ackɬt’pus Giant’s Head
“There are historic names that have stood for thousands of years,” said Chief Clarence Louie. “First Nation language and placenames deserve the same respect as their English names – not just in a historical context, but in a contemporary context as well.”
ackɬt’pus (Giant’s Head) provided food and medicine, and was a gathering place. There is a captikʷł (stories passed down through the generations) about this mountain when there were no humans; only the Animal People on the earth. The captikʷł describes how the Animal People used ackɬt’pus as a training ground. The lesson passed down in this story is that size and strength are not the only things that will get you to the top of the mountain but that courage, a positive mindset, and believing in yourself when no one else does will also get you to the top. This practice continued for a long time, as historically, the Syilx people used ackɬt’pus as a training ground for young women and men, to encourage them to think about what it is that they can learn from being who they are, and believing in themselves.
This place continues to be an important site to the Syilx people today.
Signage
The Okanagan Nation Alliance has been in partnership with the municipality of Summerland in unveiling Syilx signage on ackɬt’pus (Giants Head Mountain) trails. On June 9th, Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band, alongside Richard Armstrong and the ONA, joined the Mayor of Summerland and council members in honouring all collaborative efforts in completing the ackɬt’pus interpretive signage.
This collaborative effort signifies a profound acknowledgment of the cultural and contemporary significance of ackɬtpus to our people. The signage stands as a testament to and enhances awareness of tmxʷulaxʷ and the rich history of ackɬt’pus.
Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band expressed gratitude for the commitment to incorporating and showcasing Syilx perspective and collaboration on this project. He affirmed ongoing collaboration with the District of Summerland on initiatives of mutual interest and values.
The unveiling of interpretive signage, developed through partnership between the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Penticton Indian Band, and the District of Summerland, marks a significant milestone in asserting our jurisdiction and responsibility as Syilx people, of the land and while asserting our leadership as being the caretakers and stewards of the land.
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