Celista Creek adopted in the 1930 BC Gazetteer as labelled on Geolgical Survey sheet 669, Shuswap, by G.M. Dawson, 1898, and on BC map 1EM, 1915; not Celesta Creek nor Celestra Creek as spelled on other early maps.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Possibly named after TxElaxi'tsa, chief of the Okanagon or his son, John Celestin (Salista' ), TxElaxi'tsa, "Standing Robe". The former, adopted by Chief Nicolas, was the most prominent chief in the interior of British Columbia in his day, and was noted as an all-around good man. He was the recognized head chief of the Okanagon tribe in Canada, and the only chief of the Okanagon in the Nicola country. He negotiated with Goverment Commissioner Sproat regarding tribal territory, hunting and fishing rights of the Okanagon, and Indian reservations. Like his uncle, Chief Nicolas, he had great faith in the Queen and the Queen's laws, and expected fair treatment from the Government. About 1875 and 1876 there was great dissatisfaction among the interior Salishan tribes because of white settlement and the failure of the Government to make treaties and proper agreements with them. An alliance was formed by most of the Shuswap and Okanagon chiefs to attach all white settlers, but through the efforts of Chief TxElaxi'tsa, a serious [Indigenous Person] was was avoided. He was considered a wealty chief and a good speaker. He died about 1884. His son John Celestin (Salista' ), TxElaxi'tsa, succeeded him as head chief of the Okanagon. Like his father and grand uncle, he was a shrewd man. After his father's death, he was appointed church chief by the priests. After the death of his half-brothers, he became chief of the Douglas Lake and Guichon bands. He was said to be the wealthiest chief in British Columbia. He made one trip to Europe, visiting England, France, Belgium, Germany and Italy. In 1916 he was living at Nkama'pEleks and at Fish Lake, and was about 74 or 75 years old. (James A. Teit, "The Salishan tribes of the western plateaus," edited by Franz Boas, 45th Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, v.45, 1927-28, pp.272-274). See Celista (community) for additional origin information.

Source: Provincial Archives of BC "Place Names File" compiled 1945-1950 by A.G. Harvey from various sources, with subsequent additions