“The cultural exchange has been represented with immense respect and generosity. It was fostered the moment Victor Steffensen first came over, understanding that our connection to land is with us and our desire to rekindle our practice was only momentarily suppressed through colonization, and yet the guidance has accelerated our relearning and built confidence for us as Tsilhqot’in. Having the Living Knowledge Network team arrive to experience our connection to land and people brought the best out of all of us. ” - Russell Myers Ross, Yunesit’in Community Lead in Fire Stewardship.
This month, the Living Knowledge Network team travelled across the hemisphere to the Tsilhqot'in Nation in British Colombia, Canada, to continue our long-standing International Knowledge Exchange grounded in relationship, responsibility, and care for Country.
Though separated by oceans, the connections between First Nations peoples run deep. They are found in the land itself, in shared histories and humour, and in a common understanding that good fire, Country and community are forever intertwined.
These relationships have been built over years. Living Knowledge Network Co-founder Victor Steffensen has long walked alongside Yunesit’in community members and Gathering Voices Society, sharing Cultural Fire practice, learning on Country and strengthening responsibility to land and future generations. From this foundation, an invitation emerged for a team of Living Knowledge Network Cultural Fire Practitioners to travel to Canada to support, learn and continue that shared work on Yunesit’in land.
The exchange began in Vancouver with a reunion among friends before the journey inland towards Williams Lake and Hanceville. Along the way, dense forests and waterfalls gave way to dry, open landscapes, a reminder that Country speaks differently as you move through it. Laughter and a roadside taco stop marked the transition, before arrival on Yunesit’in Country at night - arriving in time to witness the breathtaking view of the Northern Lights!
The following morning unfolded at the local school, where breakfast, basketball and conversation began our day. Time spent at the community arena introduced the Living Knowledge Network team to local horses and their owners, as part of the equine program that supports community to spend time with the horses. Being included in the everyday life of this community formed a backdrop to this exchange.
That afternoon, Living Knowledge Network was formally welcomed onto Country by an Yunesit’in Elder Earl, followed by a moving cultural welcome and traditional Powwow.
Following the welcome, the space came alive with song, colour and movement. First, Elder Sarah Myers carried the strength and grace of traditional Powwow, followed by Santana’s old-style fancy dance, rich with colour and family pride. Junior David’s chicken dance shared story through movement; his costume adorned with traditional embellishments. Next, Castor and Fraser wove old style and contemporary expression with their grass dance. This welcome was grounded by the steady heartbeat of the drum, led by community members, Ellie, Debra and Dide.
Afterwards, we were reunited with some familiar friends from WWF Canada and WWF Australia, along with Tsilhqot'in friends we had the pleasure of meeting during our previous exchange in Cairns. That evening, the community invited everyone to take part in lahal, an Indigenous stick game shaped by strategy and luck, with each round led by the powerful voices of shared song.
By morning, a fresh blanket of snow covered Country – a first experience for some of the Living Knowledge Network practitioners, much to their excitement! Snow created an opportunity for our first Yass (snow) burn, applying Cultural Fire practice to the cool conditions on Yunesit’in land.
“We’re using the snow like how we use the rain at home. To treat those places with real flammable vegetation, or places that are sick. The fire here is staying nice low, moving across slowly, with all that extra moisture from the snow keeping it nice and cool.” - Matthew Whitelock, Bundjalung Man and Cultural Fire Practitioner at Living Knowledge Network.
During our burn, community members shared memories of the devastating 2017 fires that came frighteningly close to the doorsteps of their homes. Smoke so thick that visibility disappeared. Charred tree skeletons still line the ridge-lines, a visible and daily reminder of how close this community came to being lost, and the importance of the return of good fire.
Over the following days, Living Knowledge Network participated in burns, ceremony and daily life on Country. There were many firsts - from snow burns to moose stew that had been prepared by community members, to soapberry ice-cream and s’mores around the fire.
Walks along the river became lessons in history, with our friend Russ telling local stories of the underground huts and ancestral ways of living on the land. A Yunesit’in Elder, Uncle Roy, shared knowledge of plants and medicine, and also lead the way onto the frozen Chilko Lake to ice fish for Rainbow Trout.
Visiting the beautiful glacial Chilko River, Elder Selina Myers shared stories of her husband, a former Chief and skilled craftsman who made fishing and dip nets for the community. These skills, passed down through generations, remain central to sustaining the community.
At the local school (that serves also as a community hub) a language gathering brought Elders, youth and visitors together. The room was alive with weaving, history, tool making, tattooing, songs and stories, it was powerful to witness young people confidently speaking their language. Living Knowledge Network practitioner Germaine marked the exchange by receiving a traditional poke tattoo from local artist Qwen Detlig, a gift earned through participating in the afternoon language games.
During the exchange, we were also invited to attend a sweat lodge - a ceremonial sauna that was guided by members of the community. The ceremony begins by heating porous stones from the land, which are then carefully added to the lodge. Water is poured over the stones to create steam, while songs and prayers guide the experience, inviting reflection and deep connection with self and the universe. This was a deeply personal and grounding experience for everyone, and one that moved us all.
As the exchange drew to a close, our farewells and gifts were shared. It was hard to say goodbye after our week spent together. The Living Knowledge Network team returned to Vancouver before heading home, carrying stories, responsibilities and strengthened friendships back across the ocean.
This exchange reminds us that Indigenous Knowledge is not confined by borders. It is carried by people, held in Country and shared from the heart for the wellbeing of land, culture and future generations.
The Living Knowledge Network team leaves Canada with deep gratitude and a strong reminder that wherever Indigenous peoples walk, we are never apart.
Sechanalyagh (thank you) to the Yunest’in and Xeni Gwet’in communities of the Tsilhqot'in Nation and to Gathering Voices Society for hosting us so generously.
This International Knowledge Exchange was supported by WWF Australia and WWF Canada.
Photo Credits: Josh Neufeld for Gathering Voices Society, Tammy Haller & Living Knowledge Network.
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