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Before the European settlers arrived in BC, the Coast Salish First
Nations people called the the coastal regions of British
Columbia and the Pacific Northwest home. Part of what makes up
the history of the Coast
Salish settlement were the Sliammon First Nations
people. The Sunshine Coast region, at one time,
had 10 Sliammon First Nation thriving villages
lining the coastline. And each village scouted out many strategic
outpost camp sites also in the area mainly used on a seasonal
basis for collecting fish, berries, roots and other resources
needed to maintain survival.
Today the 900+ Sliammon First Nations people
carry on their honoured cultures and traditions in their village
located south of Lund
and 10 km north of Powell
River BC Canada. The Sliammon First Nation's area covers from
Texada and then north towards Malaspina and Gilford Peninsula
to the southern Homfray Channel.
Sliammon First Nations people welcome individuals
who are interested in the First Nations history. They offer dug
out canoe trips with an interpretive guide sharing the First Nation
traditional customs and pointing out ancestral landmarks. The
traditions are still evident with historical remains left in their
sacred spots. Also keep a look out for midden sites when exploring
some of the beach parks in the Sunshine Coast, they are the remaiins
of an ancient tradition of leaving crushed shells, animal and
fish bones as markers on the shoreline leading to a First
Nations settlement.
If by chance you are inland, keep an eye out for "Culturally Modified Trees" (CMT). Historical references of peeling bark from standing trees by the First Nations people. A practise used in preserving the tree's life. The bark is then used for utensils, shelters and tools. With a keen eye and a good guide there are areas to be rediscovered throughout the Sunshine Coast where one can view ancient petroglyphs and pictographs carved out in stone.
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