New Dimensions in Ethnohistory: Papers of the Second Laurier Conference on Ethnohistory and Ethnology (Canadian Museum of Civilization Mercury Series)

Along the Pacific side of Vancouver Island live a score of previously more numerous, culturally similar but politically distinct, peoples, given various overall names: Nootka, Aht, West Coast, and since 1978, Nuu-chah-nulth. The southeast quarter of their area provides the subject matter of this volume, which consists of two independently prepared but complementary studies. The first features Barkley Sound peoples and their territories, particularly the Tseshaht and the Ohiaht, as well as the people living near the mouth of Alberni Inlet. The second includes several historical accounts from the same region, then focuses more on the Ditiadaht and Pacheedaht, who live to the southeast of Barkley Sound. Being salvage ethnology, the studies are based largely on recollections, and coverage is uneven. Oral history accounts, which evoke a sense of past times, place names and maps are included. The volume fits in with the MuseumÕs long-standing Urgent Ethnology Program.