Lillooet Arts, Culture & History Tours
Pit House, Rosemary Smart photo
The First Nations people of Lillooet welcome visitors into their vibrant community: Take a guided tour of a replica Sheesh'kan (pit house), visit an active archeological site, observe demonstrations of cultural fishing along the Fraser River, participate in a traditional feast, or catch the Kaoham Shuttle.
Sheesh'kan (Pit Houses)
A pit house is an earth and timber structure that usually housed up to 20 people. Some pit houses had two entrances: one on ground level, and one in the roof (which also let out smoke from cooking fires).
Lillooet's replica pit house, built by the T'it'q'et, is set 2.5m/8ft into the ground and is approximately 6m/20ft wide with a roof of logs and sod. In addition to tours, the pit house is also used for cultural events.
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Archeological Dig
Tour an active archeological site of a 2,000 year old pit house community including cache pits (root cellars used for storing berries, dried fish, and other small food items). Some pit houses were connected by underground tunnels possibly leadinging to houses of extended family.
Fishing Rocks and Spawning Channel
Venture out to the "fishing rocks" and see the salmon drying racks along the banks of the Fraser River. Groups can book a tour, which includes a traditional meal, dancing, and storytelling.
Take a 3km/1.9mi tour of the salmon spawning channel that demonstrates the cultural partnership between First Nations and local government to preserve this valuable food source. Learn how wind-dried salmon is produced and enjoy a traditional meal. Cayoose Creek community provides a 45-minute interpretative walk of the Lower Seton Spawning Channel where coho, pink and sockeye salmon return every two years to spawn.
Kaoham Shuttle
Ride the rails on the Kaoham Shuttle through backcountry and along Seton Lake, taking in breathtaking views and historical sites on First Nations band lands. Stop and have lunch before the return trip or pack a picnic and go exploring along some of the trails around the half way stop.
For more information on cultural tours contact the Upper St'at'imc Language, Culture, and Education Society (USLCES), or stop by the Lillooet Visitor Centre (790 Main St).
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