Hereditary System (Klukwana)
Prior to the 19th century, the Hesquiaht were a congregation of five small nations living around Hesquiaht Harbour, with a total population of about 6,000 to 10,000 individuals. Each nation was governed by their respective Ha’wiih (hereditary) system. After the smallpox epidemic, the communities moved to one site at Hesquiaht Village, before being moved by Indian Affairs to the current site at Hot Springs Cove. The Hot Springs Cove reserve is located on territory claimed by the Ahousaht First Nation.
The Ha’wiih system is still alive and well in Hesquiaht. Four hereditary chiefs guide the community and inform the work of council. The chiefs sit hierarchically as one looks at the four fingers of the hand. The Ha'wiih are: - Kathleen Andrews-Thomas - Ta'hii (Head Hereditary Chief) (Middle finger) ,House of Kaaeth Klaahish Takuumth (includes the Charleson, Ignace and Mickey families) - Vince Ambrose (ring finger) (Ambrose, Lucas families) - Steve Tom (index finger) (Tom, Sabbas, Webster families) - Eddie Jones (small finger) (Jones, Lucas and Ginger families) One interesting feature of Klukwana (the traditional governance system) is the continued existence of Tikawiilth, those who manage the nation’s affairs on behalf of the hereditary chiefs. The Tikawiilth traditionally manage the affairs of the hereditary chiefs, which in modern times often coincides with role of Chief and Council. The current Tikawiilth are: Pat Charleson (Head Wolf Chief) - (thumb), Larry Paul, Remi Charleson, Eugene August, Chancellor Amos
Read more about this topic: Hesquiaht First Nation
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