Yaw Smatmc! As a guest in our territory, we ask that you abide by the following protocols. These four protocols are based on Nuxalk Laws that have guided our people for generations. Stutwiniitscw!
Qlamta - Respect all beings
Respect for the land and the life it holds Acknowledge Nuxalk Rights & Title throughout the territory Listen, speak kindly, and understand boundaries
Kastsayulh - Ask permission first
Accept that not all areas are open to visitors Ensure you follow official protocols and guidelines Ask permission before taking pictures of people and places
Putl’lt - Take care of the land and each other
Always think of future generations Leave the land cleaner than you found it Support our local artisans and businesses
Yayaatwi - Be happy
Relax and enjoy yourself! Be present in the territory Slow down, be mindful and connect with your surroundings in a good way
Nuxalk Sacred Sites
There are a number of sacred sites in Nuxalk territory. The most popular are the Squmalh (Thorsen Creek) Petroglyphs. These rock carvings are estimated to be over 5000 years old. Three quarters of all rock carvings in North America are found on the Central Coast and were created in strategic locations throughout Nuxalk territory. This site is incredibly significant to Nuxalk people and we ask that you only visit Squmalh with an accredited Nuxalk guide and that you follow all of the requested protocols to ensure the site remains protected.
Also sacred to Nuxalk are three hot springs located in Nuxalk territory, Icp’iixm (Tallio), Alhltl’liiqw (Eucott Bay) and Nuskw’lh (Nascall Bay) and the Lhkw’ ti tsatsawlhp (the “Big Cedar”) at Ts’awlhmim (the village site of Larso Bay). Once again, we request that, if visiting, you do so with an accredited Nuxalk guide and treat the site with the utmost care and respect.
