This map was developed under the First Nations Initiatives Program at the
Museum of Anthropology, and illustrated by Lyle Wilson (Haisla Nation). The
project began in 1994 as a way to recognize the territories of First
Nations on the West Coast by the names they prefer. First Nations peoples
have always recognized themselves by names in their own language, names
that denote their village, house, clan or tribe affiliation. Following
European contact some 200 years ago, the majority of tribal groups in B.C.
were given arbitrary English names, or identified under generic terms
created by early explorers and ethnographers. This map seeks to restore the
original terms for these territories not all of which are yet known. Thus
the map is regularly revised and re-issued as new information comes to light.
Please note that the boundaries shown on the map depict language areas and
are not authoritative depictions of tribal territories. Terms and spellings
do not reflect all dialects or names used by First Nations living within
the illustrated regions. Map copyright held by the Museum of Anthropology;
please do not reproduce without permission.
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