Kingcome Inlet, de Menil Collection

Gwa'yi village, also known as Kingcome, is the home of the Dzawada'enuxw (Tsawataineuk) People or "People of the oolichan place". It is located a few kilometers up the Kingcome River from the head of Kingcome Inlet. Gwa'yi holds special significance because it became a refuge for the practice of potlatching during the Canadian government's ban on the gift giving ceremony between 1885 and 1951. During the winter months when these ceremonials occurred, the village of Gwa'yi was especially difficult to access and was situated in such a way that the authorities could not approach by day or night without being seen or heard. Gwa'yi is also the setting for the book I Heard the Owl Call My Name".