IN Stó: lõ ORAL HISTORIES, SHXWEXWOS (THUNDERBIRD) IS A POWERFUL BEING WHO CONTROLS LIGHTENING, THUNDER, AND STORMS. THOSE WHO CONFRONTED SHXWEXWÓS COULD BE TRANSFORMED INTO STONE OR EVEN BE STRUCK BY LIGHTENING. THIS CONNECTION TO LIGHTENING TIES OUR CHARGER IDENTITY TO THE STRENGTH AND ENERGY OF SHXWEXWÓS. TOGETHER, WE HONOUR THE HISTORIES OF THIS PLACE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH RESPECT.
The Chargers logos were designed by Cheam First Nation artist, Xémóntalot, Carrielynn Victor. Born and raised in Stó: lõ Temexw, her designs are informed by and rooted in Coast Salish culture. The explanation above is adapted from oral histories shared by Naxaxalhts i, Sonny McHalsie.
Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq'eméylem - Language Program
shxwelexwxwó:s thunderbirds
Alternative form: shxwexwó:les
Listen to the elders