The area now known as Vancouver, British Columbia, has been inhabited for thousands of years by various Indigenous Peoples. Before European contact, these groups had established rich and diverse cultures, economies, and social structures.
Here’s an overview of the key Indigenous groups and aspects of their pre-colonial history in the Vancouver region:
Indigenous Peoples of the Vancouver Area
Musqueam:
The Musqueam people have lived in the Vancouver area for at least 4,000 years. Their name comes from the məθkʷəy̓ plant (meaning “People of the məθkʷəy̓,” a flowering plant that grows in the area).
They traditionally occupied areas around what is now Vancouver, including the Fraser River, and had a complex society with a rich oral history, governed by their own laws and customs.
Squamish:
The Squamish Nation’s traditional territory covers the north shore of Burrard Inlet, extending up the Howe Sound and into the areas surrounding present-day Vancouver.
The Squamish people were skilled canoe builders, known for their longhouses and potlatch ceremonies. They lived in a society structured around extended family groups called “siyá,” led by respected chiefs.
Tsleil-Waututh:
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation traditionally occupied the area around Burrard Inlet, including what is now North Vancouver.
The Tsleil-Waututh people, whose name means “People of the Inlet,” were known for their deep connection to the land and water, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance.
Culture and Society
Economy and Subsistence:
These Indigenous groups lived off the abundant natural resources of the region, including salmon, shellfish, game, and plant materials. They practiced fishing, hunting, and gathering, with the seasonal availability of resources guiding their movements and activities.
Housing:
Longhouses made of cedar planks were the primary housing structures. These longhouses were large, communal buildings that could house multiple families. The cedar tree was central to their way of life, providing materials for homes, canoes, clothing, and art.
Social Organization:
The social structure of these communities was complex, often based on kinship and social status. Chiefs, who were typically the heads of extended families or clans, played significant roles in leadership, governance, and organizing community activities, including trade and ceremonial events like potlatches.
Spirituality and Beliefs:
The Indigenous peoples of Vancouver had rich spiritual traditions, deeply connected to the land, animals, and natural elements. Stories, songs, and dances were integral to passing down knowledge and cultural values through generations. Totem poles, carved from cedar, often depicted stories, lineage, and spiritual beliefs.
Trade and Relations:
Trade networks existed between various Indigenous groups across the Pacific Northwest. These networks facilitated the exchange of goods such as dried fish, furs, and other materials. Relationships between groups were maintained through trade, marriage, and ceremonial events.
Impact of European Contact
While this overview focuses on the pre-colonial era, it’s important to note that the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th and early 19th centuries significantly impacted these Indigenous communities. Diseases, displacement, and colonial policies disrupted their traditional ways of life. Despite these challenges, the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations remain vital and active in the Vancouver area today, working to preserve and revitalize their cultures and assert their rights and title over their traditional lands.
