This book examines over 4000 years of culture history of the related Nuu-chah-nulth, Ditidaht, and Makah peoples on western Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Using data from the Toquaht Archaeological Project, McMillan challenges current ethnographic interpretations that show little or no change in these peoples’ culture. Instead, by combining historical evidence, recent archaeological data, and oral traditions he demonstrates conclusively that there were in fact extensive cultural changes and restructuring in these societies in the century following contact with Europeans.

McMillan brings the reader up to modern times, identifying the major issues that face the Nuu-chah-nulth, Ditidaht, and Makah communities today.

"A well-written, engaging book." - The Midden 31/4

"In this comprehensive history of [western Vancouver Island and the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington], Alan McMillan integrates all available sources of information into a single account, tracing the heritage of [the region’s indigenous] peoples from the earliest archaeological evidence over 4000 years ago and addressing contemporary issues." - University Press Books Selected for Public and Secondary School Libraries (2000)

"The subject of this thoroughly researched and well-written book is the Native peoples of the west coast of Vancouver Island and the northwestern peninsula of Washington State ... McMillan presents an exhaustive and detailed overview of the archaeological evidence ... His book will prove especially valuable to researchers studying the northwest coast of Canada." - Canadian Book Review Annual 4218