By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The sməlqmíx, the syilx people of the Similkameen Valley, have received a USD 350,000 (CAD 482,240) donation to help with conservation efforts by enabling the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) to acquire a unique piece of land south of the border.
The Conservation Northwest (CNW) non-profit that works to “protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies” donated the substantial sum for the purchase of unique sage-land habitat in Washington State, 11 km south of the Nighthawk–Chopaka Border Crossing.
The funds will be used for the acquisition of akłx̌ ipwl̓x (Green Point), a 63.5-hectare piece of priceless sage-land habitat. Depending upon the dialect of nsyilxcən, the land has a few names, notes the LSIB. The land is located on the west shore of Palmer Lake near Loomis, Washington State, and is part of the traditional territory of the smǝlqmíx.
Picture of cheque presentation – (left to right) CNW Executive Director Mitch Friedman, Kal?lupaqn Chief Keith Crow, smǝlqmíx elder kt̓ʕapɬniwt Rob Edward, and in front, Willy the dog.
“Today, the sməlqmíx were honoured to connect with Conservation Northwest (CNW) in the protecting and repairing of tmixʷ,” the LSIB said. tmixʷ is the nsyilxcən word that describes how “all living things” are connected to “that which gives us life.” This includes humans, animals, reptiles, birds, plants, medicines, aquatic life, and others which are all connected to each other, and to the earth.
Visiting the LSIB offices to present the cheque, CNW Executive Director Mitch Friedman said: “Among the greatest joys, honors, and privileges of my career and life has been our relationship with the LSIB.
“This is a beautiful community blessed to live in and steward a most beautiful landscape. I hope that the LSIB and its Similkameen territory remain strong and healthy for thousands of years to come, and that CNW’s support and impact last for many of those years.”
kt ̓ ʕapɬniwt Rob Edward (elder) added, “There are places in and around this land where the sməlqmíx would travel to have community, to experience visions, and to sweat, among many other things.”
Google Maps screenshot of akłx̌ipwl̓x & Palmer Lake in relation to Loomis, Wa., Chopaka, BC, Oroville, Wa., & Osoyoos, BC.
Kal?lupaqn Chief Keith Crow echoed similar sentiments. “This is a great occasion made possible by the partnership of Conservation Northwest with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, not only for the sməlqmíx, but for anyone wishing to return a balance to tmixʷ.
“The sməlqmíx have significant history on the lands from before contact and before any border was made, as we know and as our Okanagan & Colville family know.
“Conservation Northwest continues to put tmixʷ at the forefront of its purpose and mission, and the sməlqmíx have nothing but gratitude for this, and the gift of CNW’s help and cooperation in making this happen.
“limləmt to all who support CNW, to all who support the sməlqmíx, and all who support balance to tmixʷ,” Crow said.
