Nuxalk Nation facts for kids
 |
|
Religious ceremony with Totems and the playing of frame drums, from an edition of 1897, illustration by Wilhelm Sievers
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,479 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Bella Coola, British Columbia | |
| Languages | |
| English, Nuxálk | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Nuxalk people |
.jpg)
The Nuxalk Nation is a group of Indigenous people from the Bella Coola Valley in British Columbia, Canada. They are also known as the Nuxalk people. Their government is called the Nuxalk Nation band government. They are part of the Oweekeno-Kitasoo-Nuxalk Tribal Council. The Nuxalk Nation has about 1,479 members.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The word "Nuxalk" refers to one person or thing. If you want to talk about many Nuxalk people, you would say "Nuxalkmc".
Where the Nuxalk Live
Most Nuxalk people live in a community called Q'umk'uts'. This community is located where the Bella Coola River meets the Pacific Ocean. It's in the beautiful Bella Coola Valley in British Columbia. Q'umk'uts' is on the Nuxalk Nation's main reserve land. This land is much smaller than their traditional territory. It is right next to the Bella Coola "townsite," which is the main business area for the Valley.
The Nuxalk Hall is a special community center. Here, the Nuxalk people hold important events called potlatches. They also have social gatherings and basketball games hosted by the Nuxalk Basketball Association.
For a long time, the Nuxalkmc were incorrectly grouped with "Coast Salish" peoples. Today, the Nuxalkmc are recognized as their own unique group.
The Nuxalk Language
The Nuxalk Nation has its own special language called the Nuxalk language. Sadly, not many people speak it fluently today. There are only about 5 people who speak it very well. About 80 people can have conversations in Nuxalk. Another 140 people are learning the language.
Since 2014, people have been working hard to keep the Nuxalk language alive. They have created radio shows in Nuxalk. They are also working on a bigger Nuxalk-English dictionary. A new online phrasebook is also being made to help people learn common Nuxalk phrases.
A Look at Nuxalk History
The Nuxalk Nation has lived in the Bella Coola region for thousands of years. Their traditional lands are located at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. For a long time, the only ways to reach their community were by walking, flying, or by boat. A road was finally built in 1953, making it easier to travel to and from the area. In the 1890s, some Norwegian people also settled in the area.
Plants and Their Uses
The Nuxalk people have a deep knowledge of plants and how to use them. This knowledge is called Ethnobotany. For example, they use the roots of a plant called Ranunculus acris (buttercup). They pound the roots and make a soft paste called a poultice. This poultice is then put on boils to help them heal.
They also use the leaves of a plant called Antennaria howellii. They make a special tea, called a decoction, from these leaves. This tea is used to help with body pain, but not pain in the arms or legs.
You can find a much longer list of how the Nuxalk people use plants by visiting an online resource. There are 387 documented plant uses!
