Looking Ahead: A Vision for Our Tomorrow
A Stronger and More Resilient Splatsin
Kukpi7 Mike Christian is interviewed by Chris Brown of Cross Border Network during the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Victoria.
Kukpi7 Mike envisions a future where every Splatsin member has access to safe, high-quality housing and strong community infrastructure that supports connection, growth, and wellbeing. His focus remains on expanding programs for youth and Elders — ensuring cultural teachings, knowledge, and opportunities continue to flourish across generations.
He is committed to advancing land claims and strengthening political recognition so that Splatsin’s rights, history, and governance are fully respected at all levels.
Mike’s long-term vision is for a prosperous, self-reliant Splatsin — one that builds its own future through collaboration, accountability, and economic independence. He believes that progress must always honor the people, the land, and the culture that define who we are.
Areas of Focus
As Splatsin Kukpi7, Mike will be working on advancing four critical areas of governance.
Furthering Economic Independence
I am committed to bringing greater opportunity and economic independence to the Splatsin people. Under my leadership, we can continue to create meaningful jobs through environmentally sustainable business practices that simultaneously protect and respect our lands and culture.
• Establishing strategic partnerships to produce affordable housing for all Band Members.
• Fulfilling core infrastructure needs, including the completion of a new Shihiya School and a new maintenance yard.
• Ensuring Title & Rights are protected within our traditional territory.
• Continue to work with government to cut waste from spending to eliminate contractor overcharging. This will maximize efficiencies and drive end results for our community.
Uniting the Splatsin Community
As Kukpi7, I will continue to establish unity among our people — because when there is teamwork and collaboration across our people, we can achieve remarkable things. As such, I will be closely working with members to resolve differences and bring families together.
• Combatting the prejudice and negativity of lateral violence.
• Revisiting the existing healing strategy and developing and executing a plan to implement it.
• Hosting regular community events that address healing and coming together.
• Actively working to heal divisions and encouraging recognition that every member is an important part of the Splatsin community.
Uniting Our Nations
It is my conviction that if indigenous nations work together to collectively coordinate our actions with provincial and federal government agencies that we will grow more powerful and maximize benefit and opportunity for all indigenous people. We must see past our shared territories and come together. As your Kukpi7, I will apply my training, negotiation skills, and vision to continue to move this important initiative forward.
• Develop a cohesive collective strategy across the 205 Chiefs in British Columbia.
• Combat preferential treatment that currently exists across communities.
• Address historical ties with Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) territory.
• Eliminate the “us vs. them” misconception and barrier.
Communication and Transparency
For a Chief and Council be effective, it is absolutely necessary for the people to have entire confidence in their abilities, intentions, and honesty. As such, as Kukpi7 I will be committed to establishing ongoing clear, consistent communication and maximum transparency for our people.
• Ensuring all people of Splatsin are fully up-to-date on all community matters and Council decisions.
• Setting up measures to hold all elected personnel accountable for their respective decisions and actions.
• Launching and publishing an independent and professionally-administered forensic audit of all community expenditures over the past three years.
• Decrease micromanagement, ensure fairness for all Members, and bring back stability to the community and the Band Office.