CLBC’s Smithers office held a land acknowledgement ceremony on April 9 to honour the Gitxsan & Wet’suwet’en peoples, the original custodians of the land and waters we occupy.
The ceremony went beyond mere acknowledgement; it was a vibrant call to action and an invitation for all attendees to engage in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. The aim was to forge a pathway towards integrating Indigenous perspectives with modern practices to create safe, inclusive spaces and build trust and strong relationships.
CLBC had the honor of hosting a packed house including service providers, individuals, families, Nation leaders, and community members as well as Gitxsan & Wet’suwet’en chiefs and matriarchs. The feedback from honoured guests was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en chiefs who commended CLBC for its efforts and engagements in Smithers. They expressed their appreciation for being included in the event and offered guidance for future initiatives.
One hereditary chief emphasized the importance of involving Gitxsan leaders in business dealings on the territories (laxyip) and with their house groups (wilps), highlighting it as a fundamental sign of respect and courtesy.
Overall, the event was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The strong turnout and the supportive feedback underscore the significance and impact of these efforts to support community building and cultural integration.
