Líl̓wat Nation
Líl̓wat Nation is striving towards self-determination by continuing to exert control over its territory and resources and building the economic foundation for a sustainable community. As the Nation envisions its future, it honours its past, practicing Nt̓ákmen (Our Way), celebrating and reclaiming Lil̓wat7úl culture and language (Ucwalmícwts- language of the people).
Respectfully operating on the unceded territory of Líl̓wat Nation, PORCA values the time immemorial relationship Líl̓wat has with the land. We are listening, learning, and educating ourselves on of the impact colonialism has had and continues to have on Indigenous People. PORCA is committed to doing our part to decolonize our systems and work towards meaningful reconciliation.
You may notice that some trails have been named or re-named in the Nation’s Ucwalmícwts Language along with QR code, download the Líl̓wat Nation First Voices App FirstVoices and learn how to pronounce, and so much more!
For further information and resources of the Líl̓wat Nation please visit https://lilwat.ca/
Village of Pemberton
The Village of Pemberton (VOP) is pausing its Official Community Plan (OCP) review process so officials can focus on building a “deeper and more meaningful” relationship with the Líl̓wat Nation, the VOP announced at Pemberton’s Sept. 12 council meeting.
To achieve that, the VOP will use the extra time to renew its protocol agreement with the Líl̓wat Nation, as well as gain a better understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The pause will also be used to foster a more collaborative relationship between the two parties.
“The decision to pause the OCP was made after careful consideration of feedback we received regarding the existing protocol agreement and determined it to be the best course of action to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards establishing a trust-based relationship with the Líl’wat Nation,” said Mayor Mike Richman, in a release. “We recognize the importance of ensuring our OCP encompasses and speaks to the shared values, visions, and priorities of all community members. To do so, we need to update the existing protocol agreement along with deepening our understanding of UNDRIP and how it can be implemented to create a path forward that is rooted in respect, understanding, and shared goals.” Link to Pique Newsmagazine article.
PORCA and the Líl̓wat Nation continues to collaborate to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive mountain bike community. We strive to do better together, here is the action we have taken so far, we:
offer complimentary PORCA membership to Líl̓wat Nation members.
respect protocol and ask permission to use lands for our events and programs from Líl̓wat Nation Lands & Resources and the Líl̓wat Nation Business Group.
elevate Indigneous voices and collaborate to raise awareness and educate our members through our communications channels.
open all events and meetings with a meaningful Territorial land acknowledgement.
have been honoured by traditional saq̓úta (dance) group Maxine Bruce, Lois Joseph, and her daughter Emhaolen Nelson at the Spud Crusher Women’s Enduro since the event began in 2018.
have collaborated on programs and events with Indigenous-led organizations such as Indigenous Women Outdoors and Indigenous Life Sports Academy.
have started a youth-focused introduction to mountain biking program with the Líl̓wat Nation Recreation Department.
have used our sponsor connections and grant writing skills to eliminate equipment and program fee barriers.
host a youth trail maintenance day with Xet̓ólacw Community School.
drafted the Pemberton Trails Master Plan Working Group Committee terms of reference which ensures trail planning initiatives respects legal interests on the land, including Líl̓wat Nation Rights and Title.
educate PORCA Directors through Indigenous Cultural Awareness training within their first year on our Board.
Below are resources that have resonated with us, we hope they do with you as well. If you have any resources you would like to share or ideas on how we can do better, please contact in info@porcabikes.com.
The Declaration is the most comprehensive instrument detailing the rights of indigenous peoples in international law and policy, containing minimum standards for the recognition, protection and promotion of these rights. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, wellbeing and rights of the world's Indigenous Peoples.
Resources
This best practices guide has been prepared for the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORC) with the support of the British Columbia Provincial Trails Advisory Body. It is intended for the guidance of members of outdoor recreation groups and clubs who wish to work cooperatively with Indigenous communities when they are involved with projects in or adjacent to their communities and on the lands associated with those communities.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler shares stories from two distinct Nations the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. The SLCC hosts museum tours, exhibitions and special events such as TEDx Whistler. Check out the speakers at the 2023 event by clicking the picture above.
British Columbia is home to 204 First Nations communities and an amazing diversity of Indigenous languages; approximately 50% of the First Peoples’ languages of Canada are spoken in B.C. Search and find First Nation’s place names and languages in the areas around you. Recordings are provided so you can hear the correct pronunciation.
Want to learn more about local Indigenous-led organizations making a difference?
Check out Jeremy Allen’s entry into the 2022 Deep Summer Photo Challenge that spotlights Líl̓wat Nation athletes Sandy Ward, Steve Dan-Andrews, Quillan Dan-Andrews and the @ilsacrew.
Check out Lil’wat Nation member Sandy Ward, an avid backcountry snowboarder, mountain biker and climber. With BC Adventure Smart, she talks about what it means to recreate responsibly on Indigenous lands.