Cumshewa Inlet facts for kids
Cumshewa Inlet is a large and important bay located on the east side of Moresby Island. This island is part of the beautiful Haida Gwaii islands, which are off the coast of British Columbia in Canada. Sometimes, old maps or records might call it Cumchewas Harbour or Tooscondolth Sound.
Cumshewa Inlet: A Special Place
Cumshewa Inlet is more than just a bay; it's a place rich in history and culture. For a very long time, it has been home to several villages of the Haida people. These villages include Cumshewa (known in the Haida language as Thlinul or Tlkinool), Tanu (New Clew), and Djí-gua.
How Did Cumshewa Inlet Get Its Name?
The inlet got its name during a time called the Maritime fur trade. This was when European and American ships traveled to the coast to trade for animal furs, especially sea otter pelts. It was common for captains to name places after the most important local chief. In this case, the inlet was named after a powerful Haida chief named Cumshewa. His name was also sometimes spelled G'omshewah.
Chief Cumshewa was a well-known leader. His name started appearing in the logs of trading ships as early as 1787. This shows how important he was to the fur trade in the region.
A Notable Event in History
In 1794, a significant event happened in Cumshewa Inlet. A trading ship from America, called the Resolution, was in the area. During this time, a serious incident occurred where the crew of the Resolution lost their lives. This event is an important part of the inlet's history, showing the complex interactions between Indigenous peoples and early European and American traders.
