-British Columbia’s history started with one word, “Nutka.” On James Cook’s earliest maps, it was the sole port of entry to a whole new world. Nootka was the home base of avarice and slaughter as the sea otter was rendered extinct in local waters by American and English traders. It gained further infamy with the enslavement of John Jewitt in 1803. Always it has been the “Land of Maquinna,” chief of the Mowachahts (historically called the Nootkas).
-----Fifteen years ago it became the discovery of Heather Harbord. The waters of Nootka Sound and the surrounding inlets lured her to their endless coves and hideaways – First Nations’ villages, abandoned logging camps, Spanish outposts and an ever changing mosaic of pioneers.
----- Heather, accompanied by her trusty kayak, and often with the co-operation of the captain of the coastal freighter, Uchuck III, has seen and lived a lot of what the Sound has to offer. She has befriended loggers and First Nations’ families from Gold River to Kyuquot and heard their views first hand. On subsequent trips she ventured by road to Zeballos and by sea to Kyuquot. She explored Esperanza Inlet, Kyuquot Sound and the many historic village sites of Maquinna’s people tothe southeast.
---- Heather has seen the scars left by gold rush and logging camps. She has explored and lived off the local waters while enjoying the return of the sea otter.
---- In Nootka Sound, she documents both 19th and 20th century history while describing the routes and sights that new visitors can enjoy.

Heather Harbord
Heather resides in Powell River, BC, and is a freelance writer and avid kayaker. She has explored the Nootka Sound area interviewing settlers and First Nations peoples. This is her first book.