In 2001 the Squamish Nation completed a landuse plan for their territory, designating several areas, including the Upper Elaho and Sims Valleys that are declared Wild Spirit Places or Kwa kwayex welh-aynexws. Interfor has subsequently ceased logging in the Wild Spirit Places out of respect. This paper describes Wild Spirit Places and what you can do to make sure they live on for our children's children and beyond.

Kwa Kwayexwelh-Aynexws: Wild Spirit Places

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.24 - No.06, Summer 2005

Welcome

KAYÁCHTN

Kayáchtn is the word for welcome in the Squamish language. Welcome is what we say to the world as we approach the 2010 Winter Games. Welcome is what we say to all peoples who want to witness the beauty and strength of our traditional lands.

As part of this welcome we have prepared a gift — a gift to the world. We have identified the last pristine areas of our traditional territory and set them aside as a natural legacy, for all time. They are called Wild Spirit Places — places where the vitality, beauty and power of nature is still strong — places where our people and all people of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor can pay tribute to the power and strength of the animal and plant kingdom.

The Wild Spirit Places represent a very small part of our traditional territory. Our lands have been very heavily used and now only a remnant of our traditional territory exists in a truly natural state. That is why we call the remaining natural parts of our traditional lands Wild Spirit Places and place them in trust for future generations and for their spiritual and cultural well-being.

Photo credit: Nancy Bleck











We welcome you to join us in presenting this gift to the world. As the people of the world congregate here for the 2010 Winter Olympics, stand with us in presenting a priceless gift — in presenting something that we can all be proud of — for all generations, for all time. Kayáchtn.

Chief Bill Williams, Squamish Nation