24SM-Guide to the Games

The Katzie First Nation q̓ic̓əy̓ translates to ‘Land of the Moss.’ Katzie have lived and thrived in our territory for thousands of years. To this day Katzie maintain deep connections to our lands and the rivers, sloughs, creeks, and wetlands that run like veins through the heart of our territory. At the centre of Katzie territory is sq̓ə́yc̓əyaʔɬ x̌acaʔ [The lake of the Katzie] and sq̓ə́yc̓əyaʔɬ stá tləw [the river of the Katzie]. Though now called Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley and Delta, Katzie have ancient names for the many places where our ancestors lived and worked, and places where powerful transformations occurred. These names live on and Katzie are working to ensure that the names continue to be spoken by present and future generations. The First People of this Land The greeting ‘és sw yel’ translates to welcome or ‘good day’ in the language spoken by First Nations along the Fraser River. The City of Maple Ridge is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓ ) First Nation and Kwantlen (qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ ) First Nation. They have been stewards of this land for time immemorial. The Kwantlen First Nation Since time immemorial, Kwantlen First Nation has lived by the seven traditional laws that guided our ancestors: health, happiness, generations, generosity, humbleness, forgiveness and understanding. Through learning, family, health, our culture and traditions and looking after our lands and resources, we are tireless in our spirit to make a better world for our future generations. In working together and learning from our Elders, we are respectful, proud, independent and responsible. Kwantlen translates to tireless runner. Following our rich legacy and traditions, we continue to work tirelessly at building a strong sense of community within our traditional territory. Learn more about the Katzie First Nation at www.katzie.ca

The Art on Your Badge We would like to thank artists Rain Pierre and Wes Antone for allowing the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games to use their artwork on the badges that all Games participants, volunteers and guest will wear at the Games. The bear has been created by Rain Pierre, whose traditional name is sɬə́məxʷ, meaning Rain. The bear is a recurring theme for Rain, who is from Katzie First Nation. “The spirit bear is wearing cedar headbands as a tribute to our people’s culture and survival,” Rain notes. “The three strands from the headband represent past, present and future - all of which we must acknowledge when heading towards reconciliation and bettering the relationships. When I look back on my journey at the end of my days, I want to look back on an adventure glowing with legacy and passion. I want to inspire others to dream while they are awake. It is time for our internal compass to turn to a direction of spirit, rather than money.” The Sandhill Crane design has been created by Wes Antone, whose traditional name is X.ex.elles, which holds the meaning “likes to draw”. Wes is from the Kwantlen First Nation, British Columbia. He is a self-taught artist, doing everything from drawing and carving, which he has been doing for over 35 years, to mask making and gold/silver jewelry. Sandhill cranes (sli:m) stay in this area for a few months every year and then leave. They come here for the cranberries, which some Kwantlen elders still call crane-berries because the cranes come here to eat them. Sandhill cranes can be found in the bogs or swampy areas where the cranberries grow. They represent patience.

"There is always a message my artwork,” Wes explains. “A long time ago, all our artwork was taken away from us. I think that just doing it is a powerful message on its own.”

Learn more about the Kwantlen First Nation at www.kwantlenfn.ca.

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