Lessons from porcupine

I’ve been spending a lot of time recently listening to the stories that have been told in Simpcw for generations. One that has really stuck with me is Re Skú7pecen re Stseptékwlls (The Story of Porcupine).

The Story

There were once two groups of people, led by Swan and Elk, who lived in conflict because they couldn't find a way to cooperate. Swan wanted to resolve their differences, but the journey to meet Elk was buried in deep, arduous snow.

Coyote volunteered to go, but he spent all his time "practicing" his running and making excuses to avoid the hard work. Eventually, Porcupine, who was known for navigating snowy mountains, was chosen. Despite Coyote's mockery, Porcupine successfully reached Elk's house. Because he was determined and actually delivered the message, the two chiefs finally shared their wisdom and established laws for mutual care and cooperation.

The "deep snow" of data systems

When I look at the current state of child and family data systems in BC, I see a lot of "deep snow."

First Nations are working to reclaim authority over their own information, but the path is full of technical barriers and a history of rigid bureaucracy. There are a lot of "Coyotes" out there, big tech companies or organizations that talk a big game about "innovation" but avoid the messy work of actually building systems that respect Indigenous Data Sovereignty.

At chuchua.tech, we want to be the Porcupine.

Determination over flash

We aren't interested in being the loudest people in the room, we are interested in the journey.

• The arduous journey: Building the digital infrastructure for jurisdiction is a significant anticipated gap that requires grit and a deep understanding of local needs.

• Delivering the message: We help synthesize perspectives on core data requirements so that Nations can work together while maintaining their distinct identities.

• Creating shared laws: Just as Swan and Elk established laws for mutual care, we help build shared data standards that honor sovereignty, respect, and cultural safety.

The wealth of cooperation

In the story, Porcupine becomes wealthy because he was willing to overcome the challenges that others avoided. For us, that wealth isn't about the money, it’s about the peace and prosperity that comes when a community finally has the tools it needs to thrive on its own terms.

We moved back to Chu Chua because we wanted to be part of this "coming together." We want to help weave the stories of our people into systems that actually protect them. Like the Porcupine, we’re ready to navigate the snowy mountains to make sure the message of collective sovereignty gets through.

What do you think? In your world, who are the Porcupines and who are the Coyotes?

If you’re looking for a partner to help navigate the "deep snow" of your own data or tech projects, Reach out to us here.

Protocol Note: This version of "Re Skú7pecen re Stseptékwlls" is a traditional Secwépemc story. I am sharing it here to honor the lessons of our ancestors and to show how they apply to the modern work of Indigenous-led data governance and community support.