Phase 1 Secwépemc Cultural Heritage Study Findings – A Response to the Chilcotin River Landslide

Following the landslide and subsequent release of the Chilcotin River (traditionally known as Pesxenmétkwe) in July and August of 2024, Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), Esk’etemc, and Inlailawatash LP have completed the first phase of an extensive cultural heritage study. This study focused on the region from Hanceville to the mouth of the Chilcotin River, including the area commonly known as Farwell Canyon. While it was already widely recognized that several Secwépemc village sites existed throughout the region, significant new archaeological discoveries have shed fresh light on a once prosperous division of the Secwépemc Nation that was devastated by smallpox in the 1860s.

“These pit houses are older than the pyramids! It’s incredible that we’re still uncovering new insights about the communities that thrived here for thousands of years,” says Whitney Spearing, WLFN’s Director of Natural Resources.

The first phase of the study had to be launched quickly due to concerns that the initial or any subsequent landslides could violently breach the area, permanently washing away invaluable history. Within a day of the initial slide on August 1, WLFN secured LiDAR scans of the area with support from the Province of British Columbia. Later that month, British Columbia, Esk’etemc, and WLFN signed a government-to-government Letter of Understanding (LOU) concerning the Chilcotin River (Pesxenmétkwe). This agreement formalized their commitment to jointly address the landslide’s impact. The LOU covers multiple key issues, including fisheries, environmental consequences, cultural heritage protection, information sharing, and responses to the event. It also allows for additional parties to be involved in the process.

Although the landslide’s release did not reach catastrophic levels, it caused substantial damage to several known pre-contact Secwépemc village sites. The former village sites of Tecwilúps, Nexelp, and Kwomesken’s Village suffered extensive damage. Tecwilúps was a significant community located at the confluence of the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers. Nexelp was situated on the south bank of the Chilcotin River, near today’s Farwell Canyon bridge, with Kwomesken’s Village directly across the river. These were three of the four principal Secwépemc villages along Kwellk̓ém̓t (or Tsenqlews, also known as Farwell Canyon) that had been well-documented through archaeological and ethnographic records.

Phase 1 of the cultural heritage study has now revealed vast additional village sites throughout the region—many of which had never been formally documented. “We always knew there were more than just the four main village sites referenced in Teit’s work,” says Spearing, referring to the preeminent ethnographer who cataloged many of the Secwépemc sites. “But we had no idea there were this many, or that some of these sites were as large as they are.”

Fieldwork for Phase 1 took place over 16 days between August 15 and November 29, 2024. Researchers focused on areas identified through GIS modeling, LiDAR scans, and visual assessments to have been impacted by the landslide.

In total, 70 archaeological sites—both new and previously recorded—were documented during Phase 1. Of these, 31 are pre-contact Secwépemc village sites, while seven contain sacred use features, such as burials, caves, and rock art. Nearly half (49%) of the sites visited during this phase were found to have been affected by the landslide and other recent natural events, including the 2017 Cariboo-Chilcotin wildfires. “It’s astonishing to think that so much of this history remained hidden until now,” says Spearing. “These findings not only reshape our understanding of the past but also reaffirm the deep and enduring connection of Secwépemc people to this land.”

Historical and ethnographic records long established that the Secwépemc communities in the canyon, collectively known as Ste’tlemc, were a dominant trading force within the Secwépemc Nation. Archaeological evidence confirms their presence in the region for over 4,000 years. However, in the 1860s, smallpox devastated these communities, forcing survivors to flee to neighbouring Secwépemc villages such as Esk’etemc and Stswecem’c Xget’tem, where they maintained their connection to the land to Pestewt (Secwépemc land west of the Fraser) where smaller villages were maintained.

“Esk’etemc had houses at River camp (Se’tl) until 1963 when they were burned down.” says Hereditary Chief Francis Johnson Jr. “There were also Douglas Reserve posts that were lost due to the flooding of the Chilcotin River.”

With Phase 1 complete, groundwork is now underway for the second phase of the Chilcotin River Slide Cultural Heritage Recovery Plan. The five primary objectives for Phase 2 are:

a) Protect and record archaeological and cultural sites that have been damaged by the 2024 Chilcotin River landslide.
b) Collect archival, field, and spatial research data to assess damage and develop recovery plans for targeted Secwépemc archaeological and cultural sites within the slide impact zone.
c) Ensure the active involvement of WLFN, Esk’etemc, and the broader Secwépemc Nation in the landslide recovery process and in future natural emergency responses.
d) Engage with other Secwépemc communities, First Nations, provincial and federal governments, and stakeholders to develop a broader collaborative Chilcotin River Slide Cultural Heritage Recovery Plan.
e) Secure the necessary data to support emergency response measures in case of further landslide events on the Chilcotin River in Spring 2025.

“These findings don’t just change what we know about the past—they change what we can protect for the future,” says Spearing. “Every site we identify, every piece of history we document, is a step toward reclaiming and preserving our story.”

Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation adds, “The Chilcotin River landslide was a significant event that not only impacted the land but also revealed deeper truths about our history and connection to these territories. The cultural heritage study reinforces what our people have always known—our ancestors lived, thrived, and carried their knowledge forward here since time immemorial. This work is about more than archaeology; it’s about honoring the stories of our Elders, protecting the places that hold the spirit of our people, and ensuring that future generations can walk these lands with the same understanding and connection. Williams Lake First Nation is committed to working in the spirit of unity and respect to safeguard these cultural sites and strengthen our relationships with all those who share in the responsibility of caring for this land.”

Following the signing of the initial LOU, BC Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, commented: “We responded to the landslide by bringing together modern technology, including LiDAR, and traditional knowledge, by collaborating with First Nations affected by the event. This includes partnering with First Nations governments such as the Williams Lake First Nation, Esk’etemc, and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government.”

Secwépemc people have lived alongside the Tsilhqot’in for hundreds of years, each with deep connections to the land. Archaeological, historical, and legal findings continue to affirm the presence of the Secwépemc in this region for thousands of years. The recent cultural heritage study adds further insight into the deep-rooted history of the Secwépemc. Williams Lake First Nation remains committed to fostering respectful dialogue and collaboration as we move forward together.

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