Dear Editor:
Summerland’s former name was Nicola Prairie, an old term used since 1826, indicating the land of Grand Chief Nicola of the Okanagan Nation.
In 1986, the Summerland Museum compiled 28 separate burial sites (confirmed or speculated) in Summerland. The Heritage Commission and the Summerland Museum have attempted to protect these Indigenous sites.
But Summerland is now losing these sites.
There was a recent loss of a portion of a significant Indigenous village site, now developed.
And just lately, ilx̌ai, known as Illahie, was lost to development.
Ilx̌ai was a significant historic site. The Okanagan Historical Society states that this site contains the highest concentration of Indigenous artifacts in the Okanagan Valley; greater than sntlemukten.
Ilx̌ai contains burial sites and is adjacent to Zimmerman Gulch, the main trail to Nicola Prairie.
This site was used to launch ilx̌aiut; Syilx’s interesting and unique lake navigational system.
Apparently, the next site up for development is Banks Crescent. This is the site of the well-documented aqskepkpina battle.
Years ago, an orchardist accidently disturbed an Indigenous cemetery, exposing the remains of at least 14 Okanagan warriors. Fortunately, an oral history of the battle exists. The year was 1808, it was a significant battle and the Shuswap defeated the Okanagan warriors.
The exposed cemetery had the typical Indigenous characteristics: overlooking the battle site. Interestingly, one Okanagan warrior, probably a chief, was buried upright in a carved wooden chair. This dispute was probably the last time the Okanagan Nation was defeated in battle.
Not long afterwards, a young ylmixʷm Nicola skillfully created alliances and became one of B.C.’s most powerful grand chief. The decision to allow development on this cemetery site should be revisited. This historic site deserves a comprehensive archaeological assessment.
David Gregory
Summerland
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