Syilx Nation – Lower Silkameen B. C.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, The Lower Silkameen Indian Band (LSIB) was joined by the First Nations Health Authority in a ribbon cutting and opening ceremony of the new Health and Administration Building. The project was over three years in the making, commencing in January of 2012 and breaking of the ground took place on July 31st, 2013.
The multi-purpose facility will host the community’s health and social programs and services including: Administration, Health and Wellness, and Home and Community Care. Outside the new building are sculptures of women shoveling into the ground. These sculptures were created by artist Smoker Marchand of the Colville Tribe, and are of elders digging roots, to represent the ‘Four Food Chiefs’, as part of the stories told by the Syilx Captikwl (Grandmothers).
*The Four Food Chiefs are: Bear, Salmon, Saskatoon Berries, and Bitter Root.
The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting was led by Chief Keith Crow and the Smalqmix Council members (Lauren, Terry and Eliza Terbasket). Elder, Herman Edward offered a prayer, followed by a welcome song by High Water Drummers. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip provided welcoming remarks, as well past Chief, Rob Edward, spoke to the topic "Why we are here today". In addition, FNHA Board Member, Nathan Matthew and Regional Director, Lisa Montgomery Reid gave dignitary speeches to nearly 100 community members.
The Lower Silkameen Indian Band demonstrates their commitment to their priority of empowering themselves to build a holistic community that is healthy, self-sufficient, independent and strong.