Kekuli Cafe Merritt

A Kekuli is a dwelling built into the ground, built with logs, tule, dirt and grass. They were used as winter dwellings built half into the ground and half out of the ground, made of tules, fir and other materials. The Kekuli protected the people from the elements, it was quite warm and built very sturdy. You can still find historical Kekuli’s throughout the Thompson and Okanagan areas.

The English version word, Kekuli means “Pithouse.” The Thompson language, we say sʔístkn, a home which First Nations people lived during the winter season when the weather was unbearable.

We wanted a name that had aboriginal flair to it, something with that “k” sound, strong and flowed nicely. Sharon was reading this book by James Teit, one day, and came across the word “kekuli” meaning house, that the Thompson Indians lived in hundreds of years ago. Kekuli Cafe was born and registered the day she found the word.

So when you come to Kekuli, you can experience the welcoming feel and quaintness of a new found home, and to enjoy a good cup of coffee, fresh food and bannock. Customers are able to enjoy our Wifi, our musical playlists, inspired by our parents, and our love of Aboriginal/North American Musical Artists and Canadian Artists.

In this photo, is a beautiful shot of a Kekuli at the Summerhill Winery in Kelowna BC, where we got married. This Kekuli is now honoured in Makwala Hall-Derickson’s name, an infamous bull rider, who left us too early in his life.

Our Kekuli Cafe is the place to gather when you need a spot to meet, mingle and enjoy something different in your life.