Hesquiaht First Nation

The Hesquiaht First Nation (pronounced Hesh-kwit or Hes-kwee-at) is a Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations government based on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

Introduction

Hesquiaht is the most northerly and remote of the five Central Region Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. Two of eight Hesquiaht Reserves are occupied by Hesquiaht members, one at Hot Springs Cove and the other at Hesquiaht Harbour. Hot Springs Cove is named after the natural hot springs located at the south end of a narrow peninsula on the east side of the cove. The Reserve Community of Hot Springs (Refuge Cove) village is located on the cove’s west side, home to approximately 80 individuals and 25 families (39 dwellings). The community had to rebuild after a devastating tidal wave in 1963. With a population of approximately 150 people living in Hot Springs Cove and a commute of over one hour by boat into Tofino, the Hesquiaht are used to living in isolation.

And thus distance from services defines the challenges and opportunities for the Hesquiaht more than for any other community in the Clayoquot region. While for visitors a trip to the hot springs, Hesquiaht Harbour, Hooksum, or Cougar Annie’s Garden are adventures into hard-to-access wilderness, for Hesquiaht it is simply a necessary commute to the nearest grocery store or to visit the three quarters of the membership that live in Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Vancouver and Victoria.

To compound the impact of physical isolation, the Hesquiaht were devastated by the 1990’s economic collapse of their traditional fisheries and forestry activities. Adding to the problem, the community is still recovering from the effects of the 1960’s tidal wave that wiped out the village and forced many people to move away. The Hesquiaht are mindful that the future of the Hesquiaht nation needs to be grounded on spirituality, healing and reconciliation to retain and re-attract the membership to Hesquiaht territory.

Hereditary System (Klukwana)

Prior to the 19th century, the Hesquiaht were a congregation of five small nations living around Hesquiaht Harbour, with a total population of about 6,000 to 10,000 individuals. Each nation was governed by their respective Ha’wiih (hereditary) system. After the smallpox epidemic, the communities moved to one site at Hesquiaht Village, before being moved by Indian Affairs to the current site at Hot Springs Cove. The Hot Springs Cove reserve is located on territory claimed by the Ahousaht First Nation.

The Ha’wiih system is still alive and well in Hesquiaht. Four current hereditary chiefs guide the community and inform the work of Council. The chiefs sit hierarchically as one looks at the four fingers of a hand. The Ha’wiih are:

- Dominic Andrews - Ta’hii (Head Hereditary Chief) (Middle finger), House of Kaaeth Klaahish Takuumth (includes the Charleson, Ignaces, and Mickeys families)

- Vince Ambrose (Ring finger) (Ambrose, Lucas families)

- Mike Tom (Index finger) (Tom, Sabbas, Webster families) – Mike sadly passed away in July 2008 as this report was going to print.

- Eddy Jones (Pinky finger) (Jones, Lucas, Ginger families)

One interesting feature of Klukwana (the traditional governance system) is the continued existence of Tikawiilth, those who manage the nation’s affairs on behalf of the hereditary chiefs. The Tikawiilth traditionally manage the affairs of the hereditary chiefs, which in modern times often coincides with role of Chief and Council. The current Tikawiilth are: Pat Charleson (Head Wolf Chief ), Chancellor Amos, Larry Paul, Remi Charleson and Eugene August.

Elected System

Hesquiaht Council is elected every four years, with the next election being held on November 14th , 2010. Chief and Council meets monthly, and a joint Chief and Council, membership, and Hereditary Chiefs meeting is held yearly at the AGM. The Chief and Council are responsible for management of band affairs and for reporting back to Hereditary Chiefs and membership. The Chief and Council, and their portfolios include: Joe Tom, Chief Councillor; Con Charleson, Fisheries; Felix Jackson, Finance; Carol-Anne Hilton, Economic Development and Education, CRB, Chiefs; Bruce Lucas, Administration Personnel; Greg Charleson, Forestry, CBT, BCR; and Priscilla Sabbas.

Administration

The Hesquiaht Chief and Council rely on administrators to conduct the day-to-day management of tribal affairs, program delivery, and coordination with government agencies.

- Director of Tribal Operations: Victor Amos

- Office Manager: Lisa Sabbas

- Accountant Bookkeeper: Shelagh Tom

- Head Start Program: Linda Lambert – Daycare, culture, and education for 6 and under

- Hot Springs School Project: Cecil Sabbas

- Fishery Program: Sue Charleson

- Youth Centre: Nathan Lucas

Appointments to Other Boards

- The Hereditary Chiefs make most board appointments. Current appointments include:

- Central Region Chiefs: Joe Tom and

- Carol-Anne Hilton (Co-Chair)

- Central Region Board: Joe Tom

- Central Region Management Board: Cecil Sabbas

- Treaty Negotiator: Colleen Charleson

- Clayoquot Biosphere Trust: Greg Charleson (appointed by Council)

- Boat Basin Foundation Board of Directors: Carol-Anne Hilton

Business and Economic Development

The Hesquiaht Chief and Council operate businesses in Hot Springs Cove, which includes:

- Hot Springs Fuel Company: Pat Charleson VHF Channel 66

- Hot Springs Lodge: Gail Webster t: [phone]

- Hesquiaht Forestry: Greg Charleson t: [phone]

- Matlahaw Water Taxi: Sue Charleson t: [phone]

The Hesquiaht Council is currently weighing the option of private arrangements for some of these businesses. In addition, fisheries historically were one of the strongest sources of employment, and the Nation was known, amongst other things, for its boat building yard and associated skills. Operating in coordination with, but independent from, Council, Hesquiaht still has a number of active fishermen.

Community Opportunities

As one of the most isolated communities in the Clayoquot region, the future of the Hesquiaht First Nation on their traditional territory is dependent on affordable and sustainable transportation systems, on the development of community infrastructure and sustainable energy production, and on keeping or re-attracting its members to the community.

Starting with health and social development—the key starting point—the Hesquiaht is working on a number of fronts to keep the community thriving. These include the development of eco-tourism opportunities, infrastructure and housing, treaty negotiations, and the marketing of the community and territory. With a small population facing large challenges, the Hesquiaht must rely and support its growing young champions and “warriors” to move the community forward.

Sources

Ecotrust Canada. Greg Charleson Sr. "The Hesquiaht Nation," in Daniel Arbour, Brenda Kuecks & Danielle Edwards (editors). " [http://www.ecotrust.ca/clayoquot/governance/ Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations Governance Structures 2007/2008] ", Vancouver, September 2008.

External links

* [http://hesquiaht.org/ Hesquiaht First Nation]