The Kwikwasut'inuxw and Haxwa'mis are two of the many subgroups of the peoples known as Kwakwaka'wakw, which has two meanings: "smoke of the world" or "beach at the north side of the river.
[4] The Chief and Council collaborate to formulate policies and programs that advance economic and social progress, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the environment.
The Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation has customary laws related to governance and decision-making that emphasize community involvement, collaboration, consensus-building, and respect for diverse perspectives.
[12][13][needs update] Issues such as inadequate housing, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, which are the result of systemic and historical injustices, are faced by many Indigenous communities in Canada.
The occupation is part of an ongoing protest against open-net fish farms, which First Nations argue are harming wild salmon populations and polluting their traditional territories.