Yuquot, British Columbia

Yuquot (meaning "Wind comes from all directions") or Friendly Cove is a small settlement of less than 25 on in Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, . It was the summer home of Chief Maquinna and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht (Nuu-chah-nulth) people for generations, housing approximately 1,500 natives in 20 traditional wooden longhouses.

It was sighted for the first time by Captain James Cook in 1778. A Spanish trading post, Santa Cruz de Nutka, and Fort San Miguel, the only Spanish fort ever established in Canada, was maintained there between 1789 and 1795, with Nutka becoming an important focal point for English, Spanish and American traders and explorers. Yuquot was also the scene of the Nootka Incident. The Nootka Convention was held in nearby Tahsis in 1792 to resolve the dispute between Spain and Britain over trading rights with the people of Yuquot. The talks between Captain George Vancouver and Captain Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra were facilitated by Chief Maquinna.

John R. Jewitt, an English blacksmith, was held there for three years 1803-1805 as Maquinna's slave, following the capture of the trading ship Boston and the deaths of the captain and all but one other crew members. Jewitt's memoirs form an important record of Yuquot at that period.

The Canadian government declared Friendly Cove a National historic site in 1923, with recognition of the significance of the First Nations history following in 1997.

The community is located within the Strathcona Regional District.

ee also

*History of the west coast of North America

External links

*BCGNIS|25332|Yuquot