salishan Place by the River- Opening Soon

salishan Place by the River is the Township of Langley’s new arts, culture and heritage facility being developed in Fort Langley in partnership with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), Máthxwi (Matsqui) and Se’mya’me’ (Semiahmoo) First Nations, and other community organizations.

The name, salishan, was gifted to the Township by q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation and reflects the facility’s physical location within the collective territories of the mainland Coast Salish peoples and its proximity to the Salish Sea. The name acknowledges hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and halq’eméylem, two Coast Salish language dialects spoken in the area.

There is a long “a” at the beginning and a short “a” at the end in the pronunciation of the word salishan. The lowercase “s” at the beginning of salishan is intentional and follows the protocol shared by the partner First Nations. You would pronounce it “s-ehhhh-lish-in (pause) Place by the River.”

This unique three-storey building will share and celebrate the voices and stories of community members, encouraging interactive and inclusive experiences for visitors of all ages. salishan Place will be the new home of the museum and Fort Langley Community Library.

It will also provide indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces, including a reception hall and 167-seat presentation theatre, and will feature galleries, program spaces, and community archives.