The Stó꞉lō are a First Nations people who inhabited the Fraser Valley and lower Fraser Canyon region of British Columbia, Canada.
Stó꞉lō is a Halqemeylem word for "river," so the Stó꞉lō are river people. Their name is alternatively written as Sto꞉lo, Stó:lô, or Stó:lõ, Staulo, or Stahlo, and they have historically been known as the Fraser River Indians or the Lower Fraser Salish.
The first documented reference to them as the Stó꞉lō is from Catholic Oblate missionary records from the 1880s. Prior to that time, they were referenced by the individual tribes to which they belonged. The Stó꞉lō are a loose grouping of Coast Salish nations, and today, they continue to be separated into several bands or nations, joined through two councils, the Stó꞉lō Nation Chiefs Council and the Stó꞉lō Tribal Council, along with several that are without a tribal council.
There were people living in the Fraser Valley for as long as 10,000 years, and the Stó꞉lō people referred to this area as their S'ólh Téméxw, or traditional territory, and Stó꞉lō elders hold that they have always been here. A great deal of archaeological evidence documents a long inhabitance of the region.
As they did not leave a written record, not much is known of the culture or lifestyle of the Stó꞉lō people prior to the time of European contact. Given that they are Coast Salish people, we may assume that they revered ancestral animals, such as beavers, mountain goats, and sturgeon, as these animals played a significant role in their mythology.
Their lifestyle and diet probably revolved around fishing, foraging, and hunting. They would have fished for salmon, stickleback, eulachon, and sturgeon, and they hunted deer, elk, seals, and small game.
Although English explorers traversed the Georgia Strait in 1791 and 1792, they didn't reach the Fraser River or Stó꞉lō territory. However, smallpox and other infectious diseases reached them indirectly through other Indigenous peoples. Smallpox killed as many as two-thirds of the Stó꞉lō population, and many of the survivors were blinded or otherwise disabled from the disease. As a result, others died from hunger and deprivation. Measles, mumps, tuberculosis, influenza, and venereal diseases also caused fatalities among the Stó꞉lō people.
The first documented encounter with Europeans was in 1808, when Simon Fraser traveled down the river that is now named for him. The Hudson Bay Company established trading posts at Fort Langley in 1827, and at Fort Yale in 1848.
The gold rush began in 1858, bringing as many as 30,000 miners hoping to strike it rich. This began a long history of land disputes between the Stó꞉lō and European-Canadian settlers.
No treaties were ever made in British Columbia, although Governor James Douglas nevertheless set aside territories for Indigenous groups to occupy. Most of the land was assigned to settlers. Joseph Trutch, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, reduced Indigenous reserves by more than 90% in 1867, and eliminated the rights of Indigenous people to participate in government or to purchase land outside of the reserves.
The Stó꞉lō have elected two tribal councils, the Stó꞉lō Nation Chiefs Council and the Stó꞉lō Tribal Council, each with several member bands, while others belong to both councils. Other bands belong to neither council.
The Chehalis Indian Band of the Sts'Ailes people, while ethnically and linguistically similar, is among First Nations governments who have distanced themselves from Stó꞉lō governance. Others include the Musqueam Indian Band, the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, the Tsawwassen First Nation, and the Semiahmoo First Nation.
Members of the Stó꞉lō Nation Chiefs Council include Aitchelitz First Nation, Leq'á:mel First Nation, Matsqui First Nation, Popkum First Nation, Skway First Nation, Skawahlook First Nation, Skowkale First Nation, Squiala First Nation, Sumas First Nation, Tzeachten First Nation, and Yakweakwioose First Nation, while the Stó꞉lō Tribal Council includes Chawathil First Nation, Cheam First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Kwaw-kwaw-Apilt First Nation, Sq'éwlets First Nation, Seabird Island First Nation, Shxw'ow'hamel First Nation, and Soowahlie First Nation. The Skwah First Nation, New Westminster Indian Band, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Union Bar First Nation, Peters First Nation, Katzie First Nation, Sts'ailes Nation, and Yale First Nation are not members of either tribal council.
The focus of this portion of our web guide is on the Stó꞉lō people. Websites representing Stó꞉lō councils or First Nations governments are appropriate for this category, as are Stó꞉lō businesses, enterprises, schools, places of worship, medical facilities, or other entities, as well as programs and events.
