Taking a hike in southwestern B.C. entails travelling in the Indigenous territories of the Coast Salish, Nlaka’pamux, St’át’imc, and Syilx peoples.
Whether hikers know it or not, this often means visiting sites of cultural, historical, and spiritual importance to First Nations — places with long-standing names in Indigenous languages, such as the Halq’eméylem dialect of the Stó:lō people. I’ve included many such toponyms in my new book, Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, alongside place names of colonial origin.
What does it mean to hike in Indigenous territories? I’m honoured that the University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre has invited me to speak at its upcoming Peace Talks panel discussion, which will explore this question.
Indigenous Place Names and Hiking in the Fraser Valley: How do we engage in ethical recreation?
Presented by the University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre and College of Arts
- Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2021
- Time: 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. PDT
- Location: Join us on Zoom
Speakers
Keynote: Stephen Hui, author, Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia
Panellists:
- Dr. Albert McHalsie (Naxaxalhts’i), Stó:lō historical researcher and cultural interpreter
- Kelly Pearce, program director, Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning
Moderator: Prof. Keith Carlson, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous and community-engaged history
Watch the video recording
Destination Hikes book signing with BCMC
On Tuesday, July 13, I’ll also be at the B.C. Mountaineering Club’s volunteer appreciation event to do a Destination Hikes book signing.
The picnic will take place 6 p.m.–9 p.m. at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) near Lakewood Street and East 19th Avenue, Vancouver. Come say hi!
I’ll have copies of Destination Hikes for sale ($22 each — cash or Interac e-transfer). Or, pick up a copy beforehand at your local bookstore.
New books
105 Hikes: Vancouver Hiking Trail Guides 