Trail Closed Sign - BCF Terminal, Thetis Island

This is a notice to Thetis Island residents and users of the ferry who want to access the shoreline of Preedy Harbour. TIRRA's Trails coordinator assisted me with reinstalling the "Trail Closed sign." The trail has been closed for two reasons. Firstly, for safety reasons at the shoreline transition. Second, the midden that you see along the shoreline is evidence of the graveyard for the Penelakut Peoples for thousands of years.

Traditional knowledge holders, Elder Augie Sylvester, Penelakut Tribe, and resident local knowledge holders further affirmed this midden's history. BC's Gov's Archaeology Branch has had this site recorded since 1974. 

Coast Salish belief systems embrace their ancestors forever. They don't consider them artifacts or collectable items. Penelakut Tribe has asked that we respect their ancestors with respect, no different than our Western belief system around our ancestors who are now resting at St. Margaret’s cemetery on Thetis or elsewhere. 

The Thetis LTC asks for your patience as it coordinates a meeting of the minds (BCFs, MoTI, CVRD, TIRRA - transport/trails, FAC, Penelakut Tribe, others) to determine the available solutions for us and who can fund and implement the changes needed. We will keep you posted on our progress. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss this matter further. 

Huy ch q’a, 
Doug Fenton
Trustee, Thetis Island Trust Area
Board Member Islands Trust Conservancy