Key moments in our post-contact history

The Ma’amtagila have existed since long before settlers arrived on this land. You can learn more about our history in Our Myths. These are some important events in our recent history, known as the Common Era.

Common ErA: amalgamation

June 15, 1945
Amalgamation of Matilpi (Ma’amtagila) & Klowitsis (Tlowitsis)

By 1945, most of the Ma’amtagila had moved from the Matilpi village to Kalugwis village on Turnour Island, designated by the Department of Indian Affairs as a Klowitsis reserve. 

On June 15, a meeting was called and presided over by local Indian Agent M. S. Todd to discuss a possible administrative amalgamation of the two bands, a move recommended by the Indian Agent. He voiced concern that not all members of each were present, but that the interest of the group prevailed and the meeting would take place. (He noted one letter of objection from Mr. Price Bruce of the Matilpi Band, but as Bruce lived in Alert Bay and not on Turnour Island, Todd concluded that the amalgamation “would make very little difference to Mr. Bruce” and suggested he transfer to the local Nimpkish Band.) According to notes taken at the meeting, the matter of amalgamation had been in discussion for “two or three years.” 

According to minutes taken at the meeting, the question of equality between the bands was paramount, particularly for the Matilpi. The record begins as follows: 

Mr. Todd explained that in the amalgamation of the Matilpi and Klowitsis Bands, all Reserves and financial interests would be amalgamated and become the property of all, with every member of both Bands having an equal interest in the asserts of both Bands, and all members of the amalgamated Band will henceforth have a right to live on any Reserve belonging to the amalgamated Band. The Indian Agent told the meeting they were taking a big step that would mean a lot to them in years to come and he wanted them to be perfectly clear on the whole procedure because what they did today will never be changed. 

The financial details of the amalgamation were left largely undefined. It is noted that the Klowitsis Band would subsequently “own half of their [Matilpi] money account” and that the Indian Agent would “request the Department for cash settlement in lieu of property and eventually they will either get the Reserves or cash which will offset sharing their account.” This is the sum total of discussion of how the amalgamation would affect the members financially. 

The meeting minutes include a brief itemized summary of the discussion that took place. Most of the time was taken by Matilpi members, largely concerned about the issue of their status as visitors. William Matilpi asserted that it was important that they be considered “permanent residents on the Reserve and not just visitors.” Following discussion of the new name, Turnour Island Band, the Indian Agent explained “that when Bands amalgamate both Chiefs retain their position as Chief and have the same responsibility and power.”

The reluctance and distrust between the two groups is evident in the repeated insistence by the Matilpi that the arrangement be an amalgamation of equals, rather than an annexation by the Klowitsis. Upon the insistence of Edward Matilpi, the Klowitsis formally and unanimously requested that the Matilpi Band “come and live with us in our village and amalgamate with us under the terms we have just discussed.” In response, Matilpi chief Sam Matipli reminded the Klowitsis “to not say anything that would injure their feelings such as saying they were just visitors to the Reserve, because if they amalgamate, they will be one.” The distinction between being a visitor on land and rightful resident of that land was of paramount important to Indigenous peoples at that time, as it is today.

By the end of the meeting, a resolution was passed and forwarded to Ottawa that read as follows:

RESOLVED — We, the registered voting members of the Matilpi and Klowitsis Bands of the Kwakewlth Agency, hereby request the Indian Affairs Branch, Department of Mines and Resources, Ottawa, Canada, to appove of the amalgamation of our Bands under the following arrangements (our emphases): 

That the two Bands when amalgamated shall be known as ‘Turnour Island Band’, and all business and correspndance relating thereto shall henceforth be done in the name of the Tunrour Island Band. 

That Chief Sam Matilpi, present Chief of the Matilpi Band, and Cheif Henry Speck, present chief of the Klowitsis Band, shall remain as Chiefs of the new amalgamated band, with equal powers and responsibilities. 

That the reserves now owned bt the Matilpi and Klowitsis Bands shall be amalgamated under the ownership of the new Turnour Island Band, with equal rights to all members of the new Band. 

That Trust Account #348 of the Matilpi Band shall be transferred to the name of Turnour Island Band, and henceforth be the property of the two amalgamated Bands with equal rights to all. 

We hereby sign the above resolution signifiying our agreement thereto, and request the Indian Affairs Branch to approve of same at their early convenience. 

Signed: 
Members of Klowitsis Band: 15 individual men, 7 by proxy
Members of Matilpi Band: 11 individual men, 3 by proxy, 1 absent, 1 against