A new program by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band to respond to bears that are hit by vehicles was immediately put into action. 

The recovery procedure came into effect on Nov. 5, and the next day, the LSIB was contacted after a vehicle strike between Olalla and Keremeos.

The skÉ™mx̌íst, black bear in the syilx language, was recovered by the LSIB and taken to a resting place after any salvageable aspects are traditionally harvested. 

The new procedure is an agreement with AIM Roads, which notifies the LSIB if there are any collisions with a skÉ™mx̌íst, the LSIB, Upper Similkameen Indian Band and Penticton Indian Band. 

Following the skÉ™mx̌íst being taken to a resting place, an Elder will assist their journey forward by offering tobacco, prayers to the Creator and a small ceremony
thanking them for their contributions to the lands and all living things. 

"In our oral history, Chief skÉ™mx̌íst is one of the Four Food Chiefs for the smÉ™lqmíx of the sukanaÊ”qínx/syilx," said the LSIB. "Honouring Chief skÉ™mx̌íst for giving their life for the 'People-To-Be' - current humans - is a large part of that history, and a further reason why skÉ™mx̌íst is honoured."

The skÉ™mx̌íst that was struck on Nov. 6 was transferred to the Penticton Indian Band to allow a PIB Elder to assist it on its journey.