The story of the Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band) began in 1879 when the Indian Reserve Commission allocated the island known as Sq’éwqel as a reserve for seven First Nations bands. The fertile land would help these communities sustain themselves through agriculture. The Halq’eméylem name Sq’éwqel translates to “turn in the river.” The English name Seabird Island originates from an 1858 incident where the paddle steamer Sea Bird ran aground near the island.