Senakw facts for kids
Sen̓áḵw (pronounced sen-AH-kw) is an important village site for the Squamish people, who are Indigenous people from what is now British Columbia, Canada. You might also hear it called Snawk or Snawq in English. This historic village is located close to where the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver is today.
In 1869, the government at the time set aside land around the village. Later, in 1877, a special group called the Joint Reserve Commission made this area larger, creating about 80 acres of land. This land became known as False Creek Indian Reserve No. 6, or more commonly, the Kitsilano Indian Reserve. Many Squamish people lived here, but as the city of Vancouver grew, they were asked to move to other villages nearby. Sen̓áḵw was also the home of August Jack Khatsahlano, a respected leader (or siyam) of the Squamish people. He was also a well-known historian who shared stories about the local Indigenous history in Vancouver.
What is the History of Sen̓áḵw?
After the Indian Act was passed in 1876, a special reserve was created for the Indigenous people living at Sen̓áḵw. This was done by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission.
Over the years, parts of this reserve were taken by the government for railway lines. This happened in 1886 and again in 1902. Then, in 1913, the British Columbia government convinced the people living at Sen̓áḵw to sell their land and move. This action was later found to be against the law. Many families were put on a large boat called a barge and moved to other Squamish communities in the Burrard Inlet area.
When Did the Land Return to the Squamish Nation?
In 2001, a big agreement was reached between the courts and the Squamish Nation. This agreement meant that 11.7 acres of the original land would be returned to the Squamish Nation. This land is located near Vanier Park, right under the Burrard Street Bridge.
What Are the Future Plans for Sen̓áḵw?
In 2019, the Squamish Nation announced exciting plans to build new homes on this returned land. The project, called Sen̓áḵw, was first planned to have 3,000 homes. Later, the plans grew to include 6,000 homes. Some of the buildings will be very tall, up to 56 storeys high. These buildings are special because they do not have to follow the usual height rules for buildings in Vancouver.
