William Sepass

Chief William Sepass (known in Halkomelem language as K'HHalserten, meaning "Golden Snake") (c. 1840s – 1943 ) was born at Kettle Falls, Washington but migrated with his tribe into the Chilliwack and Fraser Canyon area of British Columbia after an epidemic. He was leader of what is now known as the Skowkale First Nation or Chilliwack tribe.

Early life As a boy, Sepass accompanied his tribe north into the Fraser Canyon which was experiencing the Cariboo Gold Rush. His father built and operated a cedar log freight canoe to transport miners and supplies across Chilliwack Lake near the US/Canada border. His maternal grandfather was a chief from further north on the Thompson River.

Sepass married Rose, the daughter of Thompson Uslick and they had eight children. Most died of tuberculosis.

Career Sepass was trained to become a custodian of family and tribal knowledge.

Legacy Sepass was one of the first native authors in British Columbia. He is memorialized with the Chief Sepass Theatre in the Langley Fine Arts School.