The 'Namgis First Nation
G̱ilakas'la ~ Welcome to the traditional territory of the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation!
‘Na̱mg̱is people have occupied the lands and waters that we currently live upon since time immemorial. ‘Na̱mg̱is Territory encompasses the entire Nimpkish and Kokish River Watersheds on northern Vancouver Island, along with the waters and several adjacent islands in the vicinity of Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Straits.
Historically, ‘Na̱mg̱is resided throughout the territory, but currently are concentrated in ‘Yalis (Alert Bay, Cormorant Island). There are over 1800 ‘Na̱mg̱is members currently living in over 100 communities in North America, as well as members in Europe, and the Middle East.
‘Na̱mg̱is lands have never been ceded to any other entity, government, or outside agent, we have owned and managed these lands for thousands of years.
Source: http://www.namgis.bc.ca/namgis-culture-history/
G̱ilakas'la
Origin Story About the 'Namgis Territory
The name ʼNa̱mǥis comes from a story about ʼNamxxiyalegiyu (the Halibut-Like Sea Monster):
Before the great flood a ʼNa̱mgis man knew it would happen because the Creator had sent a message in his dreams.
He knew he must wait by the ocean for a huge sea monster, ʼNamxxiyalegiyu whose name meant “something terrible”. When rain began and never stopped, ʼNamxxiyalegiyu arose from the depths. It was so huge that the tides dropped around the world. The man climbed onto the sea monster, but ʼNamxxiyalegiyu was so big that he seemed to be a tiny dot on its gigantic back.
The Creator gave this man supernatural power with which he could breathe underwater. ‘Namxxiyalegiyu protected the man all the time that he remained under the ocean.
When the waters went down ʼNamxxiyalegiyu returned the man to his homeland. The man looked around and saw that he was all alone, so he took the name Namukustolis (Only One in the World). He came to the beach near the mouth of the ʼNa̱mǥis River. Namukustolis was very lonely, so after a time, he snared some birds and transformed them into people. This is how he started the ʼNa̱mǥis tribe. He kept the great sea monster, ʼNamxxiyalegiyu, as his tribe’s crest because it was his protector and had saved him during the great flood.
Source: ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation
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...Explore....
"NBDC finalizes purchase of Western Brave and the Alert Bay Cabins"
September 21, 2021
“We are very excited about these acquisitions,” said ‘Na̱mg̱is Chief Don Svanvik. “They are home grown additions to our Nation’s business portfolio. “They all can provide employment for willing ‘Na̱mg̱is members and revenue for our Nation. These are positive steps towards rebuilding our capacity and becoming a self-determining First Nation."
The Logo Story
The Cabins at Alert Bay logo represents the wealth of culture and nature of Alert Bay and the ‘Na̱mg̱is nation.
The Orcas represent a major draw to Alert Bay, "Home of the Killer Whale". For the Kwakwala speaking people, rich stories abound about this creature that represents family, community, and protection for those who travel.
The Thunderbird face on the cabin front represents power, protection and strength -- including the safety the cabins offer.
The Sun design represents life giving abundance, warmth and light -- also days rich with adventure or relaxation.
About the Artist
Lindsay Victoria Beans, Agwila’yugwa Kwakwaka̱'wakw, ‘Na̱mg̱is
Lindsay was born and raised in ‘Ya̱lis/Alert Bay and comes from the family of the Sisa̱mḵ̓inux̱w (The Oolichan Grease Makers). She is the Great-Granddaughter of Elag̱a (Emma Beans née Alfred), and was raised by her Grandfather Hayugwis (Henry “Herm” Beans).
Aside from ‘Na̱mg̱is, she proudly comes from the Mamaliliḵa̱la, Ławit̓sis - Ma’a̱mtagila, and Musga̱makw – Dzawada̱’enux̱w Tribes.
She is an avid painter, cedar bark weaver, cultural medicine harvester, and enjoys sewing and beadwork among many other hobbies she learned at a young age.
At age 15, Lindsay became fascinated with traditional artform while painting alongside her Uncle Beau Dick, and later painting with her Uncles Ned Matilpi, Wayne Alfred, and Bruce Alfred, who she still works with to this day. In 2018, she had the privilege of helping paint totem poles and full house-front panels that now reside in Belgium.
Lindsay is passionate about carrying on her Kwakwaka̱’wakw artform and strives to honour her ancestors by learning and teaching her Kwak̓wala language. She believes as long as our people strive to create art, speak our language and sing our songs, our culture will survive.
