Sechelt Indian Band
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The Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation, located on B.C.´s scenic West Coast is proud of our heritage and community values. Our spectacular scenery and natural resoures in the territory have sustained our people and way of life for centuries. We thrive on a communal lifestyle that respects the wisdom of our elders.
In 1986 the shíshálh Nation became an independent self-governing body, a unique third order of the government of Canada. The Sechelt Indian Government District holds jurisdiction over its lands and exercises the authority to provide services and education for its residents. The name shishálh, from the language of sháshishálem, refers to the entire population descended from the four sub-groups that officially amalgamated in 1925. They include xénichen (at the head of Jervis Inlet), ts´únay (at Deserted Bay), téwánkw ( in Sechelt, Salmon and Narrow Inlets), and sxixus. However you travel, you´ll know you have arrived when you see the massive sloping roof of the House of héwhíwus (House of Chiefs) complex and the Raven´s Cry Theatre. The raven, a mischievous bird in shíshálh folklore, is a gatherer and collector of stories. This storytelling house of the raven features plays, concerts recitals and big screen movies nightly. The newly built long house represents a proud return to age-old celebrations and gatherings. The shíshálh tl´e enak-awxw (Feast House), a joint project with the Sechelt Indian Band, the Federal Government and the First People´s Cultural Foundation, celebrated its grand opening in October 1996. This celebration also marked the Sechelt Indian Band´s 10th Anniversary of Self Government. A totem pole was raised to represent the people from xénichen (Hunaechin). The other poles raised represent the people from ts'unay (Deserted Bay), téwánkw (in Sechelt, Salmon and Narrows Inlets), and sxixus (Pender Harbour). A fifth and final pole placed in the middle represents the shíshálh as it exists today. It is located in the centre of the other four marking the amalgamation of the Band. For any questions regarding educational services within the shíshálh First Nation community, please contact: Jane Kowalczyk, Director of Education at (604) 885-9404 or click here to be directed to the shíshálh website. |
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