Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation is one of the few First Nations who still live in their traditional village site, Gwa’yas’dums, which they’ve occupied for thousands of years.
The new campground, builds on the Nation’s Come Back Home plan. This initiative is building the necessary housing, education, health, transportation, and other basic amenities to encourage their people back to their traditional territory.
The project is among several key initiatives that build on the Nation’s strategic eco and cultural tourism offerings. This includes previously Trust-funded projects such as the Big House restoration (2014),
The campground will support business investment and attraction related to ecotourism, including kayak rentals, marine wildlife sightseeing, and self-guided tours. Campground amenities include tents, a covered meeting area, outdoor shower and outhouse, potable water, safety and cultural interpretive signage, and trail improvements to existing trails to facilitate Village access.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2021 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
