This artwork is deeply rooted in the culture, history, and resilience of the Lheidli T'enneh. Central to the piece is a t’ilh (birch bark basket), inspired by the artistry of the late Lheidli Elder Granny Seymour, whose distinctive rim finishing design is honored here. The Lheidli T'enneh have long been renowned for their expertise in t’ilh, crafted from the abundant k’ui (birch trees) that thrive throughout our keyoh (territory).

Inscribed onto the basket are petroglyph-style symbols representing the four clans of the Lheidli T'enneh: Lusilyoo (Frog clan), Kwunbawhut'en (Grouse/Caribou clan), Lhts'umusyoo (Beaver clan), and Lohjuboo (Bear clan). These symbols reflect the connection to our ancestors and the land, with designs of the 'ukoh (rivers), hanuyeh (plant life/environment), and ts'i (dugout canoes) further enhancing our interconnection with our land and waters.

Inside the basket, you will find mai (berries)—tsulhcho (huckleberries), yalhtsul (blueberries), and nawus (soap berries)—which nourish the body and spirit. The presence of khast'an (fireweed) symbolizes the beauty, resilience, and vitality of the Lheidli T'enneh, as well as one of the many village sites that have been home to our community.

The t’ilh rests upon t̲s̲e (rocks) by an 'ukoh (river), symbolizing the connection to our ancestors who have lived and thrived here for generations. Too be ts'ukhuna  - With water we live / Water is Life. We flow like too (water), shifting with the currents of change—through both turbulent and peaceful waters—carving new paths until we reach the ocean of our ancestors, where the winds of change return us to our homelands, forever connected.

This piece is a visual representation of our deep respect for the land, its resources, and the generations that have come before us, as well as those yet to come, grounding us in the strength, wisdom, and enduring spirit of our community and ‘uda dene (ancestors).

Learn more about the Lheidli T’enneh.