Turnour Island facts for kids
Turnour Island is an island located off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It's found in the Johnstone Strait area, nestled between Gilford Island and West Cracroft Island.
To its northwest, across a narrow waterway called Canoe Passage, lies Village Island. South and southwest of Turnour Island is Beware Passage, with Harbledown Island on the other side. Gilford Island is to the north, across Tribune Channel. A channel named Clio Channel separates Turnour Island from West Cracroft Island.
Where Did Turnour Island Get Its Name?
Turnour Island and Clio Channel are named after important historical figures and ships.
- Captain Nicholas E.B. Turnour was a commander in the Royal Navy.
- He commanded a ship called HMS Clio.
- This ship was part of the Pacific Station fleet from 1864 to 1868.
- Both Clio Channel and a place called Clio Bay near Kitimat were named after HMS Clio.
Ancient Villages on Turnour Island
Turnour Island is home to two historic village sites of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. The Kwakwaka'wakw are a group of First Nations people who live on the northern coast of British Columbia.
- Kalugwis (also known as Karlukwees or Qalogwis) is the main community for the Tlowitsis Nation.
- It is located on the south side of Turnour Island, facing Beware Passage.
- This village is part of a special area called Karlukwees Indian Reserve No. 1. It covers about 10.8 hectares (about 27 acres).
Another village, called adap'e (or adap!a), was once located at the very end of Turnour Bay. This spot is just east of Kalugwis. It was used by the Walas and Komkiutis groups of the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
