Who are the shishalh?

We are shishalh First Nations, located on B.C.´s scenic West Coast and are proud of our heritage and community values. Our spectacular scenery and natural resources 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. 

In 1986 the shishalh 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. 

The name shishalh, from the language of she-shashishalem, refers to the entire population of the shishalh Nation. The traditional territory extends from Lund in Powell River, the head of Jervis Inlet, and Roberts Creek, B.C. on the south coast of British Columbia. 

However you travel, you´ll know you have arrived when you see the massive sloping roof of the House of hewhiwus (House of Chiefs) complex and the Raven´s Cry Theatre. The raven, a mischievous bird in shishalh folklore, is a gatherer and collector of stories. This storytelling house of the raven features plays, concerts recitals and big screen movies nightly. 

The newly built long house represents a proud return to age-old celebrations and gatherings. The shishalh tl´e enak-awxw (Feast House), a joint project with the shishalh Nation, the Federal Government and the First People´s Cultural Foundation, celebrated its grand opening in October 1996. This celebration also marked the shishalh Nation's 10th Anniversary of Self Government. 

For any questions regarding educational services within the shishalh Nation community, please contact:
​Jane Kowalczyk, Director of Education at (604) 885-9404 or click here to be directed to the shishalh​ website.

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