2012- Amongst the mountains and lakes of the Chilcotin reside the Tsilhqot’in people of Xeni. Located a few hours drive south west of Williams Lake, the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation is one of six Tsilhqot’in communities and have been very successful in maintaining their language and culture, while preserving the pristine wilderness, and protecting the wildlife within their ancestral homelands that their culture and tradition depend on. In 2006, Northern Development partnered with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation to support the construction of a traditional village site on the eastern shore of Chilko Lake within the Nemiah Valley. Â This traditional village now serves as an anchor for the Xeni Gwet’in peoples’ much larger community vision for job creation based on sustainable cultural tourism development.
The goal of the traditional village was to create a cultural tourism destination which complimented the existing wilderness and adventure tourism operations in the area as well as existing annual events such as the Brittany Gathering, Elders Gathering, and Xeni Gwet’in Rodeo and Mountain Race. It also serves as an ideal venue for the Tsilhqot’in People of Xeni to present the stories of their history on the land, demonstrate their traditions, and celebrate their culture.
The traditional village site construction was based on traditional winter lodges used by the Tsilhqot’in First Nations.The site is used for drumming, storytelling, cultural displays and community celebrations. The village also includes a dock and covered picnic/activity area which allows the Xeni Gwet’in to use the site during inclimate weather and take advantage of neighboring lodge guests that travel to the site by boat. The site allows a place for their language and history to thrive. The traditional village site allows the Xeni Gwet’in to develop local jobs and skills while teaching international visitors and neighbours about the history and traditions of the Tsilhqot’in people.
