Gwaʼsala-ʼNakwaxdaʼxw Nations facts for kids

A 'Nakwaxda'xw neck ring.

The Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nations are two important Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations groups. They live on northern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Their main community is near Port Hardy, in the Queen Charlotte Strait area.

These Nations are part of a larger group called the Kwakiutl District Council. They also work together with other First Nations, like the Quatsino First Nation, Da'naxda'xw Awaetlatla Nation, and Tlatlasikwala Nation, to discuss treaties.

The Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nation was once two separate groups: the Gwa'sala and the 'Nak'waxda'xw. In the mid-1960s, the Canadian government moved both groups to their current home, Tsulquate. They were combined into one large group, along with the nearby Kwakiutl First Nation. Later, the Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nations and the Kwakiutl First Nation became separate groups again. Today, they are recognized by the government as distinct nations. Their main community is at Tsulquate IR No. 4, close to Port Hardy.

What are First Nations Reserves?

Reserves are special areas of land set aside for First Nations people in Canada. The Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nations have several reserves. These lands are important for their culture, history, and daily life.

Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Reserves

Here are some of the reserves governed by the Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nations:

• Ann Island IR No. 7: Located on Ann Island in Smith Sound.
• Dedagaus IR No. 8: On the north shore of Seymour Inlet.
• Halowis IR No. 5: At the mouth of Smokehouse Creek, at the end of Long Lake.
• Kai-too-kwis IR No. 15: At the head of Chief Nollis Bay on Allison Sound.
• Kequesta IR No. 1: On the north shore of the entrance to Nuget Sound.
• Khazisela IR No. 7: On an island in the middle of the Nahkwocto Raids, at the north end of Schooner Channel.
• Ko-kwi-iss IR No. 14: On the east shore of Allison Sound.
• Kuthlo IR No. 18: At the head of Salmon Arm of Seymour Inlet.
• Kwetahkis IR No. 9: On the north shore of Whelakis Lagoon on Seymour Inlet.
• Mahpahkum IR No. 4: On Deserters Island in the Deserters Group, including small islands nearby.
• Na-kwockto IR No. 2: On three small islands at the mouth of Nugent Sound.
• Nathlegalis IR No. 3: This includes Indian Island and five smaller islands in Takush Harbour.
• Nekite IR No. 2: At the mouth of the Nekite River at the head of Smith Inlet.
• Owh-wis-too-a-wan IR No. 10: At Eclipse Narrows, at the mouth of Frederick Sound in Seymour Inlet.
• Pahas IR No. 3: On the north shore of Blunden Harbour.
• Pel-looth'l Kai IR No. 17: At the east end of Belize Inlet.
• Peneece IR No. 11: At the head of Wigwam Bay on the north shore of Seymour Inlet.
• Saagoombahlah IR No. 6: On the east shore of Schooner Passage, east of Braham Island.
• Ta-a-ack IR No. 5: On one of the islands in the Sorm Group at the west end of Queen Charlotte Strait.
• Toksee IR No. 4: At the meeting point of Long Lake and Wyclees Lagoon.
• Tsai-kwi-ee IR No. 13: At Village Bay on the east shore of Mereworth Sound.
• Tseetsum-Sawlasilah IR No. 6: On the north shore of Naysash Inlet in Smith Sound.
• Tsulquate IR No. 4: On the west shore of Hardy Bay, one mile north of Port Hardy. This is their main community.
• Waump IR No. 16: At the head of Allison Sound, in Belize Inlet.
• Wawwat'l IR No 12: On the right bank of the Seymour River, two miles from the head of Seymour Inlet.
• Wyclese IR No. 1: On the south shore of Smith Sound, at the entrance to Wyclees Lagoon.