ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Kekuli

Hey there little buddy! Today we're talking about something called kekuli. Kekuli is a type of housing that was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples in Canada, specifically the Syilx/Okanagan Nation.

Kekuli is sort of like a house made out of dirt! But don't worry, it's not just a big pile of dirt. It's actually a structure made out of a bunch of different natural materials. The foundation is made out of logs or sticks that are put together in a circular shape. Then, the walls are made out of dirt and rocks that are all stacked up together.

It's really clever because the dirt and rocks help to keep the inside of the kekuli warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That means people can live inside all year round without getting too hot or too cold!

On top of the kekuli, there's a really neat thing called an "Acorn House". This is like a little roof made out of woven sticks and acorns. It sits on top of the kekuli and helps to keep the rain and snow out.

Kekulis were really important to Indigenous peoples because they were a place where families could live, work, and gather together. They were also a really important symbol of their culture and heritage.

Today, many Indigenous peoples are still using kekulis as a way to connect with their roots and traditions. Some people are even building new kekulis as a way to honour their ancestors and preserve their ways of life. How cool is that?
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