tla-o-qui-aht first nation

Culture

Historically, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation relied primarily on nourishment from salmon, sea otters, whales, deer, berries, and plants. The Nation's people have had a strong culture which has included ceremonies involving feasting and entertainment with song, dance, and contests. They also have been known for their outstanding woodwork abilities and creativity, crafting canoes, totem poles, longhouses, and more.

By the 1900s, the Tla-o-qui-aht people were deeply affected by the federal policies including the Indian Act and residential schools, which tragically stifled their culture and ways of life.

Now, the Nation has been working towards revitalizing and preserving their culture, spirituality, and traditional language (Nuučaan̓uɫ). Through community services such as language classes, there are opportunities for new speakers to learn the language through interactions with elders and specialized technology. Meaning “all along the mountains and sea,” the Nuu-chah-nulth language is spoken by 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations made up of 10,000 members in three regions on Vancouver Island’s West Coast.