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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.

Stories, Maps, People and items from our Collection

Explore the Digital Museum

Experience Cumberland’s interwoven histories through our virtual catalogue of stories, journeys and museum collections.

Stories

The Digital Museum content represents the stories of the people on the land now known as Cumberland. In this virtual catalogue, you will find stories of grit, resistance, resilience, conflict, and community, which highlight the shared values and struggles of those who have lived here.

Maps

Maps are a set of curated tales told through a contemporary lens, providing snapshots of Cumberland’s past through wandering geographic trails.

People together create a community.

Learn about the individuals whose lives have woven together the rich tapestry of Cumberland’s past, revealing the complexities of life here and the people whose experiences have shaped the community we know today.

Our Collection

Collections are curious things. Every item, document, or photograph has a story—both in what it holds and the people it’s connected to. Browse our collections and let your curiosity lead the way.

Not sure where to start? Try a curated Journey.

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