X7ensq’t, an indigenous law of the Secwepemc people, enforces a profound reverence for the land, dictating that neglect and disrespect will draw the ire of the land and the sky. This grave injunction is salient in the mind of Secwepemc knowledge keeper, Mike McKenzie, as he contemplates the environmental transgressions of humanity, particularly in recent developments involving the Trans Mountain Corp.
In recent days, the corporation resumed its pipeline construction in close proximity to Pipsell, or Jacko Lake, just outside Kamloops, B.C., a continuation of the Trans Mountain pipeline route originally protested and subsequently modified. McKenzie has consistently spearheaded opposition to the pipeline expansion, firmly asserting that the desecration of Pipsell is a step further into the abyss of cultural genocide.
“For centuries, our traditions and laws have been deeply connected to Pipsell. It is where our creation epic plays out, where our identity is shaped and has served as a cultural compass for our people, grounding us like a timeless beacon,” McKenzie deeply resonates, likening Pipsell to revered global sanctuaries like the Vatican and Notre Dame.
Despite protests and poignant arguments from the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation and McKenzie, the Canada Energy Regulator endorsed Trans Mountain Corp.’s pipeline rerouting proposal last September. This move potentially shielded the government-backed project from a lengthy nine-month delay.
According to the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation, the area surrounding Jacko Lake carries a deep spiritual and cultural weight. While not outright opposing the project, the nation did reject the deviation initiative. These sentiments were echoed in a written response to the regulator, which protested the significant cultural upheaval the new construction methodology would incur.
Confirmed by Trans Mountain Corp., construction is fully underway at Pipsell. While recognizing the spiritual weight the area holds, the corporation has promised to respect the cultural significance of the site. The company insists that archaeological sites and areas of traditional land use will not be affected by the construction activities.
The contentious project kneads open raw wounds for McKenzie. He sees the pipeline project as an affront to reconciliation, tarnishing Canada’s reputation as an exemplar of harmonious relationships. It’s a harsh blow after intense community efforts to protect the sacred landscape. “The company’s actions signal a complete disregard for reconciliation and the hard-earned progress we’ve made,” decries McKenzie.
The pipeline’s convoluted history is marred by engineering issues, regulatory hurdles, delays, and spiralling costs estimated at $30.9 billion. McKenzie views these obstacles as the ominous manifestation of the wrath of the land and sky as predicted by X7ensq’t, serving as a harsh warning of transgressions against the sacred land. He remains fervently committed to continuing his fight against the pipeline’s intrusion on the sacred land.
