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).

 

 

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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

Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Projects

In partnership with Coast Funds, Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation has invested in:

First Nation Applicant Project Description Links Type Year Funding
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Sustaining Salmon Populations – Orford Hatchery Operations 2021-22 To support the operations of the salmon enhancement program in Orford Bay rivers (Orford, Southgate, and Homathko) to re-stock the coho and chum salmon populations for future generations, including identifying potential fish habitat restoration priorities and stock potential; maintaining salmon stocks in the Southgate and Elliot River while restoration plans are implemented; restoring the hatchery's incubation and rearing infrastructure; and to secure facilities from wildlife to address the ongoing predation issue. Conservation Fund 2021 $ 119,883
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Guardian Watchman Program – 2021-22 Operations To support the increased presence of the Guardians throughout Homalco territory as they monitor water quality; assist in spill response efforts and planning; monitor the overall territory including the Chinook catch; lead stock assessment efforts in Southgate, Homathko, and Olford Rivers; contribute to public education videos that highlight Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and gathering data to inform a marine use plan to help guide future management decisions. Conservation Fund 2021 $ 115,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Restructuring of Homalco Wildlife Tours To restructure the cultural tourism program of Homalco Wildlife Tours to improve its revenues and create a more economically sustainable program while supporting employment for Homalco community members. Economic Development Fund 2018 $ 16,045
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Orford River and Algard Creek Salmon Habitat Restoration – Initial Study To undertake a geomorphic investigation and fish habitat restoration plan for the Algard River in order to increase salmon abundance for grizzly and black bear populations while also preventing future loss of current salmon spawning habitat Conservation Fund 2016 $ 30,800
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco Wildlife Tours Inc. Investment in Wildlife Viewing and Cultural Tourism Infrastructure To invest in infrastructure that will support and expand the Nation's new aboriginal cultural tourism program in Bute lnlet that operates in partnership with Sonora Resorts, I'hos Tours, and a number of whale watching operators that expanded the community-owned company's tourism season from 73 days to over 166 days in 2015 Economic Development Fund 2016 $ 110,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Grizzly and Black Bear Habitat and Family Relationship Study – 2016 Research To continue field research and DNA analyses on grizzly and black bear populations in the Nation's territory surrounding Bute Inlet and to build conservation-related research capacity within the Nation that ensures its ecotourism and forestry operations adhere to ecosystem-based management Conservation Fund 2016 $ 70,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Grizzly and Black Bear Habitat and Family Relationship Study – 2015 Research To conduct field research and DNA analyses on grizzly and black bear populations in the Nation's territory surrounding Bute Inlet and to build conservation-related research capacity within the Nation that ensures its ecotourism and forestry operations adhere to ecosystem-based management Conservation Fund 2015 $ 50,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco Wildlife Tours Inc. Spring/Summer Cultural Tourism Expansion To launch an aboriginal cultural tourism program in Bute lnlet in partnership with Sonora Resorts and I'hos Tours that will double the length of the community-owned company's tourism season Economic Development Fund 2015 $ 364,100
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Strategic Plan for Bute Inlet Hydro Energy To develop a strategic plan for renewable energy development within the Nation’s traditional territory surrounding Bute Inlet Economic Development Fund 2014 $ 88,582
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Youth Stewardship Training – 2014 To deliver an ecosystem-based management and wildlife protection training program for youth that includes traditional territory stewardship, essential fisheries field skills certification, first aid certification, and bear aware training Conservation Fund 2014 $ 52,500
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Homalco Wildlife Tours Inc. – Ecotourism Expansion To expand the Nation's seasonal grizzly bear viewing operations in Bute Inlet by purchasing and branding a new 24 passenger bus, developing marketing materials, and investing in the Orford Orientation Center Economic Development Fund 2012 $ 95,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Development of a Comprehensive Community Plan To develop the Nation's comprehensive community plan with a deep level of engagement with community members including elders and youth Economic Development Fund 2009 $ 25,000
Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nation Homalco First Nation Ecotourism Program and Orford Bay Hatchery Development To redevelop the Orford Bay salmon hatchery facility and to develop safety guidelines and tour protocols for the Nation's grizzly bear viewing business in Bute Inlet Economic Development Fund 2009 $ 166,000
Total Projects 13 Total Invested $ 1,302,910

Total Projects: 13

Total Invested: $ 1,302,910

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