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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.

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Fire Truck
Three firemen with a fire truck (993.001.021)
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Volunteer Organizations Community

Fighting Fire

The Cumberland Fire Department

In 1894, a group of twenty-five dedicated men came together to form what would become the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department, now one of the oldest continuously operating fire departments in British Columbia. Their commitment to protecting the community has been unwavering, despite the evolution of equipment and the relocation of the firehall over the years.

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Fire wheel pulled by several men (2001.077.004)

In the early days, the brigade fought fires with nothing more than buckets until a water system was installed in 1897. With the addition of hoses, they were better equipped to safeguard Cumberland’s downtown.

However, the lack of infrastructure made it challenging to protect areas like Chinatown and No. 1 Japanese Town. Tragically, in 1935, a fire devastated Chinatown, destroying forty-three homes.

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Fire Department competition, Port Alberni (991.029.026)

Throughout its history, the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department has been deeply embedded in the community. Beyond fighting fires, the department has played a vital role in community events, showcasing its historical fleet of firefighting trucks in parades, leading the annual Hike for Hunger and Toy Drive, and delivering Santa to Village Square. They’ve also been active in school education programs, emphasizing safety and community support.

Fundraising has been a crucial part of the department's efforts to maintain and improve its operations. Events like the Firemen’s Masquerade Ball, which began in 1900, helped raise money for better equipment, training, and gear. Thanks to these efforts, the department acquired its first motor fire truck in 1919, replacing the old fire wheels.

The Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department has a proud tradition of excellence, often rivaling professional fire departments. In 1914, they won seven of nine competitions at the BC championship in Alberni, though they were humorously accused of hiring a professional runner, John S. Bannerman, who was actually a speedy local customs officer.

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uniform, fire (983.141.001b)

As the community grew and the Inland Highway opened in the 1950s, the department prioritized auto extraction training. This dedication paid off when they won first place in the Western Canada Fire Fighting finals in Manitoba, competing against mostly paid firefighters from larger urban centers. A few years later, they secured third place in the world competition in Ottawa.

The Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department stands as a testament to the power of community spirit, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in service to others.