The purpose of this short article is to connect historical evidence identifying use of the land and sea resources by Coast Salish peoples as they relate to their teachings. Secondly, it is meant to identify important elements of the Treaty of 1850 signed with Esquimalt ancestors, in particular the Kosapsum (Xwsepsum) family. One of the fundamental promises made to the Xwsepsum was to be able to “hunt and fish as formerly”. Prior to the arrival of the Xwulunitum (Whites) to Coast Salish shores the entire territory was used for secular and sacred reasons.
