Official Community Plan

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TIME IMMEMORIAL

and Nuu‑cha‑Nulth groups. Current archaeological research confirms the occupation of the K'ómoks First Nation territory by First Peoples thousands of years before first contact with Europeans. The technologies that were applied in harvest, preparation, and cultivation of local resources were appropriate to the environment, resource, and spiritual beliefs. Fish weirs, duck nets, berry picking techniques, and clothing design met the needs of the Kómoks people and for generations provided variety, utility, and sense of cultural uniqueness. Mask dances and songs filled the winter nights and season. Property was distributed to guests in potlatches, and naming ceremonies honoured the youth, leaders, and elders of the communities.

Since Time Immemorial the K'ómoks First Nation have stewarded and cared for the lands and waters that make up Courtenay today. K'ómoks Unceded territory stretches across the Salish Sea from the lands currently known as Vancouver Island, extending north of Salmon River to south of the Englishman River watershed. K'ómoks First Nation members are Kwakwaka'wakw and North Coast Salish people who assert their shared heritage, history, and culture. Their language and spiritual practices are tied to the lands, waters, and resources that are found in the K'ómoks area. "Comox" is an anglicization of K'ómoks, which is derived from the Kwakw'ala term, kw'umalha, meaning "plentiful, rich or wealthy." Oral history and archaeology describes a rich and bountiful relationship between the K'ómoks people and the land of plenty. The families which make up the present day First Nation share a rich history and traditions traced back to Pentlatch, Kwakwaka'wakw, Coast Salish,

Text adapted from the K'ómoks Comprehensive Community Plan (page 26), with permissions.

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan