The PVTA respectfully operates on the unceded territory of the Líl̓wat Nation. |
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The PVTA values the time immemorial relationship Líl̓wat has with the land and draws inspiration from their continuous stewardship of this land on which we all work, live, and play.
The Líl̓wat are an interior Salish people who are a distinct nation within the St'at'imc group. Traditional Territory encompasses close to 800,000ha of beautiful, resource rich land that includes temperate coastal regions, old growth rainforest and arid areas. Records indicate the Líl̓wat people have lived in the region before records began. Sites on Qwal̓ímak (Birkenhead River) were found to be occupied some 5,500 years ago!
In times past, each clan had a winter village with many s7istken (semi-subterranean pit-houses). Examples of these can be seen from one of the Valley's favourite hiking/MTB trails 'Lumpy's Epic' on Spel’pul’ which means ‘nuts stashed away by squirrel’ (aka Signal Hill). If you visit, soak in the energy of the place and the majestic views of Ts̓zil (pronounced ta-zil, aka Mt. Currie) which means “Slides on the Mountain”. Look closely and you can see how the PVTA logo gains inspiration from that very name. Please enjoy the area, but please do not go over the wooden fencing. Respect the history, the land and the people who once lived there.
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As skilled fishers, hunters, gatherers and canoe-builders, the Líl̓wat people have a long history of accessing the plant and animal resources. Fish, game, plant foods and medicines are still harvested and prepared in the traditional manner and are bought and traded with neighbouring First Nations. Plant foods, including berries, nuts, wild onions and potatoes of the high mountain slopes and river valleys of the territory. Trapping and hunting provided food and clothing year-round. Salmon fishing was, and continues to be an especially important food source.
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Traditional crafts remain important both economically and culturally. The Líl’wat people are famous for their intricate basketry with patterns created from cedar roots, cedar bark, wild cherry bark and various grasses and reeds. Hand drums made from wood and the skins of deer, coyote, and moose created by skilled artisans are highly sought after, as are the detailed cedar carvings of both functional and decorative items.
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The geography of Líl’wat Territory, covering two formidable mountain ranges, ensured Líl’wat's important role in the early regional economy as traders. For centuries, Líl’wat had a commercial exchange of all manner of goods with many other First Nations, and later with non-Indigenous fur traders, miners and settlers. In this way the Líl’wat way of life became embedded in the new economy created by the interaction of Indigenous peoples and Europeans. This economy became part of the foundation of the modern Canadian state. First European contact came in 1793 when Alexander Mackenzie made his overland journey to the Pacific. Over the next two centuries, traders, miners, and settlers arrived in Líl’wat territory, without invitation.โAs the colony of British Columbia grew and prospered, Líl’wat Nation, like other FirstโNations, was systematically stripped of land, rights and resources. In the 1800s villages were severely impacted by new diseases and the people were increasingly disenfranchised and confined to the Mount Currie Indian Reserve Lands. The majority of Lilwat7úl now reside in Mount Currie, a town 6 km east of Pemberton.
The Líl̓wat Nation continues to assert its right to manage the resources of the land. Their culture and livelihood depend upon a healthy environment and access to it. Through dedication, perseverance and innovative partnerships they are maintaining their traditional stewardship of the land in contemporary ways. The Líl̓wat have always been, and will continue to be, a people of the land.
The Líl̓wat Nation continues to assert its right to manage the resources of the land. Their culture and livelihood depend upon a healthy environment and access to it. Through dedication, perseverance and innovative partnerships they are maintaining their traditional stewardship of the land in contemporary ways. The Líl̓wat have always been, and will continue to be, a people of the land.
Pal7míntwal i ucwalmícwa múta7 ti tmicw - The land and people are together as one
The First Voices app is an excellent way to actively engage by learning how to say words in the local Ucwalmícwts language. .
Committed to transparency and openness, the Líl̓wat Nation facilitates the free flow of information by publishing The Líl̓wat Nation Newsletter, annual reports, and regular Chiefs and Council Notes:
