Pemberton, BC — On Friday, May 24, 2024, elected leaders and senior staff from Líĺwat Nation, the Village of Pemberton (VOP), Samahquam and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) came together for the fourth Nuk̓w7ántwal̓ Regional Gathering. Focused on strengthening relationships and fostering mutual understanding, the day provided an opportunity for participants to explore the theme "Nuk̓w7ántwal̓ wi ku st̓ákmenlhkalh," which translates to "we help each other to find the way.”
Held at Líľwat Tsitcw (Líĺwat House), Klháka7min--the former site of the Coast Mountain Outdoor School--a 98-hectare site returned to Líl̓wat Nation by School District #48 in a historic Land Back agreement in 2022, the Gathering aimed to explore the profound meaning and opportunity embodied in the Ucwalmictwts phrase.
The land, once home to a Líĺwat village prior to colonization, holds significant cultural value to the Líl̓wat7úl. Reflecting their presence in the areas since time immemorial, the Nation envisions developing it into a place for wellness and healing.
Offering a unique opportunity for participants to engage in active listening to the Líl̓wat7úl’s history of the area, and meaningful dialogue, the agenda was designed to tell the story of the land and the importance of gathering there.
Facilitated by Gwen Bridge, a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation with more than 20 years of experience in supporting improved dialogue and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations, the agenda consisted of a series of engaging talks and small group discussions. Through guided discussions and a collaborative atmosphere, attendees delved into Líl̓wat culture and history, the truths of colonization and its enduring legacies, the Indian Act, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Indigenous rights, and ongoing steps toward justice, reconciliation, and healing.
The Gathering was funded through the UBCM Community to Community Program, a regional funding program that helps neighbouring local governments and First Nations to jointly host forums to discuss common issues, challenges and mutual opportunities for the benefit of their communities. Additional funding and in-kind support was provided by Líĺwat Nation, SLRD, and the VOP.
The Nuk̓w7ántwal̓ Intergovernmental Relations Committee met in late July and agreed that continued collaboration and dialogue was valuable. The Committee will continue to meet quarterly and expects that another Regional Gathering will be organized in 2025. This month, the What Was Said Report, which has already been received by the Líl̓wat Nation and summarizes the discussions from the Gathering, will be presented to the Village of Pemberton Council on September 10, 2024, and to the SLRD Board on September 25, 2024.
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Quotes
Quote from Líĺwat Nation Chief Dean
The nuḱw7ántwal gathering was an opportunity to share my thoughts on the Líl̓wat history to those that are willing to listen. The history of the Líl̓wat and the impacts of colonialism from inception to present must be known by all if we wish to carry on. We must continue to work toward justice for first nations people and to increase understanding from the general public. We all must understand the long-term negative impacts of Residential school, we must truly come to terms of the specific intention of the applied Indian Act and reserve systems. We need to carry on undoing the impacts and take steps in removal of the destructive processes. How do we move forward? We need to carry on the conversations and seek a clearer path of reconciliation.
Quote from VOP Mayor, Mike Richman
"This Gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for open dialogue and shared experiences, allowing us to reaffirm our commitment to collaboration and explore ways to support one another. Gwen Bridge's exceptional facilitation helped us to focus deeply on relationship-building and envisioning a more connected and harmonious future for all our communities. Holding the gathering at a site rich with cultural significance and historical connections, added profound meaning to our discussions. As we walked the land, shared stories, and learned about its healing properties, we were reminded of the importance of understanding, compassion, and equity in our ongoing journey together. The commitment expressed by all participants to focus on the collective well-being of the Valley marks a significant step forward."
Quote from SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford
“On behalf of the Regional District Board, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Nuk̓w7ántwal̓ Gathering, and particularly the Chiefs and Council of Líĺwat Nation, for welcoming us to Klháka7min. It was a meaningful day, on land that has been returned to Líĺwat Nation, where we had an opportunity to learn more about Líĺwat history and culture, and speak from the heart about our relationship and how we can better support one another. I am humbled to be involved in this work and especially as we strive toward implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Each of us as individuals, and through our organizations, has a role to play in building these relationships and understanding what truth and reconciliation looks like and how we can all move forward together.”