Toquaht First Nation

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.

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

Bert Mack is Head Chief, Kevin Mack is on Council as well as Chaa-maa-taa (Second chief). Lillian Mack is also on Council. Recently, Chief Bert Mack appointed Ann Morgan for his successor as Tyee Ha’wiilth, and she will take over these functions upon the Chief’s passing.

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: [phone])

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)

Community Opportunities

The implementation of treaty re-establishes self-governance and control over Toquaht traditional territories. Under the Maa-nulth treaty, the Toquaht will regain control of 1,489 hectares with an option to purchase 721 more over 15 years, a significant addition to the current 199 hectares under Indian Reserves.

Sources

Ecotrust Canada. Jackie Godfrey, "The Toquaht Nation," in Daniel Arbour, Brenda Kuecks & Danielle Edwards (editors). " [http://www.ecotrust.ca/clayoquot/governance/ Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations Governance Structures 2007/2008] ", Vancouver, September 2008.

ee also

*Nuu-chah-nulth
*Nuu-chah-nulth language

External links

* [http://nuuchahnulth.org/ Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council homepage]