K’ómoks First Nation Developer Guidelines and Protocols
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Copyright © 2013 by K’ómoks First Nation All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without the prior written permission of the K’ómoks First Nation. Photo Contributors Copyright ©: Gary Fiegehen, Devon Miller. Cover photo by Gary Fiegehen Historical Photos from Courtenay & District Museum and Palaeontology Centre and K’omoks First Nation Archives.
K’ómoks First Nation 3320 Comox Road, Comox British Columbia V9N 3P8 www.comoxbandtreaty.ca Miller Consulting Devon Miller, devon.a.miller@gmail.com
Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
The following book has been created by the K’ómoks First Nation as a reference guide to interpreting and representing K’ómoks First Nation culture. It is intended as a primer for prospective partners and shall be used in conjunction with consultation with K’ómoks. Inquiries regarding usage should be directed to the K’ómoks First Nation band administration office, and decisions regarding how to interpret and represent K’ómoks culture should come from the community itself.
Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen 3
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 7 HISTORY AND TRADITION 9 THE FOUR FAMILIES 13 TRADITIONAL TERRITORY 15 WHERE WE COME FROM 16 WHERE WE ARE GOING 17 VALUES 19 GOALS 21 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 25 PROCESS AND PROTOCOL 26 DESIGN AND AESTHETICS 29 SITING AND ORIENTATION 29 ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN AESTHETIC 31 INTERIOR SPACES 33 LANDSCAPING 35 MATERIALS 37 COLOURS 39 ART 41
is an [“Comox” Anglicization of
K’ómoks, which is derived from the Kwakw’ala term, kw’umalha, meaning “plentiful, rich, wealthy.”
]
INTRODUCTION We, the K’ómoks people, have lived here in our traditional territory - the lands and water known as Salmon River down to Union Bay - since time immemorial. We are a prosperous community now located between two municipalities; Comox and Courtenay. We have a unique culture as we are the bordering nation between two very distinct First Nation cultures. To the north of K’ómoks is the Kwakiutl people and to the south of K’ómoks is the Coast Salish people. It is fairly common for people to not know the uniqueness of our nation as we are Puntledge people whom practice Kwakwala and Coast Salish practices. Our hope is to alter and educate the outside community about how unique we the K’ómoks First Nation are as we become well known and respected within our territory and beyond.
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[ For thousands of years our people have lived in “the land of plenty�. ]
HISTORY AND TRADITION “Comox” is an anglicization of K’ómoks, which is derived from the Kwakw’ala term “kw’umalha”, meaning “plentiful, rich, wealthy.” Oral history and archaeology describes a rich and bountiful relationship between the K’ómoks and our land; what we call “the land of plenty”. K’ómoks First Nation are Kwakwaka’wakw and Northern Coast Salish people who assert their own heritage, history and culture. Our language and spiritual practices are tied to the lands, waters, and resources that comprise the K’ómoks area. For thousands of years, we traveled across the islands and the sea, meeting other First Nations people while living off what the lands and waters provided. Salmon, seal, octopus, herring, cod, deer, ducks, shellfish and a plethora of berries filled the tummies of the young and old alike. The technologies that were applied in harvest, preparation and cultivation of local resources were appropriate to the environment, resource and spiritual beliefs. Fish weirs, duck nets, berry picking techniques and clothing design met the needs of the K’ómoks and for generations provided variety, utility and a sense of cultural uniqueness. Mask dances and songs filled the winter nights and seasons. Property was distributed to guests in potlatches and naming ceremonies honored the youth, leaders and elders of the communities. 9
[K’ómoks People are
considered to be from two origins, however there are two distinct cultural groups within K’ómoks groups; the Kwakwaka’wakw and Northern Coast Salish.
