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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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Take Aim

The Cumberland Gun Club

The Cumberland Gun club formed in 1899. Being a skilled marksman was crucial in the community when work was lacking. Hunting for deer and grouse on the land provided food for the poverty stricken Cumberlanders during the Big Strike as well as throughout the economic depression of the 1930s.

In the 40s and 50s, shooting in the Valley moved away from being a necessity for many people, and became a sporting activity. With the destruction of Chinatown, the Rod and Gun Club leased some of the vacant land and moved their practice range there.

"Safety first" was the The Cumberland Junior Rod and Gun Club slogan for their annual Empire Day parade float.

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Cumberland Jr. Rod & Gun float in parade (2016.025.026)