The Sinixt, or Arrow Lakes Tribe, have been in the news lately. After a decade of legal battles over the right to hunt in the Canadian portion of their territory, their case will be heard at the Supreme Court of Canada. It’s hard to imagine why, in an era of cultural reconciliation for Indigenous people, this tribe must once again prove their own history. Ironies aside, however, their important story will gain national attention. Several judges in the nation’s capitol are about to get a history lesson.
After 20 years writing and researching about their cultural place in the upper Columbia landscape, I, too, am still learning. Now seems an appropriate time to share an important discovery about the Sinixt, one worth sharing. Recently, while reviewing an archaeological report of investigations of the Kettle River valley in 1978, I came across a reference to a pine dugout canoe used by the Sinixt, one that had been submerged in the Kettle River for many decades. (it was found in 1978 braced by a system of log skids, just upstream of K’lhasxam, or Cascade Falls.) I have written about this discovery for an upcoming article in the North Columbia Monthly, to be published in December. But I want to share the map I created to help me tell the story.
Those who read my blog (or know me well) also know that I love maps. Very old maps have always helped me understand the history of the landscape prior to industrial development. All maps help me make sense of where I am. In an era of digital accuracy, I find more and more delight in hand-drawn maps. This one attempts to demonstrate the rich cultural history of the Sinixt and the Kettle River. It shows how the transboundary river connects to the Columbia, the Arrow Lakes and various parts of what we now call northeastern Washington. Notes on the map trace various discoveries, including ocean shells (dentalia) found hundreds of miles from their home.
Indigenous people have a long history, one that is often unseen or acknowledged. Their history connects us to the land as it once wished itself to be. Sawmills, highways, gravel pits, mines, farms and cities are not recorded here. The only contemporary cultural mark I allow here is a thin grey line at the 49th parallel. Drawn in 1846, that imaginary line is at the heart of the Supreme Court Case to be heard early next year. May it soon be completely erased.
Lovely map work. Very nice feeling being there.
f
I concur with Fred about the map. Have always loved your maps.
Susan
Nice, Eileen. I didn’t know that the Kettle River was yet another transboundary waterway (with multiple crossing points)!
Graeme
Beautiful map. It sure lays out important historical points and findings along the river. I am seeing far more “indigenous” history plus stories online as some of our various people have kept information alive. Hawaii now requires native history in their public schools, and small “settlements” are being preserved (the Wampanoag of MA near Plimouth Plantation). More documentaries are needed for today’s school children. Good luck to the Sinixt in their quest.
Thanks for sharing your discovery and your beautiful map! I often drive along the Kettle River on my way to Kelowna and I will now look at the landscape in a new way.
The territory noted on the map was equally inhabited and shared by Colville Okanagon people ( sx̌ʷýʔłpx) and Okanagon (sʔukʷnaʔqin). Boundaries fluctuated throughout time and resources were shared. The place names were acquired from Martin Louie (Colville) as an informant working with The British Columbia Indian Language Project (credit should be given to the sources). There are also pictographs along Christina Lake notably at Texas Point.