]
The K’ómoks have been compressed into a border community between several large and culturally strong First Nations by the Central Coast Salish, the Nuu-chaNulth and the Kwakwaka’wakw. K’ómoks People are considered to be from two origins, however there are two distinct cultural groups within K’ómoks groups; the Kwakwaka’wakw and Northern Coast Salish. K’ómoks speak the Island K’ómoks dialect. The last speaker of Northern Coast Salish dialect died in 1995. Other speakers of the K’ómoks Language are the Sliammon, Klahoose, and Homalco First Nation who speak different dialects of the Mainland K’ómoks dialect. Similar to the Pentlatch language, K’ómoks belongs to the northern branch of the Salishan language family. Ultimately K’ómoks is seen as complex and unique, being a border community comprised of numerous different house and village groups, who, as a result of severe population loss, came together to live in the K’ómoks Harbour. Participation in traditional cultural events is often restricted to certain families as ranks, genders, and many people have little opportunity to take part in the traditions.
According to a K’ómoks elder, in the 1950’s the K’ómoks people once were made up of 10 tribes (Barnet 1955: 25). The 5 highest ranking tribes [the Sasitla, yayaqwiLtah, saLALt (salhulhtxw), kAtkAdul and Komokwe] were all part of the “Whale House” and wintered together at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island (Barnett 1955: 25). These 5 groups would separate in the spring until late fall and travel to their territories between Cape Lazo, just north of the present day Comox Harbor, to Quadra Island and the Campbell River (Everson 2000:14-15). Today the head chiefs of the K’ómoks are Norman Frank (Sathloot/Puntledge) Ernie Hardy (Sasitla), Allan Mitchell (Sasitla/Cha’Chae) and George Cook (Ieeksun). The K’ómoks speaking groups occupied settlements extending from Salmon River to around Cape Lazo, to Quadra Island and other Islands in the Salish Sea. The Pentlatch held territory between Cape Lazo and Union Bay. The s’á7ahlem lived between Deep Bay and near Little Qualicum River. The swáxlhu7lh were situated around the Little Qualicum River down to English River in Craig Bay. 11
THE FOUR FAMILIES OF K’ÓMOKS Sathloot A long time ago Cia’tlk’am (sa’lth’qam) descended from the sky. He wore the feather garment, Qoa’eqoe (Kwe Kwe), and settled in Nga’icam (Qwinsam). He became the ancestor of the Catlotq (sa’thloot). With him his sister, Tesitla, arrived. The brother and sister wandered through the lands and visited the Nanaimo, Ni’cialt, Tlahus and many other tribes who all became their younger brothers. Sathloot families: Frank, Billy and Tommy Bill family.
Ieeksan Aie’len (Ieelan) was the ancestor of the E’eksen (Ieeksen). Aie’len was the sun in human form. He came down as a bird wearing a sun mask. Then he took off his mask and became human at Tlamatakw (Campbell River). Aie’len had three sons and a daughter. Two sons went out on their canoe. The elder brother shot arrows into the sky and this formed a rope that connected the two worlds. The elder brother climbed to the upper world while the younger brother held steady the rope made of arrows. The elder brother followed a path to a pond where the chief of the moon and his family lived. He married the youngest of the moon’s four daughters and that is why there is a crest on the sun and moon on Ieelan’s house. Ieeksan families: George, Hamilton (Nellie Cook’s descendants).
Puntledge Koaimin and Hek’tun descended from the sky to become the ancestors of the Puntledge. The crest of the Puntledge is the thunderbird and whale. The Puntledge have lived in the Comox Valley from the beginning and have experienced severe climate change; this included a period when the heat influenced the ocean to recede a great distance, they experienced the great flood and then a glacier-period. This is Norman Frank’s family.
Sasitla The ancestor of the Sasitla came from Salmon River. His name was Komokoae. He was named Komokoae because of his wealth. He owned a lot of coppers. The crest is a grizzly bear. Sasitla families: Hardy and Mitchell. 13
Port Hardy
Sayward
Campbell River
Traditional [ K’ómoks Territory stretches
across the Salish Sea to well across the lands currently known as Vancouver Island, from north of Salmon River to south of the Englishman River watershed.
]
Comox Courtenay
Tofino
Nanaimo
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY For thousands of years our people have lived in the “land of plenty”. K’ómoks Traditional Territory stretches across the Salish Sea to well across the lands currently known as Vancouver Island, from north of Salmon River to south of the Englishman River watershed, including towns such as Sayward, Campbell River, Comox, Courtney, Qualicum Beach and Parksville. Traditional territory also covers large parts of current parks such as Strathcona Provincial Park.
