Lax Kw’alaams unveiled 6 new public signs along Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Terrace on April 8, 2024. according to a news release.
The signs provide information about the history of the traditional territory of the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams, including adaawx (oral history) and Sm’algyax language.
The signage project was developed in close communication with tribal representatives and involved archival research and surveying conducted by Lax Kw’alaams staff.
Some of the signs have been vandalized or stolen, but Lax Kw’alaams leadership has assured that they will be reinforced and replaced.
digital copies of the signage will also soon be available on the Lax Kw’alaams Band website.
The Skeena signage project began in 2017 and has support from the hereditary leadership of Gitwilgyoots, Gitzaxłaał, Gits’iis, Gitnadoixs, Ginaxangiik, Gitando, Giluts’aaw, and Gitlaan.
Lax Kw’alaams leadership maintains that they have never ceded or surrendered their rights or any part of the traditional territory of the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams.
The project is a joint effort between Lax Kw’alaams Band, Lax Kw’alaams Business Development LP, and the Allied Tsimshian Tribes Association.
The Allied Tsimshian Tribes Association is another organization involved in the signage project. They have volunteered to have the signs installed in their tribal territories along the Skeena River and have provided consent and support for the project.
Lax Kw’alaams Band responds to the vandalism of the signs by reinforcing and replacing the damaged signs. And sayThey do not condone vandalism of any kind.
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