See If You Can Spot Spotted Lake...
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The Spotted Lake is believed to be the most mineralized lake in theworld and each of the circles hold a different healing cure. Also called(ktlil’x) by the First Nations, it is a sacred medicine lake for the Okanagan (Syilx) people. In 1979 the Okanagan Elders and Chiefs came together and wrote the Statement of the Okanagan Tribal Chiefs on Spotted Lake, which reflected the thoughts, feelings and voice of the Okanagan People. Here are some excerpts from that statement:
“Since the dawn of history, Spotted Lake or “Ha? Ki lil xw” as we call is has been a sacred place. Indians from all tribes came to visit the Lake for the medicine it the lake contains. The ceremonial cairns, too numerous to count that surround the lake testify to that. Some of these are so ancient they have sunk underground and only their tops remain above ground. Some are buried altogether. There are many stories told by our ancestors about the cures this lake has provided, physically and spiritually through its medicine powers……
.…. Its medicinal powers are not to be taken lightly. This Lake is a Chief among lakes, its powers are above the purely physical. It contains 365 circles in various shapes, sizes and depths. Each particular day of the year. Anyone who goes to this lake will find the right circle if he seeks |
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It is a cultural and ecological sensitive area and therefore is being protected. Phase one of the protection plan included fencing the area off and putting up signage. Phase two is currently underway and it involves constructing a safe turn off location and parking lot, an information kiosk, a wheelchair accessible lookout location and walking path for the general public. Future projects will include creating a Spotted Lake Trust Fund and Spotted Lake Management Plan, managing invasive plants, replanting native grasses and shrubs and preparing the site for cultural ceremonies for the Syilx people.
Most of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer, leaving behind all the minerals. Large “spots” on the lake appear and depending on the mineral composition at the time, the spots will be different colors. The spots are made mainly of magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer. In the summer only the minerals in the lake remain, and they harden to form natural “walkways” around and between the spots. It is a saline endorheic alkali lake very highly concentrated with numerous different minerals. It contains some of the highest quantities (in the world) of magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphates. It also contains extremely high concentrations of 8 other minerals as well as some small doses of four others such as silver and titanium. The lake’s minerals were also put to use in the manufacture of ammunition for World War I.
The lake and its surrounding land were not actually owned by the first Nations; it was owned by the Ernest Smith Family for about 40 years. Despite this, the First Nations were very protective of the lake; so protective that when, in 1979, Smith attempted to have a spa at the lake, they attempted to buy the lake so they could keep it as a sacred site. After over 20 years of trying but failing to convince Smith to sell the land, they finally did make a deal in late October 2001, when they bought 22 hectares of land for a total of $720,000. The First Nations paid $150,000 while the Indian Affairs Department paid the remainder.
For more information visit Okanagan Nations Alliance at www.syilx.org.
Most of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer, leaving behind all the minerals. Large “spots” on the lake appear and depending on the mineral composition at the time, the spots will be different colors. The spots are made mainly of magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer. In the summer only the minerals in the lake remain, and they harden to form natural “walkways” around and between the spots. It is a saline endorheic alkali lake very highly concentrated with numerous different minerals. It contains some of the highest quantities (in the world) of magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphates. It also contains extremely high concentrations of 8 other minerals as well as some small doses of four others such as silver and titanium. The lake’s minerals were also put to use in the manufacture of ammunition for World War I.
The lake and its surrounding land were not actually owned by the first Nations; it was owned by the Ernest Smith Family for about 40 years. Despite this, the First Nations were very protective of the lake; so protective that when, in 1979, Smith attempted to have a spa at the lake, they attempted to buy the lake so they could keep it as a sacred site. After over 20 years of trying but failing to convince Smith to sell the land, they finally did make a deal in late October 2001, when they bought 22 hectares of land for a total of $720,000. The First Nations paid $150,000 while the Indian Affairs Department paid the remainder.
For more information visit Okanagan Nations Alliance at www.syilx.org.
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To learn about other interesting off the beaten path places to visit in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, buy my book Teresa the Traveler Tells You WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE. Available online in print and e-book!
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HOW TO GET THERE...
Spotted Lake is located beside the Crowsnest Highway # 3 near Osoyoos. For more information visit Okanagan Nations Alliance at www.syilx.org. |
