Edward S. Curtis - Nimkish village at Alert Bay

The Kwakwakaʼwakw, also known as the Kwakiutl, are an indigenous people living in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, primarily in British Columbia, Canada. The name Kwakwakaʼwakw means "those who speak Kwakʼwala", which is their traditional language. The Kwakwakaʼwakw have a rich cultural heritage that includes intricate artwork, music, dance and storytelling. Their traditional way of life was based on fishing, hunting and gathering, and they had a complex social structure with a system of hereditary chiefs. Today, many Kwakwakaʼwakw continue to practice their traditional culture while adapting to modern ways of life. They face ongoing challenges related to land rights, environmental degradation and cultural preservation.