Namu is one of the oldest recorded inhabited sites in British Columbia. Its First Nation's history goes back 10,000 years according to recent archeological digs. The first presence of a cannery was in 1893 and continued on until the closure of the present structure in the late 1970's. At one time the site was a thriving community of 3,000 people made up of First Nations, Japanese, Chinese and Caucasian employees and families.
The present caretakers are very friendly and welcomed us by taking us to view what remains of the old cannery village. We were fascinated with the structures like the store with merchandise still on the shelves. Most of the site is decaying and we understand will be demolished in the near future. We felt privileged to have entered this time warp of coastal history. We were invited to a "Clambake" consisting of the most delicious fried clams we have ever eaten along with freshly caught salmon cooked on a cedar plank, freshly caught halibut and a great chicken dish with rice. We ended the evening with a spectacular sunset and a bunch of new friends!
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