Welcome to the unceded, traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh, encompassing 4.3 million hectares from the Rocky Mountains to the interior plateau. In their language Dakelh, Lheidli means “the confluence of the river” and T’enneh translates to “the people”. The people from the confluence of the river.

If you’ve ever been to Prince George, you’ll recognize the reference to the two main rivers that flow through and meet where this northern city now stands. The Nechako River (Nee Incha Koh, the “river with strong undercurrents”) and Fraser River (Ltha Koh,  the “Big Mouth River”) converge here.

Today, Lheidli T’enneh are a proud, united people with the purpose to improve quality of life for their community members while promoting self-reliance, cultural beliefs, and flourishing with the environment. Throughout the city, there are lots of accessible and fun opportunities to learn more about the region’s culture and history while exploring the beautiful scenery of Prince George.

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is located on the east side of Prince George next to the banks of the Ltha Koh (Fraser River). This is where their village site was located, until it was destroyed in 1913. Today, burial grounds are all that remains of their village. In 2015, the park was renamed from Fort George Park to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, an homage to these burial grounds and the destruction these peoples faced due to colonialism. The Lheidli T’enneh flag is permanently displayed at the park, acknowledging the legitimacy of their Government while serving as a reminder of their traditional territory. This use was disrupted due to residential schools, which impacted many traditional practices. Today, there are active efforts to reconnect with these traditions through educational programs and partnerships that honour and preserve the cultural heritage of the Lheidli T’enneh."

While you’re in the park, visit The Exploration Place and Science Centre featuring hands-on exhibits about the region’s rich history, culture and local wildlife. One of the permanent galleries is called Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning. Dedicated to Lheidli T’enneh and containing an abundance of historical cultural material, the gallery promotes cross-cultural understanding of our shared history. Over the years, a strong trust and partnership has formed between the Centre and Lheidli T’enneh elders. The museum acts as a “designated repository” for artefacts, documents, and objects pertaining to the community.

Travelling a bit further outside of Prince George, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Chun T’oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest Provincial Park. Established in 2016, this park protects a portion of the only inland temperate rainforests in the world. The area is home to thousand-year old Western red cedars that will make you feel like you’re in the presence of ancient elders, and an incredibly rich biodiversity of plants, mosses, lichens, and fungi. Historically significant for the local Indigenous communities, they would visit the forest during summer fishing trips along Ltha Koh (Fraser River) and collect medicinal plants. This use was disrupted due to residential schools. Today, the park features 450 meters of beautifully made boardwalk that is accessible for people of all abilities, plus a long 2.3 kilometer boardwalk that leads to the majestic massive trees and an epic waterfall.

Thanks to the collaboration of local hiking groups, the University of Northern British Columbia, Lheidli T’enneh, the provincial government and the Ancient Forest biodiversity assessment projects, the protection of Chun T’oh Whudujut has become a great example of conservation and tourism-based economic development.