historically, the toquaht nation, like many nuu-chah-nulth nations, maintained a hereditary system of governance. under the maa-nulth first nations final agreement, however, toquaht moved towards a "hybrid" hereditary/elected system, which maintains traditional governance approaches. this hybrid model has two hereditary leaders holding permanent seats on council, with three other councillors elected every four years. the government structure under the toquaht constitution consists of a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a people’s assembly. the toquaht nation reserves the right to establish a judicial branch as well.