OhThePlacesYouShouldKnow.com is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) language place name map tool created by the non-profit Kwi Awt Stelmexw. This tool has been created for educational purposes, and to assist people in calling for the the official reclaiming of Indigenous place names in the homelands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh peoples.
This online map is curated by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language-speaker and teacher Khelsilem, of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw descent, in collaboration with web developer Victor Temprano and curriculum developer Nicki Benson. Icons designed by Corrina Keeling and Khelsilem.
Many of the names on this map were collected from a 1937 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh place names map developed by the City of Vancouver and August Jack Khatsalano of the Squamish Nation. That map has been updated and re-released in tandem with this website, and is available for purchase here.
How to Use:
This map shows places used, occupied, visited, or known about by past and present Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language-speakers. It has been created for educational purposes, and is not intended to be a statement of claim or title.
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh place name culture is based on water sight-lines. As transportation prior to contact was primarily by canoe, most place names are given to landmarks and locations visible from the water.
Icons
Hover over the the icons throughout the map to reveal the name of the place, the pronunciation by syllable, the interpretation of the name, and the location.
NEW! Side Panel with Audio, Stories, and More!
Click on the icons to launch the side panel feature which includes additional information including audio, video, images, stories, and links. This information is not complete for every place name – but we are working on it! Check in frequently as we will continuously update the side panels as we gather more information.
The map is not exhaustive and does not include every recorded or known place name. It will be updated over time as more information is gathered from the community. For help with pronunciation where audio is missing, check out How to Read the Squamish Language on the Kwi Awt Stelmexw website.
Lessons
Kwi Awt Stelmexw has been working with teachers to develop learning materials and lesson plan ideas for using the map in classrooms across Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory. Check out sample materials, activity ideas, and useful links for teachers on our Lessons page.
Terms:
- The map is to be used for educational purposes
- Any reproduction of this map requires the prior permission from Kwi Awt Stelmexw
- No part of this map is to be resold without prior permission from Kwi Awt Stelmexw
- We ask that any sharing or distributing of this map, whether online or offline, include a reference to Kwi Awt Stelmexw. This could include our Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or the organization’s name “Kwi Awt Stelmexw”
Project Sources:
- Bouchard, Randy and Turner, Nancy K., Squamish Indian Land Use and Occupancy. (British Columbia Indian Language Project 1976)
- Squamish Nation “Skwxwu7mesh Snichim-Xweliten Snichim Skexwts / Squamish-English Dictionary”, Published 2011. ISBN 0-295-99022-8
- Matthews, Major J. S. (1955). Conversations with Khahtsahlano 1932–1954. ASIN B0007K39O2