Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation facts for kids

Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis is the name of a First Nations group in British Columbia, Canada. They used to be called the Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish First Nation. This group lives on northern Vancouver Island in the Queen Charlotte Strait area.

They are part of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council. Other groups in this council include the ‘Namgis First Nation and the Tsawataineuk First Nation. The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w and Ha̱xwa'mis were once two separate groups. They are both part of the larger Kwakwaka'wakw people. The name Kwakwaka'wakw means "speakers of Kwak'wala", which is their language. The Canadian government combined these two groups into one First Nation.

The land of the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis covers the southern Broughton Archipelago. It also includes the Gilford Island area. This is just north of the entrance to Knight Inlet. Their main village is called Gwa’yasdams or Gwayasdums. It is a small community found on Gilford Island.

For many years, the people of this First Nation have had to boil their drinking water to make it safe.

Understanding Indian Reserves

First Nations in Canada have special lands called Indian reserves. These lands are set aside for their use and benefit. The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation manages several of these reserves.

Key Reserves of the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis

Here are some of the important reserves under their care:

• Ahta Indian Reserve No. 3: Located at the mouth of the Ohta River on Bond Sound. This is north of Gilford Island.
• Alalco Indian Reserve No. 8: Found at the mouth of the Wakeman River. It is at the north end of Wakeman Sound.
• Dakiulis Indian Reserve No. 7: This reserve is at the tip of Islet Point. It is on the west side of Gilford Island.
• Dug-da-myse Indian Reserve No. 12: Located on the west shore of Wakeman Sound.
• Gwayasdums Indian Reserve No. 1: On the west shore of Gilford Island. It is along Retreat Pass.
• Kakweken Indian Reserve No. 4: At the mouth of the Kakweiken River. This is at the head of Thompson Sound.
• Kye-yaa-la Indian Reserve No. 1: This reserve includes all of Sail Island. It is in Retreat Passage and has small islands nearby.
• Kyidagwis Indian Reserve No. 2: On the western shore of Wakeman Sound. This is in Kingcome Inlet.
• Kyimla Indian Reserve No. 11: Located on Trafford Point. This is on the east side of Gilford Island.
• Meetup Indian Reserve No. 2: At the head of Viner Sound on Gilford Island.