Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
Smith Inlet, Seymour Inlet and Blunden Harbour
The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations belong to the Wakashan language group and are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw group of nations.

The main community of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations is located close to Port Hardy. Their territory encompasses Smith Inlet, Seymour Inlet and Blunden Harbour, on BC’s South Central Coast.
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are an amalgamation of two tribes, including the Gwa’sala people who lived around Smith Inlet and the surrounding islands, and the ‘Nakwaxda’xw people who inhabited Seymour Inlet and its surrounding islands.
Today the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ main community is located near Port Hardy on the north east coast of Vancouver Island.

The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations belong to the Wakashan language group and are considered a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw group of nations.
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are committed to preserving their distinct culture, language, and traditions. The vision for their community encompasses the importance of culture, the value of community well-being, and the importance of caring for the natural environment.
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ vision:
Exist forever as the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people, building on the legacy left to us by our ancestors and moving towards a bright future.
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Organizations and Resources
Online Resources
- Our Ways - Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Digital Storytelling
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations
- How A People Live - The inspiring story of the resilient Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
CBC Player
- Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations
Sasamans Society – Voices of Our Children
- Ba'as (Blunden Harbour) Gallery
Simon Fraser University - The Bill Reid Centre
- T'a̱kus (Smith Inlet) Gallery
Simon Fraser University - The Bill Reid Centre
- Kwa'lilas Hotel Feature Copper Wall
A 3-minute video about how Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations elders and artists came together to infuse every aspect of the Nations' new hotel with Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw art and culture.
- Kwa'lilas Hotel
A 3-minute video about the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations' newest business venture: a luxurious hotel in Port Hardy, graced by Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw art and culture in everything from its lobby and rooms to top-notch menu and cultural tours.
Related Protected Areas
- Allison Harbour Marine Provincial Park
- Catto Creek Conservancy
- Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve
- Mahpahkum-Ahkwuna Deserters-Walker Conservancy
- Neǧiƛ/Nekite Estuary Conservancy
- Tsa-Latl / Smokehouse Conservancy
- Ugʷiwa’/Cape Caution Conservancy
- Ugʷiwa’/Cape Caution-Blunden Bay Conservancy
- Ẁaẁaƛ/Seymour Estuary Conservancy
- Biodiversity, Mining and Tourism Areas