Vancouver Island lies along Canada's West Coast, and is famous for its lush and abundant rainforest. The Pacific coastline of Vancouver Island is also renowned for the unique culture and traditions of the Nuu-chah-nulth speaking First Nations (formerly known as "Nootka") who have flourished here for thousands of years. One of the world's richest coastal temperate forests, featuring towering hemlock, balsam, spruce, cedar and fir trees has been nurtured by the warmth, fog and rain of Pacific Ocean currents, and fed by countless rivers and streams flowing from majestic snow-capped mountains.

The traditional territories (see maps, left) of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, one of the Nuu-chah-nulth speaking tribes, encompass some of the richest portions of this remarkable environment. Islands, bays, beaches, streams, rivers, and vast forests, hills and mountains, all form part of this remarkable landscape.

The Huu-ay-aht First Nations have a long and proud history in their traditional territories. Their histories extend back to the beginning of time, and tell of many great people, adventures, traditions and deeds.

In the past, Huu-ay-aht ancestors drew all they required from nature's abundant bounty. Offshore, the ocean supplied halibut, cod, snapper, herring and other fish, as well as seals, sea lions, and whales. When the tide was low, mussels, clams, chitons, urchins and more would be collected and eaten. On land, many plant foods, including a wide variety of berries would ripen and be gathered. From the summer through late fall, five species of Pacific salmon returned to their spawning rivers, where the Huu-ay-aht people went to the rivers to catch, smoke and dry the fish in preparation for the coming winter. Throughout the year, land mammals, including elk, deer and bear, were hunted for their meat and fur. Huu-ay-aht ancestors lived in close harmony with nature and drew all they required for living from what nature provides. The Huu-ay-aht today continue to believe in a close relationship between the spiritual and natural worlds.

Fundamental to understanding Huu-ay-aht culture is the concept of the ha'wiih and the hahoothlee. The ha'wiih (chiefs) are responsible for the welfare and well being of their hereditary lands, the hahoothlee (chiefly territories), and for the extended families of which they are leaders. The current Ta'yii Ha'wilh (head chief) of the Huu-ay-aht is Naasiismis, Chief Derek Peters.

Huu-ay-aht histories relate that they have occupied their territory since time began. According to one Huu-ay-aht account, the first man and the first woman appeared in the Huu-ay-aht domain where they "came down" from the heavens. The first man to appear was a deity, and his name is "Nutchkoa".

Carvings of the first ancestors were placed in front of a ha'wilh's (chief's) house in the Huu-ay-aht capital at Kiix?in (see picture). The first man, Nutchkoa, is carved with his arms outstretched, watching for the Huu-ay-aht at the beginning of time and beckoning them home. He is ready to haul up their canoes and invite them inside for a great feast and potlatch. At that time, the Huu-ay-aht were part human and part bird. The woman's name is Ho-miniki and she originated in the moon. She married one of the great Huu-ay-aht ancestors named Shewish, long ago.

In the Huu-ay-aht way, these carvings represent all their ha'wiih and ancestors, and portray many things. These first ancestors reflect Huu-ay-aht history, and embody the ancient and strong connections that exist between the Huu-ay-aht and all of nature. Huu-ay-aht stories tell of how the spirits of humans are still closely related to the spirits of many other creatures.

The ancestors' carvings personify the Huu-ay-aht ha'wiih, people, and their traditions, as they extend a welcome to honoured guests to their territory. These carvings were erected at Kiix?in, around 1860, to welcome visitors from the Makah Nation to Huu-ay-aht territory. These massive carved figures now grace the main entrance to the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia, where they still serve their traditional purpose of welcoming guests.

Kiix?in

Kiix?in(pronounced "kee-hin") was once the capital community of the Huu-ay-aht. The Huu-ay-aht moved from Kiix?in in the 1880s, and the village has been untouched ever since. There are remains of several traditional-style Huu-ay-aht bighouses still visible at Kiix?in that evoke memories of the proud achievements of generations of ancestors. Standing and lying on the ground are massive, hand-hewn posts and beams that speak volumes of the people who lived here. These are the only standing remains of an entire traditional Nuu-chah-nulth village in existence.

The Huu-ay-aht are in the process of developing plans to allow tourism to Kiix?in. Kiix?in is under consideration for commemoration as a heritage site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Visitors to Kiix?in will enjoy a unique experience.

Please watch this website for updates concerning cultural tourism programs at Kiix?in.