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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 Volunteer Organizations

uniform, fire

Type:

Date: 1958

History

This uniform jacket belonged to John Buchanan.

Description

This fireman's uniform jacket is a four-button, dark blue wool suit jacket. There are two gold stripes on each sleeve (indicating a Captain's rank). There are three service bars and a maple leaf on the proper right sleeve. There is a St. Johns Ambulance crest on the left shoulder. There are two lapel buttons with crossed speaking trumpets. All of the buttons are gold. The maker's label reads: 'The House of Hobberlin Hamilton Custom Tailors Since 1885' located on the inside the right side. The tailor's suit registration is inside the inside pocket: 'Special order 1256 No. 16730 Mr. J. Buckanan Date 3-3-58'.

Item Details

  • Materials: ,
  • Archival Reference: 983.141.001b
  • Manufacturer: Hamilton Uniform Cap Co. Ltd.
  • Donor: Buchanan, John
  • Donated: 1983
  • Size: 62 x 68 cm

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