Cultural History

Four herring surround two yew branches in the shape of a spindle whorl.  Herring are included in this because of their significant presence in the Indigenous history of the land.

In several Coast Salish Indigenous languages in BC, Lasqueti's name is  Xweh et tay, meaning "yew tree".  

Of this place name, the late Karen Galligos of Tla'amin First Nation shared that her Elders said this name refers to “a strong wood, a wood they used to make wedges” .  According to Karen, the word “Xweth” is a wedge, and that the island has this name because of the abundance of iron wood (yew) trees.

Peering into Lasqueti's Past

Learn how to say Lasqueti's Coast Salish name: Xwe’etay

Click here to view some of the artifacts and sites found on Lasqueti