Campbell River's award-winning First Nation eco-tour operator
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Campbell River, BC
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We’re an award-winning Indigenous-led ecotourism company. We began operation in 2003, and have grown tremendously over the past 1o years. Our tours display the importance of the salmon in our ecosystem, providing food not only for the 30+ Grizzly bears that visit Orford Bay each year, but also for the Homalco people. In 2019, we were the proud recipient of the 2019 Exceptional Outdoor Cultural Experiences award at 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2019IITC), and we also earned TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence.”
ABOUT XWE’MALHKWU (Homalco)
Homalco are known as the “people of the fast running waters,” and have traditionally lived along side of the Klahoose, Island Comox, Lakwiltok and Sliammon Nations. Homalco’s traditional territories run from Dent Island to Raza Passage, including all of Bute Inlet. The main village sites were on the Homathko River, Southgate river, Orford Bay and the areas at the mouth of Bute Inlet including Muushkin (Old Church-house) located on the South eastern shore of Sonora Island and Aupe lays new Church House.
The first missionaries to visit Xwe’malhkwu territory were the Oblate fathers in the late 1860’s. A sad history would begin for the Xwe’malhkwu people as it was at this time that they were forced to destroy all regalia, masks and carvings in their possession. Even more damaging to the Xwe’malhkwu people was that they were banned from holding ceremonies that included practicing traditional songs and dances. Our ancestors spoke their language in secret to avoid consequences from the oblate fathers. It was at this point that Xwe’malhkwu peoples learned and were to adopt Christian rituals.
