Somena

Somena is one of several Aboriginal Peoples in Canada|First Nations]] peoples living in the Duncan region of British Columbia, Canada. The last hereditary chief of Somena was Charlie Quitquarton. His descendants are still alive today living on the Cowichan Indian Reserve.

In recent years some descendants of the original Somena aboriginal peoples have taken steps to assert their independence from the Cowichan Indian Band. Most recently those same members sparked a tax-revolt on the reserve when the Cowichan Indian band government attempted to impose an illegal tax upon Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals purchases of alcohol, tobacco, and fuel.

These same Somena aboriginals have officially requested that the Canadian government recognize their independence from the Cowichan band. Furthermore they have informed the British Columbia Treaty Commission that the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group does not represent their interest in treaty negotiations.

The founder of the Somena independence movement was the late Douglas Williams, who asked that his children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives carry on with the quest for recognition of Somena's independence after his death.

Probably one of the most outspoken members of the Somena independence group is Meaghan Walker-Williams, an accountability activist and journalist who is the granddaughter of Doug Williams.