Creekstone Press News
Shared Histories Launch, Sept. 8 - an amazing day!
Creekstone Press congratulates the Smithers and Witset communities for pulling off an amazing celebration on Saturday, September 8. Not only did we celebrate the launch of Shared Histories, our latest book, but over 400 people joined together at a balhats (feast) in Witset to conclude a day of powerful symbolism. Sixty walkers set out from Smithers around 6 am after receiving blessings from Timberwolf Mabel Forsyth at the Central Park Building and George Joseph at the site of what was once his family home in Indiantown. In a relay of good spirits, with walkers along the way joining the stalwarts who completed the full 34 km, the walk to Witset enacted a new spirit of connection between the communities. Dignitaries from both communities, RCMP, the author, researchers, and members of the families who contributed to the book's contents all took part.
Shared Histories documents the relationships between settlers and the Witsuwit’en in the Town of Smithers between 1913 and 1973. It brings to life vivid and heart-breaking stories, stories of resilience and strength within a thoughtful analysis of the local, regional, and national conditions that were reflected in Smithers during its early years.
Following the walk, people were welcomed to a feast hosted by Dinï Ze’ Ut’akhgit Henry Alfred of the Likhsilyu Clan, who arrived at the Multiplex after a lengthy absence in Prince George for health reasons. Those gathered there heard many stories of both the early days of contact between Witsuwit'en and settlers as well as stories from today. We were all encouraged to continue the work of forging links between our communities and Creekstone Press is very proud to be part of that process.
Click here to see some images from the day.