‘This is the start of a great rebuild for our entire band, both physically and mentally’
The Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw Welcome Home ceremony not only celebrated the new housing being built, but also bringing life back to the community as band members came together.
“This is a very special day for our band members… this is the start of a great rebuild for our entire band, both physically and mentally,” said Kukpi7 James Tomma. “I”m very proud of our community, they’re learning to be a community again. We forgot about that, how to be a community, one people.” “Last year was the most devastating wildfire season on record, and the members of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw experienced it firsthand. And people pulled together, and to me that’s the spirit of this country, these nations that we live in,” she said. “Today, thanks to the incredible work by their leaders, and because of their strength and determination, they will soon be able to return to the community.
Though fire leveled 31 homes, the band celebrated that no members were lost but do still mourn the loss of beauty in the land, which Elder Wilfred Tomma said will never be fully restored in his lifetime. He also mentioned that, though they were material items, he feels the loss of some culturally significant objects.
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