The Nuu-chah-nulth

Nuu-chah-nulth (meaning "all along the mountains") aptly names these 19 nations that have inhabited Vancouver Island's west coast for 5,000 years, and continue to be the only whale hunters on Canada's Pacific coast.  Traditionally, ritual preparation preceded their hunt.  They harpooned Grey Whales, their primary quarry, from carved Western Red Cedar dugout canoes.

After European contact, canoes were often rigged with cloth sails.  The distinctive carved bow-piece in the shape of a wolf's head fronts a dugout with wide, flared sides and square stern giving stability on rough seas. 

Captain Cook encountered the Nuu-chah-nulth in 1778.  He misinterpreted their directions ("come around to the harbour") for their name, and called them Nootka, which has endured until recently.  Their language family is Wakashan, with several dialects spoken in different communities.