Yuquot Interpretive Centre
The Land of Maquinna Cultural Society was established for the specific purpose of fundraising for an interpretive centre at Yuquot.
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations has long envisioned a building at Yuquot to assist in the cultural interpretation of the Nootka people. The purpose of the Interpretation Plan was to provide an initial story, and exhibit section goals and concepts to assist in the development of buildings and exhibits at Yuquot National Historic site, the traditional capital of the Mowachaht First Nation. The plan was developed through several consultations with members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Chiefs and Elders Committee who attended meetings and provided direction for its development.
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations has long envisioned a building at Yuquot to assist in the cultural interpretation of the Nootka people. The purpose of the Interpretation Plan was to provide an initial story, and exhibit section goals and concepts to assist in the development of buildings and exhibits at Yuquot National Historic site, the traditional capital of the Mowachaht First Nation. The plan was developed through several consultations with members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Chiefs and Elders Committee who attended meetings and provided direction for its development.
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Members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Community Heritage Committee who participated in the development of the plan were:
The Project Team for the production of the plan included:
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Chiefs and Elders Committee recommended that the name Nis’Maas be adopted for the proposed Interpretation Centre. Nis’Maas is the Mowachaht name applied to Chief Maquinna’s house at Yuquot. The name translates into English as meaning “solid, well-rooted, always there”. According to Mowachaht/Muchalaht traditional law, the name Nis’Maas is owned by the chiefly line of Maquinna. Permission to use this name for the project was provided by Yahtlua, Mike Maquinna, the current holder of the Maquinna chieftainship.
The four themes for Nis’Maas are:
Nis’Maas is a facility that will welcome visitors to Yuquot, and introduce the visitors to the rich history at this National Historic Site. The interpretive displays will enhance an understanding of the importance and significance of Yuquot.
- Benny Jack
- Arnold James
- John McCormick, Parks Canada
- Bryan Jackson, Parks Canada
The Project Team for the production of the plan included:
- Margarita James
- Sheila Savey
- Kevin Neary, Traditions Consulting Services
- Richard Inglis, Traditions Consulting Services
- Alan Graves, Alan Graves Design
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Chiefs and Elders Committee recommended that the name Nis’Maas be adopted for the proposed Interpretation Centre. Nis’Maas is the Mowachaht name applied to Chief Maquinna’s house at Yuquot. The name translates into English as meaning “solid, well-rooted, always there”. According to Mowachaht/Muchalaht traditional law, the name Nis’Maas is owned by the chiefly line of Maquinna. Permission to use this name for the project was provided by Yahtlua, Mike Maquinna, the current holder of the Maquinna chieftainship.
The four themes for Nis’Maas are:
- Balancing History
- Yuquot, the Centre of the World
- Recapturing the Past
- Controlling Our Future
Nis’Maas is a facility that will welcome visitors to Yuquot, and introduce the visitors to the rich history at this National Historic Site. The interpretive displays will enhance an understanding of the importance and significance of Yuquot.
Proposed Vision for the Yuquot Cultural & Interpretive Site, Centre & Exhibition
Click here to view and/or download the presentation. For more information contact Margarita James at margaritajames.mmfn@gmail.com
