or (since 1980) Nuu-chah-nulth
Any of several bands of Northwest Coast Indian people of southwestern Vancouver Island, B.C., Can.
, and northwestern Washington, U.S. The name Nuu-chah-nulth, which they adapted in preference to Nootka (given them by others), means "Along the Mountains." They speak a Wakashan language. Culturally related to the Kwakiutl , the Nootka were specialized whale hunters. They moved seasonally, returning to their principal homesites during the winter. Local groups were usually socially and politically independent. The most important religious ceremony was the shaman's dance, a reenactment of mythological themes that ended with a potlatch . Today the Nuu-chah-nulth number about 6,000.