We, the Halalt, originate from the village of xeláltxw, which means 'marked houses' or 'painted houses', a reference to the fact that the houseposts in this village were decorated. Our home is surrounded by rich mountains, Bonsall Creek, and the lower Chemainus River leading to the rivermouth including Willy Island, the largest of the Shoal Islands. We are Coast Salish people, a part of Hul'qumi'num Nation which includes Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lake Cowichan First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Stz'uminus First Nation. For thousands of years, we have lived in, travelled and fished the waterways of Bonsall Creek, Chemainus River, the Salish Sea, and the Strait of Georgia. We have inherited a solemn obligation to protect our land and resources for our future generations. This includes the future generations of all nations and all cultures. We are innately connected to the universe. We relate to every part of nature through our souls, whether it is the fish we eat, the air we breathe, the mountain we climb, the grass we walk on or the water we drink. All are one, and we are part of the whole. more... See more text