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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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Arts and Celebrations Community

Got your Tickets?

The Theaters in Town

Arts and culture was, and is today, a vibrant part of the Cumberland cultural fabric. A number of music and theatre venues brought performers from afar and near to the stage.

The Ilo Ilo held the reputation of being one of the best multimedia theaters on Vancouver Island, with a large dance hall and rotating events such as concerts, weekly dances, and theater performances.

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Front of the Ilo-Ilo theatre (991.052.019)

The Ilo Ilo held the reputation of being one of the best multimedia theaters on Vancouver Island, with a large dance hall and rotating events such as concerts, weekly dances, and theater performances.

“The Last Frontier” Poster, Ilo-Ilo Theatre
The Last Frontier poster (2007.015.001)

'Make a practice of taking the whole family to the theater once a week. They will be very grateful for your thoughtfulness. Nowhere can you get so much entertainment for so little as at your theater. Start this week.'

Ilo-Ilo Theatre Programmes (1939).

In 1932 the landmark building was sadly burnt down by a fire that ravaged the village. With the resilient effort of the community, it was rebuilt and reopened in July 1932 and returned as a key central hub to the Cumberland community.

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Mason Hall and Ilo-Ilo theater rebuilding after fire of 1932 (996.058.001)