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

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.