The third-generation Canadian farmer, and ethnographer, Oliver N. Wells’ book, Chilliwacks and Their Neighbors, capture the histories and stories of Sto:lo people presented in a collection of transcribed interviews with Sto:lo people. Wells (1907-1970) reflects on K’hhalseten, “Chief Sepass, renowned yet humbled, respected by Indian and White Man alike, was a friend of everyone; all who knew him called him a friend” (38). Wells made it clear to his readers on the essence of the character of K’hhalseten and in relation to their life-long friendship.
As far as is known, there is no ‘written’ record of K’hhalseten, himself on his view of the friendship between him and Oliver N. Wells, and family; although, it can be gleaned in written books, newspaper, interviews and photographs.
Courtesy of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives Chief Sepass with members of the Well family and friends.
Wells notes that Sepass among other Stó:lō people were involved in the construction on barns at the Edenbank farm. In his book, Edenbank- The History of Canadian Pioneer Farm,” a concise history of the family farm. Wells talks about the influence of Sepass,
I became intrigued by the early history of the native people whom the family had been friendly with for three generations. Realizing it would not be long before the older natives,
born during the early days of white settlement, would all be dead, I purchased a large reel-to reel tape recorder and spent a considerable amount of time away from the farm to visit the homes of old Native friends.
Above we can see the influence of the friendship that Sepass had on Wells.
Oliver N. Wells is known for his ethnographic works with the Stó:lō; where he interviewed Stó:lō people to record and preserve Indigenous language, culture, and history. The late hereditary Siyam Siyameches, Frank Malloway reflects on Oliver Wells, “[w]e are very careful who we invite to spiritual dances, but we invited Mr. Wells because we could trust him as a true friend.” Malloway’s tribute to Wells showed the trust and respect was reciprocated by the Stó:lō for Wells and his family.
Today, we remember the legacy of Oliver N. Wells through his ethnographic work and publications, like The Chilliwacks and Their Neighbors, The Primitive Works or his work with the Coqualeetza Guild, which was a group comprised of, Mary Peters, Theresa Jimmie, Annabel Stewart, and Irene James to name a few. The group’s efforts were vital in the revival of Salish weaving.
Finally, Oliver Wells’ daughter, Marie Weeden (nee Wells) maintains friendships with the Sepass family and many other Stó:lō families to the present day.
References
Wells, Oliver, Brent Douglas Galloway, Ralph Maud, and Marie Weeden. 1987. The Chilliwacks and Their Neighbors. [Electronic Resource]. DesLibris: Books Collection. Talon Books, p. 38.
Wells, Oliver, Marie Weeden, and Richard Weeden. 2003. Edenbank : The History of a
Canadian Pioneer Farm. Harbour Pub., p. 26, 163.
Media Source
Coursey of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives. A copy gifted to the Sepass family.
Suggested Additional Sources
Denman, Ronald W. R. 2007. The Chilliwack Story. Chilliwack Museum and Archives.
Wells, Oliver. 1969. Salish Weaving : Primitive and Modern, as Practiced by the Salish Indians of South West British Columbia. Rev. ed.–. Oliver N. Wells
Wells, Oliver. 1970. Myths and Legends [of the] Staw-Loh Indians of South Western British Columbia.