Every summer, Sasquatch Days (Sásq’ets Swáyel) draws thousands of people to Harrison Lake in a celebration of First Nations traditions, competitions and lakeside fun.
The weekend began with traditional songs and welcomes from the Sts'ailes First Nation in Harrison Hot Springs (on the site of the ancient village of Qwólts) and a VIP paddle featuring VIPs from various levels of government. The opening ceremonies kicked off a weekend of intense canoe race competition. Teams come from all over B.C. and the Pacific Northwest every year to compete.
The sasquatch – from the Halq'emeylem word sásq'ets – is a revered spirtiual being in Sts'ailes tradition since time immemorial. The sás'qets is the caretaker of Sts'ailes land and can shift not only between the physical and spiritual worlds but can change shape in our world. Tradition says it is these traits that led to its reputation as an elusive creature.
