Communities Of Lillooet: Sekw’el’was (Cayoose Creek)
We, the people of Sekw’el’was, have survived and thrived through many hardships. We are proud of who we are and where we come from. Our community has a rich history of tool-making and trading with other nations. Sekw’el’was is known as a gathering place for many neighbouring nations.
Our community is located in an area rich with resources such as fish, game, and medicines, which makes us a prime nation to trade with. Our ancestors are known as strong stone tool-makers and this is evident in the stories that are written on the land, which is another reason nations came to trade with us.
We are located at the heart of the St’át’imc nation, and our community is a central location for other St’át’imc to visit. Our community is connected to other nations through a variety of transportation corridors, including trails and waterways, which provides great opportunities to trade and barter. Other nations came from all over to trade their traditional foods, tools, clothing, and stories. We are friendly, inviting and great hosts, and these qualities are still very evident in our community today.
Our ancestors are a strong nation, they passed down their knowledge and way of life to the next generation. Our culture and land are gifts from the creator which should be cherished forever. The land, Mother Earth, sustains our people and we are now moving forward in a positive way.
