Sto:lo First Nation
Yanina and I were lucky enough to be placed with the Sto:lo First Nation as our summer work placement. "Sto:lo" means river, and the Sto:lo people are named as such because they are "People of the River".
Traditional Sto:lo territory extends throughout the region of the Fraser Valley River and encompasses much of B.C. No treaties have been signed in this area. This means that, technically, British Columbia still belongs to the First Nation's people.
The Sto:lo community are currently working to reassert their rights to the land as well as to revive their cultural and spiritual traditions. Yanina and I have been lucky enough to take part in many cultural events this summer, including the "Natural Changes" puberty camp documented in the accompanying photo album.
At present, the Sto:lo community in Chilliwack and the surrounding areas is very strong. They are working dilligently to educated others about First Nation's history and culture. As a result, in the short time I've been here I have learned an incredible amount about this topic. For this I will always be grateful.
Click here to see my Sto:lo Nation Summer 2003 Photo Album 
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