Village Island facts for kids
Village Island is a small island located in a beautiful area called the Johnstone Strait in British Columbia, Canada. It's found on the northwest side of Turnour Island. This island is very special because it has been the home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people for many years.
Home of the Mamalilikulla People
The main village on Village Island is called Memkumlis, also known as Mamalilaculla. This name actually belongs to a specific group of the Kwakwaka'wakw people, and this island is their traditional home. The village is located on the west side of the island at 50°37′10″N 126°34′30″W / 50.61944°N 126.57500°W. This area is part of the Mahmalillikullah Indian Reserve No. 1, which is along a waterway called Eliot Passage.
What's in a Name?
The name Memkumlis has a cool meaning! It means "village with rocks and islands out front." Imagine looking out from the village and seeing lots of little islands and rocks in the water. A famous chief and carver named Mungo Martin translated it as "group of little islands." Another expert, Franz Boas, said it meant "round things [islands] in front at beach." All these meanings describe the unique look of Village Island and its surroundings.
See also
- List of islands of British Columbia
- Village (disambiguation)
