As nsyilxcn speaking people, descendants of the snaʕyckst (Arrow Lake people), we embrace the profound responsibility bestowed upon us by the k̓ʷulncutn (Creator) as the revered Keepers of The Land. We regard ourselves as the caretakers of the land, because we are exclusively a part of it, believing that everything is alive and timxʷ (all living things and beings) have rights and titles to the same land we all share. The difficulties faced by our st̓xałq (high mountain huckleberries) and their surrounding environment pose a larger question we need to consider regarding our initiatives to safeguard the tmxʷulaxʷ (earth). As members of the syilx nation, we honor the belief that the k̓ʷulncutn has provided us with a way of life and natural laws that govern our relationship with timxʷ .
In this interactive and immersive mixed media experience, sumaxatkʷ embarks on a journey to the unceded traditional territory of the snaʕyckst Arrow Lakes alongside her family. Over countless millennia, her people have upheld laws that honor and protect timxʷ (all living things).
However, the impacts of climate change, industrialization, and forestry practices are threatening her people’s inherent right to gather the traditional foods essential for the survival of the syilx community. sumaxatkʷ offers a beautiful prayer song and immersive experience to spark conversations about the beauty and importance of st̓xałq and land, emphasizing the connection between land, language, and existence.
For millennia, the st̓xałq (high mountain huckleberry) has provided sustenance for the syilx people. This project conveys a powerful message to the public: even something as small as a huckleberry holds immense significance, fostering an understanding of our deep connection to the universe that envelops us all.
