Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932–1954

by Chief August Jack Khahtsahlano, Major J.S. Matthews V.D. (Compiler)

Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932–1954 contains twenty-two years of conversations between Sḵwx̱uwú7mesh Chief X̱ats’alanexw, a.k.a. Chief August Jack Khahtsahlano, and Major J.S. Matthews. Originally published in 1955 by the Vancouver City Archives, Conversations with Khahtsahlano received a limited publication and is reproduced here in facsimile. Chief X̱ats’alanexw’s reminiscences travel as far back as 1881. He recounts neighbourhood tales, the Traditional Stories he grew up with, local genealogies, cultural histories, and detailed accounts of practices for everything from fishing sturgeon to building houses. Knowledgeable and forthcoming, Chief X̱ats’alanexw’s recollections weave a meticulous tapestry. After centuries of violent erasure of Indigenous world views, here is a rare first-hand account detailing traditional life of the Coast Salish peoples, an insightful record rich with art, diagrams, maps, letters, and photographs. Chief X̱ats’alanexw’s observations give shape to the social and physical changes of the region, and offer an illuminating glimpse into so-called Vancouver in its infancy. Conversations with Khahtsahlano is an essential text that brings history indelibly to life.

Genres: Indigenous

448 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Ellie O'Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some might find the repetition amongst these anecdotes and identifications annoying. But this is the sort of work that inspired me in university, and I'm used to reading field notes. Mostly chronological entries include diagrams and maps by Major Matthews' primary informant, August Jack Khahtsahlano. Though illiterate, August was highly numerate (ran his own logging operation to supply the sawmills, and had to measure and make calculations) and a natural folk artist. Altogether this forms a history and geography of early indigenous settlements and their families and relations in Burrard Inlet and neighbouring areas. I'm so glad this was reprinted.