N'Quatqua facts for kids
N'Quatqua, also spelled Nequatque or N'quat'qua, is the traditional name in the St'at'imcets language for a First Nations village. It belongs to the Stl'atl'imx people and is located in the community of D'Arcy. This village sits at the top end of Anderson Lake. It's about 35 miles southeast of Lillooet and a similar distance from Pemberton.
The name N'Quatqua is also used for the Nequatque Indian Reserve No. 1. This reserve is 177 hectares (about 437 acres) in size. It is located right next to where the Gates River flows into Anderson Lake. The N'Quatqua First Nation manages this and other reserves, some of which also share the Nequatque name.
Contents
A Home for Ages
People from the First Nations have lived at N'Quatqua for a very long time. It's believed that humans settled in this safe, food-rich area many thousands of years ago. This was after a huge natural event between 8,000 and 20,000 years ago. A large part of the Cayoosh Range collapsed, creating Seton Portage and separating Anderson and Seton Lakes. This event likely caused a giant wave, which would have affected any people living in the valley at that time.
Before the Bridge River was redirected, many salmon used to swim up the lake. These salmon runs were as large as those found in other rivers connected to the Fraser. This provided a rich food source for the people living there.
Changes Over Time
In the past, there were other villages in the Gates Valley. These were located southwest of D'Arcy and up Blackwater Creek towards Birkenhead Lake. There was also a village at Birken. However, many things changed these communities.
Diseases like smallpox, a war with the Tsilhqotʼin people in the early 1800s, and the effects of the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush had a big impact. Religious efforts by the Oblate missionaries and the rules of the Indian Act also played a role. Because of these changes, N'Quatqua is the only village remaining today.
The Lakes Lillooet People
The N'Quatqua people were part of a larger group called the Lakes Lillooet. This group was a part of the St'at'imc Nation. The Lakes Lillooet included the Seton Lake Band and other villages and homes along Anderson and Seton Lakes.
In the 1800s, a very important leader for the Lakes Lillooet was Chief Hunter Jack. His name in St'at'imcets was In-Kick-Tee. His main home was in D'Arcy, but he also spent time in Shalalth. He was often found in the Bridge River goldfields, where he had influence.
Gold Rush and New Names
During the gold rush, N'Quatqua was a busy place. It was a key point for shipping and moving goods along the Douglas Road. At that time, it was known as Port Anderson.
Later, when the Pacific Great Eastern Railway was built, the name D'Arcy was given to the area. This name honored Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a famous politician. The alpine mountain peak just south of the town was also named D'Arcy.
N'Quatqua Today
Today, N'Quatqua/D'Arcy has a mix of homes, including those of non-native residents. There are also large areas with recreational homes between D'Arcy and Birken.
During World War II, a sawmill operated at Devine, about two miles from D'Arcy. This sawmill was run by Frank Devine and employed Japanese Canadians. These individuals had been moved from the coast to a relocation center at McGillivray Falls. This center was a few miles northeast along the north side of Anderson Lake.
See also
