THE FIRST NATIONS AND KLEMTU
Klemtu (Klem-too') is a rural village on Swindle Island located in the center of the Great Bear Rainforest. This First Nations Reserve consists of two indigenous cultural linguistic
groups – the Tsimshian, whose origins are from the adjoining north coast; and the Xai’xais (Hihg-hais), who are from the central coast. Since the last ice age this area has been largely uninhabited
except for the Kitasoo and Xai'xais people who have been the stewards of one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth.
The Kitasoo and Xai'xais people came to settle here in Klemdulxk (Klemtu), meaning 'blocked passage', due to the abundance of marine life which provided their main source of food as it
still does today. Later the site was used for trading and providing cordwood to fuel the steamships which traveled the Inside Passage.
The people of Klemtu share a vivid and distinct social and cultural past. Traditional celebrations, including potlatches, singing, dancing, storytelling and art, express this rich
history. These celebrations have carried on through generations and still provide a means for passing these values on to the youth through programs such as the SEAS Initiative. The Big House provides
a venue for such events and is the spiritual center for sharing of these traditions.
Rich aquatic life and the lush temperate rainforest have supported the indigenous people for thousands of years. Their emotional and spiritual attachment to the natural environment runs deep within them. Without what the Great Bear Rainforest provides they could not survive.
Today, Klemtu is a close knit community of approximately 450 people. Surrounded by water on all sides access is difficult and can only be achieved by boat or plane. A weekly ferry brings passengers and needed supplies such as fresh food and other items most people take for granted. A new medical clinic provides a nursing station, but a physician is only available once a month or at the neighboring community of Bella Bella, an hour's boat ride away. Testing and hospitalization require a journey to Vancouver, an expensive proposition by plane and family members often must remain behind.
The community has a school for grades K-12, which also has a gym where basketball and volleyball provide sports, and a general store, which also houses a small cafe.
The Kitasoo, in partnership with Marine Harvest, own and operate an Atlantic Salmon fish farm and cannery. Spirit Bear Lodge, also owned and operated by the Band is considered one of the top ecotourism venues in Canada and hosts visitors from around the world from May through October.
Although money is allotted by way of treaty for each member of the community, many times it is allocated to projects rather than going to individuals in need. Housing is in short supply and the First Nations people have been the subject of abuse and neglect by the Canadian government. Parliamentary laws and tribal laws often conflict and there is much bigotry and hatred aimed against the Natives by the police and other agencies. The government and to a large extent the people of Canada have been trying to commit genocide against the First Nations for centuries. The horror of Residential Schools is now finally being admitted to and addressed but the lingering effects have resulted in disabling alcoholism and drug abuse with no offer of help from the government-run system.
The Kitasoo and Xai' xais are a strong and determined people with warm and giving hearts that help hold together a fragile community in an equally fragile ecosystem. If you should be fortunate enough to visit Klemtu you can expect to be greeted with open arms and a generous smile and a wave as you pass on the road.
Although the people of Klemtu are self-sufficient and take great pride in being so, there are many areas where outside help could bring positive results.
The community is in need of a new church.
There are no portible emergency medical devices such as difibulators. And although many were freely distributed in a recent national program, the First Nations were denied them.
There are critical housing shortages.
A full-time physician would be able to hasten medical treatment potentially saving lives.
The senior citizens have no place to go and we are proposing an "elder center" where the youth and seniors can come together to work on projects.
Construction of a greenhouse to provide fresh food all year long to help curb the rampant diabetes that plagues many First Nations children.
Full time counselors to help with ongoing issues within the communnity.
A boat for use by the SEAS program so that one would not have to be leased.
Free medical transportation via airplane for patients and family members.
Scholarships to major universities.
Community beautification project.
The list goes on....
HOW CAN YOU HELP? SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR GIFT OF EITHER SUPPLIES OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. WE BELIEVE KLEMTU DESERVES OUR HELP...PLEASE DONATE.
The Edgar Memorial Church was completed in 1959 and served over 500 of the community's faithful until being condemned and raised in 2010. The church is affiliated with the United Church of Canada and is named for George Edgar, a native missionary who served the First Nations communities on the Central Coast. Several outside ministries serve the village of Klemtu various times throughout the year. However, the community is in dire need of a meeting place for fellowship, support and guidance for at risk youth, social programs, prayer, and faith related services. Attempts are being made to raise the funds needed to rebuild the but more is needed. If supplies can be donated or purchased through donations, the community has the capability of doing the work. Other First Nations commuinties have offered to barge the materials to Klemtu as a symbol of solidarity. Please help the people of Klemtu and the surrounding communitites fulfill their need for this church.
Please send your financial support to:
Edgar Memorial Church
General Delivery
Klemtu, B.C. Canada
V0T 1L0
The Kitasoo Watchmen Program is an initiative that was developed to control and participate in the stewardship and monitoring of traditional lands and waters. This program is a mechanism for the Kitasoo to ensure that the activities and practices within their territory are consistent with community plans and government regulations. Kitasoo Guardians conduct monitoring for compliance and outreach. The Guardians enforce government regulations as well as (non-written) community rules. Informal communications with people on the land and waters has been one of the main roles of the Guardians and improves relationships around stewardship of the territory. The Guardians work as an independent entity under the Kitasoo Band Council.
The Kitasoo Guardian Watchmen are currently undertaking the following activities:
- Monitor the use of the Spirit Bear conservancy on Princess Royal Island
- Monitor the use of the territory by commercial tourism operators in the area for compliance with agreements and management plans.
- Monitor the use of the territory by recreational and other users
- Collect wildlife observation data - marine, terrestrial and bird life.
- Collect freshwater/saltwater harvest data from non-commercial users when possible.
- Conduct salmon enumeration and creek assessments.
- Visit forestry and other industrial operations to monitor compliance to agreements and management plan.
The Kitasoo/ Xai' xais Medical Center is in need of several items including portable difibulators, instrument autoclaves, and nebulizers.
Please contact:
Cindy Robinson
Kitasoo/Xai'xais Medical Centre
General Delivery
Klemtu, B.C. Canada V0T 1L0
Print 