Chief Willie Sellars: An Inspiring Indigenous Author and Leader

A Chief working towards true reconciliation

Nobody is born a leader. To be a good leader, it takes a special type of person to embrace the power they possess, while simultaneously refraining to abuse the power they have. Good leadership requires a number of qualities such as excellent communication skills, empathy, adaptability, transparency, courage, humility, and confidence. While interviewing Chief Willie Sellars, I couldn’t help but notice, these are the qualities he embodies.

Willie Sellars is a remarkable Indigenous author, speaker, and leader who has made significant contributions to Indigenous literature and education. Sellars is a member of Williams Lake First Nation (“WLFN” or “T'exelc”) of the Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia, Canada, and is known for his children’s book ‘Dipnetting with Dad’ as well as his work as an educator and community leader. He was elected onto Williams Lake First Nation Council at the age of 24 in 2008, and was one of the youngest elected Councillors in Williams Lake First Nation history.

Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC, where he discussed on the podcast how grateful he was to grow up surrounded by the natural beauty of the region. In the episode, he opens up about his childhood being steeped in his Indigenous culture, with a strong emphasis on the importance of family, community, and storytelling. In addition to this, he talks about his contributions to Indigenous education by sharing his own experiences and perspectives writing his two books, ‘Dipnetting with Dad’ and ‘Hockey with Dad’.

As Chief Sellars mentions, his books are available on Amazon, and at various bookstores. He plans to release more books, and continue to share his culture through story. In my opinion, he makes First Nations culture more accessible to everyday people interested in learning more about our traditions.

Willie Sellars is a true inspiration, whose work as an author, educator, and leader has had a profound impact in his community. By sharing his own story and experiences, Sellars is helping to reshape the narrative around Indigenous people and their ongoing struggles, and is paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next. Our episode is available on YouTube and on all podcasting platforms.