Ancient Settlement and Sacred Stone in BC, Canada. The XeXa:ls were, prominent figures in Sto:lo oral history, they taught three si:ya:m (respected leaders) how to write the Halq'emeylem language, and instructed them to share this knowledge with the Sto:lo. When they did not, XeXa:ls transformed them into stone. This rock called Xa:ytem (literally "sudden transformation") is said to contain the "shxweli" or "Life Force" of the three si:ya:m and exemplifies the importance of preserving Sto:lo history, culture, and spirituality.
Published on July 10, 2020 05:55
