Tsatsu Stalqayu translated into English means Coastal Wolf Pack. A traditional Salish song and dance group, the group consists of over 25 male and female members of a single family, from age 6 months to over age 50. Their variation in age and gender allows for more song, dance and stories to be shared on stage and in their presentations. The members of the group with pride represent the following Coast Salish communities: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsartlip, Nanaimo and more.  This breadth of membership along with the multigenerational performers gives their audiences a sense of belonging to this, the hereditary lands of the Coast Salish people.

 

Tsatsu Stalqayu, started with their Ta’ah’s dream to show the world who they are as Coast Salish People. Just as wolves travel in packs and work together to flourish in life, their group runs with one heart and one mind. From the eldest to the youngest, they encourage each other to stand strong in the face of adversity by consistently practicing their cultural ways of living. Teaching their children the songs, dances, and stories will keep their traditions alive for generations to come. They take pride in who they are and what they do. Their hope now is to continue representing the Coast Salish culture to the best of their ability, within the respected boundaries, so that all nations can enjoy the beauty they have to share.

 

Photo credit: Sarah Race (photographer) and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC