D'Herbomez Creek facts for kids
D'Herbomez Creek is a small creek located in the eastern part of Mission, British Columbia. It flows towards the southeast and eventually joins the mighty Fraser River. The creek meets the Fraser River at a special place called the Pekw'Xe:yles Indian Reserve. This area used to be the site of the St. Mary's Indian Residential School.
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Why is it Called D'Herbomez Creek?
The name "D'Herbomez Creek" was officially chosen in 1952. It honors a historical figure named Bishop Louis-Joseph d'Herbomez. He was a very important person who lived a long time ago.
Bishop d'Herbomez's Land Purchase
On March 28, 1862, Bishop d'Herbomez bought the land that this creek flows through. He purchased it to establish an "Indian mission." This mission eventually gave the nearby town its name: the District of Mission.
From Mission to Cultural Center
The mission Bishop d'Herbomez started later became known as the St. Mary's Indian Residential School. Today, this site has been transformed. It is now managed by a group of 21 Sto:lo First Nations communities. They use it as a special place for culture and education. It helps preserve their traditions and teach future generations.
The Lands Around the Creek
The original mission lands are divided into two main parts:
- The western part is known as the OMI Lands. This area is now the Fraser Valley Heritage Park. Here, you can still see the old foundations of the very first mission buildings and the school. It's like looking back in time!
- The eastern part is where the newer residential school buildings were located. In June 2005, this section was officially recognized as an Indian reserve. It is now called Pekw'Xe:yles, which is pronounced "Peck-quay-lis."
