Who We Are

Strong, Generous, Resilient

We are the Χʷomaɬkʷu, the "People of the of the fast-running waters", referring to the many rapids and rivers located within the unceded Χʷomaɬkʷu territory. Our ancestral tongue is ayʔaǰuθɛm, from the Salishan language family. We are the descendants of the ancestors who survived the Great Flood by tying their canoes to the top of Paʔɬmɩn̓ (Place that Grows), known by many today as Estero Peak. We are the stewards and protectors of the land, water, and resources located from Hornby Island and north to Call Inlet, including Campbell River and other portions of Vancouver Island, over the Discovery Islands to East Redonda Island and up Toba Inlet to Brem River, and up the Bute Inlet to Tatlayoko Lake, and the surrounding areas. Χʷomaɬkʷu People have occupied, controlled, and benefitted from these lands, waters, and resources since time immemorial, co-existing beside our Sister Nations within the ayʔaǰuθɛm language group: K'omoks, Klahoose, and Tla'amin. We also recognize the recent arrival of the Liqʷiłdaxʷ people, who now share a responsibility to the land, water, and resources with Χʷomaɬkʷu in portions of Χʷomaɬkʷu territory. There are 495 people registered with the Homalco Band today.