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 sk蓹mx虒铆st, 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 sk蓹mx虒铆st, the LSIB, Upper Similkameen Indian Band and Penticton Indian Band. 

Following the sk蓹mx虒铆st 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 sk蓹mx虒铆st is one of the Four Food Chiefs for the sm蓹lqm铆x of the sukana蕯q铆nx/syilx," said the LSIB. "Honouring Chief sk蓹mx虒铆st for giving their life for the 'People-To-Be' - current humans - is a large part of that history, and a further reason why sk蓹mx虒铆st is honoured."

The sk蓹mx虒铆st that was struck on Nov. 6 was transferred to the Penticton Indian Band to allow a PIB Elder to assist it on its journey.