{"id":2647,"date":"2021-10-27T14:54:47","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T21:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/indigenous-education\/?page_id=2647"},"modified":"2025-12-16T12:22:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T20:22:49","slug":"fish-traps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/indigenous-education\/fish-traps\/","title":{"rendered":"Fish Traps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fish Traps<\/h2>\n
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Local First Peoples’ Perspectives of the Fish Traps:<\/h3>\n

Introduction Written by Jessie Everson, Indigenous Engagement and Knowledge Specialist, SD71 Comox Valley Schools (December 2025)<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Since time immemorial, the Pentlatch people have had a long-lasting relationship with the Comox Valley. K\u2019omoks Guardian Watchman Manager, Krissy Brown, has referred to the importance of caretaking for the land for everyone who visits the site, \u201cCreating habits of how to sustain and have reciprocal relationships with the land”.\u00a0This relationship is deeply rooted in language, stories, and stewardship of the land and waters. This relationship has also, in more recent times, been upheld by the E\u2019iksan, Sahtloot, and Sasitla. Being taught by the Pentlatch, these other tribes were also able to appreciate what is now known as the Comox Valley. A good example of this ancient relationship with the land is the use of Fish Traps. Similar traps were used by the E\u2019iksan, Sahtloot, and Sasitla prior to their migration to the Comox Valley in the 1830s and 1850s respectively.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This complex of inter-tidal Fish Traps within the Comox Estuary is one of the largest known fish trap complexes on the Northwest Coast. At one time, these ancient Pentlatch fish traps were carbon-dated and documented by Nancy Green to be approximately 90\u00a0\u2013 1350 years old. During this research, she reported that there are two types of fish traps that were used separately one after the other. The two types found are the\u00a0winged chevron trap and the winged heart shaped trap, used to fish for salmon and herring respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>K\u2019omoks First Nation has been continuing the research and stewardship of their ancient fish traps. The beach in front of The K\u2019omoks First Nation #1 Reserve is eroding, causing some of the fish traps to wash away, so in 2024 KFN began to map and photograph the traps\u00a0to relate\u00a0them to oral history information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, in 2017, an Ancient Fish Trap Panel was found and excavated out of the sand in front of the K\u2019omoks First Nation\u2019s Reserve. The Panel is about 6 meters long and 550 years old, and is being preserved by KFN for an exhibition coming in 2028.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indigenous Education is grateful for the ongoing communication and learning from The K\u2019omoks First Nation. We are always learning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pentlatch Fish Trap Fence Panels – Press Release<\/h4>\n

This Joint Press release of the VIU article<\/span> about the Pentlatch fish traps features insights and quotes from members of the local K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nation. These voices provide authentic perspectives that can enrich classroom discussions. One way to engage students is to read the quotes together and explore their meaning, encouraging reflection on the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the fish traps.<\/p>\n

By sharing this resource, teachers can help students deepen their understanding of the fish traps and connect these teachings to broader themes of Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and community heritage.<\/p>\n

Joint Press Release: Unveiling incredible Pentlatch fish trap panel exhibit at VIU\u2019s Deep Bay Marine Field Station<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Either scroll to the bottom on the above link for click on the following for some incredible photos and quotes.<\/p>\n

Unveiling incredible Pentlatch fish trap panel exhibit at VIU\u2019s Deep Bay Marine Field Station<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Fish Trap Experience Video\u200b\u200b by Fox and Bee Media<\/h3>\n