Hereditary System
The hereditary system of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ originates from a congregation of 17 Ucluelet tribes, which each had a Ha’wilth (Chief) and associated Ha’houlthee. Most Ha’wilth retained a Tsaksi (speaker on behalf of the chief) who represented the Ha’wilth in tribal affairs. The Ha’wiilth had a number of Tupatsi, or advisors, who played an important role in influencing the direction of tribal affairs. When Europeans arrived in the 18th century, these tribes were still vibrant as autonomous entities, operating in a manner similar to a federation. However, with the development of, dare we to say, atrocious Canadian assimilation policies for aboriginal groups, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ tribes eventually merged to form the current Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.
So while many of the 17 tribes are defunct today as governance structures, families are aware of which house and tribe they belong to historically. The current Tyee (head Ha’wilth) for the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ is Wilson Jack.
Most importantly, as proposed in the Maa-nulth Treaty, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Constitution sets up an integrated hereditary/elected governance system which permanently reserves a seat for one Ha’wiih on Council.
For people interested in a more-in-depth understanding of traditional Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ governance system, Dr. Michelle Corfield, published an excellent M.A. thesis on the topic in 2002.
Read more about this topic: Ucluelet First Nation
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