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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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Moose, Druids, and Other Oddfellows

The Fraternal Societies of Cumberland

With deep roots dating back hundreds of years, British fraternal societies spread globally as men moved to different parts of the world. Local branches of fraternal societies, such as those in Cumberland, were known as lodges. Popular among the working class, it was a way to feel connected and support one another in a new place.

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Fraternal Order of the Eagle record book (995.062.022)

By 1910, Cumberland had at least fifteen fraternal societies. Many fraternal societies used their membership fees to provide financial support to members in the cases of loss of work, injury or death, something not offered by the Collieries or government of the time. Men often subscribed to more than one society to ensure they and their families had sufficient coverage.

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ribbon, membership (982.018.001)

Gathered at a funeral, members of the Rebekah Lodge, the women’s equivalent of the Odd Fellows, would wear the black side of their auxiliary ribbons facing up, a call of solidarity to a fallen comrade. It was common for societies to aid in the organizing and covering the funeral costs of it’s members.

Morality: where does one look for guidance?

Most fraternities required members to believe in a supreme being and uphold certain moral standards. This Holy Bible was presented to Beaufort Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 61 of Cumberland, by Sister Joan Dick who was a member of the Grand Chapter British Columbia Canada Order of the Eastern Star.

Holy Bible, Order of the Eastern Star
Order of the Eastern Star bible (2011.065.001)

The brotherly love professed by those societies did not extend beyond white members, like the photo of the Fraternal Order of the Eagle first meeting attests here.

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Eagle’s Lodge first meeting (980.1065)

Over time, many societies evolved to embrace inclusivity, broadening their membership to welcome individuals of different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and women.