Welcome. Today we are looking at a remarkable photograph from the Chilliwack Museum and Archives that captures the excitement and cultural significance of the Cultus Lake War Canoe Races late 1950s or 1960s.
This powerful black-and-white image freezes a single moment in time. Dozens of cedar canoes surge forward across the waters of Cultus Lake as paddlers dig their blades into the water in perfect rhythm. The spray, the determination, and the energy captured in this photograph tell a story that reaches back thousands of years.
For the Stó:lō people, whose name means People of the River, rivers and lakes have always been central to life. Their traditional territory stretches throughout the Fraser Valley, where waterways served as highways connecting communities for travel, fishing, trade, and ceremony.
The cedar canoe was much more than transportation. It was a masterpiece of engineering, carved from a single western red cedar log using skills passed down through generations. These canoes carried families, hunters, traders, and warriors. They represented strength, knowledge, and a deep respect for the natural world.
The large canoes shown in this photograph are known as war canoes. While they were once used for long-distance travel and the protection of communities, they eventually became symbols of athletic excellence and cultural pride. The races held at Cultus Lake celebrated both tradition and teamwork.
By the mid-twentieth century, the Cultus Lake War Canoe Races had become one of the largest annual Indigenous sporting events in British Columbia. First Nations teams traveled from across the province and Washington State to compete. These gatherings were about far more than winning. They were opportunities for families to reunite, for communities to strengthen friendships, and for traditions to be shared with younger generations.
Looking closely at this photograph, every canoe tells its own story. Success depended on complete teamwork. Every paddler had to match the rhythm and power of the others. One person alone could never win the race. Victory came through trust, discipline, and unity.
This photograph also reminds us of the resilience of Indigenous cultures. During a period when many traditional ceremonies and cultural practices faced government restrictions, canoe racing remained a powerful expression of Indigenous identity. Events like these helped preserve language, traditions, and community pride for future generations.
Today, canoe racing continues throughout the Pacific Northwest. Young paddlers still learn from Elders. Families still gather beside the water to cheer on their communities. The cedar canoe remains a living symbol of Coast Salish culture and the enduring connection between the people, the land, and the water.
This historic image is much more than a photograph of a race. It is a celebration of living history. Every paddle stroke reflects thousands of years of tradition, resilience, and community. As we look upon this scene today, we are witnessing not only a competition but also the enduring spirit of the Coast Salish peoples and their continuing relationship with the waters of Cultus Lake.
Thank you for joining us in exploring this important chapter of British Columbia’s Indigenous history.