After being conquered and politically dominated by southward moving warring Laich-kwil-tach (Ligwiłdaʼxw) (sometimes known as "Southern Kwakiutl") they refer today in their adopted Liqʼwala dialect of Kwakʼwala to themselves as Kʼómoks (Kwakʼwala-name: kwʼumuxws "plentiful").

The Pentlatch occupied the valley for thousands of years, leaving behind the Great Midden, buried strata of discarded sea shells, testifying to a love of shellfish that still prevails on the coast.

The Pentlatch peoples knew the European traders who explored their shores in search of sea otter pelts.

Kwakʼwala is the most common language used in the region, it was used during the fur-trading era, in ceremonies, between intermarriages, and has evolved into a more complex system over time.

Ayajusem or also known as Island Comox Dialect is spoken in more specific regions such as Sathloot, Sasitla, Leeksun, Xaxe, and Komokwe Peoples.