First Nations men’s group reclaims traditional territory

One of the cabins built by the men’s group. Photo: The Pique

By Joel Barde, Pique News, October 5, 2017
Micah Thevarge, the newly elected chief of the N’Quatqua First Nation, speaks slowly and deliberately as he addresses the group of about 30.
Over the past several months, he and others from the community have built the small log cabin that sits proudly behind him, as well as another, which sits on the opposite side of the valley, not far from where forest turns to alpine.

Video: Sutikalh Home Of The Winter Spirit

Posted to Youtube Published on Feb 9, 2017 by Kelly Patrick Moore

“Here’s a short video we did to support those living on the land, those protecting the water, air and animals for all of us. If not for these protectors like Hubie and his family, you’d be passing a Nancy Greene mega ski resort on the Duffy Lake Rd. Luckily, now all you see on that route is pristine mountains and beautiful lakes, thanks to these individuals. Please share to help raise social and environmental awareness as well connect to those who are dedicating their lives as land defenders. Please support in any way you can.”

Video: St’at’imc singing the Constitution Song

St’atimc hand drummers singing the Constitution Song. Photo: Youtube

To hear the song, click below:

Voice for the Voiceless: Indigenous camp aims to protect ancient village and trading ground from logging

by Nicky Young & Adam Gold, Ricochet Media, July 15, 2015

A flag with an eagle crest blows in the wind above a logging road that shows the concave impressions of roofs of ancient pit-houses. Looking up, mountains are scarred from clear-cutting and pine beetle infestations, and the haze of forest fires lies over the horizon. Downward sits a camp of tents and tipis, where Elders visit, laugh and share stories with guests.

Video: A Voice for the Voiceless

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-3SUTQcIiXg“>

by River Voices, Published on May 23, 2015

On March 16th Voice for the Voiceless Camp set up to protect Junction Creek area.

Today the camp is denying access to Aspen Planers the company who will be trying to start up their logging again in Junction Creek any day now. It is the wish of Xwisten elders, the camp, children of Xwisten among many others that there be no further logging in this area of their territory.

Voice for the Voiceless: Standing up for St’át’imc cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

Press Release, April 27th 2015

Junction Creek, Yalakom Valley, Xwisten (Bridge River), St’át’imc

On March 16th Voice for the Voiceless Camp set up to protect Junction Creek area

Today the camp is denying access to Aspen Planers the company who will be trying to start up their logging again in Junction Creek any day now. It is the wish of Xwisten elders, the camp, children of Xwisten among many others that there be no further logging in this area of their territory.

St’at’imc re-occupation aims to stop logging, call for support

Christine Jack, on right, at Junction Creek, Xwisten Territory in the St’at’imc nation, March 16, 2015.

From Voice of the Voiceless, Junction Creek (Xwisten Territory, St’at’imc Nation), April 13, 2015

URGENT!!!
We have heard that Aspen Planers is going to start logging at Lac Le Mer, very near the camp, this week! We think they will be trying to start at Junction Creek too. Christine Jack who has been living at the camp is requesting support. We need more people up there ASAP!!!!

Voices of the Voiceless camp is an Indigenous re-occupation of Junction Creek area in Xwisten territory, St’at’imc Nation. This camp was set up on March 16th under the direction of Xwisten elders to stop the logging by Aspen Planers. The site of the VoV Camp is just below a heritage site that has huge cultural significance to Xwisten people. Junction Creek summer village has been a traditional meeting place where people come to hunt, gather and process food. The Xwisten people continue to access and use Junction Creek for these traditional purposes today.

15 Years of Resistance at Sutikalh

Warrior flag flying over Sutikalh.

by Tyson Kelsall, Vancouver Observer, March 9, 2015

Since 2000, Hubert Jim has watched over Sutikalh with an attentive eye and clear love for this place. From the nearby highway, following along a creek bed to a small opening, he occupies a lone cabin that was erected during a blockade.Fifteen years ago, Olympic gold medalist skier and now Conservative Party Senator Nancy Greene-Raine was given permits to develop a $500 million all-season ski and recreation resort. The project was to be located in the pristine wilderness of Cayoosh Canyon, originally and now known as Sutikalh, near Pemberton, British Columbia. The proposal was met with Indigenous opposition, both in the form of legal battles and a physical blockade. To date, it has never been built.

Masked and helmeted security guards at Lillooet construction site

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via West Coast Native News, March 11, 2014

The St’at’imc in Lillooet, BC, have been blockading and protesting infrastructure work in the Cayoosh Creek since January of this year.  On March 10, the contractor deployed up to 8 security personnel from Griffin Security, clad in black uniforms, face masks, and what appear to be ballistic helmets. 

St’at’imc threaten action over infrastructure trespasses in southern ‘BC’

By Keven Drews, Canadian Press/Vancouver Sun, May 10, 2013

VANCOUVER – Southwestern British Columbia’s St’at’imc Chiefs Council is threatening to block a highway and rail line and “embarrass” private companies and the next provincial government over trespasses on its traditional territory.