Semá:th Xó:tsa: Great Gramma's Lake

For milennia, Semá:th Xó:tsa (Sumas Lake) flourished between the Sumas and Vedder mountains in the unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, in what is now known as the Fraser Valley. It was a vital ecological hub for the Séma:th people (Sumas First Nation) and surrounding indigenous communities, contributing to their cultural, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Between 1919 and 1924, settlers lobbied the government to drain the lake to increase agricultural land, disregarding the devastating impact on the Stó:lō people.  

From June 29th to September 2nd, witness the beauty of Semá:th Xo:tsa through illustrations of the children’s book published by The Reach Gallery Museum. The collaborative book and exhibition recall a time when the lake was thriving, using memory and story to allow the lake to live on today. The project is illustrated by Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor and co-authored by Thetáx Chris Silver, Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds, and Laura Schneider. 

Join us on July 7th for a performance featuring large-scale puppets based on animals that would have lived in and around Semá:th Xo:tsa. Watch the animals move throughout the FRDC and surrounding area. Performance start on the hour between 10am and 2:30pm.

This exhibit was developed by The Reach Gallery Museum. 

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WHEN: June 29th – September 2nd, 10:00am – 4:00pm 

WHERE: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC  

WHO: All ages are welcome. 

COST: Included in admission to the Discovery Centre. Specific costs are listed below:   

– Family Ticket ($20.00 each) – for 2 adults and up to 4 children     

– Adult Ticket ($8.00) – Adult 19 and older     

– Senior Ticket ($6.00) – Senior 65 and older     

– Student Ticket ($6.00) – Student ID required     

– Child ticket ($5.00) – Children aged 3-12     

– Children 2 and under register for free