Protecting Nlaka’pamux heritage sites and ancestral remains

In order to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to Nlaka’pamux heritage sites and ancestral remains at Tl’kemstin (Kumsheen), Lytton First Nation and Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC) recommended that a heritage plan be developed with the Village of Lytton and the province.

This plan, which was endorsed by all parties and is already being implemented by AEW LP, an entity wholly owned by the member communities of NNTC, includes guidelines that specify the appropriate management actions to be undertaken during the fire recovery process. These actions include pre-recovery activity assessments, surveillance and monitoring during recovery activities, and mitigative actions where heritage concerns are identified.

Tlkemtsin (Kumsheen) Heritage Committee

The Tl’kemtsin (Kumsheen) Heritage Commitee was established to ensure that all recovery activities meet regulatory requirements and respect Nlaka’pamux values and interests. The Kumsheen Heritage Committee included representatives from the Archaeology Branch, Village of Lytton, Indigenous governments of Lytton First Nation and Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. 

Technical Working Group

As of June 2024, the Kumsheen Heritage Committee was dissolved and  replaced by the Technical Working Group, which includes representatives from the Archaeology Branch, Lytton First Nation and the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council. The Village is provided with weekly updates. The Technical Working Group is continuing the work of the Kumsheen Heritage Committee. Residents will not be affected by this change.