BC Ferries Spectacular Destinations

Community Profile - Kuper Island

Community Facts

Kuper Island is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island and belongs to the Penelakut First Nations Tribe. A Mediterranean climate of mild winters and warm, dry summers supports a unique ecosystem and an ideal living environment. Kuper Island is in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, with an annual rainfall of about 850 mm. There is a Catholic Church, but no commercial establishments on the island. As a Native reservation, property is not available for purchase. Kuper Island has a rather dark side, with a sobering history of oppression at the hands of church and state in Canada. For almost a century, hundreds of Coast Salish children were sent to the Kuper Island Indian Residential School. The school opened in 1890, operated by Roman Catholic missionaries and funded by the Department of Indian Affairs. Now, almost twenty years after the school closed, the survivors of Kuper Island are speaking out and telling their stories, embarking on a spiritual recovery from their residential school experience. The Residential School Project assists First Nations people in British Columbia to deal with the generational effects of residential schools, reporting to the First Nations Summit of B.C. Chiefs. The Project was started in 1995 to raise awareness of residential school issues, to provide counselling and conduct research into the history and effects of residential schools, and to provide support for those undertaking civil and criminal actions. Prior to visiting Kuper Island, permission must be obtained from the Penelakut Band Council.  Please telephone 250-246-2321.

Helpful Links

Community Links Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group Website	Ferry Schedules Southern Gulf Islands	Local Travel Links Events Calendar Accommodations & Attractions Ferry Terminal Parking