Part of Squamish Coast Salish territory, 'Xwlil’xhwm'  ('fast drumming ground'), was known as a neutral meeting ground for various Native groups. Early settlers remember a village ('Qolelaqom') at Snug Cove. Seasonal or not, Bowen Island was a major hunting and gathering ground for the Squamish, who had fish traps in Snug Cove, dug clams  in Tunstall Bay and left numerous middens across the island at Deep Bay, Tunstall Bay, Pebbly Beach, Cowan Point, Malkins Beach and Hood Point.