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Tribal Park Declaration and Totem Pole Raising

Saturday, October 4th was another extraordinary day for the Tsilhqot'in people who have  already been rewarded this year with two major victories after many years of struggle:  the rejection again by the federal government  of the Prosperity Mine project at Fish Lake (Teztan Biny) and the historic  landmark Supreme Court decision awarding title to the Tsilhqot'in over a vast portion of their traditional territory.

At Fish Lake (Teztan Biny) on a beautiful warm fall day, the Tsilhqot'in Nation received a gift of a totem pole from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation to honour their strength and persistence in defending this sacred and spiritual place from destruction. Carved by renowned master carver Tim Paul from Hesquiaht, on the west coast of Vancouver Island,  the pole travelled from Port Alberni to Teztan Biny, accompanied by Nuu-chah-nulth and Tsilhqot'in leaders as  well as Nuu-chah-nulth elders, drummers and dancers.  Prior to departure, a 'Closing of the Eyes' ceremony  was performed to protect the pole and the people as it travelled from one destination to another.

Saturday, October 4th was another extraordinary day for the Tsilhqot'in people who have  already been rewarded this year with two major victories after many years of struggle:  the rejection again by the federal government  of the Prosperity Mine project at Fish Lake (Teztan Biny) and the historic  landmark Supreme Court decision awarding title to the Tsilhqot'in over a vast portion of their traditional territory.
At Fish Lake (Teztan Biny) on a beautiful warm fall day, the Tsilhqot'in Nation received a gift of a totem pole from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation to honour their strength and persistence in defending this sacred and spiritual place from destruction. Carved by renowned master carver Tim Paul from Hesquiaht, on the west coast of Vancouver Island,  the pole travelled from Port Alberni to Teztan Biny, accompanied by Nuu-chah-nulth and Tsilhqot'in leaders as  well as Nuu-chah-nulth elders, drummers and dancers.  Prior to departure, a 'Closing of the Eyes' ceremony  was performed to protect the pole and the people as it travelled from one destination to another.

As well as the raising of the pole, the Announcement of Dasiqox Tribal Park was made which will add over 300,000 hectares of protected lands and waters to the Tsilhqot'in title lands and existing provincial parks.  FONV is proud to have worked closely with the Xeni Gwet'in and Yunesit'in First Nations in achieving  protection for this land which has been so vital to sustaining the Tsilhqot'in people for generations.
FONV, through the  generosity of our supporters, provided food for the wonderful feast that was prepared by the women of the Tsilhqot'in nations.

For those of us who have spent years on the 'Save Fish Lake' campaign and have been so privileged to support the Xeni Gwet'in in their long and ultimately successful struggle for declaration of Rights and Title to their traditional lands, standing at the shore of Teztan Biny with Mt. Tsylos in the distance, while listening to their  words, prayers, singing and drumming - this was a truly moving and  memorable experience.

Thank you very much to all of you that helped us out following our appeal and donated to this memorable event!

Posted by: Admin Tuesday Oct 28, 2014 11:47
Categories: Tribal Park | Tags: Dasiqox, Fish Lake, rights and title, Taseko, Teztan Biny, Tsilhqot'in