Galiano Island lies within the traditional territories of Penelakut, Hwlitsum, and Tsawwassen First Nations, and of other Hul'qumi'num-speaking peoples, on whose land we are guests.
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Galiano Island was long inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the Penelakut First Nation as well as other Coast Salish peoples, who used the island as a summer fishing colony. Midden pits at Montague Harbour suggest at least 3,000 years of habitation.
This long narrow island is located on the western edge of the Salish Sea. It is 27.5 km (17.1 mi) in length and 1.6 km (0.99 mi) at its narrowest point.