Yuquot

Yuquot stands at the mouth of Nootka Sound, on an island off the western coast of Vancouver Island. The sheltered harbour and access to the open Pacific made it a centre of the Mowachaht people, whose chiefs held authority over the surrounding waters and villages. Whaling was central to their life and ceremonies; near Yuquot stood the Whalers’ Washing House, associated with the ritual preparation of whalers.

After James Cook’s visit in 1778, ships came to trade for sea otter pelts. The Mowachaht chief Maquinna sought to control this commerce, drawing furs from across the island and bargaining with rival captains. In 1789 a Spanish garrison established itself at Yuquot and seized British vessels, bringing Spain and Britain close to war. Their representatives Vancouver and Quadra met here in 1792 to settle the dispute; Spain withdrew in 1795, and Maquinna’s people returned to the village.