We have always been One People.
This we know from our origin stories, and from generations of intermarriage, co-habitation and respectful shared resource use.
The Four Tribes, Dzawada’enux̱w, Gwawa̱’enux̱w, Kwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w and, Ha̱x̱wa’mis, are members of the Kwakwaka’wakw group of nations. The Kwakwaka’wakw people occupy the lower central region of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
We have a long history of co-operation and intermarriage among the Four Tribes: Dzawada’enux̱w, Gwawa̱’enux̱w; Kwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w; and, Ha̱x̱wa’mis.
The totem pole standing in Kingcome Inlet shows the relationship of our Four Tribes:
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The Thunderbird, representing the Gwawa’enuxw (Hopetown)
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The Wolf, representing the Haxwa’mis (Wakeman)
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The Raven, representing the Dzawada’enuxw (Kingcome)
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The Head Winter Dancer (Cedar Man), representing the Kwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w (Gilford)
This pole was erected in 1938 under the guise of a tribute to a deceased King. It was a way for our ancestors to exercise our tradition of carving during a time when laws prohibited us from practicing anything cultural.
It continues to represent our strength, determination and resilience as Musgamagw people.