The pre-colonial and Indigenous history of Stanley Park is deeply intertwined with the traditions and cultures of the Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Long before European settlers arrived, the land that is now Stanley Park was an important site for Indigenous communities, offering rich natural resources and playing a significant role in their cultural and spiritual lives.
- Indigenous Inhabitants
The area of present-day Stanley Park was home to the Coast Salish peoples for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests continuous human habitation in the region for at least 3,000 years. The Coast Salish peoples had a deep connection to the land and waters surrounding Stanley Park, relying on the diverse ecosystems for food, shelter, and cultural practices.
The park’s forests, tidal zones, and rivers provided essential resources such as fish (particularly salmon), shellfish, berries, and cedar trees for clothing, canoes, and longhouses.
The Coast Salish had an intimate understanding of the land, practicing sustainable resource management to maintain balance with the environment.
- Villages in Stanley Park
Several important Indigenous villages were located within the boundaries of what is now Stanley Park. Two of the most well-known villages were X̱wáýx̱way and Chaythoos, which served as seasonal or permanent homes for the local Indigenous population.
X̱wáýx̱way (Whoi Whoi): This large village was located near what is now Lumberman’s Arch on the southern shore of Stanley Park. X̱wáýx̱way was a significant community for the Squamish and other Coast Salish peoples. It was a vibrant village where people lived, traded, held gatherings, and practiced traditional ceremonies. Archaeological evidence has shown that X̱wáýx̱way existed long before European contact.
Chaythoos: Another important village, Chaythoos was located on the eastern side of Stanley Park, near what is now Brockton Point. The village was situated at a key point for accessing the waters of Burrard Inlet, which was vital for fishing, trading, and transportation.
These villages were central to Indigenous life, not only for their practical resources but also for their spiritual and cultural significance. The Coast Salish peoples had a strong sense of stewardship over the land and believed in maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.
- Spiritual and Cultural Significance
For the Coast Salish peoples, the land that is now Stanley Park held deep spiritual importance. The forests, mountains, and waters were inhabited by powerful spiritual beings, and many areas within the park were considered sacred.
Cedar trees, which grew in abundance in Stanley Park, were regarded as sacred by the Coast Salish people. The cedar was a “tree of life,” used to create everything from canoes and longhouses to clothing and ceremonial masks.
Salmon was not only a critical food source but also had a spiritual significance. The annual salmon run was a time of celebration and thanksgiving.
Oral traditions passed down through generations spoke of significant natural landmarks within Stanley Park and their associated spiritual teachings. These stories often explained the origins of particular landforms or animals in the area.
- Impact of European Arrival
The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the late 18th century began to disrupt the lives of the Indigenous peoples living in and around Stanley Park. Early contact with Europeans, such as Spanish explorers in the 1790s and later the British, led to significant changes, including the introduction of new goods, diseases, and colonial claims to the land.
Smallpox and other diseases, brought by Europeans, decimated the Indigenous populations in the early 19th century, greatly reducing the number of people living in the villages around Stanley Park.
By the mid-19th century, European settlers and colonial authorities began asserting control over the land. The British Crown eventually designated the area as a military reserve in 1863, largely disregarding Indigenous claims to the land. The reserve would later become Stanley Park.
Displacement and Legacy
The establishment of Stanley Park in 1888 marked a turning point for the Indigenous communities that had called the area home for thousands of years. Colonial authorities forcibly removed the remaining Indigenous inhabitants from the park, including those living in X̱wáýx̱way and other villages.
In the late 19th century, the last Indigenous residents of Stanley Park were evicted, and their homes were destroyed. The process of colonial settlement led to the erasure of much of the Indigenous presence in the area.
Despite this displacement, the Coast Salish peoples have maintained a strong connection to the land. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the park’s Indigenous history, and efforts are being made to honor and acknowledge the original inhabitants.
- Modern Recognition and Reconciliation
In recent decades, there has been a movement towards acknowledging and honoring the Indigenous history of Stanley Park. The park contains several markers and totem poles that reflect Indigenous culture, though many of these were added later as a nod to Indigenous art rather than a reflection of the park’s original inhabitants.
The Brockton Point Totem Poles: First installed in the 1920s, these totem poles are now one of the park’s most popular attractions. While the poles represent various Indigenous nations, they are a powerful reminder of the cultural heritage that existed long before European colonization.
Reconciliation efforts: There has been increasing recognition of the need to reconcile with the Coast Salish peoples and to include their voices in the stewardship and interpretation of Stanley Park’s history. The park is now a symbol of both Indigenous resistance and cultural resurgence.
In 2010, the Vancouver Park Board formally acknowledged that Stanley Park is located on unceded Indigenous land, marking a step toward greater collaboration with the local First Nations in managing the park.
Conclusion
The pre-colonial and Indigenous history of Stanley Park is a testament to the deep connection between the Coast Salish peoples and the land. For millennia, the area was home to thriving Indigenous communities who lived in harmony with the natural environment. While colonization led to the displacement of these communities, the memory and cultural significance of Stanley Park endure for the Indigenous peoples of the region. Today, efforts to reconcile and honor this history continue, ensuring that Stanley Park remains a place of cultural and historical significance for future generations.
