Tag Archives: Franz Boas

Indigenous Nations History

Centuries-old Pentlatch fish trap panel connects K’ómoks, Qualicum people to their ancestors

Editor’s note: Fish traps like this would also have been used by other Ayajuthem speaking peoples (The Klahoose, Homalco and First Nations) who have a shared ancestry with the K’ómoks First Nation. These are the most northern Coast Salish Nations.

By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As a child, Pamela Mitchell recalls her father telling her about the ancient fish traps on the shoreline of K’ómoks territory, near her home.

As she learned about the traps, which were used over generations by her ancestors, and their corresponding posts sticking out of the water, she recalls her dad telling her, “don’t touch! They are very old!”

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History, Indigenous Nations History

U’mista Cultural Centre

North Island Gazette, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The scent is unmistakable. Warm, dry cedar stills the air in the potlach room that’s full of Kwakwaka’wakw masks and regalia. If it weren’t for electric lights and the hum of climate control, it would feel like time didn’t exist.

The potlach room at U’mista Cultural Centre on Cormorant Island (home of the ‘Namgis First Nation) is designed somewhat like a big house. Museum-goers enter from the back and work around the room counter-clockwise, like a dancer would at a potlach ceremony.

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