Mamalilikulla First Nation
Village and Compton Islands
The Mamalilikulla First Nation’s territory encompasses the islands off the north east coast of Vancouver Island between Alert Bay and Knight Inlet, including Compton, Village, and Gilford Islands.
The Mamalilikulla First Nation’s territory encompasses Village and Compton Islands on BC’s South Central Coast
Mamalilikulla First Nation
The Mamalilikulla First Nation’s territory encompasses the islands off the north east coast of Vancouver Island between Alert Bay and Knight Inlet, including Compton, Village, and Gilford Islands.
The village on the northwest side of Village Island belongs to the Mamalilikulla First Nation people. The actual name of the village is ‘Mimkwa̱mlis, and the name means “village with rocks and island out front”. Eliot Passage, the marine waterway between Village and Pearl Islands in the Johnstone Strait region of the Central Coast of British Columbia, lay southwest of the opening of Knight Inlet.
The Mamalilikulla people speak the Kwak’wala language. In recent years, the Nation has developed a unique ecotourism business, Adventures Village Island, that operates in tandem with the Nation’s new guardian watchman program that is part of the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network.
The Mamalilikulla First Nation practice “maya’xa̱la,” meaning respect. They have been taught by their ancestors to “refrain from over exploiting the abundance and diversity of life within [their] territory.”
Related to Mamalilikulla First Nation
Mamalilikulla Guardian Watchmen: Fulfilling Ancestral Responsibilities for the Benefit of Future Generations
The Mamalilikulla Guardians are re-asserting the Nation’s presence in their territories, conducting research and restoration, monitoring industrial and recreational activity, and protecting cultural assets. With the Nation’s 10-year stewardship vision, they are mapping a path forward to do even more.
Knight Inlet Lodge Acquired by Na̲nwak̲olas
Na̲nwak̲olas is thrilled to be acquiring the ‘platinum standard setting’ Knight Inlet Lodge – a business that, under the guidance of Dean and Kathy Wyatt, has become the leader in the eco-adventure lodge business in British Columbia, with an international reputation that is second to none.
Mamalilikulla First Nation's Organizations and Resources
Online Resources
- The Ghosts of Village Island
Hakai Magazine
- Mamalilikulla First Nation Marine Planning
Na̲nwak̲olas Council Society
- Mamalilikulla First Nation Guardians
Ha-Ma-Yas Stewardship Network