NIM NIM INTERPRETIVE CENTRE
The Puntledge RV Campground and Nim Nim Interpretive Centre is situated at the location of the original Pentlatch People. The name of our campground honours the Pentlatch People by naming the Interpretive Centre after the late Chief Joe Nim Nim.
We are fortunate to have on display Chief Joe Nim Nim’s beautiful beaded headpiece and carved cane (above left). At one time, Chief Joe Nim Nim was the Indian Police. We have his police cuff links and baton on display as well. The display also includes Joe Nim Nim’s wife's handwoven basket and photos of the Nim Nim family and Comox People.
Some of the photos are on loan from the Courtenay and District Museum.
KWAKIUTL BUTTON BLANKET (above Centre)
Created by (Na ge ga) Fernanda M. Paré
I am Comox/Kwakiutl First Nation and currently reside in the traditional territory of Comox.
Button blankets are used in traditional ceremonies at Potlatches in the past and present. I wear my button blanket when dancing at potlatches. I have made button blankets for my granddaughter and grandson, who were both given Kwakiutl names at our family potlatch.
The design I have used belongs to my family which is comprised of two of our family crests. The Thunderbird crest is from my grandmother the late Margaret Frank from Fort Rupert First Nation and the Killer Whale crest is from my grandfather the late Chief Andy Frank from Comox First Nation.
The fabric is melton wool, with imitation pearl buttons and abalone shells. The crests used on button blankets is to identify your family or clan, when worn at a potlatch. My button blanket has been on display at the Orillia Theatre in Ontario.
THUNDERBIRD
A mythical creature, the thunderbird was considered the most powerful of all spirits. His power is believed to come from the curved appendages on his head.
KILLER WHALE
Symbolizes great strength and bravery.
COMOX TOTEM POLE (shown above left)
The pole was carved by Richard Hunt (Gwel-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les) a Kwakiutl carver. It was commissioned by Royal BC Museum and displayed at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
The design is based on two house posts that were collected by C.F. Newcombe at Comox in 1912. These posts are now on exhibit in the Glass House at the RBC Museum. There is no photograph of the original posts in situ but they appear to be related to, or versions of, earlier poles that were photographed in a Comox village in the 1880s.
The I-HOS GALLERY KIOSK
The Nim Nim Interpretive Centre features a collection of traditional and contemporary North West Coast artwork and crafts. The collection includes masks, paddles, prints, silver jewellery and wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nations.
We invite you to browse our kiosk and discover for yourself the wide range of First Nation talent represented here. We have something for everyone in a wide price range. To view a wider selection of art, jewellery and more please visit the I-Hos Gallery on Comox Road between Courtenay and Comox.
Come in for a visit with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. The I-Hos Gallery is owned and operated by Comox First Nation.
