Welcome to Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell Band) - the heart of our community, where we honour our past, embrace the present, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Sik-E-Dakh; Meaning “Bright Lights Behind Mountain”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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At Sik-E-Dakh, our vision is simple yet powerful:

A healthy, safe, positive community that is self sufficient now and for future generations."

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This vision guides every step we take, from  preserving our cultural heritage to building opportunities for all members of our Nation.

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Our Values

We stand on the foundation of our values, which shape our decisions, programs, and relationships:

1. We act with integrity through honesty and honouring our traditional values

2. we communicate effectively to ensure everyone is on the same page.

3. We believe in and support the well-being of our community and its members.

4. We practice, share and incorporate our culture in all we do.

5. We are accountable for what we say and what we do.

6. We act and think with positivity and a solution-oriented mindset.

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Our Mission

"We will achieve our vision by helping people to help themselves through educaiton, economic development, positive reinforcement and traditional teachings."

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History of Sik-e-dakh (Glen Vowell)

Sik-e-dakh, historically known as Glen Vowell, holds a rich and enduring legacy rooted in Gitxsan oral history. Its origins trace back to the ancient community of Temlaham, once located along the Xsan (Skeena) River. Following a catastrophic landslide at Roche Deboule, survivors dispersed, founding new villages, including Kuldo’o and Gis gaa ga’as. Ansp’ayaxw (the hiding place), settled by people from these villages, became a thriving winter dwelling and later, a powerful Gitxsan village.

Known for its resourcefulness, Ansp’ayaxw’s people harvested salmon using intricate weir systems and traded extensively via ‘grease’ trails. The land provided abundantly, supporting a culture rich in leisure, feasting, and potlatch ceremonies during the winter months.

The arrival of Europeans in the 1820s brought trade goods but also devastating epidemics, reducing the population from 800 in the 1860s to 225 by 1890. This period marked significant cultural disruptions, including the construction of the Collins Overland Telegraph line in 1866 and the establishment of churches by missionaries. The Canadian government formalized reserves in the region, including Sik-e-dakh, by 1898.

In 1899, twelve Salvation Army families established Sik-e-dakh downstream, clearing land for agriculture and building a church. The community flourished with employment opportunities in sawmills, trapping, and the coastal fishery. Originally named “Glen Vowell Salvation Army Mission” in 1910, the name evolved through official records to “Glen Vowell (Indian Village & Mission)” by 1930.

For a more detailed history, click here to explore further.

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Staff​

Band Manager – Velma Sutherland

Admin Trainee/Reception - Zef Flynn
Finance Officer – Cameron Gogag
Social Development – Kathleen Combs
Education – Kathleen Combs

Education Assistant - Leslie Sebastian

Lands Manager - Chelsea McLean
Housing – Grant Huson
Operations and Maintenance- Cameron Mitchell & Zack Wale
Reception – Arlene Sampson
Finance and Social Development Assistant – Glennis Lattie

Animal Control Educator - Cliff Weget
Emergency Operations Director-eocdirector@glenvowell.ca

Water Treatment Plant- Kalem Sampson

Sik-E-Dakh Farms- Clifford Capezzuto

Growcer Program- Ashton Ruetten

Contact North- Shalynn Carpenter Wesley

Energy Advisor- Richard Joseph​

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The Glen Vowell Band is situated in the Community of Sik-E-Dakh B.C.We are located 10 km north of Hazelton B.C., on the banks of the Skeena River