Nuu-chah-nulth

Translated as “all along the mountains to the sea,” the fifteen Nuu-chah-nulth Nations of Vancouver Island are the true west-coasters whose traditional territory extends inland from the mountain ranges out to sea as far as a canoe could travel and still be in sight of the mountain range.

Many nations united by language

There are fifteen Nations that identify as Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) speaking nations. Fourteen of the Nations are members of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Five of these Nations are united under the Maa-nulth Treaty. They are the Huuʕiiʔatḥ (Huu-ay-aht), Qaayuukʷatḥ/čiiqƛisʔatḥ (Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k’tles7et'h'), Tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht), Huučikƛisʔatḥ (Uchucklesaht), and the Yuułuʔitʔatḥ (Ucluelet). As a multi-nation Nation agreement the Maa-nulth Treaty is unique and it is Vancouver Island’s first modern-day treaty under the British Columbia Treaty Commission process.

The most southerly, the P̓aačiinaʔatḥ (Pacheedaht First Nation) share language, culture and familial ties, but they are a separate entity politically from the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The Qʷiniščaʔatḥ (Makah Tribe) located in Washington State also share cultural, linguistic and familial ties with the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, but as of 1871 they have been separated by the Canada - US border. However, cross-border potlatches and ceremonies are common and these cultural ties remain strong.

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation

We are honoured to be welcome guests in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation. We are proud to have had our storefront opened in the right-way with the prayers and blessings of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ elders.

We raise our hands in gratitude.

Klecko klecko

Tla-o-qui-Aht First Nation

Although the gallery is located in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditional lands, the gallery is owned and operated by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation member Hjalmer Wenstob.

Located in Clayoquot Sound and the Kennedy River Watershed, the Tla-o-qui-aht are a strong nation of carvers, orators and renowned craftsmen.