Sto:lo Lookout (Kwantlen FN)
CHUCHUL-CREATING NEW TRADITIONS
At first, the Stó:lo regarded the fort with cautious acceptance. The Stó:lo population had been devastated by smallpox, and subjected to slave raids from the Yuculta tribe of Vancouver Island. When the Fort Langley men helped the Stó:lo to defeat a Yuculta raid in 1829, Kwantlen Chief Whattlekainum led his people to establish a village near the fort. The Stó:lo name given to this village was Chuchul meaning “changeable bank (high to low, low to high)” which may reflect that the site was subject to flooding.
New traditions and roles emerged from Chuchul’s location next to the fort. The Stó:lo formed close ties with the fort employees, established themselves as the First Nation liaison to the fort’s resources, and influenced the business of the fort to change from fur to salmon.
Today, many descendants of Chuchul live on McMillan Island (Kwantlen Reserve #6). The distinctive society of the Stó:lo continues to evolve and play an important role at Derby, Fort Langley, and along the Fraser River. Members provide local knowledge, oral histories, and archaeological expertise, and are a source of inspiring artwork.
New traditions and roles emerged from Chuchul’s location next to the fort. The Stó:lo formed close ties with the fort employees, established themselves as the First Nation liaison to the fort’s resources, and influenced the business of the fort to change from fur to salmon.
Today, many descendants of Chuchul live on McMillan Island (Kwantlen Reserve #6). The distinctive society of the Stó:lo continues to evolve and play an important role at Derby, Fort Langley, and along the Fraser River. Members provide local knowledge, oral histories, and archaeological expertise, and are a source of inspiring artwork.
THE RIVER PEOPLE
You are standing near the location of Sna’Kometl, the oldest Stó:lo village in the Derby area. Stó:lō elders say this village was wiped out by the small pox epidemic of 1782.
In the language of the people who first fished and hunted in the area now called Derby Reach, Stó:lo means “river” and also “river people.” The local Stó:lo are known as the Kwantlen and the Katzie.
The Stó:lo had extensive knowledge of the natural environment and their family life flowed with the river’s changes and the life cycle of the salmon. Fish was their main food and salmon were considered sacred and central to their life and economy.
Salmon and fishing traditions are still important to the Stó:lo today. Nearby family fishing sites, passed down through* generations, are used each year when the salmon return.
You are standing near the location of Sna’Kometl, the oldest Stó:lo village in the Derby area. Stó:lō elders say this village was wiped out by the small pox epidemic of 1782.
In the language of the people who first fished and hunted in the area now called Derby Reach, Stó:lo means “river” and also “river people.” The local Stó:lo are known as the Kwantlen and the Katzie.
The Stó:lo had extensive knowledge of the natural environment and their family life flowed with the river’s changes and the life cycle of the salmon. Fish was their main food and salmon were considered sacred and central to their life and economy.
Salmon and fishing traditions are still important to the Stó:lo today. Nearby family fishing sites, passed down through* generations, are used each year when the salmon return.
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