July 31, 2024 — WILLIAMS LAKE & LILLOOET, B.C., British Columbia—Tŝilhqot’in and St’át’imc hold ceremony in graveyard valley
On July 6, 2024, the St’át’imc and Tŝilhqot’in Nation met in Graveyard Valley in honour of the 21st anniversary of the Burying the Hatchet ceremony between the two nations. Graveyard Valley is the location of many historic battles between the St’át’imc and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. This event commemorates their commitment to peace.
In 2007, both nations returned to Graveyard Valley to erect a monument and plaque to honour the memory of each respective Nation’s fallen warriors and the importance of this place. Over the years, the 2007 plaque was worn down by harsh weather conditions. At the 20th anniversary in 2023, both nations worked together again to restore the monument. A new plaque was designed and donated by Tsal’álh and a structure, donated by Zirnhelt Timber Frames, was built over the monument to protect it. Plans are now in place to make the return to Graveyard Valley a more frequent event.
“Any time we have an opportunity to work together with another nation, like the St’át’imc Nation, it’s a good thing. Our children and grandchildren need to witness how two nations can come together even after a history of war and battle. Our youth need to be a part of building relationships so they can keep it going and keep us moving forward in a good way. The youth will remember these teachings and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will continue to find new ways to work together with all nations.”
—Nits’ilʔin Otis Guichon, Vice Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
“When the Elders used to speak of Graveyard Valley, they talked about old animosity between our two nations. In 2003, the Burying the Hatchet ceremony ended all of that as we focused on working with the St’at’imc. I heard stories of games like wrestling, carrying weights long distances, and winners proudly returning home with a new horse or a different prize. Now we look forward to the future and we see games and teachings for our youth. It’s important for our youth to be a part of the relationship-building with the St’at’imc and the other neighbouring nations to Graveyard Valley so they can carry it forward, caretake the lands, and not forget how we got here.”
—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Roger William, Chief of Xeni Gwet’in
“On behalf of the St’át’imc Chiefs Council (SCC), I’d like to thank the organizers from St’át’imc and Tŝilhqot’in Nation for their hard work and dedication for ensuring the gathering and ceremony in Graveyard Valley was a success and memorable. It was very inspiring seeing the youth, elders and leadership from both nations come together in this sacred area commemorating our fallen warriors and deepening our relationship by committing to collaboratively work together as two nations to protect our land and resources for future generations.”
—Art Adolph, Director of Operations, St’át’imc Chiefs Council
Plaque erected in 2023 in Graveyard Valley.
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The Tŝilhqot’in National Government offices are on T’exelc (Williams Lake) within Secwépemc’ulucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. Williams Lake is also where the Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, and many other people live, work, and play today.
© 2024 Tŝilhqot’in National Government