Secwepemc Mythology
Stories were told throughout the long winter nights. Certain individuals knew the full version of some of the stories. Stories contained mythical creatures who inhabited the land of the Secwepemc. The creatures were sometimes human and sometimes animal. Creatures such as the water monster, cannibal giant, and the little people were important characters in the stories. There were many stories told of Old One, Chief of the Ancient World, who travelled over the land and created and transformed the world for the Secwepemc. He, along with Coyote (Seklep), taught the Secwepemc many things and provided what they needed. Old One made the lakes, mountains, rain, and snow. When he completed his work, he left and went to the Land of the Dead and now lives in the Spirit Land where he sometimes sends messages to the people.
Stories