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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
Community

Cumberland fire

Type:

Date: 13 July 1933

History

Fire of 1933 - King George Hotel. The fire is said to have started in the upstairs of the hotel. This photographic print has been painted.

Description

Shows the King George Hotel during the 1933 fires, shows fire spreading to Royal Candy Store and Scavanda's. The large chimney of the hotel can be seen, as well as fire hoses in the street. Unknown men in white shirts are moving to and from the fire.

Item Details

  • Materials:
  • Archival Reference: 980.1082
  • Other reference: C100-006
  • Author: [unknown]
  • Donor: Barnes, Betty
  • Donated: 1980
  • Size: 31 x 41 cm