Willem Faasse

Program Coordinator

Willem grew up in a part of the Kootenays now called the Creston Valley, on the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa Nation. Experiencing the amazing fishing, hunting and gathering opportunities that presented themselves daily provided Willem with a unique opportunity to observe the interactions of people, vegetation and wildlife in a vibrant ecosystem.

After several years working as a Forest Technician for a private consultant, Willem decided to attend the Environmental Technician program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology rather than endure another winter of snowshoeing. After graduation, he joined Williams Lake First Nation as a FireSmart Coordinator, which involved public outreach and writing funding applications, in addition to taking part in fuel reduction and ecological restoration projects. Willem is excited to be with Rivershed, where he can put his experience working with First Nations, landholders, tenants, private contractors, and forest licensees to good use. He views his current position as an opportunity to inform and engage with the public, and to help realize sustained, holistic restoration and protection efforts within the Fraser Watershed.

Willem still spends his leisure time fishing and hunting, albeit more successfully now. He lives in the unceded territory of Tk’emlups te Secwépemc with his dog, Bruce.