|
(LYTTON) Over 120 people attended a groundbreaking symposium on the Fraser River War in Lytton, co-sponsored by the New Pathways To Gold Society and the Lytton First Nation.
“We’re delighted with the response – it exceeded all expectations,” said Lytton First Nation Chief and NPTGS co-chair Byron Spinks. “We were presented with a new perspective on our shared history which will help us build a new partnership.”
Organized by the NPTGS Universities Caucus, the symposium drew academics, First Nations, community activists, government officials, business people, educators, musicians, historic reenactors, elected officials and others. From Sept. 21-23, they experienced a comprehensive program presenting fresh perspectives on contemporary problems seen through the lens of our shared history. A spirit of openness and reconciliation prevailed at a symposium that dealt with difficult and painful truths as well as the courage of First Nations leaders like N’laka’pamux Chief David Spintlum.
Chief Spintlum's tireless diplomacy kept the 1858 war with miners from escalating. He helped end the threat of American troops crossing the border to intervene, which would have jeopardized the formation of B.C.
“Let’s use this moment to move ahead and build the partnership that Chief Spintlum saw between his people and the newcomers,” said Dr. Dan Marshall, NPTGS Universities Caucus chair. “It’s happening now.”
Marshall, principal symposium organizer, was one of 11 presenters putting the Fraser River War in perspective and illustrated how the tumultuous events of 1858 are still playing out in contemporary B.C.
The audience included attendees from a half dozen First Nations from the Cariboo, Harrison Lake, Fraser Canyon and Shuswap. They were joined by mayors from Logan Lake and Clinton, as well as other locally elected officials.
“This event shows the power of truthful storytelling,” said Lytton Mayor Chris O’Connor, NPTGS co-chair. “We have to build on all the energy and ideas generated here and start building the partnership the First Nations have wanted for 150 years.”
The event generated considerable media interest, with The Province newspaper running a full-page article on the symposium in its Sunday edition.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this and other events, please contact us.
|
