Sxótsaqel, pronounced “skot-sa-qel”, is the Halq’eméylem name for Chilliwack Lake, meaning “sacred lake”. It is the ancestral homeland of the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and a place of spiritual significance, believed to be the home of S’o:lmexw, or “water babies”.
Rooted Waters is a tribute to the rich history and cultural significance of the land. This series explores and celebrates the nine nations that share borders with Chilliwack, and dives into the stories, traditions and deep connections these nations have with the land. Created in partnership with: Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Chilliwack, City of…
Written & Performed by Ella-Mae Burns, Delmar Plowman, Bryanna Waardenburg, Jio St. Germain, Krazy McIntyre, Melkya Tollikko & Theraz Kelly.
Derek Epp is a father, husband and the Chief of Tzeachten First Nation. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, he is the Secretary-Treasurer for the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Executive, and was elected to the First Nation Health Council. Derek is also the Vice President for the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
Derek Epp is a proud descendant of the Wealick family and is honoured to walk with the Xwelmexw name Weli’leq while serving his community. Mr. Epp received a Diploma in Social Services while specializing in First Nations studies.
David Jimmie is a father, husband, Chief, community leader, President of both the Sto:lo Nation and Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe. He has worked hard to build relationships between indigenous communities and various levels of government.
The Magnetic Field is changing, and it’s pointing East. In search of pathways less travelled, Chilliwack is that place for rejuvenation. To unplug from empty distraction and plug into elevated perspectives.
The community of Chilliwack is made awesome by the people who call it home. We are Tourism Chilliwack and this is our Chilliwack.
