In the Spring of 2002, Stó:lō Nation was contacted by Mission RCMP after a potential archaeological site was exposed along the river’s edge in the proximity of Semá:th (Sumas) Mountain. This place, situated along the stretch of Stó:lō (Fraser River) commonly referred to as the “Devil’s Run”, is known as Líyómxetel, and was designated as site DgRm-1. Several other material culture belongings (artifacts) were recovered alongside the sá:ltel (baskets) on display here, including animal bones and stone tools.
Following the discovery of the ancestral items at Líyómxetel, a decision was made to ensure the long-term preservation of the sá:ltel (baskets) and to protect them from loss and further disturbance. This project became an emergency salvage coordinated by Stó:lō Nation, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia, and Semá:th First Nation. The care of the belongings (artifacts) recovered from Líyómxetel was made possible through the collaboration of the Semá:th community and the archaeological team. Stó:lō community input and principles were followed to uplift the interest in and advocacy for cultural heritage protection for current and future generations of Semá:th and Stó:lō members.
The sá:ltel (baskets) recovered at Líyómxetel (DgRm-1) were in relatively good condition but were submerged in mud and water. In order to preserve the fragile organic material, they had to remain in water and were transferred to the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC) for safekeeping. Over time, it became clear that further preservation assistance was needed; this led to the collaboration between the SRRMC, MOA, and Semá:th First Nation. Through this partnership, the sá:ltel (baskets) were successfully removed from water, stabilized and stored within their current boxes. These preservation steps ensure that these ancestral belongings will be available for the enjoyment of future generations.
Following the completion of the preservation work on the sá:ltel (baskets), MOA returned them to SEMATH on February 14, 2025. Their time at the SRRMC is one more step towards their journey home. They will be in the care of the SRRMC until Semá:th is ready to bring them back to their community lands.
This project would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Semá:th community, and SRRMC archaeology team, and the staff at MOA.
Semath Membership Participation
On February 14th, 2025, several Semath members travelled together to UBC’s MOA (Museum of Anthropology) where we saw the baskets and learned more about their history and the preservation efforts. We then accompanied the baskets back to Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC) in Chilliwack, where we shared a meal and celebrated the return of these archaeological findings to their ancestral people.
