Storyteller’s Corner: Tseshaht First Nation

Photos of the Tseshaht Administration Building, riverside view. Photos courtesy of Tseshaht staff.

We are the c̓išaaʔatḥ,

We are the c̓išaaʔatḥ (sis sha ahtah or Tseshaht), one of the 14 Nations which collectively are known as the Nuu-chah-nulth [Nootka] people who have called Western Vancouver Island home for thousands of years. With strong cultural roots, rich in traditional teachings and language, we are proud of who we are and where we come from. We are working hard to pass down our teachings to the next generation and keeping our nuučaan̓uł (Southern Wakishan) language dialect alive.

The foundation of our cultural beliefs stem from our origin story. Our people were created at c̓išaa (sis-shaa), a place currently known as Benson Island, which is one of the Broken Group islands around Barkley Sound. At the beginning of time, our first Tseshaht ancestors (one man and one woman) were bestowed the use and care of the Broken Group Islands. The waters surrounding our traditional territory enabled our people to become skilled whalers. Tseshaht translates as “people of a rancid smelly place” as our villagers were often busy preserving whale oil, which traditionally was a symbol of wealth.

Tseshaht Memories: Somass Hall

The Tseshaht people have a rich and vibrant history, and hold the teachings of their ancestors and elders in the highest regard. The use and management of communal resources are passed down through the generations, through the practice of tutuupata, which outline the authorities of hereditary leaders. Tutuupata governs how the resources provided from the land, water, air, passing down of names, ceremonial songs and dances and regalia should be owned and utilized.

This strong sense of communal leadership and sharing of resources is continued to this day. The Tseshaht community held community meetings and sought feedback from everyone in how they would like to utilize the funding provided by BC First Nation Gaming Revenue Sharing. The community agreed, although it was a hard and emotional decision, that their beloved Somass Hall needed to be destroyed, with the hopes of a brand new community hall to be constructed. The community has applied for $4 million in grants to help cover the future construction costs of a brand new community hall. The BC First Nation Gaming Revenue Sharing funds will help cover the community portion of the expenses in making this dream a reality.

Since the mid-1940’s this community hall served as the central gathering place for every event and occasion for our people. After sitting unused for a long time, the building was deemed condemned and unsafe to use. The Somass Hall was demolished on September 30, 2020. The communal decision to tear it down was an emotional one, which is seen in heart felt memories shared on facebook, and within a memorial booklet created by the Tseshaht administration staff.

Community Engagement

Tseshaht First Nation engaged all of its members and staff in a community feedback exercise. The community was asked to create a ‘wish list’ of items they would like for the community, generating a priority list of how to best utilize the funding provided from BCFN Gaming Revenue Sharing, in accordance with its funding reporting requirements. In addition to the demolition of Somass Hall, funding will also be utilized on the following:

• Covid support, care packages and funding for medical trips for community members

• Renovate the community Longhouse, including various upgrades, and improvement to the airflow and smoke management

• Elder Care and Support, minor renovations to their homes, elder activities, more focus on health and wellness awareness

• Arranging more tours and visits to the Broken Group Islands, traditional Tseshaht homeland and territory

• Completing Policy Development, namely communications, finance and business procedure policies to strengthen the operations of the administration office

Above: The Tseshaht community Longhouse, and a photo from the archives, Tseshaht community members engaged in a competitive game of Lhahal. Photos courtesy of Tseshaht staff.

Tseshaht Market: Gateway to the Pacific Rim

The Tseshaht community, located in picturesque Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, BC, is proud of its full service gas station and market. This location provides the last opportunity to purchase fuel between the communities of Port Alberni and Ucluelet and Tofino. The market offers:

• gasoline, propane, diesel

• 16 flavors of hard scoop ice cream

• take out fried chicken

• fresh fruit and vegetables

• fishing supplies, bait, licenses, fire wood

• First Nation artwork and gifts

• newspapers and stamps

The gas station and market overcame a number of barriers over the years. The first gas station opened in June 1979, and was destroyed in a fire within months. A second gas station opened in January 1981, but operated with older technology and needed a number of upgrades to stay modernized. The Tseshaht community partnered with the First Nation Emergency Services Society and the Nuu-Cha-Nulth Economic Development Corporation to start the needed upgrades in 2000. The community celebrated with a grand opening on July 15, 2000. The community holds a sense of pride in developing and maintaining a successful First Nations owned business on reserve. Service always comes with a smile when you visit Tseshaht Market.

A promotional video of the newly renovated Tseshaht Market, obtained from Youtube.

For more information visit the Tseshaht First Nation Website.

Privacy Statement: Information and photos collected are intended for success stories only. Information is reviewed and approved by the First Nation, and may not be edited without their consent. All inquiries regarding the First Nation are referred back to the First Nation. Information is deemed accurate to the best of our ability at the time of publication. Information cannot be shared or reused without the permission of BCFN Gaming Revenue Sharing and the First Nation.

Tseshaht Success Story, May 2021