The Hwlitsum First Nation is an organization representing the group historically known as the Lamalchi or Lamalcha but properly called Hwlitsum. The Hwlitsum are the descendants of the Lamalchi people and changed their name to Hwlitsum when they moved to Hwlitsum (Canoe Pass, British Columbia) in 1892.[1] Hul'qumi'num custom names groups based on the location of their winter village.[2] Changing location of their winter village changed the name of the people. The Hwlitsum are a Hulquminum-speaking people whose home region is in the Southern Gulf Islands. The Hwlitsum were never granted reserves or band status and are currently seeking recognition as a band government from the governments of British Columbia and Canada.
The Hwlitsum are descendants of the Lamalchi (also called Lamalcha) peoples of Penelakut Island (formerly Kuper Island) in the Gulf Islands.[3] Hwlitsum refers to Canoe Pass, near Steveston in Richmond, British Columbia and means “People of the Cattails”.[4][5]
- ^ Miller 2014, p. 14.
- ^ Miller 2014, p. 14.
- ^ Miller 2007, p. 131.
- ^ Cryer 2007, p. 333.
- ^ Miller 2003, p. 152.