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Pal’nakwalagalis Wa’kas (Dan Cranmer) shared the Gwa'ni River story in 1930:
When the Transformer (or Creator), Kaniki’lakw, travelled around the world, he was eventually returned to the place where Gwa’nalalis lived. In an earlier encounter, the Transformer had beaten Gwa’nalalis, who was ready for his return. Kaniki’lakw asked, “Would you like to become a cedar tree?”
Gwa’nalalis replied, “No, Cedar trees, when struck by lightning, split and fall. Then they rot away for as long as the days dawn in the world.”
Kaniki’lakw asked again, “Would you like to become mountain?”
“No”, Gwa’nalalis answered, “For mountains have slides and crumble away for as long as the days dawn in the world.”
The Transformer asked a third question. “Would you like to become a large boulder?”
Again, Gwa’nalalis answered, “No. Do not let me become a boulder, for I may crack in half and crumble away as long as the days dawn in the world.”
Finally, Kaniki’lakw asked, “Would you like to become a river?”
“Yes, let me become a river that I may flow for as long as the days shall dawn in the world,” Gwa’nalalis replied. Putting his hand on Gwa’nalalis’ forehead and pushing him down prone, Kaniki’lakw said, “There, friend, you will be a river and many kinds of salmon will come to you to provide food for your descendants for as long as the days shall dawn in the world.”
And so the man Gwa’nalalis became the river, Gwa’ni.
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The following article about the Gwa'ni Project was shared in the spring 2021 issue of Kala'mas, 'Namgis First Nation's community newsletter.
‘Namgis First Nation is partnering with the B.C. government to develop a modernized land-use plan for the majority of the Nimpkish Valley. This process will take several years to complete and is being called the Gwa’ni Project. The memorandum of understanding will allow us to share recommendations with the Province on how our resources and lands should be managed for future generations. The final land-use plan will cover lands from the mouth of the Nimpkish River to the Vernon Lake watershed. It will guide what can happen on lands, rivers, lakes, watersheds, and forests in the planning area. This announcement marks the beginning of this project and no decisions about land use in the territory have been made. We will continue to share information on the project as it progresses, and all members will have an opportunity to engage in the process so that the recommendations reflect our Nation’s values and interests.
FAQ
What is the Gwa’ni Project ?
The ‘Namgis First Nation is partnering with the B.C. government to modernize land use planning in the Nimpkish Valley. This project will take several years to complete. It will allow ‘Namgis to share recommendations with the Province on how our resources and lands should be managed for future generations.
We are optimistic about this opportunity to work with B.C. in this collaborative way. It will be a big step towards ‘Namgis exercising our inherent rights over our territories.
What area will the land-use plan cover?
The plan will cover lands from the from the mouth of the Nimpkish River to the Vernon Lake watershed.
What will the land-use plan be about?
The Gwa’ni land-use plan will guide what can happen on lands, rivers, lakes, watersheds, and forests in the planning area. The plan will also detail areas that will be protected, and how.
A simple way of thinking about a land-use plan is zoning – the plan will tell people, communities, and industries how to manage and protect resources and activities like:
- Forests
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Watersheds
- Fish and wildlife
- Caves/karst
- Medicine and bark harvesting
- Important cultural sites
- Tourism
- Recreation
- Mining
- Forestry
How long will this process take?
Land-use planning takes several years to complete. There are five steps in the B.C. land-use planning process and the Gwa’ni project is entering the second step. The five steps are called:
- Pre-planning
- Plan initiation
- Plan development
- Plan evaluation and approval
- Implementation and monitoring
Why is this important to ‘Namgis?
Participating in this process is a step towards restoring our voice and authority over long-term decisions made on behalf of our lands and territories.
During the comprehensive community planning process, members expressed the importance of developing a territorial plan and ensuring that ‘Namgis is making decisions about how land is used within our territory. This collaboration with the B.C. government is one of the ways we are fulfilling those priorities.
We are hopeful that this new partnership with the Province will give us a strong voice to determine how lands, rivers, lakes, watersheds, and forests in the Gwa’ni project area can be used and protected.
How can I get involved?
We will share information about the project as it moves forward. All members will have a chance to share their input during different stages of the project.
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For Immediate Release
Feb. 25, 2021
‘Namgis, Province partner as stewards of lands and resources
ALERT BAY - The Province and 'Namgis First Nation have signed an agreement to partner on a modernized land use planning approach to manage the integrity of the ecosystems and natural resources in 'Namgis territory.
Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and Don Svanvik, 'Namgis Chief Councillor, have signed a government-to-government memorandum of understanding designed to help sustain the lands, waters, resources and wildlife in a manner consistent with implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and B.C.'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
The agreement will guide land use planning to protect and manage the integrity of the ecosystems that sustain the lands, waters resources and wildlife the 'Namgis rely on to exercise their Aboriginal title and rights.
The process will also support the economic and social well-being of 'Namgis, communities and stakeholders who use and rely on the resources contained in the project area, which extends from the mouth of the Nimpkish River to the Vernon Lake watershed on northern Vancouver Island.
The Gwa'ni Project area encompasses more than 166,000 hectares, including the majority of the Upper and Lower Nimpkish Landscape units. Most of the area is within Tree Farm Licence 37, which is held by Western Forest Products Inc. In 2018, B.C. dedicated $16 million over three years to modernize land use planning to help advance reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities, support economic opportunities, and make sure the stewardship of provincial public land reflects the diverse values and interests of all British Columbians.
The next step in the Gwa'ni Project will be community and stakeholder consultation in spring 2021.
Link to Information Bulletin
T’łuładi Project area
The Gwa'ni Project logo, commissioned by 'Namgis member Shawn Karpes. The logo is an interpretation of the story of how Gwa’nalalis became the Gwa'ni River.
