Gilford Island facts for kids
Gilford Island is a beautiful island in British Columbia, Canada. It sits between two important waterways: Tribune Channel and Knight Inlet. This island is quite large, covering about 384 square kilometers (or 148 square miles). To its south, across Tribune Channel, you'll find Turnour Island. The entrance to Thompson Sound is located to the east.
On the south side of Gilford Island, there's a big bay called Port Elizabeth. It was named around 1867 by Captain Pender. He named it after Elizabeth Henrietta. She was the wife of Lord Gilford. Her father was Sir Arthur E. Kennedy, who was the Governor of Vancouver Island back then. Lord Gilford was in charge of a ship called HMS Tribune from 1862 to 1864. Gilford Point marks the southern entrance to Port Elizabeth. Inside the port, you'll find Duck Cove and Maple Cove, which used to be called Maple Bay.
First Nations Communities
All the Indian reserves on Gilford Island are managed by the Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation. These communities are very important to the island's history and culture.
Historic Villages
Gilford Island is home to an ancient village of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. This village is known as Gwayasdums or Gwa'yasdams. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1856 by the Nuxalk people. However, the community has since been reoccupied and continues to thrive today.
Another old village was called Metap. It was located at the end of Viner Sound on the northwest coast of the island. Today, this area is an Indian reserve. It is officially named "Meetup Indian Reserve No. 2."
Important Reserves
There is another important Indian reserve on Gilford Island. It is called Dakiulis Indian Reserve No. 7. This reserve is located at the tip of Islet Point. This is on the northwest side of the island. It covers an area of 0.70 hectares.
Kyimla Indian Reserve No. 11 is on the east side of the island. It is located at Trafford Point. This reserve is 1.10 hectares in size.
Other Settlements
Another settlement on the island is Scott Cove. It is located at the bay of the same name. You can find Scott Cove on the northwest side of Gilford Island.
