Lax Kw'alaams introduces signage to highlight expanse of their territory

One of six signs installed by the Lax Kw'alaams Band along the
Highway 16 corridor east of Prince Rupert
(image from Lax Kw'alaams FB)

The Lax Kw'alaams Band has outlined the introduction of a new signage program, which has seen the Band placed six signs along the Highway 16 corridor to inform those who stop to read them of the history of the traditional territory of the 9 Allied Tribes of Lax Kw'alaams.

As part of their introduction to the project through Social media on Thursday, the Band Council outlined the details towards the placement of the signs and how they share oral history as part of the larger Ts'msyen territory.

The signs were stood up at rest stops along the lower Skeena watershed along Highway 16. These signs are unique in sharing adaawx (oral history) as a part of the larger Ts’msyen territory, stewarded by the 9 Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams. 

This project also promotes the Sm’algyax language (the language of the Ts’msyen) in the Skeena corridor, including Sm’algyax place names, plants, and animals.

Lax Kwa'alaams officials also note however, that some of the signs have been vandalized and that they will be taking steps to address that issue in the weeks ahead.

Despite the signage having overwhelming support by council, hereditary leadership and Lax Kw’alaams members alike, some of the signs have already been vandalized by unknown persons or stolen completely. 

Lax Kw’alaams leadership wishes to assure the membership that the signs will be reinforced and replaced, and that the Lax Kw’alaams Band does not condone vandalism of any kind.

The Band Council also plans to create an online  resource for the new signage to offer a chance for those that may not be able to view the signs along the Highway 16 corridor.  

That pictorial guide will be included as part of the Lax Kw'alaams Truth and Reconciliation page on their website. 

The full information release from Lax Kw'alaams related to the project can be reviewed  here.

More notes from Lax Kw'alaams can be explored through our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.