Kwikwetlem Natives Block Trail
April 21, 2004
Kwikwetlem Territory, Port Coquitlam, BC
Over the weekend, members of the Kwikwetlem First Nation blocked off part of the Port Coquitlam Traboulay Trail which goes through their territory to draw attention to their flooded cemetary. The trail is on top of an earth dike which was built in 1994 and raised the water table. A leaflet was left at two points along the trial, now blocked by logs, saying "The realization that their loved ones (mothers, aunts, uncles, sisters and well respected elders) are floating in water is more than some can bear." Community members are concerned that that the dikes may be raised again, and point to the responsibility of the federal Department of Indian Affairs for the situation.