This community is named after the Indian Reservation of the Popkum First Nation, which is located near the Fraser River, east of Chilliwack.
The name is said to have derived from the Halq’eméylem word Pópkw’em meaning: puffballs (Carlson, 2001).
Alternate spelling: Popcum
References:
- Carlson, K. (2001). A Stó:lō Coast Salish Historical Atlas. Chilliwack, B.C.: Stó:lō Nation
Photograph caption: Overhead view of the Knight Brothers sawmill (on right) and Popkum village. Image shows group of women and children on the small main road leading into the village and mill site, 1873. [Chilliwack Museum and Archives, P1308]