Upper Elaho Valley
NSÍIYX - NITEM TL'A SUTICH (17,753 hectares)
Nsíiyx - nitem tl'a sutich, pronounced ence aey x nate um tla soe-taech, is located in the Upper Elaho valley. The translation of this area is "the Guardian of the North Door." It is an area of 17,753 hectares with extensive old growth forests and strong wildlife values. This is the largest swath of valley bottom old growth forest remaining in Squamish Nation territory. The area is important to the Squamish Nation since it plays a strong role in both traditional cultural practices and cultural renewal and education. A trail that traverses the valley is a never-to-be-forgotten backcountry experience for Squamish Nation youth and others wanting to experience wild nature.
The broad bowl-shaped valley is cleaved down its centre by an 80 metre-deep canyon with sheer volcanic rock cliffs on either side.
One grove of trailside Douglas fir trees contains ancient giants over 1,300 years old. These are the oldest known living firs in the world. Groves of huge redcedars and gnarled yellow cedars are also found in the valley. Researchers have recently discovered that a sea bird, the marbled murrelet, flies over mountain passes by way of Jervis Inlet to search the valley's old growth trees for the large mossy branches they need to nest. Grizzly bears too, cross over mountain passes from Toba Inlet seeking quiet refuge in the old growth forest.
Sims Creek
NEXW - ÁYANTSUT (17,280 hectares)
Nexw-ayántsut, pronounced nook eye un sote is located in the Sims Creek valley. The translation of this area is "Transformation." It is an area of 17,280 hectares that contains substantial stands of old growth forest. This is also the location of the Squamish Nation's Uts'am - Witness project, a collaborative effort between the Squamish Nation and non-native people concerned about forest and cultural issues.
Every summer since 1995, hundreds of people have journeyed here to listen, learn and then speak to friends and family about what they have "witnessed" about Squamish Nation culture and wild nature.
A steep hiking trail climbs up through the old growth forest to aptly named Bug Lake on the edge of alpine country. The views from here are stunning. Well-equipped parties, with an experienced guide, can then traverse the snowfields and glaciers to descend into Princess Louisa Inlet, a weeklong journey of mind, body and spirit.
west side of Squamish River
ESTÉ-TIWILH (9,173 hectares)
Esté-tiwilh, pronounced as us tut ee wayth, is located along the west side of the Squamish River valley. The translation of this area refers to "the great beauty and power that surrounds us and that we should strive to be in harmony with it." Spectacular waterfalls stream off the glaciers that crown the peaks and cascade down huge cliffs to the forests and river below. It is an area of 9,173 hectares and is of importance to the Squamish Nation because of its low-elevation old growth forest, riparian zones, wild life values and high quality salmon habitat. After over a century of industrial logging such low elevation oldgrowth forests are exceedingly rare in Squamish Nation territory and the rest of the south coast of BC.
The fact that the west side of the Squamish River is still roadless, makes it unique amongst salmon bearing streams within the territory. The abundance of salmon in the Squamish River attracts eagles and grizzly bears who journey here to feast amongst the giant trees and sword ferns. This area is close to ancient Squamish Nation village sites and as a consequence has great historical and spiritual meaning.
Callaghan Valley
PAYÁKENTSUT(10,224 hectares)
Payákentsut, pronounced pie a cun sote, is located in the upper Callaghan valley. The translation of this area is "to train oneself physically as a warrior, using the ancient methods of mind, body, spirit, and emotion." It is an area of 10,224 hectares that contains an old growth forest stand, which is rare in the heavily developed Cheakamus River valley drainage.
Because of forest and wildlife values and ongoing cultural use, this area is of great importance to the Squamish Nation. This Wild Spirit Place sees perhaps the most visitors of any other because it is located so close to the resort community of Whistler. Its mid-elevation forests have long been a backcountry destination for people of many backgrounds and cultures.
Additional pressures from the surge of visitors expected in the Whistler area associated with the 2010 Winter Olympics require that this Wild Spirit Place be treated with extra care and respect. With careful management this Wild Spirit Place will continue to be a place of great enjoyment and learning and a source of tremendous pride for both the community of Whistler and the Squamish Nation.
Note: For 3D Maps legend please see Map of Wild Spirit Places and sensitive areas
