Our Origin Stories

Please Note:
This text was compiled and prepared by Matthew Ambers and Rande Cook, with assistance from Maxine Matilpi, William Wasden Jr, and Stan Hunt Jr.

If you see something in here that you disagree with, or you would like to add something, please reach out to us!

Peace Treaty with the Killer Whales

As told by ‘Maxwayalis Charlie Matilpi

“A long time ago, in the beginning of our Kwakwaka’wakw history, there was a time when man and the killer whale did not live in harmony. At this time both man and whales hunted each other, it was a time of fear and great pain between both groups. There was a young boy from the Ma’a̱mtagila tribe who treated the whales kindly, and eventually he befriended the whales.

In these ancient times, the whales and the boy could communicate and they were able to discuss what their concerns were. The whales and the boy felt that when they hunted each other, their losses were too great and they needed to end this heartache.

So the whales and the boy made a promise they would no longer hunt each other, and have a common respect. They also thought it was important to help each other in times to come. So they discussed this arrangement and the boy brought these plans back to his people.

The Ma’a̱mtagila people had a meeting and decided this was in their best interests; for the whales were a powerful force and man suffered great losses in this fight also. Then, the boy was sent to bring this agreement of peace, back to the whales. So a treaty was made between the killer whales and our people, and its is said that this was the first of its kind

Still today the Kwakwaka’wakw people honour this treaty and we live in harmony with whales ever since. There are many stories telling of the killer whales saving our people when drowning, and showing the people where to find food in times of famine.”