Tseshaht First Nation

The Tseshaht or Tsisha? At (formerly Sheshat ) are Canadian Indians and among the Nuu- chah- nulth, one of the resident on the Pacific coast groups of Indian tribes or First Nations. They originally lived on Tsisha or Benson Iceland, an island off the west coast of Vancouver Iceland. Today they live in reservations near Port Alberni. The Tsehshaht speak Wakashan and are members of the Nuu- chah- nulth Tribal Council, which represents 15 of the 16 Nuu- chah- nulth groups.

In April 2010 1.010 (May 2009: 978) were men recognized as tribal members, of which lived 400 ( 389) in the reserve in Port Alberni, 582 ( 563) outside the reserve, and the remaining 28 allocated to other reserves.

History

Archaeological Project Tseshaht

The archaeological research project in the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Iceland is supported jointly by the Tseshaht Nation and Parks Canada. These islands, now located within the Pacific Rim National Park, the traditional home of the Tseshaht. The scientific work began in 1999 and 2000 and focused on Benson Iceland, an outer island of the group, on which lay the old village Ts'ishaa. Oral traditions of the Tseshaht determine this place to the place of their origin, where First Man ( Naasiya'atu ) and first wife ( Naasayilhim ) were created. Later records of the anthropologist Edward Sapir based on the stories of Tseshaht elders of the early 20th century, identify the social groups who once lived here and talk about big plank houses with painted fronts.

The archaeological team led by Alan McMillan and Denis St. Claire has drawn several deep trenches through the remains of the village. Deposits from 4 m depth consist largely of shells and bear witness to a life that depended mainly on the resources of the sea. The resident at this place located on the open ocean people fed on a wide variety of fish species and hunted sea lions and whales. Reports of elders of the Tseshaht about the great whalers who once lived in this village are confirmed by various discoveries of large quantities of whale bones. Then there is the tip of a harpoon from shells that are still stuck deep in the skull bones of a whale. In addition, more than 700 artifacts were unearthed. It is mainly sharpened bone fragments that were used as fishing tackle, although a decorated bone comb and a polished black stone pendant Free of other areas of life testimony. The archaeological finds from the main village include a period of two millennia.

On a rising ground behind the main village, you have discovered even older finds. This area was inhabited when the sea level was about three meters higher than today. Once the waves breaking at the foot of this survey; it was followed by a gradual increase of the country and the establishment of the below lying village. Using radiocarbon dating method obtained data show that this part of the plant was first inhabited over 5,500 years ago. He thus represents the oldest known archaeological site today on the west coast of Vancouver Island represents the artifacts found in this area include predominantly primitive carved stone objects that differ markedly from those of the later village.

Public information plays a major role in this project. Over 1,700 Visitors to this part of the island of the Pacific Rim National Park saw the progress of the excavations. Tseshaht leaders declared the history of the plant and the Tseshaht - people and made so for a greater understanding of this group of islands. Another aspect was the training of Tseshaht Youth, which provided a substantial part of the excavation team. Elders and other community members had great interest and took an extended trip to track the excavations. The Tseshaht cooperate with the Pacific Rim National Park on the protection of their cultural heritage in order to raise awareness among the visitors for its history in this area. Since 1 May 2009, the tents on Benson Iceland is prohibited in order to protect the sites.

Reserves, population decline

1881 were counted 174, 1891 only 151 Tseshaht.

Current Situation

Today the Tseshaht own 8 reserves totaling 584 ha in the central west of Vancouver Iceland. The population center is located in Tsahaheh Indian Reserve No. 1, the reserves have been assigned to them in 1882 by Commissioner O'Reilly. Their former territory on Barkley Sound on Vancouver Iceland was once one of the areas with the highest indigenous population density on the island.

The reserve is accessible by road, by air and on the water. Some houses have running water from Port Alberni, while others get water from a municipal well. The wastewater is either via the duct system of Port Alberni or septic tanks. Police and health care are also taken from Port Alberni.

The public facilities of the Reserve consist of a community hall, a health spa, a cultural center, a cemetery and a school. Among the economic activities include fishing and forestry.

2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver

The Tseshat coordinated the representation of the Nuu- chah- nulth at the Olympic Winter Games of 2010, as one of seven Indian culture units. For the Nuu- chah- nulth were $ 154,000 available with which artists should be encouraged, Tim Paul, a Tseshat artists who took over the management. The topic was selected by the artists Hupakwanum, the name given to the boxes of the chiefs. Besides Sayers, a Hupacasath, eight other artists were involved: Pat Amos, Tom Paul, Jason Titian, Tobias Watts, Qwaya Sam and Jake Gallic; create woven baskets the Ahousaht Alice and Sam the Hesquiaht Delores Bayne to represent not only the male side of their culture.