Historic Paddle from xwɛymamɩn (whey-mam-in) to tiskʷət is being revived
On September 6, three canoes and 40 pullers from ɬaʔamɩn, Klahoose, χʷɛmaɬkʷu, shíshálh and Qualicum First Nations will paddle 19 nautical miles from xwɛymamɩn (the place you point your canoe towards) to tiskʷət.
Saturday’s paddle represents the first in many decades from the high mountainous goat catching grounds down to tiskʷət. Pullers are excited to take part and to renew their relationship with the lake and the big river.
Tla’amin Culture manager kespal (Drew Blaney) says that “We organized this paddle to remember and reclaim our place on the lake.”
He continued “tiskʷət was a major center of trade and commerce prior to the dam, a place that our neighbouring Nations have stories about and remember. We felt it was important and good healing to include them in this special day.”
Tla’amin community members and all members of the public are invited to welcome the paddlers ashore at the beach near the Shinglemill at 3:30 on September 6th. Please bring your drums and regalia if you have them.
Questions can be directed to Drew Blaney. Drew.Blaney@tn-bc.ca