Recommended Resources
Formerly known as the Tzeachten First Nation, the band government is a member of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Council. Its history, culture, and language are highlighted, and its chief, council, and management team are introduced. The locations of its administrative building, cemetery, community center, and community garden are shown on a map, and contact is provided. Member programs and services, sports facilities, job opportunities, and other resources are provided.
https://www.tzeachten.ca/
Situated in the Upper Fraser Valley region near Hope, British Columbia, the Chawathil First Nation (also known as the Chawathil Indian Band) is a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council. Its main reserve, Chawathil 4, near Katz, comprises nearly 90% of the Nation's total land base, although it has four other reserve parcels. The Nation operates the Telte-yet Campground. Its official website features an overview of the Nation, a message from its chief, and contacts.
https://chawathil.org/
Located near Rosedale, the Cheam Indian Band is a member government of the Sto:lo Tribal Council. Most of its membership lives on its two reserves on the north shore of Cheam Lake, although others reside off the reserve. The Nation's history, demographics, and land base are highlighted, as are its culture, heritage, language, historical resources, and cultural traditions. Its chief, council, past chiefs, programs, and services are highlighted.
https://cheam.ca/
The Katzie First Nation is negotiating their land treaty independently and is not part of either of the two Sto:lo tribal councils. The Nation's territory, language, and history are told on its official website, which outlines its governance, introduces its chief and council, and posts the Nation's laws, bylaws, management plans, financial statements, and other documents. Katzie Development Limited Partnership, owned and operated by the Nation, is defined. Career opportunities are highlighted.
https://katzie.ca/
Situated primarily on McMillan Island near Fort Langley, the Kwantlen First Nation withdrew from the Sto:lo Tribal Council in 2018 and currently operates as an independent Nation. The band administers six reserves and operates several business entities. With a membership of about 400, 68 reside on reserve land, the majority on McMillan Island. Its culture, legacy, lands, economic development programs, and leadership structure are defined, and an online contact form is provided.
https://www.kwantlenfn.ca/
Administering two reserves, one near the mouth of the Coquitlam River, where it drains into the Fraser River, and the other about 2.5 kilometers north, the Kwikwetlem First Nation, also known as the Coquitlam Indian Band, is the band government of the Kwikwetlem, a Sto:lo people. The official First Nation website discusses its history, territory, people, language, culture, and future, along with its governing bodies, departments, a calendar of events, and a private login for members.
https://www.kwikwetlem.com/
Formerly known as the Lakahahmen First Nation, the Leq'á:mel is a member government of the Sto:lo Nation Chiefs Council. The site defines the Leq'á:mel's history, arts, culture, and heritage, along with a gallery of photographs. It also discusses the nation's leadership, advisory committee, programs, and services. The site also posts the Nation's economic development plan, housing programs, lands, and member updates. An online contact form is included.
http://leqamel.ca/
The Mémiyelhtel program supports Indigenous youth living within the traditional, unceded territory of the Sto:lo Nation, specifically Chilliwack. The program provides holistic, long-term, and intensive support to vulnerable youth between the ages of twelve and nineteen, including resiliency and mental health services, land-based healing and recreation, intensive support and resource workers, general program enhancements, and crisis funds. Contacts are provided.
https://memiyelhtel.ca/
PFN 3 Feathers was created to enhance the quality of life for all members of Peters First Nation (PFN) by promoting sustainable economic development and meaningful employment opportunities for the PFN and community. Its priorities include investment, communication, partnership, and strategic goals. A background report on its economic development plans is provided, and its projects include construction management, flood mitigation, soil production, land development, and others.
https://pfn3feathers.com/
The Lands Office manages the SAY Health & Community Centre, created to increase access to community, culture, recreation, and health for the neighboring Stó꞉lō First Nation communities of Skowkale, Aitchelitz, and Yakweakwioose. The Centre includes a gymnasium, fitness room, multipurpose area, youth room, reception space, washrooms, locker rooms, administrative space, playground, carving area, sports field, and cafe. Contacts and job openings are posted.
https://www.saylandsoffice.ca/
Situated near Hope, British Columbia, the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation, also known as the Shxw’ōwhámél Band, is a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council. Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation has a custom electoral system and is governed by Si:yá:m, a council of respected people in the community who have been appointed by their families to provide leadership. Its governing structure is discussed, and its history is told. Departmental and administrative contacts are provided.
https://www.shxwowhamel.ca/
The Skway First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people, and a member government of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Council. The band administers three reserves. Its origins, corporate profile, and lands are highlighted, and its chief councilor, council members, and CEO profile are included. Its economic development, education, housing, and environmental services are introduced, and its specific claims and Shxwhá:y Village are featured. The address, and phone numbers are posted.
https://skway.com/
Also known as the Skowkale Band, the Skowkale First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people and a member of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Council. Located in the core of Chilliwack, British Columbia, its headquarters' address and contacts are posted on the site. The site includes information about registrations, dog licenses, permits, lands, future development plans, facility rental fees, and a rental request form. Its leadership and programs are introduced.
