It would be impossible to learn about the K’awat’si Economic Development LP (KEDC) without first learning about the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation which it serves. The Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations ancestral homeland is located along the central coastline of British Columbia, spanning from Seymour and Smith Inlets to Blunden Harbour. The total area of their traditional territory constitutes approximately 40% of BC’s coastline. The Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations have inhabited this region for time immemorial until they were forcibly relocated to Port Hardy in 1964. Boasting a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, this Indigenous community maintains a deep connection to the land, sea, and their traditional way of life. The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people, who are part of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, have thrived in this region for countless generations. Their traditional territories encompass a diverse landscape, ranging from lush rainforests to expansive ocean waters teeming with marine life. This geographical diversity has not only shaped the cultural practices of the Gwa’sala- ’Nakwaxda’xw but also provided abundant resources essential for sustenance and spiritual well-being. 55 MAR 2024 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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