Cape Mudge Quadra Island Kwagiulth Church BC British Columbia Canada


The birthplace of British Columbia is the small community of Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove, the site of the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people in British Columbia. The internationally historic site of Yuquot - where the wind blows in all directions - was the summer home of Chief Maquinna and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people for generations, housing approximately 1,500 natives in 20 traditional wooden longhouses. First Nations people came to magnificent Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, drawn by the rich sea life and natural resources, the mild climate, and the beautiful surroundings. Those same qualities still draw visitors to this magical place today, as there is so much to see and experience. We Wai Kai band (Kwakwaka'wakw) in Cape Mudge, a tiny community on the southwest shore of BC's Quadra Island. Donald Assu, his siblings and children discuss the continued importance of the potlatch ceremony to their family and their people—its history, its songs, the poetic and ancient language of big-house orators, and the passing on of traditional names. The largest and most populated of the Discovery Islands, Quadra Island is nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. Quadra is a popular destination for visitors from around the world, and is best known for its natural and beautiful wilderness scenery, and its excellent salmon and freshwater sportfishing. The mild temperate climate, rural lifestyle, pristine environment and the friendly people of Quadra all add to the charm of Quadra Island. Quadra Island was named after Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, the 18th Century Spanish Naval Officer and close friend of Captain George Vancouver. Just over two hundred years ago Captain Vancouver made contact with the aboriginal people on the island, sending yawls to sound Discovery Passage before bringing in his ship Discovery, anchoring off present day Cape Mudge.


Size: 3733px × 5620px
Location: Cape Mudge Quadra Island Kwagiulth Cultural Centre Vancouver Island BC British Columbia Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: aboriginal, arts, building, carving, centre, church, community, cove, cultural, friendly, georgia, indian, island, muchalaht, nation, nookta, pole, pray, religon, strait, totem, totems, tourism, traditional, travel, worship, yuquot