https://www.skowkalefn.com/
Also known as the Skwah Band, the Sqwehá, or the Sqwa, the Skwah First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people. Headquartered in Chilliwack, British Columbia, the Nation has several reserves near the historic Chilliwack Landing, as well as Skwali north of the Hope Slough, Skwahla at the base of Little Mountain, and Schelowat in Rosedale. Its chief and council are introduced, and its housing, education, health, and employment services are discussed.
https://skwah.ca/
The Soowahlie Nation, or Soowahlie Band, is a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council. The band administers three reserves: one shared with eight other bands and another shared with twenty other bands. The third is on the left bank of the Chilliwack River, one mile south of Vedder Crossing. Its website features an overview of its community and membership, its programs and services, and a calendar of upcoming events. The address and telephone number are provided.
https://soowahlie.ca/
The First Nation band government are comprised of a Skaulits subgroup of the Stó:lō people located on Harrison Bay in the Upper Fraser Valley region between Chehalis and Lake Errock, British Columbia, Canada. Originally known as the Scowlitz First Nation, they are a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council and administer three reserves. The Nation's website is available in English and French, and includes videos, photographs, historical information, and language resources.
http://digitalsqewlets.ca/
The Seabird Island First Nation is a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council. Located on Sea Bird Island in the Upper Fraser Valley Region, east of Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, the band provides a number of member services, which are detailed here, along with its history, a profile of the Nation, meeting and election information, a calendar of events, departmental contacts, career opportunities, a map of the community, and a private member area.
https://www.seabirdisland.ca/
Also known as the Skawahlook First Nation, and formerly known as the Talt Indian Band, the Sto:lo band government's reserves and communities are situated in the Upper Fraser Valley region, near Ruby Creek. It is a member government of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Council. Its history, a map, photo gallery, and an overview of the Ruby Creek Art Gallery, the Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park, and the "Memories of Ruby Creek" documentary are included, with departmental contacts.
https://skawahlook.com/
The SNCC represents eleven Stó:lō communities, while the Stó:lō Service Agency (SSA) provides services to the Stó:lō and Aboriginal communities throughout S'olh Temexw. Member bands are listed, and SNCC and SSA services and programs, language services, and tourism information, are highlighted. The site also posts its history, organizational chart, vision, mission, values, community facts, reports, news, and career opportunities, skill development, and training.
https://www.stolonation.bc.ca/
Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre
The Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre is made up of experienced professionals with many years of experience working within the Stó:lō community. The SRRMC offers a range of professional and technical services, including archaeological resource management, archives, cultural interpretation and events, cultural resource management, curation, educational tours, environmental resource management, fisheries management, genealogy, and others.
https://www.srrmcentre.com/
Stó:lō Shxwelí: Halq'eméylem Language Program
Designed to promote and renew the usage of the traditional languages of the Stó:lō people, the program's website includes stories for learning Halq'eméylem, language lessons, a talking dictionary, and several other resources created by the Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq'eméylem Language program, elders, participants of S'íwes ye Syewalelh S'qép, and the Halq'eméylem community language teacher. The site includes a video explanation for using the site, and the program itself is defined.
https://stoloshxweli.org/
Designed to serve as a professional development tool for educators, the Stó:lō Sitel website focuses on incorporating Stó:lō stories into their work. The site includes resources related to the Stó:lō Sitel curriculum and emphasizes Stó:lō stories and their significance, which have a strong narrative base. Its primary purpose is to support educators in integrating Stó:lō stories into their teaching practices and to offer professional development opportunities for teachers.
https://www.stolositelstories.com/
Stó:lō Xwexwílmexw Treaty Association
The SXTA is an organization representing the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Government, which is comprised of six Stó:lō First Nations that have come together to continue the work of their ancestors. Its purpose is to advance the rights and interests of its member Nations through treaty negotiations, to achieve self-governance, to engage with its members, and to serve as the official negotiating body for the treaty process. Member nations are defined, and its constitution and vote results are defined.
https://www.sxta.bc.ca/
The Stó꞉lō Tribal Council is a First Nations tribal council in the Fraser Valley-Greater Vancouver region of British Columbia. It includes Stó꞉lō First Nations band governments geographically located from Hope, at the south end of the Fraser Canyon, down to Langley. Other Stó꞉lō bands belong to the Stó꞉lō Nation Chiefs Council or neither. The council's headquarters is in Agassiz, British Columbia, and its mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and email address are posted.
http://www.stolotribalcouncil.ca/
Situated at Kilgard, the Sumas First Nation, also known as the Sumas Indian Band, is a member government of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Council. The group occupies the region near the Sumas Prairie. The band council runs several businesses, including Semath Industries. Its governing structure, departments, staff directory, and community programs and services are featured. An overview of its past and present is provided, and a calendar of events, photo gallery, and press releases are included.
https://sumasfirstnation.com/
