Centuries-old Pentlatch fish trap panel connects K’ómoks, Qualicum people to their ancestors

By Madeline Dunnett Local Journalism Initiative  06/08/2024 16:01 This Pentlatch fish trap panel is 550 years old and would have been part of a broader fishing system used by the ancestors of K’ómoks First Nation. Photo by Madeline Dunnett/The Discourse As a child, Pamela Mitchell recalls her father telling her about the ancient fish traps on the shoreline of K’ómoks territory, near her home. As she learned about the traps, which were used over generations by her ancestors, and their corresponding posts sticking out of the water, she recalls her dad telling her, “don’t touch! They are very old!” Mitchell is Säsitla, and her ancestors joined to become the K’ómoks First Nation alongside the Sahtloot, Ieeksun and Pentlatch Peoples. Mitchell is now the culture and language coordinator for K’ómoks First…

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