Sechelt First Nation

The Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation, located on BC'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.

The shíshálh First Nation recently completed a Strategic Land Use Plan
Strategic Land Use Plan

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.

Territory Description

The shíshálh territory has always been defined by natural landmarks from the named mountain tops down through their valleys, brooks, steams, rivers and lakes to the coastal shores, inlets and open waters forming the regional watersheds. Those territories include the entire area draining into lilkw' émin (Agamemnon Channel) swiwelát (Princess Louisa Inlet)?álhtulich (Sechelt Inlet), stl'ixwim (Narrows Inlet), skúpa (Salmon Inlet), smit (Hotham Sound), and part of sínku (the open waters of Malaspina Strait and Georgia Strait) including the southern half of slháltikan (Texada Island) and chichxwalish (Sabine Channel).

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.

Visitors are invited to attend cultural events throughout the year, hosted by our community.

The tems swiya museum welcomes you to a journey encompassing the shíshálh land, history and culture. Stop by the tsain-ko gift shop and take home a reminder of your visit to Sechelt.

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 t'sunay (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.

If you have any questions please contact Chief Garry Feschuk at (604) 885-2273 or Sid Quinn, Resource Management Department and Web Administrator, if you require further information.