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LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 19

THE BELLA BELLA

West of Bella Coola lived the Bella Bella, known as
Ugwildsumx. Although linguistic differences prevented free
exchange of ideas, and active hostility was not unknown, there
was considerable intermarriage between the two tribes. The
Bella Coola recognized the similarity of culture between them;
in fact, whereas a Carrier was despised for lack of knowledge
of ceremonial and dramatic matters, a Bella Bella was respected
for his superior lore in that respect. The Bella Coola believe
that many of their rites have been obtained from them.

The chief Bella Bella villages are said to have been:
Qwaina, on “Kwatna” Bay; Na’mu,at “Namu”; Qwiyai, four
miles from the last-mentioned; Nuiam.

At Qwaina, the nearest settlement, so many of the people
spoke Bella Coola that it was practically bilingual. There
had been so many intermarriages for generations that the
people were not considered foreigners; in fact, Boas includes
it among Bella Coola villages (p. 48). There were seven
villages on Kwatna Inlet and the Kwatna River which flows
in from the south-east.

(1) Sinutkemit?, “Where It Spoke’: a small outpost on
the eastern shore of Kwatna Inlet near the entrance. There
may once have been a permanent settlement at the site, but
for many years it was used only as a look-out station when
raiders were expected.

It is said that on one occasion, long, long ago, a party of Kwatna people
was encamped at this spot, waiting for enemy raiders whose approach
had been reported. They did not appear when expected and one of the
watchers, wearied by the long wait, said to the genital organs of one of
his female companions who had annoyed him:

“Tell us what is going to happen.”

“You will all be killed to-morrow,’”’ answered a rumbling voice from
the organs, to the great amazement of everybody.

So it transpired. The hostile raiders surprised the watchers the
next day and only one escaped to tell the tale.

The place has since been known as, “Where It Spoke.” It
was long ago deserted.