A territorial dispute has cropped up between the Splatsin First Nation and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), which is centred on historical claims to the land surrounding Wilsey Dam near Lumby. 

BC Hydro issued plans to decommission the dam in 2021, , saying it disregarded title and rights and lacked consent from the First Nation regarding territorial concerns. 

On Thursday the OKIB raised its own concerns about a Saturday, May 10 event at Wilsey Dam hosted by Splatsin and supported by BC Hydro.

"The event is being promoted as taking place on Secw茅pemc territory, with no recognition of Syilx title or the true name and history of the area," the band said in a press release. 

The OKIB said it strongly opposes "any actions, events, or narratives that allow the Secw茅pemc Nation to assert exclusive territorial claims over areas that fall within Syilx territory," as these claims "not only misrepresent history but also risk deepening division between Nations that once stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defence of the land."

According to the band, the river that meets the dam, known in Syilx history as the Spallumcheen River, was unilaterally renamed the Shuswap River by the province in 1914. The band called this renaming, which came in the wake of a 1910 memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier, a "powerful political declaration" by the Interior Allied Tribes, which affirmed Indigenous land rights and governance.

That memorial stated: 鈥淭hey found the people of each tribe supreme in their own territory, and having tribal boundaries known and recognized by all."

The OKIB said this statement reflects a deep and mutually respected understanding among First Nations of clearly defined territorial boundaries, one that "continues to be dishonoured through colonial renaming and unilateral claims."

鈥淭he Wilsey Dam site is within Syilx ancestral territory. Our connection to the Spallumcheen River is living, legal, and spiritual,鈥� said OKIB leadership. 鈥淲e reject attempts to erase Syilx presence and call on all parties to respect our rights and engage in good faith.鈥�

The OKIB called for a renewed alliance between the Syilx and and Secw茅pemc peoples.

In response to the OKIB's statement, Splatsin Kukpi7 (Chief) Mike Christian rejected the band's assertion that Syilx title supersedes Secw茅pemc title and rights in the Wilsey Dam area, but acknowledged that the two Nations' peoples share long histories in the area, particularly when it comes to fishing. 

"Splatsin oral history speaks clearly of sharing access to Scwa7will (Shuswap Falls) with Syilx relatives, especially in times of need, when salmon were scarce in Syilx territory. We remain open to sharing these histories in a respectful setting," Christian said in a release Friday. 

Splatsin believes public statements such as the OKIB's don't serve either Nation's people or lands, said Christian, adding these concerns would be better addressed through direct Nation-to-Nation dialogue.

"Splatsin remains committed to our role as caretakers of Scwa7will and the Shuswap River on behalf of the Secw茅pemc Nation, as recognized through ancestral law and oral history. We welcome collaborative efforts that benefit the land (tmicw) and our shared future," Christian said. 

"On numerous occasions, we have invited Okanagan Indian Band to meet with us in a good way to discuss our shared interests, resolve concerns, and move forward in the spirit of unity," the Splatsin chief added.