Neeso Wakwis - Kitasoo language for "Our Lands"

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August 7th 2007:

Situated south of Alaska, along the coast of British Columbia, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems found on the planet. It is home to the rare Spirit Bear - the world's only white-coated variation of the black bear - grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, eagles, grey wolves, one thousand-year-old cedar, fir and spruce trees as high as 30 stories.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Great Bear Rainforest is the small, remote village of Klemtu - situated on Swindle Island. Klemtu is home to the Kitasoo/Xaixais people. Neeso Wakwis means "Our Lands" in the Kitasoo language and since the last ice age this area has been largely uninhabited except for the Kitasoo people who have thrived here for thousands of years in one of the richest, most diverse ecosystems on earth

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.

Meanwhile in "Our Lands" ...No Spirit Bears to be found and.... NO WIRELESS! (I guess Blocked Passage is a fitting name.) If I understood correctly - the research that G&J did before arriving in Klemtu promised wireless - and town had all the equipment, but nothing was hooked up! Funny! (not!)

The one thing that they did come across that was new for our adventuring duo was "First Nation" people - which I'm to believe is the Canadian equivalent of "Native Americans".

So yesterday, (Wed. 8/8) they took off for Hartley Bay - 4 days from now they *should* have wireless...(cross your fingers and do a little dance please). After Hartley Bay, they will be off to Prince Rupert before they hit Ketchikan... but those details and plans are all to follow.

talk to you soon!

Jenn (a.k.a. LandLegs - sitting in for G&J)