Maquinna facts for kids
Maquinna (also spelled Muquinna or Macuina) was a powerful leader, or chief, of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. He lived in the area of Nootka Sound on the Pacific Northwest Coast during the late 1700s. This was a time when the maritime fur trade was very active. His name means "possessor of pebbles." Today, his people are known as the Mowachaht. They live with their relatives, the Muchalaht, near Gold River, British Columbia, Canada.
Contents
Maquinna's Time and Place
Maquinna was a strong chief whose summer village was called Yuquot. This village became a very important place for European ships. They were all trying to gain power and trade for furs. Yuquot became known as Friendly Cove after the British explorer Captain James Cook visited in 1778.
European Explorers Arrive
Before Cook, Spain had already sent ships to the region. Juan José Pérez Hernández visited in 1774. Spain claimed the coast from Mexico all the way to Alaska. They sent more voyages to show their authority. This was also because Russia and British fur traders were becoming more active.
In 1788, John Meares explored Nootka Sound. He claimed to have bought land from Maquinna and built a trading post there.
The Nootka Crisis
In 1789, Esteban José Martínez of the Spanish Navy took control of Nootka Sound for Spain. He built a fort called Fort San Miguel and a settlement named Santa Cruz de Nuca. Martínez then seized some British ships and a British person named James Colnett. This caused a big international problem known as the Nootka Crisis.
The Spanish fort was left empty at the end of 1789. But it was rebuilt a year later by Francisco de Eliza and Pedro de Alberní y Teixidor. Both the fort and settlement were finally abandoned in 1795. This happened after an agreement called the third Nootka Convention was made. Maquinna and his people then moved back into their coastal village.
Maquinna's Role in Diplomacy
Maquinna played a key role in talks between Spain and Britain. The Spanish envoy, Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, and the British leader, Captain George Vancouver, negotiated the Nootka problem. Maquinna welcomed both of them. He was called "Hyas Tyee," which means "important chief." This term later became part of the Chinook Jargon language.
One story tells how Maquinna and his people put on a show for Vancouver and Bodega y Quadra. The noble brothers acted out European clothes and manners. They even made up funny Spanish and English words. This was done in the style of the great potlatch theatre-dance culture of the Northwest Coast. Maquinna also had a fighting force of 300 to 400 men.
Challenges and Conflict
Relations were not always easy. Maquinna's brother, Callicum, was very angry when the Spanish seized British ships in 1789. He was shot and killed by Esteban José Martínez or one of his sailors.
Maquinna also worshipped at the Yuquot Whalers' Shrine. He performed special ceremonies there. These rituals helped him gain spiritual strength to hunt whales. They also helped attract drift whales to his beaches.
European Captives
_01.jpg)
Maquinna is also known for having kept European captives at different times. The most detailed story comes from the writings of John R. Jewitt. He was one of two captives held for several years. This happened after Maquinna and his men attacked the ship Boston.
Jewitt's book is called A Narrative of the Adventures and Sufferings of John R. Jewitt. It tells about his time as the only survivor of the Boston crew. He was held for almost three years among the people of Nootka Sound. The book also describes their customs, way of life, and beliefs. It was one of the first books to give a look into the culture of the Pacific Northwest peoples. Jewitt called Maquinna "king" and his leaders "chiefs."
Maquinna made Jewitt learn the Nuu-chah-nulth language. He told Jewitt that the Boston was attacked because earlier American and Spanish visitors had caused problems. Jewitt was rescued in 1805 by Samuel Hill, the captain of another ship called the Lydia.
Jewitt's book also mentions an earlier group of European captives. They tried to escape to the lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht people. Their chief, Wickaninnish, was a rival of Maquinna. These captives were eventually sentenced to death by Maquinna. One captive who had not tried to escape was later sold to Chief Wickaninnish. He reportedly died soon after hearing about the attack on the Boston.
Maquinna's Legacy
Maquinna is remembered in several ways today:
- Maquinna Marine Provincial Park includes Hot Springs Cove.
- Maquinna Elementary School is in Port Alberni.
- Chief Maquinna Elementary School is in Vancouver.
- Maquinna is an active underwater mud volcano. It is located west of Vancouver Island.
See also
In Spanish: Macuina para niños
