Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation

Bute Inlet

The Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation’s territory runs from Dent Island to Raza Passage, including all of Bute Inlet.

Homalco Cultural Tours, Bute Inlet. Photo by Meaghan Hume
Homalco Cultural Tours, Bute Inlet. Photo by Meaghan Hume
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The Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation’s main community is located in Campbell River on Vancouver Island

Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation

Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) means “people of the fast running waters.”

Their main village sites were located on the Homathko River, Southgate River, Orford Bay, and the areas at the mouth of Bute Inlet including Muushkin (Old Church House) and Aupe (Church House).

 

 

Church House Village Site. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://thebearsofbute.com/homalco-history/">Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours</a>
Church House Village Site. Photo courtesy of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours

As a result of Christian contact and federal government policies regarding First Nations’ culture, language, and youth education; the Homalco people were scattered from their main community site and almost lost their connection to their cultural heritage.

Orford Bay from Church House. Photo courtesy of Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation
Orford Bay from Church House. Photo courtesy of Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation

Today the Homalco Nation is committed to a program of cultural regeneration and conservation within their territory.

Through cultural and wildlife tours, the Homalco are re-educating their people in their cultural heritage as well as protecting and restoring their territory.

Homalco Cultural Tour. Photo courtesy of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
Homalco Cultural Tour. Photo courtesy of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours

Related to Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation

Homalco Organizations and Resources

Online Resources

Related Protected Areas