tl’etinqox First Nation School has integrated the equine program into students’ curriculum. The Tl’etinqox Equine Program is more than just riding lessons; it’s a platform for students to reconnect with the land, learn horsemanship, and build confidence and pride. Tl’etinqox students enjoy using the T7 Cultural Ranch for gymkhanas, trail riding, horse camps with youth from other Indigenous communities, and more.

Supporting Calls to Action
Part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action is the call for the federal government to provide funding for healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools. By investing in infrastructure that supports overall well-being in Indigenous communities, like the T7 Cultural Ranch and the Tl’etinqox Equine Program, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada is taking steps to build strong communities together.

Quick facts:

• Tl’etinqox is the largest Tsilhqot’in community with over one thousand members.
• The federal government has invested over $1.9 million in this project through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS).
• This stream supports projects that increase access to more efficient and reliable energy sources, improve community infrastructure, and improve internet connectivity for rural and northern communities.

For more information, visit:

• Tl'etinqox Government
• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Investing in Canada Plan funding stream: Rural and Northern Communities infrastructure
• Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action