Nalakglala facts for kids
Nalakgala or nalaxdlala was a very old village in British Columbia, Canada. Its name means "hind end up river." This village was located at the top of Hoeya Sound, which is on the north side of Knight Inlet.
Nalakgala was originally a special place for a group of people called the Walas. It was where they came from and where they lived. However, by the year 1914, another group, the Mamalilikala, began to use this village site and the areas around it for hunting and gathering.
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What Was Nalakgala?
Nalakgala was a traditional village of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people. The Kwakwakaʼwakw are a group of Indigenous people who have lived along the coast of British Columbia for thousands of years. Their villages were often built in places that were good for fishing, hunting, and gathering food.
Where Was Nalakgala Located?
The village of Nalakgala was found at the very end of Hoeya Sound. This sound is a long, narrow body of water that reaches inland from the ocean. It is located on the northern side of a much larger inlet called Knight Inlet. This area is known for its beautiful natural environment, including tall forests and many waterways.
Why Was This Location Important?
The location of Nalakgala was important for several reasons. Being at the head of a sound meant easy access to both the ocean and the land. This allowed the villagers to fish in the waters and hunt in the nearby forests. It also provided a sheltered place for their homes and canoes, protecting them from strong winds and waves.
Who Lived in Nalakgala?
Nalakgala was a significant place for the Walas group, who are part of the larger Kwakwakaʼwakw nation. Villages like Nalakgala were central to the lives of these communities. They were places for living, for ceremonies, and for passing down stories and traditions from one generation to the next.
How Did Village Ownership Change?
Over time, different groups sometimes used or claimed the same areas. By 1914, the village of Nalakgala and the nearby areas where people gathered food and resources became used by the Mamalilikala group. This shows how different Indigenous groups shared and sometimes shifted their use of land and resources in the region.