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WHERE WE COME FROM Our legends say: “Long ago there were big cedar planked houses, totem poles and canoes in the K’ómoks Valley. The nights were very quiet, except for the sounds of the water, sea birds and of hooting owls. One night an old man, Quoi Qwa Lak, had a dream. In that dream a voice told him that he must tell the chief and the K’ómoks people to prepare for a great flood. They built canoes and packed them full of food and clothes. The young men made a strong cedar rope and took it to the top of the glacier and fastened it tightly. The people tied their canoes to the rope. Not too long after it began to rain, it rained and rained for days. Soon there was only a little of the glacier showing. The K’ómoks people were afraid. Then all of a sudden the glacier began to move. The people began to cry “White Whale, White Whale! Queneesh, Queneesh.” The glacier had taken the form of a whale and saved the people. The rain stopped, and Queneesh still stands guard over the K’ómoks people to this very day.” We have guarded the Comox Valley from time immemorial, and maintain strong ties to Queneesh, the glacier that at one time saved our people from a great flood.
Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
WHERE WE ARE GOING Through the Treaty process, K’ómoks people came together to build a vision for the community. Members said: The K’ómoks First Nation is to be a prosperous and healthy community where each member has the right to self-sufficiency. K’ómoks members will move forward with our neighbors, exercising our rights and title, while respecting our historical connections to our lands and resource and to one another.
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Wa’akala
“the sound of the river” Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
VALUES Protection of the lands and resources; The K’ómoks First Nation people have been sustained by our lands since time immemorial and shall continue to be sustained into the future. Transparency; The K’ómoks First Nation people hold aboriginal rights and title to the lands and resources within our Traditional Territory. We have managed and governed these since time immemorial and will continue to manage the lands. Effective Communication; To communicate in multiple formats internally and externally. Health; K’ómoks First Nation is strongly linked to the lands and resources that thrive and push us to be a prosperous community; we shall continue to do so by utilizing the K’ómoks land of plenty. Responsibility & Self Sufficiency; Is about working together towards a self-sufficient community. Emotional Awareness; Healthy bodies, minds, spirits and culture sustained by our traditional foods, lands and resources.
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[ Goal for
Sustainability: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
]
Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
GOALS Goals for Our People 1. Prioritize the health of our members – mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally – by providing services, employment, and infrastructure that supports a healthy community. 2. Recognize and celebrate K’ómoks First Nation as people and as the original inhabitants of this traditional territory. 3. Acknowledge that education is fundamental to individual and community success. 4. Ensure community safety.
Goals for Housing and Lands 1. Consider land development carefully with an eye toward future generations. 2. Plan in advance for the housing needs of the future. 3. Respect the environment, cultural sites and uses, special features, animal life, and the landscape in any land use decisions. 4. Develop future transportation and infrastructure improvements at the highest possible quality, keeping long term objectives for growth and development in mind. 5. Consider partnerships with outside agencies and developers when the benefits of proceeding are clear for KFN. 6. Take responsibility for the management and control of any harvesting from the lands.
Goals for Governance 1. Ensure that KFN is recognized as a government with jurisdiction over lands, waters, and other matters by other local, provincial, and federal government organizations. 2. Initiate measures that verify that KFN is recognized is a good government and widely seen by others as efficient and effective in all programming, projects, fiscal work, and management activities. 3. Maintain the practice of open and transparent communication.
Goal for Sustainability 1. Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Aweetnakula
“one with the land and sea� Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
GOALS Goals for Environment and Wildlife 1. Ensure all actions focus on the protection and enhancement of our lands and wildlife. 2. Ensure greater control and management of our environment and resources. 3. Recognize the critical importance of the K’ómoks Estuary to KFN. 4. Manage wildlife populations so our community enjoys continuous use and our Aboriginal Rights are not infringed upon.
