Nemaiah Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nemaiah Valley
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 Nemaiah Valley
Location in British Columbia
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province | BC/BCE |
| Area code(s) | 250, 778 |
The Nemaiah Valley, also known as Nemiah Valley or Nemaia Valley, is a special place in British Columbia, Canada. It's not a city or town with a mayor. Instead, it's an "unincorporated locality." This means it's a community that doesn't have its own local government.
The valley is also a First Nations reserve and a place where people raise cattle (a ranching community). It's located in the Chilcotin District, a beautiful area in the middle of British Columbia. You can find it between two large lakes: Chilko Lake and the Taseko Lakes.
This valley is the traditional home of the Xeni Gwet'in band, who are part of the larger Tsilhqot'in people. A "band" is a group of First Nations people recognized by the Canadian government. The Xeni Gwet'in have several "Indian Reserves" here. These are lands set aside for the use and benefit of First Nations people. Some of these reserves include Garden Indian Reserve No. 2, Tanakut Indian Reserve No. 4, Lohbiee Indian Reserve No. 3, and Lezbye Indian Reserve No.6.
The name of Konni Lake, which is found near the eastern part of Nemaiah Valley, comes from the Tsilhqot'in language. Its name, Xeni, is related to the Xeni Gwet'in people.
The Name's Story
The name Nemaiah Valley has a long history. It comes from a leader named Nemiah. He was a very important person for the people who lived near Konni Lake.
Nemiah was the first leader from his community to meet with "white chiefs." This meeting happened about 10 generations ago. A generation is usually considered to be about 20-30 years. So, this meeting took place a very long time ago, showing the deep roots of the Xeni Gwet'in people in this land.
The Xeni Gwet'in People
The Xeni Gwet'in are one of six groups that make up the Tsilhqot'in Nation. Their traditional territory covers a large area of land. This includes the Nemaiah Valley and the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes.
For thousands of years, the Xeni Gwet'in have lived in this region. They have a strong connection to the land. They rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering plants for their way of life. Their culture and traditions are deeply tied to the natural environment of the valley.
Protecting the Land
The Nemaiah Valley is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has clear lakes, vast forests, and diverse wildlife. The Xeni Gwet'in people have worked hard to protect their traditional lands. They want to make sure the environment stays healthy for future generations.
They have been involved in important efforts to keep their territory safe. This includes protecting it from activities that could harm the environment. Their goal is to preserve the land and its resources. This way, their culture and way of life can continue to thrive.
