Q'epethet ye Mestiyexw, A Gathering of the People

Abstract

The Halq'emeylem term Q'epethet ye Mestiyexw1comes from the language of the Sto:lo Nation of Southwestern British Columbia. It means The Gathering of the People. During the 1980s the Coqualeetza Cultural Centre provided cultural and educational learning opportunities to teachers and students attending elementary and secondary schools (public and band) in the Sto:lo Nation territory. These gatherings were called Q'epethet ye Mes­tiyexw. Elders and cultural teachers came together to teach others through stories, talks, and interactive learning activities.