Joe Capilano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Capilano
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|---|---|
| Sa7plek (Sahp-luk) | |
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| Squamish leader leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1854 Yekw’ts, near Squamish, British Columbia |
| Died | 10 March 1910 North Vancouver |
| Cause of death | Tuberculosis |
| Known for | Meeting with King of Canada Edward VII about land claims; traditional stories |
Joe Capilano (around 1854–1910) was a very important leader of the Squamish people. His people called him Sa7plek (Sahp-luk). He led the Squamish from 1895 until his death in 1910.
Joe Capilano worked hard to make sure the rights and way of life of Indigenous peoples were respected. When he was young, he spent his time fishing and hunting. He was known for protecting his community from other groups. Later, he worked at a sawmill in Moodyville, which is now part of North Vancouver.
In 1906, Joe Capilano went on a very important journey. He traveled with two other chiefs, Charley Isipaymilt from the Cowichan and Basil David from the Secwepemc. First, they went to Ottawa, Canada's capital. Then, they traveled all the way to London, England.
Their goal was to meet with King of Canada Edward VII. They wanted to talk about land claims in British Columbia. Land claims are when Indigenous groups ask for their traditional lands to be recognized and returned. Chief Capilano also asked the King to lift the ban on potlatches. A potlatch is a special gathering where Indigenous people celebrate, share gifts, and pass on traditions. Joe Capilano passed away in 1910 from tuberculosis.
His Lasting Impact
Joe Capilano's name is still remembered today. Many places around Vancouver's North Shore are named after him. In the original Skwxwu7mesh snichim, his name was Giyeplénexw. This means "people of Kiap," where Kiap is a special family leadership title.
Places Named After Joe Capilano
- Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5: This is a community also known as Xwemelch'stn.
- Capilano River: A river that flows into the ocean.
- Capilano Lake: This lake helps supply drinking water to Vancouver.
- Capilano Mountain: A mountain at the top of the river's area.
- Capilano Road: A main road that runs alongside the river.
- Capilano University: A university in North Vancouver, opened in 1968.
- Capilano Highlands: A neighborhood in North Vancouver.
Joe Capilano also shared many traditional stories. These stories were collected in a book called "Legends of Vancouver" by Pauline Johnson. She was a famous Canadian poet of Mohawk background. The book helped share the rich culture and history of the Coast Salish and Squamish people.
See also
- Capilano (disambiguation)
- Dan George
- History of Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh longshoremen, 1863-1963
- August Jack Khatsahlano
- Xwemelch'stn
