View source for Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation

{{Short description|First Nation government in British Columbia, Canada}}'''Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis''',<ref>[https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/FNP/Main/Search/FNMain.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=625&lang=eng Indian and Northern Affairs Canada First Nation Detail] </ref> formerly the '''Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish First Nation''' is a [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]] band government based on northern [[Vancouver Island]] in [[British Columbia]], Canada, in the [[Queen Charlotte Strait]] region.  It is a member of the [[Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw Tribal Council]], along with the [[Gwawaenuk Tribe]] and the [[Dzawada̱'enux̱w First Nation]]. The [[Kwikwasut'inuxw]] and [[Haxwa'mis]] are two of the many subgroups of the peoples known as [[Kwakwaka'wakw]], which has two meanings: "smoke of the world" or "beach at the north side of the river."<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) {{!}} Encyclopedia.com |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kwakiutl-kwakwakawakw |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Johansen |first1=Bruce E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGKL6E9_J6IC&dq=Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish+First+Nation&pg=PA1395 |title=Encyclopedia of American Indian History [4 volumes] |last2=Pritzker |first2=Barry M. |date=2007-07-23 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-85109-818-7 |language=en}}</ref>

The territory of the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis spans the southern [[Broughton Archipelago]] and the [[Gilford Island]] area just north of the mouth of [[Knight Inlet]].  Their main village is [[Gwa’yasdams]] or Gwayasdums, a small community located on [[Gilford Island]].

== Governance ==

=== Structure ===
Over the past few years, the governance of the community has been entrusted to three officials (Chief and Council), who are democratically elected by the members of the community.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Crane |first1=Brian A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dMNLAQAAIAAJ&q=Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish+First+Nation+chiefs |title=First Nations Governance Law |last2=Mason |first2=Martin W. |last3=Mainville |first3=Robert |date=2006 |publisher=LexisNexis Canada |isbn=978-0-433-44790-0 |language=en}}</ref> The Chief and Council collaborate to formulate policies and programs that advance economic and social progress, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the environment. Typically, they hold bi-weekly meetings, though they may convene more frequently to address urgent matters.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) {{!}} Encyclopedia.com |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kwakiutl-kwakwakawakw |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Government {{!}} Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation |url=https://khfn.ca/government/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Laws ===
Their laws and practices related to land management emphasize sustainability and stewardship, with a focus on maintaining the health and well-being of the land and its resources. The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation has customary laws related to governance and decision-making that emphasize community involvement, collaboration, consensus-building, and respect for diverse perspectives.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Barker |first1=Kit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CdnqAQAAQBAJ&dq=Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish+First+Nation&pg=PA330 |title=Private Law: Key Encounters with Public Law |last2=Jensen |first2=Darryn |date=2013-12-05 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-03911-7 |language=en}}</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Language ===
The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation people possess a rich culture and language, which is an integral part of their identity and heritage. Their language, the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation language, is unique with its own sounds and grammar, and there are ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve it through educational and cultural programs. The language is tonal, with words pronounced in high, middle, low, rising, or falling tones.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) {{!}} Encyclopedia.com |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kwakiutl-kwakwakawakw |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref>

=== Traditional way of life ===
Traditionally, fishing was a significant part of their livelihood, and they fished for salmon, herring, halibut, and other species using a variety of methods, such as nets, traps, and hook and line.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Muckle |first=Robert James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8zBQ951iVncC&dq=Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish+First+Nation&pg=PA100 |title=The First Nations of British Columbia: An Anthropological Survey |date=1998 |publisher=UBC Press |isbn=978-0-7748-0663-3 |language=en}}</ref> The fishing season started in spring with Chinook salmon and continued until the end of the chum fishing season in the fall. During winter, the people remained in their winter villages and engaged in very little food gathering.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Muckle |first=Robert J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7deYBAAAQBAJ&dq=Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish+First+Nation&pg=PA128 |title=The First Nations of British Columbia, Third Edition: An Anthropological Overview |date=2014-10-15 |publisher=UBC Press |isbn=978-0-7748-2875-8 |language=en}}</ref>

Besides that, they hunted deer, elk, and other animals in the forests and mountains of their territory. They also trapped beavers and other fur-bearing animals for their pelts, which were used in clothing and other items.<ref name=":2" />

== Challenges ==
The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation people have faced a number of challenges over the years. There is no year-round road access to any of the villages of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation. Access is only by boat and all consumables and household products must be shipped in.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nation {{!}} Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation |url=https://khfn.ca/the-nation/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |language=en-US}}</ref> Its citizens have been operating under a [[boil water advisory]] for 9 years.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/9-year-boil-water-advisory-for-b-c-first-nation-1.546968 ''Boil water advisory tops 9 years for BC native community'', Oct 31, 2005, CBC.ca article, access date Nov 6, 2008]</ref><ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-homes-for-gilford-island-1.561574 ''Mouldy homes of BC First Nation to be replaced'', CBC.ca article, access date Nov 6, 2008]</ref>{{needs update|date=February 2022}}

=== Housing crisis ===
Issues such as inadequate housing, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, which are the result of systemic and historical injustices, are faced by many Indigenous communities in Canada.

Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation had previously faced a crisis related to housing and had implemented solutions. Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation had built affordable housing units using sustainable and locally-sourced materials.<ref>{{Cite web |title=B.C. First Nation has warning for Attawapiskat |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-first-nation-has-warning-for-attawapiskat-1.1041916}}</ref>

=== Against open-net fish farms ===
In 2012, the AFN has called for the phase-out of open-net fish farms and the adoption of sustainable, land-based alternatives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Angie |date=2012-11-19 |title=Assembly of First Nations National Chief Supports Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation in Asserting Rights |url=https://www.afn.ca/assembly-of-first-nations-national-chief-supports-kwicksutaineuk-ah-kw/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Assembly of First Nations |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2016, members of the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation, along with members of other First Nations, have occupied a fish farm operated by [[Marine Harvest]], a Norwegian company, in their traditional territory. The occupation is part of an ongoing protest against open-net fish farms, which First Nations argue are harming wild salmon populations and polluting their traditional territories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How a historic court decision is driving a new wave of First Nations protests |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fish-farm-protests-1.3737728}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[The Canadian Crown and Aboriginal peoples]]

==Indian reserves==
[[Indian reserves]] under the band's administration are:<ref>[https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/FNP/Main/Search/FNReserves.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=625&lang=eng Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Reserves/Settlements/Villages Detail] </ref> 
*[[Ahta Indian Reserve No. 3]], at the mouth of the [[Ohta River]] on [[Bond Sound]], [[Tribune Channel]] north of Gilford Island, 7.10 ha. <small>{{coord|50|52|00|N|126|10|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Ahta IR No. 3}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65363.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Ahta 3 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Alalco Indian Reserve No. 8]], at the mouth of the [[Wakeman River]] at the north end of [[Wakeman Sound]], 118.70 ha. <small>{{coord|51|04|00|N|126|32|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Alalco IR No. 8}},</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65367.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Alalco 8 (Indian reserve)]</ref> 
*[[Dakiulis Indian Reserve No. 7]], at the tip of Islet Point on the west side of Gilford Island, 0.70 ha. <small>{{coord|50|44|00|N|126|34|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Dakiulis IR No. 7}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65361.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Dakiulis 7 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Dug-da-myse Indian Reserve No. 12]], on the west shore of Wakeman Sound, 1.60 ha. <small>{{coord|51|02|00|N|126|31|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Dug-da-myse IR No. 12}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65364.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Dug-da-myse 12 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Gwayasdums Indian Reserve No. 1]], on the west shore of Gilford Island on [[Retreat Pass]], 25.40 ha.<small>{{coord|50|42|00|N|126|36|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Gwayasdums IR No. 1}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65365.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Gwayasdums 1 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Kakweken Indian Reserve No. 4]], at the mouth of the [[Kakweiken River]] at the head of [[Thompson Sound (British Columbia)|Thompson Sound]], off Tribune Channel, 4.0 ha. <small>{{coord|50|48|00|N|126|02|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Kakweken IR No. 4}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65360.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Kakweken 4 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Kye-yaa-la Indian Reserve No. 1]], the whole of [[Sail Island]] in Retreat Passage, including small off-shore islands, 9.60 ha. <small>{{coord|50|42|00|N|126|37|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Kye-yaa-la IR No. 1}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65369.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Kye-yaa-la 1 (Indian reserve"]</ref>
*[[Kyidagwis Indian Reserve No. 2]], on the western shore of Wakeman Sound, [[Kingcome Inlet]], 4.50 ha. <small>{{coord|51|01|00|N|126|33|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Kyidagwis IR No. 2}} </small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65366.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Kyidagwis 2 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Kyimla Indian Reserve No. 11]], on [[Trafford Point]] on the east side of Gilford Island, 1.10 ha. <small>{{coord|50|44|00|N|126|09|00|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Kyimla IR No. 11}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65358.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Kyimla 11 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
*[[Meetup Indian Reserve No. 2]], at the head of [[Viner Sound]] on Gilford Island, 6.40 ha. <small>{{coord|50|47|30|N|126|23|10|W|display=inline|source:BCNames|name=Meetup IR No. 2}}</small><ref>[http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/65362.html BC Names/GeoBC entry "Meetup 2 (Indian reserve)"]</ref>
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==References==
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==External links==
*[http://khfn.ca/ Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation website]

{{Kwakwaka'wakw}}
{{First Nations on Vancouver Island}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis}}
[[Category:Kwakwaka'wakw governments]]
[[Category:Central Coast of British Columbia]]