Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC)

Our Voices

ye sqelxwále tset

In this section, our community members speak about their sqwélqwel—their personal histories and stories of Sq’éwlets as a place. We also hear the knowledge and stories of many of the archaeologists and other Xwelítem (European settlers) who have worked with us. You will hear sqwélqwel about many aspects of our history on video.

A man is cutting a fish on an outdoor table. He holds the body of the fish with his left hand, and a knife in the other.
The Beginning of Archaeology at Sq'éwlets
A man leans over an archeological mound, using a shovel to point out the different layers of material.
The Development of Community Archaeology at Qithyil
A man and woman sit side-by-side on the ground.
Taking Care of Ancestors: Fieldwork Protocols
A profile view of an elder, wearing a life jacket.
Our Past Is Our Future
An elder talks to the video camera outside. There are mountains and trees in the background.
Our Xwelmexw Names
A young girl talks to the video camera.
Th'owxeya, the Cannibal Woman, by Gwen Point
An elder shares a story.
The Story of Mimuxw by Gwen Point
An elder shares a story.
Alicia Point's Sturgeon Design
A woman shares her story with a video camera. She sits outside with the mountains and trees behind her.
Introduction to the Project
Small shell beads are spread out on a dirt background.
The Long House (Reg Phillips)
A man stands outdoors playing a hand drum. The drum is decorated with the image of a blue hummingbird.
Learning (Lucille Hall)
A group of children and young adults pose with their elder for a photograph on the shore of the river. There are mountains and trees in the background.
Canoe Pulling (Richard Williams)
Two young girls pose on the grass with their canoe paddles.
Sq'éwlets Sxwōxwiyám (Clarence Pennier)
A man sits in front of a video camera, sharing his stories.
Displacement (Gwen Point)
A woman elder smiles for a photograph while she shares a story.
Tradition and Identity (Andy Phillips)
A man sits in front of a soccer field, talking to a video camera.
Where Two Rivers Meet (Naxaxalhts'i "Sonny" McHalsie)
An elder gestures towards the place where the Harrison and Fraser rivers meet.
Stó:lo New Year and the Fall Run of Spring Salmon (Naxaxalhts'i "Sonny" McHalsie)
A group of children stand by the shore, listening to their elder share stories.
Sturgeon Mask Dance (Naxaxalhts'i "Sonny" McHalsie)
An elder shares a story with children and community members near the shore of the river.
Repatriation (Dave Schaepe)
A group of elders and adults stand around a table with cedar branches.
Origins of Sq’éwlets Skyborn and Sturgeon People Sxwōxwiyám
A figure with a cedar-root hat descends through the sky holding a parachute.
Lhilheqey (Mount Cheam) Origin Story
A view of the snow-capped mountains.