First Nations: KWEKWINMUT Pieces of the Past
We would like to send our deep condolences to the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and to all Nations affected by the long-lasting legacy and trauma of residential schools, which has been magnified by the recent events in Kamloops, British Columbia. On the Sunshine Coast, the Sechelt Residential School operated from 1904-1975, and housed students (full-time and day scholars) from many Nations. Many students suffered abuse, were punished for speaking their own language, and were subjected to harsh discipline. To learn more about the Sechelt Residential School, click here.
First Nations
Since time immemorial, this region has been home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Nation). For millennia, both Nations have thrived here, creating rich cultures with a deep connection to place and understanding of the coastal landscape. Stone tool artifacts found on the present-day Sunshine Coast date upwards of 10,000 years before present and represent a continuous occupation of this area.
Both Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh Nation territory is considered unceded, meaning that no treaty was ever signed to transfer ownership of land to government. Preceding colonization of their traditional territories by European settlers, small pox ravaged both Nations close to the point of extinguishment. The disease was brought to the continent by settlers in various waves from the 1600s - 1800s. In 1870, a provincial Land Ordinance encouraged settlement by allowing settlers to pre-empt (claim) large tracks of land for a nominal fee. While pre-emption benefitted the fledgling country and settlers, it was also tool used to disenfranchise First Nations from their traditional territory and occupy their land. Both First Nations and Chinese settlers were not able to pre-empt land under the Lands Act.
Beginning in the 1800s, residential schools were created by the Canadian government "for the purpose of separating Aboriginal children from their families, in order to minimize and weaken family ties and cultural linkages, and to indoctrinate children into a new culture" (Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
The long-lasting effects of colonialism are felt today by all First Nations across Canada. Despite the cultural trauma experienced by First Nations through colonization, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh people continue to thrive in their traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories, demonstrating a great resilience and generosity of spirit.
Visit tems swiya Museum in Sechelt, BC and the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC to explore world-class exhibits featuring the rich and diverse histories and present-day activities of the Nations.
Since time immemorial, this region has been home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Nation). For millennia, both Nations have thrived here, creating rich cultures with a deep connection to place and understanding of the coastal landscape. Stone tool artifacts found on the present-day Sunshine Coast date upwards of 10,000 years before present and represent a continuous occupation of this area.
Both Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh Nation territory is considered unceded, meaning that no treaty was ever signed to transfer ownership of land to government. Preceding colonization of their traditional territories by European settlers, small pox ravaged both Nations close to the point of extinguishment. The disease was brought to the continent by settlers in various waves from the 1600s - 1800s. In 1870, a provincial Land Ordinance encouraged settlement by allowing settlers to pre-empt (claim) large tracks of land for a nominal fee. While pre-emption benefitted the fledgling country and settlers, it was also tool used to disenfranchise First Nations from their traditional territory and occupy their land. Both First Nations and Chinese settlers were not able to pre-empt land under the Lands Act.
Beginning in the 1800s, residential schools were created by the Canadian government "for the purpose of separating Aboriginal children from their families, in order to minimize and weaken family ties and cultural linkages, and to indoctrinate children into a new culture" (Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
The long-lasting effects of colonialism are felt today by all First Nations across Canada. Despite the cultural trauma experienced by First Nations through colonization, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh people continue to thrive in their traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories, demonstrating a great resilience and generosity of spirit.
Visit tems swiya Museum in Sechelt, BC and the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC to explore world-class exhibits featuring the rich and diverse histories and present-day activities of the Nations.
ON EXHIBIT
Kwekwínmut: Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Smánitmut, tiná7 ta Ch’kw’elhp iy Schen’k / Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone Artifacts from Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k, is a collaborative exhibit that features ancient Squamish pieces from the Museum’s collection of stone tools. The collection represents the Early, Middle and Late periods of Northwest Coast archaeological sequence and come from a range of site types, from permanent Squamish villages to seasonal camps. These primordial objects exemplify the material expression of Squamish culture and provide insight into Squamish ways of knowing. Co-curator Damara Jacobs-Morris (Squamish), believes this exhibit allows visitors a chance to explore both the function and cultural significance of the stone pieces. Kwekwínmut / Pieces of the Past is presented in the Skwxwù7mesh snichim (Squamish language) and English. Visitors have to opportunity to hear Squamish being spoken in the exhibit’s soundscape piece that includes oral history interviews and the telling of the Squamish Origin legend.
Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”
Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”
