By Roisin Cullen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Xa’xtsa First Nation (also called the Douglas First Nation) has seen a rise in visitors disrespecting Sloquet Hot Springs and its adjacent campground, prompting new messaging from the Nation. The hot springs are sacred to the Xa’xtsa people and used as a place for spiritual cleansing. A campfire ban was put in place on Sunday, July 7 at Sloquet Creek FSR recreational site. Hosts decided banning fires would protect public safety, citing “extreme heat and dry conditions” at the site as their reasons. A province-wide campfire ban was enacted midday on Friday, July 12 as B.C. continues to feel the heat. Darryl Peters is a Xa’xtsa councillor and business manager for TTQ Economic Development Corporation, a Xa’xtsa First Nation business arm. He said

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