Goals for Economic Development 1. Achieve financial self-sufficiency for KFN. 2. Assist individual members in economic development and employment goals. 3. Increase the local opportunities for training. 4. Increase local opportunities for employment. 5. Seek out new economic development activities that fit the culture, lands, and people of KFN. 6. Focus on economic development initiatives that make sense for the Comox Valley and fit the wider culture of the Valley. 7. Shape a thriving economy that provides tax revenues, income, and long term prospects for individuals and KFN through the development of lands and resources.
Goals for Infrastructure 1. Develop a high level of knowledge on the costs and issues with servicing of all KFN lands. 2. Seek out partnerships that will lead to efficient and effective uses of our lands that are profitable for our people that are beneficial to KFN. 3. Tailor development plans to the needs of the community and the features of specific parcels. 4. Maximize the efficient use of any infrastructure that is built to service new development on KFN lands. 5. Direct growth to areas where servicing can be efficiently supplied. 6. Use local materials and labour whenever possible to reduce economic leakage from KFN and the surrounding jurisdictions.
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K’ómoks First [ The Nation is a key economic stakeholder in the Comox Valley
]
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The K’ómoks First Nation is a key economic stakeholder in the Comox Valley. The community has always relied on the rich bounty from land and sea. Today, band owned and operated businesses focus on tourism and natural resources, weaving past and present into a strong economic future for the K’ómoks people.
I-HOS Gallery The I-Hos Gallery presents a collection of traditional and contemporary northwest coast artwork and crafts. Masks, prints, gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nation artists are displayed in a distinctive building on the Comox First Nations band lands.
Puntledge RV Campground The Puntledge RV Campground is located in the traditional territory of the Comox First Nation and provides a safe, natural, family camping experience which incorporates the historic and cultural traditions of the Comox People. Located adjacent to the Puntledge River, a five minute walk from downtown Courtenay, the campground includes the Nim Nim Interpretive Centre and I-Hos Gallery Kiosk.
Pentlatch Seafoods Ltd. Pentlatch Seafoods Ltd. became incorporated in March of 2004. The shellfish aquaculture company currently possess 7 intertidal tenures totaling 64.3 ha. All sites are located in the Comox Harbour, Royston and Baynes Sound.
K’ómoks Forestry Company K’omoks First Nation Forestry Corporation will respect and honour the community values of the K’ómoks First Nation and their members while pursuing economic opportunities in forest and value added forest sectors to provide sustainability and selfsufficiency for future generations. From log/post and beam buildings to sawmill waste management, from custom cutting to tree planting, incredible things are happening in the K’omoks First Nation Forestry Corporation. 25
PROCESS AND PROTOCOL ENGAGING AND COMMUNICATING
Be respectful of our time and our values Stop and listen, have a conversation Understand that the engagement and development process will take time A lack of response does not equate to approval Be prepared in terms of documentation, proposals, and other necessary documents, as you would with any other local government If you have any questions, call the K’ómoks First Nation band administration office
PROCESS AND PROTOCOL APPLICATION PROCESS
1
5
Contact band manager in writing (include application form and supplemental material (maps, etc.)
