The Home of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation
In a world full of travel promises, some kept others not, the Xeni Gwet'in people offer none. The Xeni (pronounced "honey") prefer to simply share their home with respectful travelers – those who follow their hearts, live their passion and still have the capacity to be awestruck by mountain peaks reflecting on sparkling alpine lakes and by magnificent creatures at home in a pristine wilderness. This is a place of freedom and of contentment – a place to be shared with friends, new and old.
There is no pristine wilderness more easily accessed in British Columbia, Canada but the one hour transfer from Vancouver International Airport on a charter flight to one of several private airstrips has not compromised the travel experience - the area sees few visitors and that's just fine by those who live here.
The community of Nemiah, home to many of the Xeni Gwet'in people is one of the few left in British Columbia with remote status – they and a number of valleys nestled within the Xeni Gwet'in caretaker area are 'off the grid' in all the best ways.
A visit to the Xeni Gwet'in traditional territory offers a rare glimpse into a land where people have tread lightly, in harmony with nature and in keeping with Xeni tradition. The Xeni are currently battling to assert their aboriginal rights and title to their home – their court case is establishing new precedent for all land claims in the Province. This is a land where a traveler is humbled and inspired by massive mountain ranges, high alpine lakes and mighty carnivores; where a sense of freedom reigns and each day is met with excitement and wonder.
There is no better symbol of this freedom than the wild horses within the Xeni Gwet'in caretaker area –
said to be descendants of the horses brought by the Spanish Conquistadors, these wild horses are central
to the Xeni culture and life. In June, 2002, the ?Eligesi Qiyus Wild Horse Preserve Declaration was signed proclaiming the traditional relationship between the Xeni and the wild horses and prohibiting the disruption of their habitat. Sightings of these horses are rare, with the best chance offered by engaging the services of
a local Xeni guide. Staff at the local Visitor Centre at the entrance to Nemiah, or the newly opened Xeni Gwet'in Traditional Village can assist.
A visit to the traditional territory of the Xeni is best organized with one of several lodges in the area who have signed a Sustainable Tourism Protocol – these lodges have agreed to work collaboratively with the Xeni towards environmental protection and sustainable tourism. Not all lodges have signed on – link through Lodges and Guest Ranches and check their websites and look for the Xeni approved logo.
Many of these lodges are family run, some for several generations, and each has a unique personality that is
a backdrop for the incredible experiences they offer – fly fishing, lake fishing, alpine hiking, horse pack trips, grizzly bear viewing, canoeing, kayaking or just gazing at the reflection of the sunset on a nearby lake.
Contact us for travel information and reservations.