It was an historic day for the Lheidli T’enneh.
At a day-long celebration at Uda Dune Baiyo “House of Ancestors” Lheidli T’enneh Nation reclaimed its Balhats (Potlatch). The last time the the Lheidli T’enneh hosted one was 1926 and last time one took place in their territory was 1946.
“It’s great for everyone to be here to witness the first Balhats in decades,” said Lheidli Chief Clay Pountney. “Our language is just being brought back, our culture is just being brought back and this is a good starting point right now.”
The ‘All Clans’ Learning Balhats celebrated the unique partnership between the Lheidli T’enneh Nation and School District 57.
Principals, and vice principals from each school in the district were presented with a plaque and Lheidli T’enneh flag that will be displayed in each school as a sign of the partnership between School District and the Lheidli T’enneh.
“It is a new relationship built on two equal governments working together to help better educate all children in the district,” said School District 57 trustee Trent Derrick. “With all relationships comes responsibility … the responsibility to respect each other, to work together and to find equitable solutions for all our students.”
