Ahoushat Holiday Drive

by Nikki Sanchez Hood

The word Ahousaht means “people living with their backs to the land and mountains facing the ocean” in the Nuu-cha-nulth language of the Ahousaht people.  Located on remote Flores Island, the community is only accessible by boat or plane.  With a population of just over two thousand, it is the largest of all the Nuu-chah-nulth nations.  With a population of just over two thousand, it is the largest of all the Nuu-chah-nulth nations.

Fisherman and boat drivers from Ahousaht act as first responders in Clayquot Sound, often arriving before the coast guard and saving dozens of lives. Although the community is a bastion of language revitalization, ceremonial sites, traditional ecological practices and a leader in ecotourism, the average household income remains under $17,000 a year per family.

The Ahousaht Holiday Drive, lead by Nikki Sanchez Hood and supported by Earth & Spirit, was so successful his past December.  Nikki filled three car loads of donations for the community and funded a 3-day basketball tournament for the kids. 

A deep bow to all who participated in the giving.  Please mark your calendar as a reminder for next year’s Ahoushat Holiday Drive!  Thank you one and all.