The Nuu-chah-nulth are a group of 14 First Nations peoples living on the west side of Vancouver Island: Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Hupacasath, Tse-shaht, Uchucklesaht, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Ucluelet, Ehattesaht, Kyuqout/Checlesaht, Mowachat/Muchalaht, and Nuchatlaht. They share cultural traditions and language but remain distinct nations, each with a hereditary chief. The Nuu-chah-nulth peoples were previously called the Nootka after European colonizers misunderstood their name and assumed them all to be one tribe, but they collectively chose this new name for themselves in 1978. Fishing and whaling were important parts of Nuu-chah-nulth culture, and they continue to protect their hunting and fishing rights on traditional territory. The Nuu-chah-nulth also have a tradition of skilled woodworking; they build totem poles, multifamily homes, and large oceangoing canoes. Over the 19th century, the increasing presence of settlers displaced the Nuu-chah-nulth from their historic land and they were forced onto reserves created by the Canadian government. As of 2022, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council represents about 10,000 enrolled members across 14 First Nations on Vancouver Island.
The renowned carver Atlieu (Charlie Williams) came from a Tla-o-qui-aht village on Vancouver Island but lived part of the time with the Makah in Neah Bay, Washington. He received several medals from the Canadian government in recognition of his woodcarving and metalwork, one of which he wears in this photograph. The ceremonial mask he is painting is a good example of Nuu-chah-nulth-style carving. The yew-wood club at the far left shows Atlieu’s distinctive style, with its intertwining animal figures.
The photographer, James McCurdy, was born in Port Townsend in 1872. He spent many years of his childhood in Neah Bay on the Makah reservation and returned to Port Townsend in 1894.
Caption information source: "Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka)," by EY Arima, The Canadian Encyclopedia, retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nootka-nuu-chah-nulth Caption information source: Charles T. Hommel, A Guide to Historical Photograph Collections in Seattle, p. 33
