The first Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly Hunt Camp held at the newly acquired Surrey Lake Resort Property marked a significant cultural milestone, celebrating the deep-rooted traditions of hunting and the vital connection to the tmíxw (land). This event brought together multiple families, reinforcing the importance of passing down knowledge and practices to future generations.

As participants gathered at the Surrey Lake Resort Property, excitement buzzed in the air. Families set up camp, sharing stories and preparing for a weekend steeped in culture and learning. The newly acquired location, surrounded by the natural beauty that has sustained the nłeʔképmx for thousands of years, provided an ideal backdrop for this gathering.

Virginia Aspinall, the nłeʔképmx Program Manager, reflected on the significance of the event: “This is not just about hunting; it's about reclaiming our traditions and fostering a sense of community. The Surrey Lake Resort Property offers a space where we can connect deeply with our tmíxw and learn from our experienced hunters in a setting that feels like home.”

Early in the morning, groups of participants ventured into the wilderness, guided by experienced hunters who shared essential nłeʔképmx hunting protocols and practices. These teachings emphasized respect for the land and animals, ensuring that hunters understood their roles within the ecosystem. The experience fostered a profound respect for nature and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. Snow on the first night of the camp made for excellent hunting conditions.

In addition to hunting, the camp offered a variety of workshops led by Knowledge Keepers and CNA staff. Participants engaged in hands-on learning about environmental stewardship and traditional hunting techniques. One highlight was a hide scraping workshop where local Knowledge Keepers shared their expertise, teaching valuable skills that strengthened community bonds. Pit cooking preparation and demonstrations took place throughout the day, featuring moose meat, fish, potatoes, and veggies—a meal that participants raved about for its incredible taste.

In the main house, participants enjoyed playing the traditional ʔalpix game, fostering connection and community spirit. The event also featured a visit from conservation officers who provided valuable insights on safety and best practices, ensuring that participants left with a greater awareness of their responsibilities toward the land.

The Indigenous Youth Wellness (IYW) team from the Provincial Health Services Authority joined the weekend, helping out, filming, and providing a youth giveaway. nem kʷukʷsteyp (thank you from all of us) for their contributions. Their presence emphasized the importance of youth engagement in such events.

On behalf of the Indigenous Youth Wellness team, Tristen, Olivia, and Jakob expressed their gratitude: "We want to thank the entire CNA team for allowing us to be a part of this Hunt Camp. We witnessed an incredible achievement. It was such a powerful gathering of community to transfer knowledge across multiple generations. Our team's mandate is to support youth, and they were certainly well represented at the camp. It was inspiring to see such a broad spectrum of ages learning—and remembering—their connections to animals and the land. We feel so privileged to have been there and are so happy that we could contribute in some way. We hope to work together with CNA again soon and can't wait to see the next Hunt Camp! Másin cho, miigwech, limlemt!"

As the weekend drew to a close, participants returned to the gathering place with stories of their experiences, eager to share their newfound knowledge and insights. The success of this inaugural Hunt Camp at the Surrey Lake Resort Property has set a promising precedent for future events, fostering a spirit of collaboration, learning, and respect for the tmíxw.