news | Friday September 23, 2022

“Conversations with Khahtsahlano” in The Tyee

There is a wonderful article about Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932–1954 written by Ben Mussett in The Tyee. The piece beautifully details the contents of the book and the context in which Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932–1954 was originally created.

A co-production by Massy Books and Talonbooks, Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932–1954 is a facsimile reproduction. The book was originally published by the Vancouver City Archives in 1955.

From Mussett’s article:

“It can make for a disjointed read, but it brims with vivid detail: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh vocabulary and local place names (and corresponding maps); family lineages and lore; traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh duck hunting techniques, architecture, social organization, canoe design, tools, diet and customs. There are detailed transportation routes, appraisals of local rumours and casual commentary on the myriad effects of colonialism: ‘Everywhere whiteman goes, he change food.’”

Read the full article here!