
Abandoned in the late 1960’s, the village shown on navigation charts as Mamalilakulla is accessible by contacting the First Nations office in Campbell River, BC. (See page 342 of the 2018 Waggoner Cruising Guide for complete information.)
Tours on Village Island in The Broughtons
During a visit to the southern Broughtons in late May 2018, we decided to anchor for the night in the small bay just to the north of the village. Upon entering the bay, we noticed a construction barge moored to a couple of the pilings that were once part of the old dock. The construction foreman told us they were building a 120-foot floating dock to provide access for tours to the historic village site by First Nations Watchmen. The pilings from the old dock will be completely removed. He shared that the Band has plans to move a manufactured home on shore to use as a Watchmen office and that trails are being cleared for easier access to the ruins.

Mamalilikulla provides a fascinating insight into the 10,000-year inhabitation of the West Coast by First Nations people. A view of the villages from the waterfront bookends the history of this place. From the abandoned houses slowly being reclaimed by nature, to the massive posts and beams which once marked the entrance to the longhouses, to the clamshell midden on the beach, you can let your mind wander to what life might have been like here. Better yet, schedule a personal tour by the First Nations Watchmen to get a first-hand account.


Tips for Visiting Village Island
The anchorage just to the north of the floating dock has room to accommodate one or two boats. Anchor in about 20 feet on sandy mud with good holding. The bay directly in front (west) of the old village is strewn with rocks and boulders and should only be traversed in a dinghy; watch carefully for underwater hazards. Very appropriate, since the actual name of the village is Mimkwamlis, meaning “village with rocks and island out front.” You can anchor the dinghy off the midden beach and come ashore after receiving permission from the Watchmen or Band office (250-287-2955) and a fee of $20 per person.
Check WaggonerGuide.com for future updates.
~Brett and Sue Oemichen, Waggoner Guide Field Correspondents