When the concession and caretakers’ residence at Shelter Point Park on Texada Island burned to the ground two summers ago, there was a feeling of loss. One half of the building was a place of memories for many who visited the area as youngsters, scraping together a handful of change from under the cushions of their RV and bellying up to the counter for an ice-cream cone. The other half was a couple’s home, full of possessions damaged and destroyed by the cruel vigour of flames.
But as so often happens, there was a silver lining in the cloud of smoke. Digging through the rubble provided a glimpse into history that no one had expected, and in the months that have followed, the community has gained significantly from new-found knowledge and archaeological findings in the area. As planned, the park’s caretakers will soon be receiving a new home, but along comes a reminder that the area was home to those of Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation long before. These reminders are good. They reinforce respect, communication, and proper acknowledgement of history in an area everyone now calls home together.
The archaeological dig that took place at Shelter Point over the past year unearthed hundreds of artifacts and provided concrete evidence on the diet, tools and settlement of the Tla’amin community at a winter village dating back 3,300 years.
Even during excavation, however, skepticism remained as to whether there had ever been first nations’ habitation in the area, stemming from a colonial myth that claimed the Tla’amin people kept their distance because they thought the island would sink. The dig provided valuable cultural information for the current residents of Texada and surrounding areas, who must now add an exciting historical chapter to a book many believed was already complete. It’s a great learning opportunity for those who are open-minded enough to accept it.
History is a fluid entity, subject to constant change and discovery. Misconceptions or ignorance of the past can never truly be undone, but sometimes unexpected opportunities arise to start anew. When the rebuilt concession and caretakers’ residence is officially opened on August 10, First Nation leaders, city officials, archaeologists and residents will stand together as one. Consider it an opportunity to learn, to be among history, and to belly up to that concession counter for some new memories.
