By Times Chronicle Staff
A large wood carving outside the Upper Similkameen Indian Band cuʔcʔwixaʔ Hall in Hedley has been stolen with a report made to the RCMP Princeton detachment.
“On behalf of our family at the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, we’re very disappointed to report that a wooden carving that sat outside of cuʔcʔwixaʔ Hall in Hedley has gone missing,” the band said in statement on July 9.
The band said the wooden carving of sx̌ʷƛʼiʔ (Mountain Goat) has “significant cultural and sentimental value to the sməlqmíx because of its history with our people, our lands, and our neighbours.”
The sx̌ʷƛʼiʔ was carved from a tree trunk and has significant weight which would have made it difficult to move, the band said.
The Band is appealing to the public to report any information regarding the left to the RCMP Princeton at 250-295-6911, and to quote file 2025-1002.
Those wishing to remain anonymous but provide information about this incident, you can contact the South Okanagan-Similkameen CrimeStoppers Tip-Line at 800-222-TIPS (8477). The Upper Similkameen Band Office can also be contacted at 250-292-8733.
More details including still photos from video surveillance have been released by the RCMP.
