Squamish Ethnography:
The study area is in Squamish traditional territory
(Bouchard and Kennedy 1976 a and b; Mathews 1955). The Squamish are linguistically
part of the Salishan language family-group (Suttles 1990). Culturally the
Squamish are neighbors to the Lillooet to the north, the Halkomaelem Salish
speaking groups along the Fraser river to the south and the Sechelt Salish
people to the north-west (Hill-tout 1900; Suttles 1990).
The Squamish can be characterized as being a semi-sedentary
fishing-hunting and gathering group with a complex socio-political structure.
During winter months the Squamish lived in large family owned and built
long houses. These houses formed villages usually found along rivers and
the ocean sides where fish and pelagic resources could easily be found
(Bouchard and Kennedy 1976 a and b; Bouchard and Turner 1976; Mathews 1955
and Suttles 1990).
In summer months the large family groups living
in these long house villages spread out across the landscape for hunting
and gathering pursuits. The location of these temporary settlements was
determined by the availability of important food resources. While living
in these temporary camps the Squamish erected small tent-mat lodge like
structures. More detailed accounts of Squamish traditional life are found
in (Hill-tout 1900; Mathews 1951; Bouchard and Kennedy 1976a and b; and
Bouchard and Turner 1976; Suttles 1990).