2
Application goes to Chief and Council for review
3
Agreement in principle (MOUs signed, seek KFN opportunities)
4
Formal approval with Chief and Council
INITIATE PROJECT 27
IMPORTANT FEATURES The K’omoks consider several features to be of supreme importance: the K’omoks estuary, The Puntledge River, and Queneesh (the glacier). Developments should pay homage to these features whenever possible. Photo credit: Devon Miller
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
SITING AND ORIENTATION Sacred Sites The traditional territory contains many sacred cultural sites, which may contain special features such as a rock or stand of trees of much cultural importance to the community. If there is a significant special feature in the area it shall be protected and preserved. Ecological considerations The K’omoks people live in harmony with their natural environment and all living creatures. Site any structures away from ecologically sensitive areas, including streams, shorelines, and wetlands. Natural Hazard considerations Do not site any structures on land that is prone to alterations from natural hazards, such as floodplains, steep slopes, and areas with unstable soils. Orientation K’omoks people value the rivers and waters in their land as well as the glacier Queneesh. Whenever possible, site structures facing the water or Queneesh as a nod of respect to the land and water. Solar Design Whenever possible, site structures so that they are oriented to maximize natural daylight and the warmth of the sun. Animal Habitat Development does not need to occur on all lands. Leave some land for animal habitat and for natural open areas. 29
[Simplicity and Purity ]
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN AESTHETIC Simplicity and Purity K’omoks people value designs that evoke a simple and timeless feel. The use of materials that are solid and that provide a feel of permanence are preferred to lightweight and inexpensive materials. Simple, passive design is preferred to complex and overly detailed designs. Design with Nature Create places that are reflective of their surrounding natural environment. Harness local ecological systems when possible (e.g., natural water treatment and filtration, wind and solar power). Traditional Design over Modernity K’omoks people prefer traditional designs that give a nod to their past to modern or futuristic designs. Big House The Big House has an important architectural style and is a preferred building shape. The Big House tends to be built with cedar, have a low pitched roof, and have minimal landscaping (natural features with fairly flat terrain). 31
[Create calm and quiet spaces]
Photo credit: Devon Miller
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
INTERIOR SPACES Sound Create calm and quiet spaces. Minimize echoes and noise from other inhabitants. Light Create daylit spaces. Allow inhabitants the ability to view the outdoors as much as possible. Space Open concept is preferred to compartmentalized spaces. The inclusion of enclaves for meeting spaces is important in institutional buildings. Use Whenever possible, design for flexible uses as opposed to permanent uses to accommodate changes over time and to encourage a diversity of uses for the structure. Circulation Create interiors that allow for chance encounters with other inhabitants to encourage conversation. Universality Create spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability (utilize universal design principles).
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[ Plant species
that are native to the region ]
Photo credit: Alanna Mitchell
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
LANDSCAPING Native species Plant species that are native to the region. This can help reduce irrigation and maintenance costs and is a more pure expression of our land. Animal friendly species Plant species that will feed and welcome our animal neighbours to our land. Gathered Species Plant species that have been traditionally gathered by K’omoks people, such as stinging nettle and kux’meen. Totem Poles Non-painted totem poles would have been seen in traditional villages and can be used as a part of a minimalist landscaping plan.
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[ Use natural
materials such as wood and stone whenever possible ] Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
MATERIALS Natural Materials Use natural materials such as wood and stone whenever possible. This is always preferred to modern materials such as concrete and metal. Cedar is an important materials used by the K’omoks people and it should feature prominently. Sustainable Materials Use ethically or locally sourced materials whenever possible. Healthy Materials Use healthy materials that do not pollute our lands or our bodies. Avoid “Red Listed” materials.
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DEEP RED
CEDAR
GREEN
YELLOW
BLACK
Strong and bold reds
An important material and colour
Deep and natural greens
Use sparingly as accents or highlights
Use sparingly as accents or highlights
C = 32
C = 27
C = 70
C = 10
C=0
M = 100
M = 86
M = 53
M=4
M=0
Y = 88
Y = 100
Y = 68
Y = 100
Y=0
K = 48
K = 24
K = 47
K=0
K = 100
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
COLOURS K’omoks people value bold yet natural colours. The deep reds and greens that are found in the K’omoks logo should be used whenever possible, as should colours that are similar to that of cedar. Yellows and blacks should be used as they are in the K’omoks logo; sparingly as accents or highlights.
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[ Incorporate local
art or art created by K’omoks members ] Photo credit: Gary Fiegehen
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
ART Incorporate local art or art done by K’omoks First Nation members whenever possible. KFN member artists include Randy Frank, Trevor Hardy, Andy Everson, Pamela Mitchell, Rob Everson, Sean Frank, Margaret Mitchell, Janette Labarge, Ernie Hardy Sr., Stewart Hardy, Troy Hardy, and Claudia Hardy.
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For further inquiries, please contact: K’ómoks First Nation 3320 Comox Road, Comox British Columbia V9N 3P8 www.comoxbandtreaty.ca e-mail: info@comoxband.ca phone: 250.339.4545 fax: 250.339.7053