Joe Capilano
Joe Capilano | |
|---|---|
| Sa7plek (Sahp-luk) | |
| Squamish leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1854 Yekw’ts, near Squamish, British Columbia |
| Died | 10 March 1910 North Vancouver |
| Cause of death | Tuberculosis |
| Known for | Meeting with King Edward VII of Canada about land claims; traditional stories |
Joe Capilano (c. 1854–1910), also known as Capiano Joe, was a leader of the Squamish from 1895 to 1910, who was called Sa7plek (Sahp-luk). He fought for the recognition of native rights and lifestyle.
He spent his youth fishing and hunting and was famous for fighting against the wildly invading Lekwiltok warriors from the Kwakwaka'wakw Territory. He went to work in the sawmill at Moodyville, a pioneer settlement in what is now the Lower Lonsdale area of the city of North Vancouver.
In 1906, he, along with Cowichan Chief Charley Isipaymilt and Secwepemc Chief Basil David, traveled to Ottawa, then after that, London, to meet with King of Canada Edward VII to speak of the need to settle land claims in British Columbia. The Chief also asked for the ban against potlatches to be lifted. Joe Capilano died of tuberculosis in 1910.