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- ABOUT -
A Rich First Nations History
Puntledge RV is located on First Nations land and is managed by the K'ómoks First Nation.
The goal of the K'ómoks First Nation is to provide a premier RV campground service as well as the opportunity to learn about the rich First Nations history of the area.
The Puntledge RV Campground is situated at the location of the original Pentlatch People. Visit the campground office and store to view historic photos of the Pentlatch People and the late Chief Joe Nim Nim.
About 'Ko̓moks First Nation
The K’ómoks First Nation is located in the heart of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Membership is currently just over 300 members within four clans: Sahtloot, Saseetla, Ieeksun and Puntledge. Two cultures are identified in our community: Coast Salish (Island-Comox speaking peoples) and Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw (Kwak̓wala speaking peoples). K’ómoks originally occupied sites in Kelsey Bay, Quinsum, Campbell River, Quadra Island, Kye Bay and along the Puntledge Estuary.
The history of K’ómoks First Nation dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back to the last ice age. The Nation has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions and that have been passed down through generations. Over the years, K’ómoks First Nation has faced many challenges, including the impact of colonization and residential schools. Despite these challenges, the Nation has remained resilient and continues to work towards a better future for its members and the wider community.
You can learn more about the K’ómoks First Nation by visiting www.Komoks.ca.
tuwa akʷs χoχoɬ ʔa xʷ yiχmɛtɛt (ʔa) kʷʊms hɛhaw tʊms gɩǰɛ
"Care takers of the 'land of plenty' since time immemorial",
ʔay̓aǰuθəm (eye-uhh-juu-eth-em Island Comox)
History of this Location
The K'o̓moks First Nation has a rich history in the beautiful lands of what is now known as Vancouver Island. In 2005, the Nation established Puntledge RV Park to share their traditional territory with visitors from around the world. This campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the K'o̓moks people.
Image courtesy of the Royal BC Museum and Archives.
- ABOUT THE LOGO -
Thunderbird and ʔayhos
BY
Pamela Mitchell
Thunderbird is one of the Pentlatch Peoples family Crests. Legend tells of a family of thunderbirds that live behind the mountains just behind Puntledge RV Park and Campground.
Thunderbird is a powerful being, He makes thunder with his wings and lightning with his eyes.
ʔayhos, double headed sea serpent, is another one of the Pentlatch Peoples Family Crests and is often pictured with thunderbird. Many K’ómoks members proudly wear these crests on their button blankets.
ʔayhos is another powerful being, known to be a symbol both the good and the bad and being the balance.
About the Artist - Pamela Mitchell
Pamela Mitchell is a K'omoks First Nation member. Pamela is from Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw territory. Art being Pamela’s greatest interest, she started at a young age with drawing. She now works in many mediums - including painting, carving, cedar bark weaving, sewing, beading, jewelry making and would like to take on any other medium she has the opportunity to. She uses the Northwest Coast style of art in a modern way. Pamela owns a gallery/gift shop with her family called the Cedar Bark Gallery located in Comox.
K'ómoks or Comox?
Use and spelling of "K'ómoks"
The way we spell our nation name is K’ómoks. The variations of spelling, such as Comox, Comic, Komoux... or the many other ways that it has been spelled over the years, have been from people of different backgrounds trying to find the best way to capture the sounds of the word. When spoken aloud, there are many subtleties in how the sounds are made.
Flora and Fauna
The Comox Valley is rich with flora and fauna that have been traditionally utilized by First Nations peoples for generations. The towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, and Sitka spruce trees have provided materials for building canoes, longhouses, and tools. Wetlands in the area are vital for bird species including great blue herons and bald eagles, which are important in indigenous culture. The valley's rivers and streams, abundant with salmon and trout, have served as a crucial food source, supporting the community's sustenance and traditions.
I-Hos Gallery, owned by the K'ómoks Band, showcases traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork by Indigenous artists. Located between Courtenay and Comox on Vancouver Island, the gallery is on the historic site of the original K'ómoks Village. Its iconic house front features designs of "Queneesh," the whale, and "I-Hos," the double-headed sea serpent, key crests of the K'ómoks people. The entrance pole, crafted by Calvin Hunt in 1995, depicts a prestigious sxwayxwey dancer.
Celebrating the traditions and artistry of the Indigenous peoples of the area, I-Hos First Nations Gallery is owned and managed by the K'ómoks First Nation.