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About Gorge Harbour
ʔi:mot tətᶿ kʷənome...it’s good to see you!
Welcome to the traditional Klahoose Nation territory, which extends from Toba Inlet in Desolation Sound and Northern islands of the Strait of Georgia on Coastal British Columbia. Our Nation ‘s permanent community resides in Squirrel Cove, on Cortes Island, BC.
The Klahoose Nation has lived since time before memory on lands, waters and air that make up their abundant territories. A place where our ancestors’ spirit soars and can be heard in the wind as it rustles the treetops and guides our people.
The Klahoose Elders remember vividly a time when their Big Houses stood on the shores of Toba Inlet. Today, most of our population lives in the main village in Squirrel Cove on the East shores of Cortes Island. Members of our nation also reside in the coastal communities of Powell River, Campbell River, Vancouver’s Lower Mainland and Washington state.
Years of restrictive legislation forbid practicing most Klahoose cultural traditions which has significantly impacted our Nation. To combat this cultural loss, the Klahoose has embarked on a journey to rejuvenate its traditions, language, and identity. We are hopeful and delighted to see our youth’s eagerness to reconnect the threads of their past to the framework of modern life.
The Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s visitors to our territory strengthen our opportunities while supporting our efforts. On behalf of the Klahoose Council and membership, we extend a warm welcome and much gratitude.
We wish you safe travels and hope you enjoy your time with us here in Klahoose Territory and our Gorge Harbour Marina Resort,
Chief Kevin Peacey
Klahoose First Nation
A Little History
Cortes Island was named in 1792 by Galiano after Hernandez Cortes and is at the entrance to Desolation Sound, British Columbia. Long before Spanish explorers came to the west coast of Canada in the 1700's and gave Cortes Island its name, the island was inhabited by the Klahoose First Nation, who have lived here since time immemorial.
Occupying traditional territories that span from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, the Klahoose Nation has existed since time before memory. The Klahoose primary village site, Squirrel Cove, is home to approximately seventy-five full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and in the surrounding areas
Over the years, the land at Gorge Harbour has passed through various hands, and in 2007, it underwent a significant facelift transforming the property over their 14 years of ownership into an attractive and thriving full-service marina, campground and resort.
In 2021, Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC), the business arm of the Klahoose First Nation, finalized its purchase of Gorge Harbour Marina Resort and was able to bring the Nation full circle. Looking forward, QXMC is excited to build upon the past and to revitalize and propel the business into the future.
Sa’y’ilh (Gorge Harbour) - Like a saltwater lake. • Sa’y’ilh two waters in one - both applied to this place.
Klahoose First Nation
The toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) peoples have lived here on the central west coast of British Columbia since time immemorial. Klahoose First Nation territory spans from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet and is in proximity to neighbours of the ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco) ,kwɑːkjʊtəl (Kwakiutl), and ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin) Nations.
Gorge Harbour Marina is 100% owned by the Klahoose First Nation through the Klahoose management, Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation, who also owns and operates Klahoose Wilderness Resort and Klahoose Coastal Adventures in nearby Desolation Sound.
We invite you to come ashore, stay awhile.
ʔi:mot tətᶿ kʷənom - It’s good to see you!
Listen to the Klahoose community welcome song:
