The Nuu-Chah-Nulth all spoke a
common language and shared the same culture and beliefs.
The majority of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth continue to live in the
same area that they have lived for over 10,000 years; the
rugged, beautiful west coast of Vancouver Island.
Before the European invasion the oceans
were filled with whales, sea otter, salmon and many other
kinds of marine life. The vast forests were teeming with
game, so that life was generally easy for the people and
there was much free time available for other pursuits.
As a result the Nuu-Chah-Nulth developed one of the most
advanced non-agriculture based civilizations on earth.
At the time of the first European contact
the Nuu-Chah-Nulth were an estimated 70,000 strong, but
with the Europeans came smallpox to which the natives
had no natural resistance. Much is made of the "black
plague" epidemic that ravaged Europe in the middle ages.
It is estimated that up to 50-percent of the population
died as a result of this terrible disease. As bad as this
was, many have forgotten that smallpox wiped out 90-percent
of the native peoples throughout the Americas. Behind
smallpox came other deadly epidemics such as whooping
cough, measles, cholera, influenza and TB, leaving many
more dead in its wake.
The next deadly scourge to strike the
Nuu-Chah-Nulth was the residential school system, which
amounted to a full-scale attack on native culture. The
government of Canada enacted a law that forced all native
children of school age to leave their families and communities
each year to attend boarding schools. These schools were
run by various religious denominations [Catholic, Anglican,
etc]. Funding to these various schools was inadequate
so that food and other necessities were substandard and
the teachers and others in charge were often extremely
cruel and abusive to those in their care. Children could
not leave until summer holidays, and parents were not
allowed to visit or contact their children while at school.
Children were forbidden to speak their native language
and were punished severely if they should break this rule.
Children were beaten for even the most minor offenses,
many thousands died while in the "care" of the residential
school system.
A shocking form of assault commonly practiced
against native children was rape: those entrusted to care
for the children would do this to them - even those who
claimed to be servants of the Most High God, and claimed
to be working to save the souls of these "heathen" children.
Sadly, for many, this was their first introduction to
the white man's culture. Everything the children had been
taught by their people was ridiculed: every effort was
made to make them ashamed of who they were and of their
people and beliefs. Those who were fortunate enough to
survive the Residential School experience often returned
home full of hatred and self-hatred, anger, and were depressed
and suffered from other emotional wounds. Some turned
to alcohol and drugs to ease the pain, some became abusive
or neglectful toward loved ones. They were often highly
suspicious toward any authority figure, and came to despise
the Christian Church.
This systematic destruction of their culture
has not been completely successful however, as some elders
and chiefs have recently begun working together to bring
back some of the ancient ceremonies and traditions of
their people.
Another important aspect of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth
culture is their art; there is now a renewing interest
in canoe building, wood carvings, woven cedar bark hats
and clothing and other traditional art forms, not only
as a way of keeping their culture alive but also as a
means of earning a living. In spite of generations of
cultural suppression through residential school abuse,
the Nuu-Chah-Nulth have managed to retain their native
language until now but, unfortunately, the younger generation
does not speak it. Chief Walter Michael Sr. is aware of
how vitally important his language is to the survival
of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth culture and is currently working
with others on a program to encourage the younger people
to learn and speak the language.
Although most bands today have made changes
to their tribal government structure, the Nuchatlaht band
has chosen to hold with their traditional hereditary chieftainship,
as the hereditary system has worked well for them. Their
present chief is Walter Michael Sr., his title having
been passed down through many generations. The authority
of chieftainship was officially handed over to Walter
years ago but he still consults with his father on a regular
basis because, although Alban is now a great-grandfather,
he and his wife, Rose, remain healthy, strong, and sharp.
The Nuchatlaht recognize the common kinship
they share with their brothers of all the Nuu-Chah-Nulth
and the Makah of Neah Bay, Washington. They also feel
strongly their close connection with all the First Nations
of Canada, United States, Mexico and South America, all
of whom have lost much and have suffered greatly these
past several generations.
The Nuchatlaht are few in number, but
are friendly and hospitable; they welcome all, of any
nation or race who would be their friends.