4
ALONG THE
MOUNTAINS
Chapter One
T
he word
nuučaa
n̓
u
ɫ
is written in English as Nuu-chah-nulth.
This means “along the mountains.” It refers to all of the
Nuu-chah-nulth territories. The Nuu-chah-nulth are a group of
Indigenous Peoples who live on the west coast of Vancouver Island
in British Columbia and Neah Bay in Washington, United States.
The Nuu-chah-nulth are a part of the Wakashan language group.
They were formerly known as the Nootka people.
The Nuu-chah-nulth are a set of
diverse
nations. Every nation
has its own leader called
h
̣
awił
, meaning “head chief.”The nations
share similar traditions, culture, and language. Family, nature,
and understanding one’s roles and responsibilities are important
parts of life.
The Ehattesaht First Nation is one of several
Nuu-chah-nulth nations.
