Nootka Indians, a branch of the Wakashan linguistic family (the other branch being the Kwakiutl) living on and near Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The name was originally applied to the Mooachaht tribe of Nootka Sound, but later was extended to some 25 tribes or bands, sometimes including the Makah and Ozette of Cape Flattery, Washington. The Nootkas ware skilled woodworkers, building seagoing dugout canoes from cedar logs, and large multifamily homes made of wooden planks. Their main sustenance came from fishing. The Nootkas were the only Indians of the pacific Coast who hunted whales. About 5,000 still live on Vancouver Island.