Lund, BC : Sliammon First Nations
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada

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 Historical references of peeling bark from standing trees by the First Nations people.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.