Kwakwakaʼwakw

The Kwakwakaʼwakw, also known as the Kwakiutl, are an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast in southwestern Canada. In 2016, their population was about 3,665 people. Most of them still live in their traditional areas on northern Vancouver Island, nearby islands like the Discovery Islands, and on the mainland of British Columbia. Some also live in cities such as Victoria and Vancouver.

The Kwakwakaʼwakw have their own language called Kwakʼwala, which is now spoken by only a small part of their community. This language has four different dialects, showing the rich cultural heritage of these people. Today, the Kwakwakaʼwakw are organized into 13 band governments, working together to preserve their traditions and way of life.

Name

The name Kwakiutl comes from Kwaguʼł, a single community of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw located at Fort Rupert. A scientist named Franz Boas worked in this area and used the term for both this nation and the group as a whole. Over time, the name was used for all nations who spoke Kwakʼwala and three other groups whose language is part of the Wakashan family, but not Kwakʼwala. These groups are the Haisla, Wuikinuxw, and Heiltsuk.

Many people do not like the name Kwakiutl and prefer Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, which means "Kwakʼwala"-speaking-peoples". One group, the Laich-kwil-tach at Campbell River, calls themselves the Southern Kwakiutl, and their council is the Kwakiutl District Council.

History

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw have a rich history that begins with stories passed down through generations. Their ancestors, known as ʼnaʼmima, arrived in the forms of animals from the land, sea, and underground. When they reached a special place, they changed from animals into people. Famous creatures in these stories include the Thunderbird and his brother Kolas, as well as the seagull, orca, grizzly bear, and chief ghost. Some ancestors were also said to come from faraway lands.

In the past, the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their food. They were also skilled at weaving and woodwork. They held special ceremonies called potlatches, where they gave away wealth to show their status. The first Europeans to meet them were with Captain George Vancouver in 1792. Sadly, diseases brought by settlers greatly reduced their population in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw work hard to bring back their traditions, language, and art. Potlatches happen more often, and they use classes and events to teach their language. Artists have helped bring back their culture and art forms.

Divisions

Each Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw nation has its own clans, chiefs, history, culture, and peoples. Despite these differences, they share many similarities with other Kwakʼwala-speaking nations.

Society

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people have a rich and close-knit way of living together. Families are very important, and they live in big groups called communities or bands. These communities are made up of extended families, called naʼmima, meaning "of one kind." Each family has special jobs and duties.

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw had a system where leaders and roles were passed down through families. They also had different levels of status, from nobility to commoners, based on family ties and actions. They valued things like land, hunting, and fishing grounds, which were passed down through generations.

Their economy was based on trade and sharing. They traded with nearby groups and used special items like copper for important ceremonies and decorations. Copper was very valuable and was often used in events called potlatches, where people showed off their wealth by giving gifts. These traditions helped keep their community strong and connected.

Culture

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw are a group of people from the Pacific Northwest, made up of many separate nations. Each nation had its own leader called a head chief, with many clan or family chiefs below him. Some nations also had special Eagle Chiefs for certain ceremonies.

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw are one of the few cultures where family rights could pass through either the father's or mother's side. Traditionally, they had three classes: nobles, commoners, and slaves. They shared many traditions with nearby groups such as the Nuu-chah-nulth, Heiltsuk, Wuikinuxv and some Coast Salish.

Language

The Kwakʼwala language is part of the Wakashan language family. It was first recorded in the 18th century, but serious study began with Franz Boas in the late 19th and early 20th century. The use of Kwakʼwala declined due to Canadian government policies that forced Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw children to attend residential schools and speak only English. Today, few people still speak Kwakʼwala, mostly older adults. Efforts are being made to bring the language back, but there are challenges.

Arts

Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw art includes many crafts such as totems, masks, textiles, jewellery, and carved objects. They used cedar wood for carving because it was easy to find. Totem poles could be very tall, up to 40 feet. Masks are important for dances. They also made special blankets and clothing designs.

Music

Kwakwakaʼwakw music is an old tradition used in ceremonies. It uses drums, rattles, and whistles. The Klasila festival is a big event with songs, dances, and masks.

Ceremonies and events

Potlatch

The potlatch is a special celebration still practiced by the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. It was once banned by Canadian law, but the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw kept their traditions alive. Today, potlatches are held often as families continue their ancestral ways.

Housing and shelter

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw built big houses from cedar planks, up to 100 feet long. These houses could hold about 50 people, usually from the same family. They often had totem poles at the entrance.

Clothing and regalia

In summer, men wore little clothing except jewellery. In winter, they used fat to stay warm. For battles, they wore armor made from red cedar. For ceremonies, they wore special cedar clothing. Women wore skirts made from softened cedar and blankets in winter.

Transportation

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw travelled mainly by canoe. They made canoes from cedar logs for both long trips and short travels between villages. Some canoes had buffalo fur inside to keep warm in cold weather.

Notable Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people have produced many talented individuals across different fields.

Alfred Scow was the first Aboriginal person to graduate from a law school in British Columbia, become a lawyer, and serve as a judge. Artists like Sonny Assu, Beau Dick, Gord Hill, Calvin Hunt, Henry Hunt, Richard Hunt, Tony Hunt Sr., Mungo Martin, David Neel, Ellen Neel, and Marianne Nicolson are known for their beautiful wood carvings and other artwork.

Other notable figures include Quesalid, a medicine man and writer, Spencer O'Brien, an Olympic snowboarder, James Sewid, a writer, and Jody Wilson-Raybould, a politician.