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Land, Indigenous peoples, settlers, and today’s communities.

Since time immemorial, Ancestors of the people called K’ómoks today consisting of the Pentlatch, Ieeksan (eye-ick-sun), Sasitla (sa-seet-la), Xa’xe (ha-hey) and Sathloot (sath-loot) people have been the caretakers of this land, which they called the “Land of Plenty.” This Land of Plenty stretched from what is known today as Kelsey Bay in the north, down to Hornby and Denman Island in the south, and included the watershed and estuary of the Puntledge River, also acknowledging that these boundaries and place names are colonial constructs.

The K’ómoks First Nation refer to the lands between the bays of Comox and the Beaufort mountain range as the path between, it was a travel and trade route to the Alberni corridor and a connection to the indigenous communities on the western side of the island.

Land agreements included the 1884 Settlement Act stripped these lands for its caretakers. At the Museum we acknowledge that we are a colonial created institution, and I would like to thank Charlene Everson, Emily Shopland and Violet Williams for guiding the museum in early discussion on what reconciliation could mean for our organization and how we could create actionable steps; in maintaining a positive dialogue with a forward focus, sharing contemporary K’omoks narratives, and incorporating First Nation languages where they felt it appropriate. Their time and guidance helped us gain insight and learn how to best support their voice in our museum’s walls. This is an ongoing process and we have so much more to learn.

Collection Item
Mining Technology

can, blasting

Type:

Date: c. 1900

History

This container was used to carry black powder, commonly known as blasting powder, in the mine.
Ropes were threaded through the loop to ensure that the lid did not drop and get lost. The can was carried by the rope over the shoulder.

Description

Pictured is a cylindrical steel can with rings, two on each side of the body of the can and one on each side of the lid. One lower loop is missing. A stamp inside the top of the lid reads: '14'. The lid is stuck on the can and one rope loop is missing.

Item Details

  • Materials:
  • Archival Reference: 986.091.037
  • Manufacturer: [unknown]
  • Donor: McAllister, Bob
  • Donated: 1986/09/03
  • Size: 14 x 21 cm

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