Community Profile : First Nations Communities

First Nations Communities

Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation | Oweekeno Nation
Heilstuik of Bella Bella | Nuxalk Nation

Please Note : The Central Coast Regional District is in process of liaison with the First Nations to validate and, as needed, amend the following descriptions. For now, please consider these to be UNOFFICIAL descriptions not necessarily how the First Nations would depict themselves.
Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation
Main village Klemtu is located at 52 degrees35.44' N, 128 degrees30.92"W
Klemtu, the only currently occupied village in Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory, is located on the east coast of Swindle Island. The people of Klemtu come from two distinct cuiltural linguistic groups. The Kitasoo component is of Tsimshian origin related to many Nations from the neighbouring north coast including Prince Rupert, Terrace, Port Simpson and Hartley Bay. The Xai’xais (roughly, pronounced “high-hice”) are from the the Kwa’kwala language group. While the Kitasoo/xai’xais work with other tsimshian groups on treaty development, they are part of the Oweekeno-Kitasoo-Nuxalk tribal Council, based in Bella Coola.
Klemtu is situated on a sheltered harbour safe from all inclement weather. There is a fuel dock, a new float and a telephone at the gangway on the public dock. There is a well stocked store, a café and excellent water at the dock.
Small fish processing, hatchery and commercial fishing have been the mainstay of this population. Recently the Kitasoo people have taken an active role in moving towards forest related economic activity. Tourism plays and increasingly important role. Value added opportunities in both the fishing and forest industry are of interest to this community. Small business development occurs. Educational and historical sharing of information occurs in conjunction with the Discovery Coast BC Ferry run.

Oweekeno Nation
Main village on Wannock River located at 51 degrees 41.10' N, 127degrees15.75'W
Three reserves have been allotted to the Oweekeno Nation: Kitit # 1 (Oweekeno Village) located on the north bank of the Whannock River between Oweekeno Lake and the head of Rivers Inlet Gidala #2 six miles to the west of Oweekeno Village; and Cockami #3, located 30 miles southwest at the mouth of Rivers Inlet.
The Oweekeno Nation has a resident population of up to 100 in their village which is situated on the Wannock River near the headwaters of Rivers Inlet. Many more of its approximately 300 members currently reside elsewhere due largely to limited educational and health care services. Employment is found in local hatchery, watershed and fisheries restoration projects, and to a limited extent in commercial fishing. Recently completed business agreements with several forest companies have provided expending employment and business opportunities in forestry. In the past two years, major improvements have been initiated in services, including a new school, new health and administration centre and a subdivision with capacity for new homes. This will enable Oweekeno people to move home.
Archaeological evidence as recent as 1972 indicates a 9,000 year occupation of the area. The Oweekeno people are thought to have once had the largest population of all central coast nations.
The Oweekeno Nation is a member of the Oweekeno Kitasoo Nuxalk Tribal Council.

Heilstuik of Bella Bella
Main current village Waglisa (Bella Bella) located at 52 degrees 09.77'N 128 degrees 08.37' W
Waglisla: also known as Bella Bella and is the largest outercoast settlement area and the home of the Heiltsuk Nation with a population of approximately 1200 people. This community is situated on Campbell Island. Employment opportunities are to be found through the commercial fishing, fish processing, Band Council, hospital and schools. Recent partnerships with forest companies have allowed for expansion into silvicullture and logging . Value added fish and forest products will play a greater role in community economic development. Tourism and transportation of goods and services are expanding opportunities. Home based and cottage industry is a growth sector.
Waglisla serves as the main supply and communication center for the north central coast. Public docks, band store has a good selection of groceries, baked breads and general merchandise. Liquor store and bank, RCMP and hospital.

Nuxalk Nation
Main current village at Bella Coola townsite and 4 Mile Subdivision just outside of Bella Coola.
The Nuxalk Nation's own webpage, www.nuxalknation.org, should be taken as the primary source of information about the Nuxalk Nation.
Nuxalk Nation members live within the Bella Coola valley and have traditional territory within the Central Coast regional area. There are approximately 1000 Nuxalk in the valley of an overall tribal membership of about 1200. Unemployment is very high among the adult population, seasonally reaching 80%. Some Nuxalk people are employed in commercial fishing, logging, watershed restoration, government, schools and hospitals. There are a growing number of cottage industries. Nuxalk artists are world-renowned for their craft and many fine works can be purchased from local artists. The Nuxalk language is part of the Salishan family but the culture has evolved separately and distinctly from the majority of Coast Salish who live in the BC lower mainland and Vancouver Island. The Nuxalk Nation is a member of the Oweekeno Kitasoo Nuxalk Tribal Council.

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