Halkomelem in United States

Introduction / History

The Halkomelem people are part of the larger Coast Salish cultural and linguistic group native to the Pacific Northwest. Their language, Halkomelem, belongs to the Salishan language family and is divided into three main dialects—Island, Downriver, and Upriver—spoken in regions extending from Vancouver Island and the Fraser River Valley in British Columbia into the northwestern United States.

Historically, the Halkomelem lived in well-established village communities along rivers and coastal areas, thriving on fishing, hunting, and gathering. Their social systems were highly structured, emphasizing kinship, reciprocity, and respect for the land. With the arrival of European settlers, the Halkomelem experienced land loss, disease, and assimilation pressures, including the impact of residential schools and restrictive U.S.–Canada border policies that divided families and communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, Halkomelem descendants in the United States often live in or near communities in the Pacific Northwest, maintaining close ties to related Salish peoples in Canada. Many continue to engage in fishing, carving, weaving, and cultural education, blending traditional lifeways with modern livelihoods. Efforts to revitalize the Halkomelem language are ongoing, with language classes, digital archives, and youth programs helping to reconnect new generations with ancestral knowledge. While some families have moved into urban areas for education and employment, community gatherings, canoe journeys, and potlatches continue to reinforce social bonds and cultural continuity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally, the Halkomelem worldview centers on a deep respect for creation and the interconnectedness of all life. Spiritual leaders, or shamans, historically played an important role in healing, guidance, and maintaining balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Many Halkomelem today maintain a blend of traditional beliefs and Christian practices, the latter introduced through missionary activity in the 19th century. Ceremonies, songs, and sacred stories are vital expressions of spirituality that connect people with their ancestors and the Creator. Among younger generations, there is a growing movement to reclaim and celebrate traditional spiritual knowledge alongside personal expressions of faith.

What Are Their Needs?

The Halkomelem communities have several practical and spiritual needs. They need continued support for language revitalization so that Halkomelem can once again be spoken fluently within homes and communities. They need resources for cultural preservation, including the recording of elders' stories, songs, and teachings.

Economic opportunities that respect cultural values and environmental sustainability are also needed, particularly for youth seeking meaningful livelihoods close to their heritage lands.

Spiritually, there is a need for healing from intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and assimilation policies, and for the message of Christ's love to be expressed with patience, grace, love, and compassion.

Prayer Points

Pray for the faithful translation of the Bible, discipleship material, and outreach material in the Halkomelem language.
Pray that the Halkomelem people would turn from syncretism and wholeheartedly follow the Lord Jesus Christ by faith.
Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit among the religious Halkomelem people to connect with their Creator in spirit and in truth and to know him by name.
Pray that the Halkomelem would establish a new heritage and tradition in the gospel and experience the fullness of Christ by genuinely walking with him by faith.

Text Source:   Joshua Project