Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product haas^i>sa “ Interesting News” Vol. 32 - No. 17 - August 25, 2005 Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Maquinna Chiefs receive national designation By David Wiwchar Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Yuquot - Representatives from Parks Canada and the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation gathered at Friendly Cove to commemorate the Maquinna line, and in particular two Chief Maquinnas as people of National historic significance.
Representatives from Parks Canada and the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation gathered at Friendly Cove to commemorate the Maquinna line, and in particular two Chief Maquinnas as people of National historic significance. Chief Jerry Jack offered a ciquaa, led the singing of a welcome song, and gave a short history of Yuquot to the dozens of people who arrived aboard the MV Uchuck III chartered by Mowachaht / Muchalaht for the event. According to Steve Langdon, in his first formal dedication as newly appointed Parks Canada Field Unit Superintendent for Coastal BC, “Maquinna joins an exclusive group of families and people who have played a very important role in the building of this great Nation”.
“Maquinna joins an exclusive group of families and people who have played a very important role in the building of this great Nation”. After unveiling a large plaque commemorating the event, Tyee Ha’wilth Yathluaa (Mike Maquinna) said, “the history of our family is well documented, and we appreciate the awareness of the living culture we have in Mowachaht / Muchalaht territory. The plaque, written in English, French, and Nuu-chah-nulth commemorates
Steve Langdon, Parks Canada Field Unit Superintendent for Coastal BC, congratulated Mowachaht / Muchalaht Tyee Ha’wilth Yathluaa (Mike Maquinna) at the unveiling of a new monument at Yuquot. two distinguished chiefs, both named Maquinna, who led the Mowachaht people of Nootka Sound at the end of the 18th century. The first Maquinna (fl. 1778-1795) commemorated was an accomplished diplomat who helped to establish the Mowachaht among the richest fur traders on the west coast, even while their land was threatened by Britain and Spain. Upon his death, his brother Quatlazapé, who also assumed the name Maquinna, succeeded him. The second Maquinna (fl. 1786-1825) commemorated, helped his people to prosper in the face of declining fur resources and increased violence between the Mowachaht and Europeans. “With today’s commemoration, we are helping all Canadians to understand and appreciate the historic significance of the first two Maquinna,” said the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada in a
Scenic Yuquot during Summerfest
Hupacasath unveil Whaling Exhibit .................... Page 2 Ahousaht youth host celebration ......................... Page 3 New Principal at HaahuuPayuk .......................... Page 4 Native designs in modern architecture ............... Page 5 Federal report on Language and Culture ........... Page 6 NEDC Business News ........................................... Page 20
subsequent press release. “At the end of the 18th century, the first Maquinna welcomed strangers who came from half a world away. The British, Spanish and Russians were all met with open arms, with the Spanish establishing their only settlement in what became Canada.”
The plaque, written in English, French, and Nuu-chah-nulth commemorates two distinguished chiefs, both named Maquinna, who led the Mowachaht people of Nootka Sound at the end of the 18th century. The plaque unveiling ceremony took place in Yuqout, the traditional home of the Mowachaht First Nation and a national historic site of Canada, during their 15th annual Summerfest – a celebration recognizing the life, culture and traditions of the Mowachaht. “The Mowachaht people continue to welcome visitors to their lands to learn and share their culture,” added Minister Dion. “Their history demonstrates the interconnectedness of life and illustrates the deep spiritual bonds they have with the environment.” Created in 1919, the Historic Sites
and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. “It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations,” said Dion. The Maquinnas join 587 similar people of National Historic significance in Canada, of which only 31 are commemorated in British Columbia. The commemoration marks the end of two years of effort by the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation to achieve the designation which requires numerous supporting documents and reports.
The Maquinnas join 587 similar people of National Historic significance in Canada, of which only 31 are commemorated in British Columbia. The plaque will be placed inside the church at Friendly Cove alongside a similar one commemorating Yuquot as a National Historic Site until a suitable cairn can be erected.
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