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.

Lands & Resources

We are known as the People of Turbulent Waters, named after Bute Inlet. We aim to protect and connect with our territory for generations to come.

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Our Origin Story

The story of The Xwémalhkwu begins with a young woman being cautioned by her grandmother not to eat tree pitch.

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History

We have been living on our territories, across the Bute Inlet on the west coast of what is now known as British Columbia, since time immemorial.

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Culture and Language

The Xwémalhkwu are the most Northern Coast Salish Nation. Our ancestral tongue ayajuthem is shared with our sister Nations Tla'amin, Klahoose and K’ómoks.

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Vision, Mission & Directives

We have a strong vision for the future of Homalco First Nation. We bring forward our ancestral values and breathe life into them through all of our decisions. The Homalco First Nation government and administration are guided by a set of principles that you can learn about here.

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Contacts

Homalco contacts working for you.
Find Administration, Health Department and other Health Services here.

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