Joe Capilano
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Joe Capilano (1850 - 1910), a Squamish Chief, left a great legacy not only to his native people inhabiting the shores of Burrard Inlet, but to the entire population of Greater Vancouver, Canada.
Born Sahp-luk, he spent his youth fishing and hunting. Joe came to work in a sawmill in Moodyville, a booming pioneer settlement in what is now the District of North Vancouver. Similar to many aboriginals, he had to adjust to the new and powerful world of the white man while remaining true to his ancient roots and culture. An intelligent man and a powerful speaker, in 1895 he was appointed by the Catholic Church as a leader of people on a local reserve whose undisputed and respected chief he remained until his death. All his life he fought for the recognition of Native rights and lifestyle. The highlight of his lifelong activity was his audience with the King of England Edward VII, the "Great White Chief", in 1906 in London, where he arrived with a party of West Coast Indian chiefs.
A number of landmarks on Vancouver's North Shore are named in his honour, among them Capilano Lake, the source of Vancouver's water supply, Capilano River, Capilano Mall, as well as Capilano Road leading to the popular Grouse Mountain ski resort and Capilano Indian Reserve. "Legends of Vancouver", a wonderful collection of Salish legends by Pauline Johnson, a local poet of Mohawk origin, was based on Joe's tales. Pauline and Joe would go canoeing together in Burrard Inlet and Lost Lagoon which was a tidal pond at the time.
Joe Capilano died of tuberculosis in 1906.
