Sliammon Community

The Sliammon Community today, resides just north of the province of Powell River in British Columbia, on the Sliammon reserve. The Sliammon First Nation is one of the 20 Coast Salish native tribes inhabiting the coastal regions of western Canada. The Sliammon people stem from a culture rich heritage with a history stretching back over 2000 years into the past.

Traditional Sliammon Territory was along the northern part of the Sunshine Coast, extending along both sides of the Straight of Georgia. The entire territory occupied an area about 400 square kilometers in size, and consisted of numerous temporary and permanent settlements within the region. The Sliammon people also ventured outside their territory to trade with their neighbors.

The Sliammon reserve lies on a portion of land between Powell River and Lund directly opposite Harwood Island (also reserve land). The community is made up of over 1000 members with the majority living in the reserve. Some of the highlights of the Sliammon reserve include:

	Sliammon Beach - which overlooks the beautiful Harwood Island, and Texada Island to the south. From here you can also see Westview, and the Mill.
	Harwood Island (Ah gyk’sen) - sitting just offshore. Sliammon has designated Harwood Island for recreational use. It is a popular hunting and camping destination.
	Gibsons Beach - located next to Sliammon reserve. Offering views over Powell River, Harwood Island and Texada, Gibsons is a popular scenic beach with a boat ramp.
	Sliammon Sacred Heart Church - the Catholic church in the center of the reserve. The church burnt down in the early 1900's and was rebuilt.
	Recreational Facilities - The reserve has a number of facilities including: Sliammon Soccer Field, Hockey Court, Playgrounds, and the Salish Centre.
	Surrounding Forest - The surrounding wilderness adds great beauty to the Sliammon reserve as the forest continually changes with every passing season.

 

There are also many organizations operating within Sliammon. These include:

 

Sliammon Band Office - responsible for managing the reserve. Divisions include: Education, Culture and Language, Housing, Forestry, Crown Lands, Land Co, Social Assistance, Finance, Village Maintenance, HRDC etc.
Sliammon Treaty Society - handles the treaty negotiations process on behalf of Sliammon with the Canadian Government.
Tla'Amin Community Health Services - promotes health awareness and education for the community.
Sliammon Development Corporation - manages the assets on the reserve and handles all business contracts.
Sliammon Salmon Hatchery - the hatchery is increasing numbers of 4 types of Salmon in Sliammon river.
Chi Chuy - Sliammon's pre-school and kindergarten, teaching the Sliammon youth and promoting important cultural values.
Ahms Tah Ow - Sliammon's education center, open for people of all ages offering courses and educational facilities.
Sliammon Sacred Heart Church - Catholic church in the heart of the reserve, burnt down in the 1900's then rebuilt.
Sliammon Cultural Centre - Centre for hosting cultural actvities including: basket weaving, language classes and traditional song and dance classes.
Sliammon Fire Department - First response unit incase of fire or related emergency on the reserve. (see band office)

For more information on contacting the various organizations head over to the Administration section.