the huu-ay-aht first nations were once governed by hereditary chieftains. in the nuu-chah-nulth language, they are called "ha'wiih" (plural) and "ha'wilth" (singular). one of these leaders stands above the rest as the "tyee ha'wilth", or head chief. currently, the hfn has seven hereditary leaders including the head chief. one of these seats is vacant.