As I drive the valley that I grew up in each day to work in the North Thompson to deliver news, good words, history and photographs from those who live and work here I think often about the indigenous peoples of Simpcw First Nation, whose territory we live in and honour their legacy.
We have such an incredible “collaborative and communicative partnering” as Kukpi7 George Lampreau says, the chief of Simpcw. He continually stresses the importance of being “good neighbours” and working together to support each other, whether that be individually, in business or in the event of emergencies, crisis or tragedy. Not only do we stand and support each other in so many ways, we also celebrate accomplishments, victories and memorable events together in unity. I do realize it’s not like that everywhere and think about the amazing groups working together in a variety of ways as I drive through the valley regularly.
In this long productive corridor we call ‘home’ the contributions of our indigenous friends are not lost on me as I reflect on the significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Driving along the highway through this year of rolling green hills, thanks to some really lovely long rains that we've had, I value how rich, lush and beautiful everything looks right now. I think I cherish the green growth and rivers filling up high again, even more knowing it could take only a very short time of straight hot weather to change this, a reminder again of the many years of wildfires which can happen in what seems the blink of an eye.
As the upper mountain snows melt high above us, I visualize these tremendously strong, resilient, warm, loving and such hard-working peoples who travelled this valley seasonally to provide for their families and create lasting memories that have carried down through generations.
It's so inspiring to imagine what those days must have been like and how they still share those stories of survival and living life to the fullest off the land while carrying for it as they harvested and gave back as they still do to this day. Living, working, thriving, trading, and sharing with the early pioneers who slowly came in to also settle and love such a vibrant land in the arms of the mountains, alongside rivers and lakes filled with fish where the forests offered natural medicine plants, berries and ample hunting to provide food. “Good neighbours” working, learning and living together.
People are still doing that today in such memorable ways, reminding us all about how important it is to treat each other with kindness and respect while honouring our elders, trailblazers, pathfinders, teachers and mentors. Remembering with pride the good things and lessons they've passed on to us, as human beings who walk this earth together.
Such an example was shared with many recently during the graduation at Barriere Secondary School. It was a difficult time, even though joyous in many ways, as the nation had lost a young man who attended the high school and was greatly loved by everyone who knew him only days before the graduation ceremonies.
As the Simpcw First Nation drummers from the Village of Chu Chua played the honour song, as they do each graduation, there was something so emotionally powerful taking place throughout the arena and so significantly special about the singing and drumming. As the school secretary, Kristine Luison and I stood together, hand-in-hand we were moved to tears by the power of these beautiful voices and drums so full of the emotions shared by so many gathered there, to honour and remember.
To experience this gathering so soon after the loss of such a beloved young man and two other community members in recent weeks and celebrate their youth was so incredibly moving. Then hearing the two language speakers, language teacher Rae Bowser and graduate Cassidy Calahasen share with us the melodic poetry, so proudly honouring the western dialect of Secwepemctsin passed down from generation to generation.
Followed by an engaging valedictorian speech by another Simpcw First Nation graduate, Ava Jules, her words so eloquent, humorous and reflective touching us all and upon conclusion the room rose to applaud in thanks.
It’s these moments in our lives, these moments in time that draw us together in unity as we walk this life journey one step at a time, hopefully still learning from those who came before, even the youngest among us who left us with a lasting legacy.
I will be thinking of the impact of these young people and their words, their spirits, their humour, and compassionate authenticity as we share in the National Indigenous Peoples Day events in our towns, cities, villages and communities this year and I hope you will join me in saying Kukwstsétsemc to our “good neighbours” as we learn more walking our journey together in this beautiful valley we all call home.
