Theresa’s traditional name is Thlut’as aksup. Theresa’s mother the late Gertrude (Mack) Nookemus is of the Toquaht Nation in Ucluelet BC. Theresa’s paternal Grandparents are the late Edward and Mable Nookemis. On her maternal side is Sarah Tutube, Theresa never met her grandfather on this side of her family.
Theresa is one of the seven
Huu-ay-aht Hereditary chiefs as of October of 2022. Within her one-year Theresa was appointed the Ḥaw̓iiḥ Councilor Representative for the Huu-ay-aht Executive Council, a role she was honoured to accept on behalf of the Ḥaw̓iiḥ.
Benson and Gertrude Nookemus had three children, Darlene Nookemis (Barry Halverson), Patricia Dennis (Lyle Dennis) and Theresa being the youngest. She also has three stepsiblings, as her father remarried Hilda Nookemis (Amos). Along with many nieces, and nephews, with many more to make up the Nookemus family.
Theresa grew up in the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island. Being that Theresa’s father was a Fisherman. That is how she grew up; was on a 24 foot troller she was and is proud of. Once old enough Theresa started working the boat with her father, sister, and 2 brothers-in-law switching off every other week. Being on the ocean with her dad and brothers has given Theresa many fond memories of a good childhood, and upbringing with strong family values. Seeing her dad work as hard as he did throughout his fishing career has shown Theresa the meaning of hard work and dedication.
Theresa moved to Victoria BC for 14 yrs. Where she received her Banking and Financial Diploma, as well as taking some Urban Planning courses. Theresa moved back to the Oceanside area to be with family. She then received her waterworks tickets, and a Level 3 Occupational First Aid Ticket.
Theresa was blessed with a beautiful girl on September 5, 1990, Alannah Johnston. Alannah was the light of Theresa life and together they experienced many fond memories.
Theresa then met her partner of 17 years. She has worked in Senior Care facilities in the Dementia wards for 5 years. She loved working with Elders, listening to their life stories. Theresa then moved on to work with a Construction Company in Parksville for 15 years in an administrative capacity. Theresa still resides in the Oceanside area.
Theresa was honoured to become a grandmother when Alannah gave birth to a son, Benson Nookemus. During some difficult times, Alannah requested her mother to take care of her son, Benson, and Theresa official adopted Benson as his son.
During Theresa’s first year as the Ḥaw̓iiḥ Council representative, Theresa and the family experienced a terrible loss, Theresa’s daughter, Alannah passed away September 14, 2023. During this difficult time, Theresa continued to maintain her role with Huu-ay-aht Government. Along with the help and support from the Executive Council and family, she is more diligent, dedicated and honour her commitment to Huu-ay-aht First Nation and her family more than ever.
Theresa strongly believes that commitment to the Nation’s sacred principles of ʔiisaak (Utmost Respect), ʔuuʔałuk (Taking Care Of), and Hišuk ma c̕awak (Everything Is One). Together with strong respect for the land, animals and resources, will result in a healthy community and high standards within the Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi.
Theresa enjoys walking, hiking, swimming as well as yoga and reading with her son (Benson Nookemus) in her spare time. Spending time with her father, (Ha’wehtuu-u) learning and listening to stories from long ago and learning how to pronounce some language correctly, is another of her absolute favorite pastimes. Listening to her dad’s stories of how and where Ḥaw̓iiḥ in the past has done and looked after business is such a good time for Theresa. She loves to see her dad’s eyes light up with his stories of growing up in our Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi. Watching her father the whole way down to Bamfield this past February was so amazing! He never thought he’d see the day that the road to Bamfield would be paved/chip sealed! It was a very good day!
History and Information about Ḥaw’eḥtak’amłatḥ house
The Ḥaw’eḥtak’amłatḥ house has a significant place of honour in the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. It is one of seven Ḥaw̓iiḥ seats. Once belonging to Techeechis, who then passed it on to Edward Nookemis, the only son as he had three sisters. Edward passed away in 1991 and in 1995 Benson Nookemis, eldest son reclaimed his rightful seat.
Ha’wehtuu-u (Benson Nookemis) is the oldest child of the late Edward and Mable (Johnson – eldest daughter of late George and Louisa Johnson) Nookemis. They lived in Grappler Creek for many years before moving to Sarita Bay and then finally to the Anacla Reserve in Bamfield. Edward and Mable raised 11 children Haw’wehtuu-u, late Oscar, Clifford, Linda Young, Richard, Violet Chester, Rose Charles, George, Nora Peters, Edward Johnson Sr, and Bruce.
Haw’wehtuu-u grew up to be a well-respected Chief and fisherman. He took over working grampa Edwards fishing boat and paid it off when he fell ill and in hospital in Vancouver BC. He was then offered the chance to purchase a boat of his very own. To which he named Cobb, he then purchased a dingy lifeboat he put on top and named it Corn! Haw’wehtuu-u worked long days repairing the boat, and fishing and in no time paid off the boat rather quickly.
Haw’wehtuu-u has always had a very strong work ethic. He never missed a day fishing if he could help it. Since being on the water his whole life, he knows where the bites always are. This made Haw’wehtuu-u a very successful fisherman. He was able to build the new boat of his dreams, a 42-foot trawler, which he eventually turned into a freezer boat allowing for longer periods out and a longer preserved product.
From when Haw’wehtuu-u took his seat, he held it with high regard and respect. Serving the Nation with honour and being there for his fellow Ḥaw̓iiḥ in supporting them and leading the Nation to much success. Haw’wehtuu-u held his seat for many years, before passing it to his eldest daughter Darlene Nookemis. Darlene held this seat with honor and respect until 2022 when she requested to step down for personal reasons.
It was at this time that Ha’wehtuu-u (Benson Nookemis), requested Theresa to hold the seat and appointed Theresa as head of the Ḥaw’eḥtak’amłatḥ house. Theresa is holding the seat until such time as Darlene Nookemis’s grandson Leanard Nookemis is ready to uphold the seat.
Reasons to contact your Thlut’ as aksup (Theresa Nookemus)
The Nookemus family has steadily grown into one of the larger families in the Huu-ay-aht Nation. The Nookemus family takes much pride in their families and culture which include master carvers, weavers, and beaders, fishermen as well as story tellers. If you would like to know more about the Nookemus house, please reach out.
