Mamalilikulla-QweʼQwaʼSotʼEm Band facts for kids
The Mamalilikulla Band is a First Nation group located in British Columbia, Canada. They are part of the larger Kwakwaka'wakw people. Their traditional home is on northern Vancouver Island and the islands around the Queen Charlotte Strait. Their main village, Memkumlis, is on Village Island.
Who are the Mamalilikulla Band?
The Mamalilikulla Band is a self-governing group of Indigenous people. They are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw nation, which includes many different First Nations groups. The Mamalilikulla and Qwe-Qwa'Sot'Em are two important groups within this nation. They have lived in the maze of islands and inlets near Knight Inlet for a very long time.
The Mamalilikulla Band is also a member of the Kwakiutl District Council. This council helps different Kwakwaka'wakw communities work together. It supports them in areas like governance and cultural preservation.
Their Traditional Lands and Reserves
First Nations in Canada have special areas of land called reserves. These lands are set aside for their use and benefit. The Mamalilikulla Band has three main reserves:
- Apsagayu Indian Reserve No. 1A: This reserve is located on Gilford Island. It is a smaller area, about 0.90 hectares.
- Compton Island Indian Reserve No. 6: This reserve includes all of Compton Island. It is located between Harbledown and Swanson Islands. This reserve is much larger, about 56.30 hectares.
- Mahmalillikullah Indian Reserve No. 1: This is the largest reserve. It is on the west end of Village Island, facing Eliot Passage. It also includes three small islands nearby and covers about 175.20 hectares.
Working Towards Self-Determination
The Mamalilikulla Band is working to address historical issues related to their land and identity. There is a plan to divide the current band into two separate groups. These would be the Mamalilikulla Band and the Wiamasgum-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em Band. This proposed change comes from a long history.
In 1856, a village called Gwayasdums was destroyed. Many survivors from that event were taken in by the Mamalilikulla people. Over time, government actions effectively combined these two distinct peoples into one band. The Mamalilikulla and Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Enox people believe this combination was not right. They are working to undo this historical merger. They want to recognize the separate identities of the Mamalilikulla and Qwe-Qwa-Sot'Enox families.
