K’ómoks First Nation is the Indigenous nation whose unceded traditional territory spans much of the region, from Kelsey Bay in the north to Hornby and Denman Islands in the south, including the Puntledge River watershed. The K’ómoks people have lived on this land for thousands of years, historically across multiple communities including Salmon River, Campbell River, Quadra Island, and Comox Harbour. The name comes from the ancestral groups Sahtloot, Sasitla, Ieeksun, and Puntledge. Today, the nation is led by Chief and Council along with four Hereditary Chiefs who represent these different lineages.

The nation provides a wide range of services to its members, including health and wellness programs through their community health centre, education and social development initiatives, housing (including assisted living, Elderplex, and Multiplex facilities), and land and resource management through programs like the Guardian Watchmen. They actively work on language preservation, cultural heritage, and asserting their rights and title across their traditional territory. Their vision emphasizes a prosperous, healthy nation that honours people, lands, waters, cultures, and languages.

K’ómoks First Nation also engages with the broader community through cultural initiatives and encourages local organizations to acknowledge their territory at public gatherings. Career opportunities and committee involvement are sometimes available; check their website for current postings and community news. Contact information and governance details are available at komoks.ca.