Laich-kwil-tach facts for kids
The Laich-kwil-tach (pronounced Lie-ch-kwil-tahch) are a group of First Nations people. They are also known as the Southern Kwakiutl. Their traditional lands are around Quadra Island and Campbell River in British Columbia, Canada. The name Laich-kwil-tach comes from their language, Kwak'wala.
Today, there are two main groups of Laich-kwil-tach. These are the Wei Wai Kai (from Cape Mudge) and the Wei Wai Kum. The Wei Wai Kum live in the town of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Other smaller groups include the Kwiakah, the Tlaaluis, and the Walitsima. The Tlaaluis joined the Kwiakah after a big war.
The Laich-kwil-tach were very powerful. Their influence was so strong that the Comox people started speaking Kwak'wala. The Comox people lived near Courtenay and Comox. Many Wei Wai Kum people in Campbell River have Comox family roots. The Wei Wai Kai people have kept their ancient traditions and ceremonies alive for hundreds of years. These traditions come from their history in the Queen Charlotte Strait. Their important ceremonies, called potlatches, are even written about in books.
The Laich-kwil-tach are separate from their relatives, the Kwakwaka'wakw. The Kwakwaka'wakw live in the Queen Charlotte Strait. Their name means "speakers of Kwak'wala". The Kwagu'ł people from Fort Rupert are more closely related to the Laich-kwil-tach. The term "Kwakiutl" can be confusing because it means different things to different groups. This is why "Kwakwaka'wakw" became the common name for the main group of Kwak'wala speakers. The Laich-kwil-tach have always called themselves Laich-kwil-tach since they moved into the Strait of Georgia.
History and Raids
The Laich-kwil-tach were known for their raids. They traveled south into the Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound. They even went up the Fraser River and out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They also raided to the north. Early explorers and traders wrote about these events.
One famous event happened after Fort Langley was built. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) staff defended the fort from a siege by the Laich-kwil-tach. They used cannons to push them back. The local Kwantlen people were very grateful for this help. Even with Fort Langley nearby, the Laich-kwil-tach continued to raid other Sto:lo communities further up the Fraser River.
Notable Laich-kwil-tach People
- Sonny Assu: A talented artist who works in many different art forms.
- Chief Billy Assu: A respected leader of his people.
See also
no:Kwakiutl pl:Kwakwala
