List of Kwakwakaʼwakw villages facts for kids
The Kwakwaka'wakw people are an Indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. They have a rich history and culture. Their traditional territory includes parts of northern Vancouver Island and the nearby mainland of British Columbia, Canada. This area is known for its beautiful forests and waters. For centuries, the Kwakwaka'wakw lived in many villages across this land. These villages were important centers for their communities. They were places where families lived, worked, and celebrated.
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Kwakwaka'wakw Villages: Homes of a Proud People
What Were These Villages Like?
Kwakwaka'wakw villages were often located near the coast or rivers. This allowed easy access to resources like fish and cedar trees. The villages were made up of large wooden longhouses. These houses were built from sturdy cedar planks. Many families would live together in one longhouse. Each village was a vibrant community. People shared stories, traditions, and daily life.
These villages were not just places to live. They were also important for trade and ceremonies. The Kwakwaka'wakw people had a deep connection to their land and water. Each village had its own unique history and stories. Many of these places are still important today.
A List of Kwakwaka'wakw Villages
Here is a list of some of the traditional Kwakwaka'wakw villages. These villages show the wide area where the Kwakwaka'wakw people lived.
- adap'e, located on Turnour Island.
- Ahta, also known as Hata or Hada, found at Ahta Indian Reserve No. 3 on Bond Sound.
- Apsigiyu, situated on the northwest side of Gilford Island at the head of Shoal Harbour.
- Coal Harbour, a village in Quatsino Sound.
- Gwayasdums, located on Gilford Island.
- Hegams, also known as Hopetown.
- igisbalis, found on the headland at Hoeya Sound, Knight Inlet.
- Kalugwis, located on Turnour Island.
- Kamla, situated on Kumlah Island and Trafford Point on the east side of Gilford Island.
- K'omoks, a village located in Comox.
- Gwa'yi, also known as Okwunalis or Kingcome, found two miles up the Kingcome River from its mouth.
- Kingcome Inlet, a significant location (Kwak'wala name unknown).
- Klaywatse, located on an island in the mouth of the Adam River on Vancouver Island.
- Kliquit, found on the north shore of Knight Inlet.
- Matilpi.
- Memkumlis, located on Village Island.
- Metap, found on Gilford Island.
- Nalakglala, situated at the head of Hoeya Sound, Knight Inlet.
- Paas or Ba'as, also known as Blunden Harbour.
- ʦax̱is, known today as Fort Rupert.
- Tzatsisnukomi, also called New Vancouver.
- Wakhanaq, located on the north side of Gilford Island.
- Waluk, found on the south shore at the head of Kingcome Inlet.
- xudzedzalis, located on Port Neville.
- Whulk or xwalkw, also known as Cheslakees, at the mouth of the Nimpkish River.
- Yalis, known as Alert Bay Indian Reserve No. 1.
- Zalidis, located near Glendale Cove.
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