Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ Peoples

Since time beyond memory, waterways and lands have been tended, stewarded and managed by Indigenous peoples. Each Nation has their own origin story and ancestor legends. The Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ are made up of several groups who share a common history, ancestor anď language.The Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ people have long called a vast territory their home, far beyond the current boundaries of Campbell River.

This traditional territory encompasses both land and waters surrounding Vancouver Island, spanning an impressive area of over 22,000square kilometers. Elders speak of times when their Elders recalled a population in this region in the tens of thousands. The Liǧʷiłdaxʷ are a united people made up of several distinct sub̌-groups, including both federally recognized and non-registered communities.

These groups include the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, Kwiakah, Ɫaaluis, Xaxamatsis/Walitsama, Komenox, and Hatsumenoh. Today, We WaiKai, Wei Wai Kum, are each recognized as Liǧʷiłdaxʷ and as distinct First Nation governments by Canada.

The Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ were known for charging tolls for safe passage through the waters, enforcing strict penalties on those who trespassed without permission. The colonial period brought profound changes for the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ people. In the 1870s and 1880s,̌Indigenous lands were of interest to the Crown and settlers and the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ were forced onto small reserves. Despite this, they adapted quickly to new circumstances, becoming key players in the fishing industry by the early 1900s, working as fishing guides and for local canneries. Even though colonial laws outlawed traditional fish traps, the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ remained central to the fishing industry, and by the mid-20th century, their participation out numbered that of any other Nation. Many Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ people also worked in the forestry sector or divided their time between fishing and forestry.

Today, the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ continue to assert their right to self-governance through modern treaty processes. They actively work with the government to restore their traditional Likʷala names across their lands and waters and are seeking to regain management and decision-making authority throughout their territory. The strength of their culture and traditions endures, as the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ people continue to thrive and shape the future of Campbell River