The Gem of Northern British Columbia - Smithers, BC
Surrounded by mountain ranges, Smithers is a northern gem, nestled at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain. With a population of 5,400, it is a service hub for a surrounding region comprising of a population of approximately 15,000.
Residents enjoy four seasons of recreational activities; in addition to a ski hill within a half hour drive from town, the region offers world-class fishing, backcountry and cross-country skiing, hunting, golfing and alpine trails for hiking and horseback riding coupled with a lively music scene, art gallery, museum, theatrical performances, and an energetic sporting community.
History of the Town of Smithers
The community of Smithers was founded in 1913 as the divisional headquarters of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The community took its name from Sir Alfred Smithers, the chairman of the board of directors of the railway. Alfred Avenue is also named after him. Lake Kathlyn, one of the most familiar spots in the Smithers area, is named after the daughter of William P. Hinton, General Manager and Vice President of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway at that time.
In 1921, Smithers was designated as the first incorporated village in British Columbia. Development of local mineral and agricultural resources were encouraged and a steady economic growth was realized. In 1967, Smithers moved from the status of village to incorporated town.
Pioneer settlers made Smithers their home because of the fertile valley soil, abundant mineral riches, and imposing coniferous forests. Many of the non-traditional names of mountain ranges in the area reflect the prospecting efforts of the early settlers, including Silver King Basin.
Following World War II, many Europeans--especially Dutch and Swiss families--immigrated to Smithers.
Indigenous Peoples
The Witsuwit’en are the first inhabitants of the Valley, and their history dates to beyond the last ice age.
Central to the Witsuwit’en culture is their traditional system of governance based upon five clans: Gidimt’en (Bear/Wolf Clan), C’ilhts’ëkhyu (Big Frog Clan), Likhsilyu (Small Frog Clan), Tsayu (Beaver Clan) and Likhts’amisyu (Fireweed Clan). Clans are family groupings that share a common ancestor. Houses are more closely related extended families. There are 13 houses, each clan counting two or three houses. Every Witsuwit’en individual is born in a clan and a house based on matrilineal descent (i.e. through the mother’s heritage). The entire Witsuwit’en system is based upon mutual support and long-term relationships. Each house has a hereditary chief (the chief’s name is passed on in the line for perpetuity). Usually there are wing chiefs (sub chiefs) for each house as well. Smithers is in the Cas Yikh (Grizzly House) territory of the Gidimt’en Clan. The Office of the Wet’suwet’en in Smithers is the central government office of the Witsuwit’en Nation and is governed by the Hereditary Chiefs residing throughout the traditional territories.
