About We Wai Kai First Nation

The name We Wai Kai comes from the Chief named Way Key and those descending from Way Key who survived the great flood. The original village was in Topaz Harbour where Way Key gathered his tribe together when he had a vision about an upcoming flood. Woven cedar ropes were made that began in the village and ascended to the top of the mountain where Way Key lashed four canoes together.

Finally the flood did occur; however due to Way Key’s hard work and planning, the tribe has lots to eat. When the current was too strong Way Key began to worry about the woven cedar rope. Way Key ordered one canoe to be sent adrift which the current took south. The current reversed to the north and was strong again; Way Key ordered another canoe to be sent adrift which went north.

When the flood receded, Way Key was left with two canoes in the same place. As the story goes the canoe that drifted south landed around the state of Washington and the canoe that went north ended up around Kitimat and to this day our language, culture and names are similar. The two canoes that remained are considered to be the descendants that are now known as the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge Band), and the Wei Wai Kum Nation (Campbell River Indian Band).