Wet’suwet’en matriarch presented Smithers’ highest honour

The Town of Smithers’ highest honour was presented to Chief Timberwolf (Mabel Forsythe) Wednesday night.

She is the first female recipient, first Indigenous recipient, and first recipient to have not previously been a councillor or mayor.

“The tradition granting this distinction originates in Medieval Europe where cities controlled access through their gates,” Mayor Gladys Atrill said.

“Granting someone with the Freedom of the Municipality, or the key to the city, meant that the gates were always open to them.”

Atrill added Forsythe was chosen to receive it for her lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and service.

The previous recipients of the award include former mayors Joe MacDonald, Fred Shortreid, Gordon Williams Sr., Brian Northup, Jim Davidson, and former councillor Bill Goodacre.

“By recognizing Mable Forsythe, Chief Timberwolf, we are recognizing more than an extraordinary individual,” Atrill said.

“We are acknowledging the leadership that [Forsythe] represents. The leadership of women. The leadership rooted in family and community. And particularly, the leadership of a Wet’suwet’en matriarch who carries forward the teaching of your ancestors and shares them with future generations.”

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Following the town’s presentation, a short documentary about Forsythe was shown at the Dze L’ K’ant Friendship Hall.

“It’s a short documentary that expands on and helps people understand her story, her connections to the community, and the ways she has shaped the lives of other women of the community,” said Tyler McCreary who helped produce the film.

He previously worked with the Bulkley Valley Museum on its Shared Histories exhibit which is permanently on display.

McCreary added while working on the documentary, he learned of how Forsythe’s mother created the name Timberwolf which was then passed down.

“Some of the settlers referred to [Forsythe’s mother] as a lone wolf, or timber wolf, who was traveling around and also this sad howling figure because she was in mourning,” he said.

McCreary said the film will be shared on the Bulkley Valley Museum’s website.