Esquimalt people facts for kids
The Esquimalt people are one of the many Coast Salish groups. They live near Esquimalt, British Columbia in Canada. The name "Esquimalt" comes from their language and is also used for the nearby harbour.
The Esquimalt people are led by the Esquimalt First Nation, which is their government today.
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Who Are the Esquimalt People?
The Esquimalt people are part of the larger Coast Salish family. This group of Indigenous peoples has lived along the coast of British Columbia and Washington State for thousands of years.
The Name Esquimalt
The word "Esquimalt" comes from the original language of the area, which is called Lekwungen. The original word was x̣ʷiméɫǝɫ.
This word described a specific place. It meant "a place of gradually shoaling." This refers to an area where the water gets shallower slowly.
Over time, the name "Esquimalt" started to be used for the whole harbour area. It also became the name for the people living there.
Their Village and History
The Esquimalt people lived in a village known as Kalla. This village was located on the northern shore of Plumper Bay.
Archaeologists have studied this site, which is known as DcRu-36. Their findings help us learn about the long history of the Esquimalt people in this area.
Treaties and Agreements
The Esquimalt people were involved in important agreements with the government. These agreements are known as the Douglas Treaties.
The Kosapsum Treaty
The ancestors of the present-day Esquimalt Nation signed one of these treaties. It was called the Kosapsum Treaty.
This treaty was signed by their leaders, known as the Kosapsum. It helped define their lands and rights.
Different Groups, Different Treaties
It's interesting to note that the name "Esquimalt" originally came from a different group of Songhees people. This group signed a separate treaty called the Whyomilth (Esquimalt) Treaty.
However, the people who are part of the Esquimalt Nation today are the descendants of those who signed the Kosapsum Treaty.
