During the time of Creation, the Transformer xé∙l̕s sent the leader of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people, xʷəltαməyə’, to forever live in and rule over the waters of the skʷƛ̓əma:ɬ stál̕əw̓ (Coquitlam River).

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation’s on-reserve community members live on IR#1, the ancient village site of slakəya’nc, near where the Coquitlam River meets the Stó:lō (Fraser River). IR#2, setłama’kmən, is located 2.5 km upstream.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm are proud traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓em speakers. hən̓q̓əmin̓em was once spoken widely across the Lower Mainland from the Fraser River delta to around the Stave River. hən̓q̓əmin̓em names carry knowledge of the landscape, passed generation to generation, that connect people to the land.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people have always lived upon these lands. The lands and waters of the Coquitlam Watershed have sustained kʷikʷəƛ̓əm since before remembered time. Archaeology confirms continuous occupation of the traditional territory for at least 9,000 years since the last ice age.

The name, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, refers to a small red fish – “Red Fish Up the River” – an early sockeye salmon that once ran in great number in the Coquitlam River and spawned in Coquitlam Lake. Elders talk of these sockeye as running so thick that it was difficult to navigate canoes.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm come from a tradition of Elders who were renowned as canoe and paddle makers, master sturgeon fishers, and skilled spirit dancers. It is from this strong heritage that they draw the skills, knowledge, and strength to steward Kwikwetlem culture and lands into the future.

In recent times, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm territory has become home to many newcomers. Lands along the Lower Fraser River were among the first area upstream of the Fraser delta to be settled by non-indigenous Canadians in a wave of immigration that began in the mid-1800s. Following ancient Salish laws and protocols, they humbly share their homeland and its wealth with their neighbours. However, as they move forward today, they strive to honour the teachings of their Elders to respect, care for and protect their lands for all past, present and future generations.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation have been active partners in the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Salmon Restoration Program (KSRP) – a joint initiative with kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, BC Hydro, Metro Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and other, community partner organizations in restoring sockeye salmon to the Coquitlam Watershed. Present efforts are focused on building a sockeye salmon hatchery to increase Coquitlam sockeye smolt productivity from the Coquitlam Watershed to further inform the Coquitlam sockeye lifecycle model. The ultimate goal is to advance a project to restore 2-way fish passage through the Coquitlam Dam and re-establish sockeye to the Coquitlam Watershed. The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Sockeye Hatchery is scheduled for completion in 2023.

This information has been provided by Kwikwetlem First Nation. Source credit: Kwikwetlem First Nation.

For more information, visit www.kwikwetlem.com