Kitselas, British Columbia facts for kids
Kitselas is a special community located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It's often called Kitselas Indian Reserve No. 1 and is home to the Kitselas people, who are a part of the larger Tsimshian group. You can find Kitselas right along the beautiful Skeena River.
The name Kitselas means "people of the village at the canyon" in the Tsimshian language. This name perfectly describes their home, which is near a canyon. The local government for the Kitselas people is called the Kitselas First Nation, and their main office is in a place called Gitaus, also within the canyon area.
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Kitselas: A Special Place
Kitselas is more than just a community; it's a place with deep history and meaning for the Kitselas people. It's known as an "unincorporated settlement," which means it's a community that isn't officially a city or town with its own separate government. Instead, it's part of the Kitselas First Nation's traditional territory.
Who are the Kitselas People?
The Kitselas people are one of the many First Nations groups in Canada. They have lived in this area for thousands of years, with a rich culture and history tied to the land and the Skeena River. Their traditions and way of life are very important to them.
A Name with a Story
The name Kitselas tells us a lot about the community. It comes from the Tsimshian language and means "people of the village at the canyon." This shows how important the nearby canyon is to their identity and history. The canyon has always been a significant place for fishing, travel, and cultural activities.
The Railway Connection
Kitselas is also a point along the Canadian National Railway line. This railway played a big part in connecting communities across Canada. Interestingly, this railway point was almost named "Vanarsdol." This name was suggested after C.C. Van Arsdoll, an engineer who worked for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.
Van Arsdoll was in charge of building the railway route through the challenging Rocky Mountains. He was very strict about how steep the railway tracks could be. He earned the nickname "Four-tenths Van" because he insisted that the railway's slope should never be more than four-tenths of one percent. This was a very small incline, making the railway safer and more efficient for trains.
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