FIRST NATIONS
— rich heritage and culture —
With great respect, Chemainus is on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples
represented by multiple Indigenous groups
FIRST NATIONS
Coast Sailish People
Photo courtesy of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society
CHEMAINUS INDIGENOUS GROUPS
Originally chosen by the local Indigenous tribes for its clear waters and plethora of natural resources, Chemainus became a bustling village because of the deep foundational roots set forth by the originating tribes. The town's English name was conceived directly from the traditional Hul'qumi'num language land name - Stz'uminus. These Coast Salish Nations are well known for their art, storytelling, traditional foods, medicine, and dance. A strong spiritual connection with coastal animals and a love for the earth have accompanied them through some trying times. Designs motifs and spiritual beings are prominent in their artwork. During the initiation into the longhouse, a song will come with an animal spirit to help guide the individual.
With great honour we reside and operate our businesses on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, sharing its natural resources and beauty.
The following are the three First Nations tribes in the Chemainus area:
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STZ'UMINUS FIRST NATION #641
Pronounced: Stu-zu-minus
OYSTER DISTRICT | Lands: 1138 hectares | Government of Canada Profile
12611-A Trans Canada Highway, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1M5 | (250) 245-7155
WEBSITE: http://www.stzuminus.com
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PENELAKUT TRIBE #650
Pronounced: Pen-e-la-kut
PENELAKUT ISLAND | Lands: 556.7 hectares | Government of Canada Profile
PO Box 360, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 | (250) 246-2321
WEBSITE: http://www.penelakut.ca
Penelakut Tribe consists of four reservations:
Penelakut Island – Less 100 acres on the South End
Tent Island – Small Island at the South End of Penelakut. It actually has fresh water. It has been used as a campsite for somewhere around 50 years
North end of Galiano Island – 40 acres
Tussie Road – 30 homes close to Bonsal Creek
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HALALT FIRST NATION #645
Pronounced:Ha-lalt
CHEMAINUS DISTRICT | Lands: 109.2 hectares | Government of Canada Profile
7973 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC, V0R 1K5 | (250) 246-4736
WEBSITE: http://halalt.org
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LYACKSON FIRST NATION #646
Pronounced: Lack-sun
LYACKSUN 3 | Lands: 710.6 hectares | Government of Canada Profile
7973A Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC, V0R 1K5
WEBSITE: http://lyackson.bc.ca
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COWICHAN TRIBES #642
Pronounced: Cow-i-chin
COWICHAN 1 | Lands: 2292.7 | Government of Canada Profile
5760 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 5J1
WEBSITE: http://www.cowichantribes.com
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Photo courtesy of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society
Photo courtesy of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society