New Vancouver (Tastsisnukwomi), Harbledown Island

Discovering New Vancouver on Harbledown Island

As you cruise north through the stunning Beware Passage and round Dead Point on Harbledown Island, you’ll catch your first glimpse of New Vancouver. This is the ancestral home of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation. Traditionally, it’s known as Tsatsisnukwomi in the Kwak’wala language. This village beautifully blends rich history with vibrant culture.

Important Visiting Tips

Before dropping anchor, remember to follow First Nation protocols. Call the Band office on VHF CH 78 or phone (250)-974-2703 to get permission to go ashore. Also, check for dock space, guest moorage is available from June 1 through September 15 on a spacious concrete dock. It has 30-amp power and water. Keep in mind, the village operates on a cash-only basis.

A Warm Welcome and Cultural Tour

The community warmly welcomes visitors and offers a fascinating two-and-a-half-hour cultural tour of the village and its iconic Bighouse. The tour requires a small cash-only fee, and it offers great value for the experience.

A Village with a Unique History

During the tour, you’ll hear some intriguing stories about the village’s past. Interestingly, New Vancouver wasn’t always home to the Da’naxda’xw people. The village originally belonged to the Mamalillikulla First Nation. They offered it as a “dowry” for a marriage between a respected Mamalillikulla woman and a Da’naxda’xw man. The Da’naxda’xw moved here in the early 1900s and stayed until the mid-1960s when they relocated to places with easier access to schools and medical care.

Reviving the Village and the Bighouse

Years later, Chief William Glendale decided to revive the village. Along with his family and friends, he worked hard to restore the community. In 2004, they completed the Bighouse—the first in over 50 years. Today, the village features cozy homes, a dock, a net shed, and a solar panel farm that powers the community sustainably.

Inside the Bighouse

As you approach the Bighouse, you’ll notice stunning totem poles and artwork at its entrance. Each piece holds deep traditional meaning. Inside, your guide will share fascinating facts—like how a Bighouse has one fire pit, unlike a longhouse, which has two. You’ll also learn that the two main beams came from trees over 40 nautical miles away at the end of Kingcome Inlet. You’ll admire totems, masks, headdresses, and traditional wardrobes, all beautifully preserved and full of stories.

The Spirit of the Village

By the end of the tour, you’ll feel the heartbeat of the village—alive with pride, spirit, and deep cultural roots that refuse to fade.

Thousands of Years of Connection with Nature

For over 8,000 years, the Kwakwaka’wakw people have shared this breathtaking coastal region with eagles, bears, whales, orcas, and salmon. Despite years of cultural challenges, their traditions are thriving once again. They celebrate through art, dance, music, language, and a deep respect for nature.

Explore More Kwakwaka’wakw Culture at Alert Bay

If you want to explore more Kwakwaka’wakw culture, visit Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. It is home to the U’mista Cultural Centre—one of Canada’s finest First Nations museums. The centre holds an incredible collection of potlatch regalia.

A Journey You Won’t Forget

Visiting New Vancouver offers more than just a tour—it’s an invitation into a living culture rooted in resilience, history, and deep respect for the land. Whether you come for the stories, the art, or the breathtaking setting, you’ll leave with a lasting connection to the spirit of this remarkable community.