Kitamaat Village facts for kids

Kitamaat Village is a special community in British Columbia, Canada. It is the main home for the Haisla people and where their government, the Haisla Nation, is based. This village was once known as Kitimat Mission.

Kitamaat Village: Home of the Haisla Nation

Kitamaat Village is located on the Kitamaat 2 First Nations Reserve. A First Nations Reserve is land set aside for Indigenous peoples in Canada. This reserve is found on the east side of Kitimat Arm, a long, narrow inlet of the sea. It is just south of the town of Kitimat, British Columbia. The local post office, called Haisla, is also in Kitamaat Village.

What's in a Name?

The name "Kitamaat" comes from the Tsimshian people. The Tsimshian are another Indigenous group from areas like Prince Rupert and Metlakatla. In the Tsimshian language, "Kitamaat" means "people of the snow."

However, the Haisla people have their own name for Kitamaat Village. In the Haisla language, they call it "Tsee-Motsa." This name means "Snag Beach," which describes a part of the village's coastline.

Who are the Haisla People?

The Haisla people are an Indigenous group who have lived in the Kitamaat area for thousands of years. They have a rich culture, history, and language. The Haisla Nation is their elected government. It works to protect their rights, manage their lands, and provide services for their community members. The Haisla Nation plays a very important role in the lives of the Haisla people.

See also

• List of communities in British Columbia