Hupacasath First Nation facts for kids

Map showing the Hupacasath First Nation territory.

The Hupacasath First Nation is a group of Indigenous people living on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. They are part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Another way to spell Hupacasath is Opetchesaht or Opitchesaht. The Hupacasath First Nation has about 300 members living across five special areas called reserves.

In 2012, the Canadian government signed a trade agreement with Chinese investors. This agreement involved control over resources like coal in the Hupacasath's traditional territory. The Hupacasath First Nation argued in court that the government needed to talk to them first. This is because Section 35 of the Constitution Act protects the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Hupacasath History and People

For thousands of years, the Hupacasath people have lived in their traditional territory on Central Vancouver Island. The Hupacasath are made up of three different tribes. These tribes are the Muh-uulth-aht, Kleh-koot-aht, and Cuu-ma-as-aht.

The Muh-uulth-aht Tribe

The Muh-uulth-aht people lived in the Great Central Lake area. Their name means "people from where there is a mountain with the face burnt off." They had villages at the head of Great Central Lake and near the Beaver Creek area. Their chief was Kanaawis, a strong warrior. This area was excellent for hunting deer, elk, and birds. It was also good for fishing and gathering food.

The Cuu-ma-as-aht Tribe

The Cuu-ma-as-aht people lived at Ahahswinis, which means "cleared in the middle." This area is near where the city of Port Alberni is today. Their main village was on the Somass River. Fishing for salmon, hunting, gathering, and holding potlatches were important activities for them. A potlatch is a traditional ceremony where gifts are given and cultural events take place.

The Kleh-koot-aht Tribe

The Kleh-koot-aht people lived around Kleh-koot, also known as Sproat Lake. Their name means "long stretch of level land." Their area was between Yaaqis (Prairie Farm) and Sproat Falls. They had a seasonal village on the Sproat River. This village was used for fishing, smoking salmon, picking blackberries, and hunting deer. They also had a longhouse there for winter potlatches.

Uniting the Tribes

Before Europeans arrived, the Cuu-ma-as, Klehkoot, and Muhuulaht tribes decided to join together. They made this decision because they were at war with the Coast Salish people. They believed that by uniting, they would become stronger in their fight.

After joining, the three tribes chose to be called the Hupacasath. Kanaawis, the strongest warrior, was chosen as their grand chief.

Traditional Rights and Practices

The Hupacasath people practice their traditional rights. These rights include making their own decisions about their government, land, resources, and culture. They use their territory based on the seasons. For example, they follow the paths of deer and the times when salmon swim upstream.

Hupacasath Traditional Territory

The Hupacasath First Nation's traditional territory is very large. It covers about 229,000 hectares, which includes the entire Alberni Valley. The borders of this territory are marked by mountain peaks. These include Mt. Chief Frank in the north, 5040 Peak and Hannah Mountain in the south, Mt. Arrowsmith and Mt Spencer in the east, and Big Interior Mountain in the west.

This territory has some of the world's most valuable forests, fish, and ocean resources. The warm winds from the Pacific Ocean create a mild climate. This climate helps grow huge forests of western red cedar, yellow cedar, Douglas fir, hemlock, and balsam trees. The lakes and rivers are home to all five types of Pacific Salmon, as well as Steelhead and Trout.

Hupacasath Reserves

Within the Hupacasath territory, there are five reserves. These are special areas of land set aside for the First Nation.

Ahahswinis (Reserve #1)

Ahahswinis (Reserve #1) is on the north side of the Somass River in Port Alberni. This is the main village for the Hupacasath tribe. In the past, people here hunted, fished, held potlatches, and picked berries and fruits. Today, most Hupacasath people live here. Some still do the same activities as their ancestors.

Kleekoot (Reserve #2)

Kleekoot (Reserve #2) is located on the Stamp and Sproat Rivers, west of Sproat Lake. In the past, this place was mainly used for fishing. People would spear fish, trap them in weirs, and prepare them. Other activities included hunting, potlatching, and berry picking. Today, a few Hupacasath members live here and continue to fish and hunt.

Cous (Reserve #3)

The third Hupacasath reserve is Cous (Reserve #3). It is on the west side of the Alberni Inlet, next to Lone Tree Point. There used to be a seasonal village here, but it is now empty. This happened after a chief named Dan Watts died there by accident. After his death, everyone left the area. This reserve was mainly used for hunting and fishing. No one lives there now, but people still visit for picnics, fishing, and hunting.

Chu-ca-ca-cook (Reserve #4)

Chu-ca-ca-cook (Reserve #4) is the smallest Hupacasath reserve. It is on the west side of the Alberni Inlet, north of Nahmint Bay. This place used to be a fishing spot and a stopping point for the Hupacasath people. In recent years, there has been very little activity or people living there.

Nettle Island (Reserve #5)

Finally, there is Nettle Island (Reserve #5). This reserve is outside the main Hupacasath territory. It is in the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound. The Hupacasath people bought this land in the early 1900s. They bought it because they often traveled to Barkley Sound to trade with other First Nations, visit family, and attend potlatches. Today, Nettle Island is used for camping and gathering seafood. It is also part of the Pacific Rim National Park. This means tourists from all over the world now visit Nettle Island for activities like camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Caring for the Land

Medicines were gathered from these areas at the right times of the year. Each area or resource had caretakers. These caretakers made sure that no one misused the land and its resources. This care for the territory was practiced all year round. Before the tribes joined, each chief had people to care for the resources in their own area. After they united, the use and care of the territory were shared by all.