The Kitsumkalum First Nations and the City of Terrace celebrated the completion of the former known Grandtrunk Pathway, by unveiling the new sign with its new name “Xpilaxha – Charles & Emma Nelson Trail.”
Members and dignitaries of both communities gathered at the sign located on Highway 16 across from Fisherman’s Memorial Park between the two communities
CFNR was on location to hear speeches from Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas and the great great granddaughter of the Nelsons,’ Katie Nelson, and later spoke with community member Sharon Bryant.
The reactions from the community and Village of Kitsumkalum members regarding the renaming reflect a sense of pride and curiosity about their family history and heritage, says Bryant.
“Together we arrived at the name ‘Xpilaxha Trail’ to honor the legacy of the Nelsons who initiated connection between our communities,” says Bujtas.
“Today, we hope reconciliation initiatives like this trail continue to honor our past while looking towards the future,” says Katie Nelson.
