Many,
many years ago, the Kitasoo and Xaixais people came to settle
here in Klemdulxk (Klemtu) meaning 'blocked passage' in the
Tsimshian language. This area was first their camping site along
the way for trade, and then later used for trading and providing
cordwood to fuel the steamships which traveled the inside passage.
Today, Klemtu is a close knit community of about 400 Kitasoo
and Xaixais people surrounded by breathtaking scenery and an
abundant natural food supply. This is a place where life is
peaceful and the people are friendly. Upon arrival to Klemtu
you will be greeted by the friendly community and throughout
your stay you will be exposed to the rich culture of the Kitasoo/
Xaixais people and gain an insight into this remote village
that was once a bustling coastal fishing and trading centre.
Kynock Estuary (photo. D. Neasloss)
Kitasoo/Xaixais
Traditional Territory
Klemtu and the Kitasoo/Xaixais Traditional Territory lie in
the heart of the beautiful Great Bear Rainforest on the Central
Coast of British Columbia. Snow-capped peaks, deep fjords, open
beaches, and temperate rainforests dominate the local landscape.
Since the last ice age this area has been largely uninhabited
except for the Kitasoo/Xaixais people who have thrived here
for thousands of years in one of the richest, most diverse ecosystems
on earth. As we explore this magnificent traditional home of
the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation, guests will be treated to
the many ecological and cultural features including the famous
rare Spirit bears. This area is host to many species of wildlife
including grizzly bears and black bears, wolves, marine mammals
and many species of birds. The area also has a rich native cultural
history. There are over one hundred
documented ancient cultural
sites including abandoned native villages, fish traps, culturally
modified trees and middens.
Kitasoo/Xaixais
Land Management Plan
Distu - a sacred place (photo: P
Chatterton)
In June of 2000, The Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation adopted a
landmark Land Use Plan, which sets aside 40% of their Traditional
Territory as Protected Area. The primary objective of this initiative
will be to protect cultural and bio-diversity values, recreational
resources and key habitats of endangered species like the Spirit
Bear, which makes its home in the Kitasoo/Xaixais Territory.
The protected areas of the Land Use Plan, known to the Kitasoo/Xaixais
as Nakami Weld, will be protected from logging, mining and other
resources extraction and will be used by our people for food
gathering, traditional uses, and ecotourism. The remaining 60%
of the Traditional Territory will be designated as Integrated
Use Areas and will be managed according to ecosystem based priciples.
Lands and resources in the integrated use areas will be utilized
in a sustainable way so as to create jobs and economic development
opportunities while conserving our culture, wildlife and fisheries.
to
visit the Website of the Kitasoo/Xaisxais First Nation
to
view directions on how to get to Klemtu
see
a map of the region around Klemtu
(top
of page)
