Chapter 2
Sik E Dakh
Jennifer Bulleid
Sik E Dakh
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Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell Indian Band) is one of 7 First Nations reserves that the Federal Government of Canada established on the traditional territories (Lax'yip) of the Gitxsan Nation. Sik-E-Dakh is a community of 429 members (231 living on reserve) and is situated on prime farmland bordering the Skeena River. Sik-E-Dakh is the name of the mountain that stands by the community and translates to "Bright Lights Behind". The entrance to the Sik-E-Dakh community is located at 10.5 km on the Kispiox Valley Rd.
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The community vision of Sik-E-Dakh is as follows: "A healthy, safe, positive community that is sustainable now and for future generations. We will achieve our vision by helping people to help themselves through education, economic development, positive reinforcement and traditional teachings."
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Sik-E-Dakh incorporated a business called Sik-E-Dakh Development Ltd. (SDC) February 25, 2015. The mission of the SDC is to provide economic development that supports the development of agriculture initiatives, while prioritizing Healthy Families, Safety and Security, Heritage, Self-Sufficiency, and Food Security. In April 2019 the SDC passed a resolution to make agriculture a priority industry for the Sik-E-Dakh Community.
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The Gitxsan Health Society also works in partnership with the Sik-E-Dakh Band Office and supports all areas mentioned above, as well as providing supports for all areas of wellness, with a focus on using traditional medicines where possible.
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Between these three, local organizations, there is a commitment to continue to create a healthy, safe, positive community that is self-sufficient now and for the future generations.
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In Sik-E-Dakh, self-sufficiency includes energy sovereignty. The Band has been active securing renewable energy in the community to augment and lessen dependency on the BC Hydro grid. Sik-E-Dakh currently has a greenhouse powered by solar, the Band Office has 100 solar panels just installed on the roof and a new housing development with solar back up.
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CURRENT ENERGY ISSUES
The major energy issues in Sik-E-Dakh are the high volume of black and brownouts (energy reliability issues) and the high cost of Power from BC Hydro for both residents and Band infrastructure. Sik E Dakh purchased a gasoline generator for each home to mitigate some of the issues brought on by the power outages.
It is very common in Sik-E-Dakh to have residents have their power cut off from not being able to afford Hydro bills. Recently Sik-E-Dakh successfully negotiated with BC Hydro to get the high cost of reinstating power service to residents removed.
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Below summarizes Sik-E-Dakh’s community infrastructure and the organization responsible for the utility costs.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR UTILITY COST
