Welcome to Hope, Cascades & Canyons

Embark on a journey within Hope, Cascades & Canyons, where the whispers of the past meet the spirit of the present. This land, marked by its breathtaking vistas and untamed wilderness, has been stewarded by the Stó:lō, Nlaka’pamux, and Syilx First Nations since time immemorial. Every mountain, river, and valley echoes the tale of their profound connection to this region, a bond that continues to enrich and define the landscape and culture today. At the heart of these interconnected histories was Ts’qo:ls, a bustling hub and community located in what is now known as the District of Hope. Esteemed as more than a mere settlement, Ts’qo:ls was the heart of a vast network, a center of trade and cultural exchange pivotal to the life and connection between Indigenous nations.

When early European explorers and settlers first ventured into the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon, it was the invaluable wisdom, teachings, and survival skills of Indigenous Peoples that were crucial to their survival, aiding in the growth of what would become British Columbia. Despite enduring immense historical pressures, challenges, and oppression, the First Nations in this region have sustained a deep connection to nature and family, fostering a resilience and cultural richness that has persevered for thousands of years.

Today, Hope, Cascades & Canyons is home to 13 distinct Indigenous communities. Many of these communities possess unique languages, art, stories, and traditional practices, alongside contemporary ways of living, working, and governance. While some communities open their heritage and lifestyles to tourists, offering a glimpse into their rich cultures and traditions, others prefer to keep more private. Together, these communities continue to honour and energize the land, ensuring that the legacy of Ts’qo:ls, the ancestral heart, remains alive.

Understanding Our First Nations

Stó:lō (staw-low)

The Stó:lō, part of the larger Coast Salish Peoples of the Pacific Northwest, have inhabited the Fraser Valley from Yale to Langley since time immemorial. Their name, meaning “People of the River” in Halq’eméylem, reflects their deep connection to the Fraser River which has been central to their lifestyle and traditions. The Stó:lō engaged in fishing, hunting, and gathering, with their economy rooted in a reciprocal exchange system known as t’leaxet (or potlatch as we know it). Stó:lō culture is deeply connected to nature, with a spiritual belief in the interconnectedness of all life through the Shxwelí, or life force. Salmon, a cultural and dietary staple revered as ancestors, illustrates their respect for natural resources as living relatives. Longhouses provided communal living spaces, while seasonal migration to pit houses facilitated resource gathering. Despite significant changes over time due, the Stó:lō continue to preserve their heritage and sacred connection to the river and land.

Nlaka’pamux (ent-la-cap-um) 

The Nlaka’pamux Nation inhabits the intersecting canyons of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, spanning a territory from Spuzzum to Yale B.C., including the mountainous regions east of Yale/Hope, and extending southwest into the United States as far as Mount Baker. Speaking Nlaka’pamuctsin, an Interior Salish language, they have a strong tradition of expression through clothing and jewelry. Basket-making, a skill passed through generations of women, is also central to Nlaka’pamux culture, symbolizing both practicality and artistry. These baskets, alongside their clothing and regalia, serve as tangible expressions of their identity and history, showcasing a rich tradition of adornment. Historically, the Nlaka’pamux were semi-nomadic, moving with the seasons to hunt and gather. Their shelters adapted to their lifestyle, ranging from Pit Houses for community living during colder months to temporary lean-tos during travels. The heart of their sustenance came from fishing, primarily salmon, which holds economic, cultural, and spiritual significance within their society. Hunting of land animals and gathering of plants complemented their diet and medicinal needs.

Syilx (see-yeel-x) 

The Syilx Nation, part of the Okanagan people, claims a vast ancestral territory of 69,000 square kilometers from Mica Creek, BC to Wilbur, Washington, which encompasses EC Manning Provincial Park within Hope, Cascades & Canyons. Manning Park was historically the traditional meeting ground where the Stó:lō and Similkameen (si-mil-kuh-meen), would convene to fish, hunt, and trade. Moreover, the present-day Skyline Trail within the park served as an important travel route for these communities. The Syilx have a deep cultural heritage evident through pictographs across their lands, representing a long-standing presence and cultural prosperity in the Okanagan Valley. Ceremonies, which are integral to their culture, demonstrate profound respect for nature and are conducted to honour the land, water, and lifecycle events, as well as to acknowledge abundance and voice environmental concerns.