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Territory and Population
The traditional Hesquiaht territory stretches from approximately Nootka Sound to Clayoquot Sound and includes Hesquiat Harbour and the Hesquiat Peninsula. It is one of the most remote Nuu-chah-nulth nations; its largest community, at Hot Springs Cove (formerly Refuge Cove), is reachable only by plane or boat.
The Hesquiaht formerly consisted of several small, independent groups, each with its own village and territory. It is estimated that before the 19th century, there were more than 6,000 Hesquiaht among the West Coast communities. However, many sources also indicate that by the mid-1800s, the population was significantly reduced to about 200 to 250 people as a result of warfare and disease.
In 1964, a tidal wave devastated most of the homes at Hot Springs Cove in Hesquiat Harbour. Many of the Hesquiaht people dispersed, largely to Port Alberni and Victoria, while others reconstructed their homes near the original settlement, establishing Refuge Cove. Today, there are five Hesquiaht reserves.
As of 2021, there are 756 registered members of the Hesquiaht First Nation. Though some community members live on traditional territories (122), the great majority of Hesquiaht people (591) live in urban centres on Vancouver Island, principally in Port Alberni. The remaining population live on other reserves or lands.
Traditional Life
Like other Nuu-chah-nulth nations, the Hesquiaht were (and still are) a fishing community. They subsisted mainly on salmon, halibut and other local fish species as well as inland game and vegetation. The Hesquiaht travelled to and from fishing sites on foot or in dugout cedar canoes.
Society
Traditionally, the nation was governed by the Ha’wiih or ancestral hereditary chiefs, a system of responsibility and governance that continues today. However, the nation also has elected chiefs and band councillors who help govern the community.
Culture
Nuu-chah-nulth nations have a strong ceremonial culture, characterised by feasting and entertainment with song, dance, contests and theatricals. (See also Potlatch.) The Nuu-chah-nulth are also known for their stunning woodwork, including canoes, totem poles, multifamily houses and other products hand-crafted out of fine cedar. (See also Northwest Coast Indigenous Art.)
Religion and Spirituality
The Nuu-chah-nulth belief system centres on a Creator being as well as spirits whose powers can be used to bring peace and fortune. The Nuu-chah-nulth believe that all life forms have a spirit, and should therefore be respected and appreciated. Shamans ensured the spiritual health of the people by practising ancient medicines and healing rituals to cure illness and restore balance to the soul. (See also Indigenous People: Religion and Spirituality.)
Language
The Hesquiaht speak a dialect of Central Nuu-chah-nulth (Nuučaan̓uɫ). The language is considered highly endangered; as of 2015, only 13 speakers were recorded to be fluent. An additional 38 people identified themselves as being able to somewhat understand or speak the language, and 21 others are currently learning the language. (See also Nuu-chah-nulth: Language and Northwest Coast Language Families.)
Colonial History
The Hesquiaht were some of the first Nuu-chah-nulth people to make contact with Europeans, having met and traded with Juan Pérez Hernández off the west coast of the Hesquiat Peninsula in 1774. Warfare with other coastal First Nations and decimation of the population through European-introduced diseases (such as tuberculosis, smallpox and the measles) gradually brought about the amalgamation of the Hesquiaht groups into a consolidated nation in the 19th century.
In 1875, Reverend A.J. Brabant established the first Roman Catholic mission among the Nuu-chah-nulth at Hesquiat, the village of the Hesquiaht. Forced onto reserves by the late 19th century, the Hesquiaht were made to assimilate to White, Christian culture through federal programs and policies such as residential schools. Hesquiaht culture has survived in spite of these dark moments in Canadian history.
Contemporary Life
The Hesquiaht operate businesses on their territory, including fisheries and forestry operations. Tourism is also a part of the contemporary economy. (See also Economic Conditions of Indigenous Peoples.)
The Hesquiaht are one of the 14 nations represented by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, an association founded in 1958 that provides various services to approximately 9,500 registered members, including child welfare, education, employment training and other socio-economic programs that support health and development. (See also Social Conditions of Indigenous Peoples.)
The Hesquiaht, along with six other Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, are also in stage four of a six-stage treaty process in British Columbia to achieve self-government.
