Toquaht First Nation
Encyclopedia
The Toquaht First Nation is a First Nations
government based on the west coast of Vancouver Island
in British Columbia
, Canada
. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
.
According to the Maa-nulth Treaty website, there are six reserve sites. The only inhabited site is Macoah. It is located by Macoah Passage just west of Toquaht Bay on the north side of Barkley Sound. Protected by a group of Islands, Macoah is where a number of Toquaht Band Members make their home. It was populated many years ago but had lain vacant for several years. About 25 years ago nine houses were built on it and a few members moved back. The five other sites are Deekyakus, Chenatha, Dookqua, Dookqua (a), and Stuart Bay, all located within Barkley Sound.
Despite its small size, the Toquaht Nation has been a leader within the NTC and the Central Region First Nations through active political leadership, business savviness, cultural initiatives and as a proponent of the Maa-nulth Treaty.
- Central Region Chiefs: Chief Bert Mack
- Central Region Board: Chief Bert Mack
- Central Region Management Board: Gary Johnsen
- Clayoquot Biosphere Trust: Gary Johnsen
- Iisaak Forest Resources: Gary Johnsen (Chair of the Board)
- Barkley Sound ShellfishMarina at Toquaht Bay Docking Facility and Campground
- Timber Mill at Macoah (currently not in use)
- Toquaht Development (forestry)
- Toquaht Enterprises (forestry)
- Toquaht Heritage Society
- Toquaht Management (real estate management)
- Toquaht Nation Traditional Canoe Project (in funding stage)
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
government based on the west coast of Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a large island in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of several North American locations named after George Vancouver, the British Royal Navy officer who explored the Pacific Northwest coast of North America between 1791 and 1794...
in British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is a First Nations Tribal Council in the Canadian province of British Columbia, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island.- History :...
.
Introduction
The Toquaht Nation is one of the smallest First Nations in terms of membership within the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and is the smallest amongst the Central Region First Nations. There are currently eight people living at the main village of Macoah, which is accessible off Highway 4 on Kennedy Lake, with the remainder of the membership living in Ucluelet, Port Alberni, and other cities in the Northwest.According to the Maa-nulth Treaty website, there are six reserve sites. The only inhabited site is Macoah. It is located by Macoah Passage just west of Toquaht Bay on the north side of Barkley Sound. Protected by a group of Islands, Macoah is where a number of Toquaht Band Members make their home. It was populated many years ago but had lain vacant for several years. About 25 years ago nine houses were built on it and a few members moved back. The five other sites are Deekyakus, Chenatha, Dookqua, Dookqua (a), and Stuart Bay, all located within Barkley Sound.
Despite its small size, the Toquaht Nation has been a leader within the NTC and the Central Region First Nations through active political leadership, business savviness, cultural initiatives and as a proponent of the Maa-nulth Treaty.
Hereditary System
In January 2009, in a traditional ceremony Bert Mack passd on the Chieftainship to Anne Mack, who succeeds him after a reign which lasted over 50 years. Kevin Mack is on Council as well as Chaa-maa-taa (Second chief). Lillian Mack is also on Council.Elected System
Toquaht has maintained a hereditary system of governance. The Chief and Council are currently all hereditary. As part of the Maa-nulth treaty, the Toquaht Nation intends to move toward an elected Chief and Council system while maintaining traditional governance approaches. This dual system will see the first two hereditary Chiefs hold permanent seats on Council, with three other Councillors being elected every four years. Further, the government will consist of a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a people’s assembly. The Toquaht Nation reserves the right to establish a judicial branch as well.Administration
The Toquaht First Nation currently has a small administrative structure which oversees social and economic development programs, treaty, and governance coordination. The main contact for enquiries is Kevin Mack. t: (250) 726-4230)Appointments to Other Boards
- Central Region Chiefs Administration Executive Director: Jackie Godfrey- Central Region Chiefs: Chief Bert Mack
- Central Region Board: Chief Bert Mack
- Central Region Management Board: Gary Johnsen
- Clayoquot Biosphere Trust: Gary Johnsen
- Iisaak Forest Resources: Gary Johnsen (Chair of the Board)
Business and Economic Development
The Toquaht Nation and membership manage or own a number of businesses, including:- Barkley Sound ShellfishMarina at Toquaht Bay Docking Facility and Campground
- Timber Mill at Macoah (currently not in use)
- Toquaht Development (forestry)
- Toquaht Enterprises (forestry)
- Toquaht Heritage Society
- Toquaht Management (real estate management)
- Toquaht Nation Traditional Canoe Project (in funding stage)