We Made It!

Well, we have arrived in Hazelton. It is a beautiful town the first nation people known as the Gitxsan located at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers. We will gather here to get the vehicles ready (rock guards and such) and get acquainted with the rest of the group.

Below is a picture of the village of Hazelton.

After a short meet and greet, Spike, our wagon master, had arranged with the village elders a traditional Gitxsan feast prepared and served by the women of the tribe (all related). The salmon we ate was caught earlier this afternoon in the river that runs alongside the village. Amazing! After dinner we were treated to a sampling of some of the tribe's traditional dances.

Day 2 in Hazelton was a "housekeeping" day. Vehicle prep, stocking up on groceries, familiarizing ourselves with the route etc.

On our last day in

the region we drove 9 miles into the Gitxsan territory (not reservation) to visit the Kispiox Totem Poles. Totems are sacred and personal and most of the time their meaning cannot be shared. Once completed these works of art cannot be altered. Luckily, Spike has permission to speak about these particular totems, and their stories were fascinating. Later in the day, we hiked to the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers and then to a native village where were able to tour the longhouse and other historical structures. What a rich history these first nation people have preserved and so generously share with the few visitors to this area.

Now on to Hyder.