Squamish People of the Sunset Coast

This is the land of the sunset coast. In the beginning there was water everywhere and no land at all. In time, the Great Spirit stretched forth his hand to make land appear. Soon the tops of the mountains showed above the water and they grew and grew till their peaks reached the clouds.

The land created by Sagali Tyee held rich natural resources, such as forests, fish, animal life, and a warm climate. Mountains stood sentinel to the north and east. Islands to the west blocked off the ocean and created safe harbors. Soon after this had been done, "Ka-la-na" the first man was made. Ka-la''-na, a good man, obeyed Sagali''s commands. In the course of time, his wife gave birth to many sons and daughters, who filled all the land. When the land was full of people, and Ka-la''-na had grown very old, Sagali took him away one day, and the people saw him no more. This is the story of the Squamish people, as told by Barbara Wyss to her grandchildren over many visits.