The importance of land and water to the culture of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation : an analysis of statements presented at environmental impact assessment hearings

Abstract

An application for a new open-pit gold/copper mine in Tsilhqot'in territory raised concerns among the local Xeni Gwet'in people about potential impacts. This study examines statements about these concerns and potential impacts made by Xeni Gwet'in people during environmental assessment hearings. The research adopts a single case study approach, and the analysis uses a western social science method as well as a more holistic Indigenous approach to decolonizing research by placing Indigenous voices in the center of the research process. The results suggest that land and water are inseparable, as are their connections to the Xeni Gwet'in people, culture, and territory. Key findings include that land and water are central to Xeni Gwet'in identity and future, that they are used to demonstrate 'control' and 'ownership' of their traditional territory, and that they are crucial to Xeni Gwet'in intergenerational transfer of knowledge, culture, and sacred spiritual connections to their traditional territory. vii Acknowledgments This thesis would never have been completed without constant support, guidance, and love from many wonderful people and friends. First, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my supervisor, Dr. Greg Halseth. I am indebted to Prof. Halseth for accepting me as his graduate student, providing me with the opportunities to work as a research assistant under his wing, and for his standing as a pillar of support throughout the years I spent at UNBC. Without his guidance, knowledge, constructive comments, and constant support, this research would not have been possible. Thank you so much for your encouragement and patience. Thank you for not giving up on me. I am also very thankful to my supervisory committee: Dr. Zoë Meletis and Dr. Antonia Mills. I am grateful for their time, assistance, comments, and guidance while writing this thesis. I am grateful to Dr. Meletis for giving me time despite her busy schedule. She helped me to find a way to get back on the track whenever I felt lost in the thesis writing process. I must acknowledge the great support of the peer support group, counselors, and nurses at UNBC. The facility and services provided by UNBC to international and national students is worthy of commendation. I thank Ms. Laura Ryser (Research Manager of the Rural and Small Town Studies program at UNBC) for her guidance and help. I also want to thank Kyle Kusch for the map of Tsilhqot'in territory that I used in this thesis. I would also like to acknowledge the encouragement and support from my dear friends and family of Prince George. Lastly, I am very grateful to my family as a source of inspiration all my life. I deeply thank my Ba, Mummy, and Chyama (Ama) for their greatest love and trust. I want to thank my siblings: Chyotin, Tenzing, Ghyana, Dhawa, and Tashi Thundup for their love and trust. IMPORTANCE OF LAND AND WATER TO THE CULTURE OF XENI GWET'IN FIRST NATION 1 Chapter 1: Introduction Research Topic The development of major mining projects in the Canadian North began in the...