6
Nature is highly
respected
. It provides everything needed to live.
Nuu-chah-nulth understand
hišuk
ʔ
išcawak
, the idea everything is one. They
believe in the importance of relationships between humans and nature.
Nuu-chah-nulth work toward a way of life that respects family and nature.
This respect is passed down through
oral
histories and traditions.
Once, Nuu-chah-nulth were made of 16 nations. Today 14 nations make up
the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Three regions represent these nations. In the
north are Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Kyuquot/Checklasaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht,
and Nuchatlaht. The Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, and Ucluelet
are in the central region. The southern region includes Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht,
Hupacasath, Tseshaht, and Uchuckleshaht.
EUROPEAN CONTACT
The Nuu-chah-nulth first met Europeans in April 1778. Explorer Captain James
Cook arrived at Yuquot. This is now known as Friendly Cove, British Columbia.
Today, one Mowachaht family still lives in Yuquot. Then in 1803 British explorers
came to Yuquot. Over time
tensions
grew between the Europeans and
Nuu-chah-nulth because they had different values and beliefs. Things became
violent. Chief Maquinna captured two men from the ship. They were John Jewitt
and John Thompson. He held them for two years before releasing them.
Life for Nuu-chah-nulth changed after European contact. They could no
longer enjoy freedom as their
ancestors
had for centuries. They were not free to
live, roam, and hunt in their territories.
