Recent damage to brand new signage in Nemiah Valley is disheartening, said Xeni Gwet’in Chief Roger William.
Last week he learned a welcoming monument and signs on declared title land were damaged recently.
“I got pictures from one of our local operators of the damage and some from the RCMP and on Feb. 9 we went and looked at it,” William said. “With the monument we are assessing the damage to make sure it is safe.”
At about the same time a metal title sign was damaged at the junction that comes off the Tatlyoko/Chilko Road.
“It was ripped off too,” William said. “One at Siwash was run over too.”
The gateway monument was erected approximately 25 kilometers west of Tsilhqox Biny (Chilko Lake).
“It could be anywhere from someone giving us a message that they are not happy, but it also shows what we as Xeni and as a nation are going through and dealing with,” William said, noting it’s more evidence there is some resistance to the rights and title decision.
More than five years have been spent planning and raising funds for the Gateway Signage Project.
The Gateway acts as a welcoming marker for all entering the declared Aboriginal title area.
Beside the road, visitors can find signs outlining maps, information about the area and reference to further information.
“There will be many changes as the Tsilhqot’in Nation transitions the Aboriginal title lands to our full ownership, management and control,” William said. “We need to work with everyone in the area to understand and respect these changes.”