Calling all Cedar Weavers & Those Who Want to Learn!

We will be hosting a Traditional Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop with respected Kwakwaka'wakw Master Cedar Weaver, Tiger Leonard Williams, at this year's K'ómoks Festival.

This will be a chance to sit with a Master Weaver with everything prepared for you to Begin, Learn, Laugh and Finish a Cedar Hat following Kwakwaka'wakw Tradition. Traditional Weavers of the Northwest Coast each have their own style, weaving techniques, designs and practice. It is a skill passed down through generations and Tiger Leonard Williams honours us with this gift. 

You will learn about the cultural and material significance of Cedar and learn-by-doing. It is our longest workshop and runs 6-hours from 10AM to 5PM with a Lunch Break Noon to 1PM.

Tiger Leonard Williams has kindly offered to give a Cedar Bracelet Weaving Workshop from Noon to 1PM for those unable to attend the Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop.

To Register Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/komoks-festival-vendor-registration-cedar-hat-weaving-workshop-tickets-878588591127?aff=oddtdtcreator

​You get to keep your hat and wear it with pride knowing it was made by your hand!

One of the now rare species of oysters in the Pacific Northwest is the Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, (Carpenter, 1864).  While rare today, these are British Columbia’s only native oyster. 

Had you been dining on their brethren in the 1800s or earlier, it would have been this species you were consuming. Middens from Port Hardy to California are built from Ostrea lurida.

These wonderful invertebrates bare their souls with every bite. Have they lived in cold water, deep beneath the sea, protected from the sun's rays and heat? Are they the rough and tumble beach denizens whose thick shells tell us of a life spent withstanding the relentless pounding of the sea? Is the oyster in your mouth thin and slimy having just done the nasty—spurred by the warming waters of Spring? 

Is this oyster a local or was it shipped to your current local and, if asked, would greet you with "Kon'nichiwa?" Not if the beauty on your plate is indeed Ostrea lurida. 

We have been cultivating, indeed maximizing the influx of invasive species to the cold waters of the Salish Sea for many years. 

But in the wild waters off the coast of British Columbia is the last natural abundant habitat of the tasty Ostrea lurida in the pristine waters of  Nootka Sound. 

The area is home to the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations who have consumed this species boiled or steamed for thousands of years. Here these ancient oysters not only survive but thrive — building reefs and providing habitat for crab, anemones and small marine animals. 

Oysters are in the family Ostreidae — the true oysters. Their lineage evolved in the Early Triassic — 251 - 247 million years ago. 

In Kwak'wala, an oyster is known as t̕łox̱t̕łox̱. Yes, that is quite a tongue twister but not to worry. We will have beautiful souls sharing their knowledge of both Coast Salish and Kwak'wala so you can learn how to say oyster, clam, whale and more. By any name they are delicious and we look forward to tasting some with you this year's K'ómoks Festival!

​Learn the Story of the 32 Ft Norman Frank Memorial Pole—carved by Tlingit Kwaguʼł Master Carver, Tommy Hunt Jr., raised in September 10, 2022 by Chief Kerry Frank & Family for his late father, Chief Norman Frank. The Memorial Pole now stands proudly along the Comox Foreshore. It speaks to the community's strength and ties to our Traditional Ways.

Norman Frank, who held the name Nim Nim um, was Hereditary, as well as, Elected Chief of the K’ómoks First Nation for over 30 years. He was a quiet man, generous to a fault and always willing to help others.

The Frank Memorial Pole was carved by Tommy Hunt Jr., to honour Chief Norman Frank and to build strength into and uplift the community. The potlatch was hosted by Hereditary Chief Yax’nukwalas, K'ómoks & Pentlatch Hereditary Chief Namnam’am, Kerry Norman Frank. He uplifted his family and friends, his community—a legacy that lives on into the next generation. It was a powerful day of mourning, healing and coming together that will be remembered for all time.

It is fitting that Tommy Hunt Jr. should be chosen to carve this work. His work is masterful and his close connection to the Frank family and the K'ómoks Community are reflected in this magnificent pole—at once public art and family legacy—that stands proudly at the Comox foreshore.

Tommy Hunt Jr., who holds the name Waławidi was born Thomas Daniel Hunt in 1964 to Hereditary Kwakwaka’wakw Chief George David Hunt (Born 1931) and Mary Susan (May) Hunt neé Henderson (1936-2022). His mother's parents were Sam Sr.  & May Henderson. His father's parents were Thomas (Tommy) Harris Hunt (1906-1983) & Emma (1912-1997) Hunt neé Billy.

​Waławidi is a father, mentor and respected community leader who we are honoured to know and call family.  ​You will want to plan time to look at all the fine carving and detail he poured into the Frank Memorial Pole. It is breathtaking to behold!

K’ómoks Festival is a free, family-friendly annual event honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is welcome. June 21, 2024, 9 AM to 7 PM, 3535 Bayside Road, Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada—with so much to explore! 

Spend time with our Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and hear talks on Climate Change, Stewardship, and Traditional Indigenous Ways of Governing versus Western Law. Participate in Traditional Medicine, Plant & Food Workshops, Sacred Salmon Pit Cook Demonstration, and Hands-On Learning through Art for Children & Youth.

We welcome Hereditary Chief Dick Dick Dawson, Hereditary Chief Robert Williams and Hereditary Chief Dicky Joseph to conduct the ceremonies. These respected leaders have long standing relationships with Hereditary Chief Kerry Norman Frank and our families. We are honoured to have them with us. 

This will be a cultural feast with fluent speakers and dancers who have dedicated their lives to the traditions of our people. We will share what the blankets represent, the meaning behind the masks and the protocols of what you will witness. We are honoured to host you.

Bring a friend and come and enjoy the delicious Hase' Artisan Market. You will have a chance to see, taste, smell and purchase a wonderful assortment of foods, Traditional handmade delights and meet some wonderful people.

For this event, there is free parking onsite for those with mobility issues. There is additional parking for your use at 3330 Comox Road. You are also welcome to Take BC Transit to 3420 or 3330 Comox Road—or walk, bike, hike or kayak to this year's festival. A Festival Shuttle will be running between the Festival Parking areas and Festival site. There will be Washrooms & ATM onsite. 

We will have seating and shaded areas to rest. We have free food and non-alcoholic drinks available. Please ensure you keep yourself hydrated and comfortable on the day. We will have First Aid Staff onsite for any health concerns.

This is an open, community event with activities for everyone. We are so excited to share the day with all of you!   

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Welcome guests at this year's festival will witness artworks on display by some of the most celebrated First Nation Artists and Carvers on the West Coast.
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Learn the Legends Behind the Masks through interactive stories and the magnificent artwork of Henry Speck Sr., Dicky Joseph, Tommy Hunt Jr., Waławidi, Wayne Alfred, Richard Hunt, the Late Beau Dick, Late Marcus Alfred, Late Douglas Cranmer, Geary Cranmer, Bruce Alfred & Rachelle Antoine.

K’ómoks Festival is a free, family-friendly event anticipated to attract up to 300 visitors from Vancouver Island and beyond to witness the historic opening of Queneesh House, hear talks and presentations, view rare masterpieces in First Nation art and carvings, participate in tours, and attend workshops designed to provide a culturally rich experience.

Come as our guests from 9AM - 7PM, June 21, 2024 at 3535 Bayside Road, Courtenay, BC for National Indigenous Peoples Day!