Commemoration / A gifting circle — A gifting circle was part of the Commemoration day’s events. (credit for all photos - Carolyn Parks-Mintz)

By Carolyn Parks-Mintz, Author, Journalist & Freelance Writer

A recent remembrance and celebratory gathering confirmed that from ashes can come resilience, growth, gratitude, and knowledge.

On August 18, the Skwlāx te Secwépemculecw (SteS) First Nation hosted a special event at the Quaaout Lodge site to reflect on last year’s disastrous wildfire, but also to celebrate resurgence and revitalization. In addition to widespread destruction of their forested land and the inherent loss of wildlife, 34 residences were burned to the ground within SteS territory.

Dignitaries and attendees recognized the damage, trauma, and upheaval caused by the fire in the area 12 months ago—as well as the strength and spirit involved in rebuilding and recovery.

The special day included an early morning community walk, drumming, an opening ceremony with welcome speeches, activities for children and adults, a golf tournament, delicious lunch and dinner, circle giftings, a nature walk, musical entertainment, a special cake, and closing ceremonies. A time to enjoy and to remember.

Welcomes were extended by Kukpi7 James Tomma (SteS), Kukpi7 Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief (Adams Lake Band), Kukpi7 Irvin Wai (Neskonlith Band), Kukpi7 Frank Antoine (St’uxwtews, [Bonaparte] Band), Kukpi7 Dan Manuel (Upper Nicola Band) and Chase Mayor David Lepsoe.

Kukpi7 Tomma advised that 70-80% of his band members were now housed and returned to their community, under the SteS Rapid Housing Initiative which was effectively implemented—and that all will be back home by the end of the year. As well, an aggressive FireSmart programme has been put in place, along with wildfire mitigation work. Kukpi7 Tomma also commented that seeing his band members enjoying themselves, regardless of the catastrophe that had happened, was reassuring and showed that the band was still there, still irrepressible. A proud day for all.

Although no Adams Lake structures were destroyed last year, Kukpi7 Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief stated that her community has carried out controlled cultural burns and that FireSmart guidelines are being adhered to. In addition, the band’s volunteer Fire Department and Natural Resources Team have carried out preventative measures and have networked within and beyond the Adams Lake band. She also added that events such as the Commemoration enable closure for some and are uplifting and supportive for all. Celebration and gathering can bring people full circle after a traumatic event.

Kukpi7 Irvin Wai of Neskonlith reported that the band’s Emergency Programme Coordinator has taken steps to upgrade their preparedness plan and has provided emergency operations training. Better communication has been established with relevant organizations, districts, and local First Nations communities. Wildfire risk reduction principles have been applied to Neskonlith lands to mitigate potential fuel loading to high-risk areas. The band has increased its wildland fire crew capacity as well as equipment, and would share these if needed. Kukpi7 Wai also viewed the Commemoration as a positive occasion, one that brought local First Nations members together, to share their stories, to grow as a community family, and to keep Indigenous culture alive.

To the foregoing, your journalist would add that post-wildfire recoveries of residential necessities, of forest growth, and of wildlife populations are priorities—as are precautionary measures taken by individuals, governments, and communities in the beautiful Shuswap area. Battling climate change and its outcomes are collective undertakings.