The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, also known as the Kwakiutl, are one of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Their current population, according to a 2016 census, is 3,665. Most live in their traditional territory on northern Vancouver Island, nearby smaller islands including the Discovery Islands, and the adjacent British Columbia mainland. Some also live outside their homelands in urban areas such as Victoria and Vancouver. They are politically organized into 13 band governments.
Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw mask (19th century)
Wawaditʼla, also known as Mungo Martin House, a Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw "big house", with totem pole. Built by Chief Mungo Martin in 1953. Located at Thunderbird Park in Victoria, British Columbia.
Grave Marker, Gwaʼsa̱la Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw (Native American), late 19th century, Brooklyn Museum.
Dzawa̱da̱ʼenux̱w girl, Margaret Frank (née Wilson) wearing abalone shell earrings, a sign of nobility and worn only by members of this class.
Kwakʼwala, or Kwak̓wala, previously known as Kwakiutl, is a Wakashan language spoken by about 450 Kwakwakaʼwakw people around Queen Charlotte Strait in Western Canada. It has shared considerable influence with other languages of the Pacific Northwest, especially those of the unrelated Salishan family. While Kwakʼwala is severely endangered, revitalization efforts are underway to preserve the language.
Marianne Nicolson's The House of the Ghosts, 2008. Text in Kwakʼwala and English at the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Tʼlisalagiʼlakw School near Alert Bay has made efforts to restore Kwakʼwala.