Susk'uz: The Heart of Maiyoo Keyoh

Maiyoo Keyoh • Tsa Bunghun (Great Beaver Lake)

Nestled along the north shore of Tsa Bunghun, known in English as Great Beaver Lake—lies the ancient village site of Susk’uz, the ancestral home of the Maiyoo Keyoh. This sacred place holds generations of stories, ceremonies, and the resting places of our Keyohwhuduchun (hereditary leaders) and their relatives.

Each fall, the land around Susk’uz glows in shades of amber and gold, its still waters reflecting the strength and continuity of Dakelh law. The video you see today captures not only the beauty of the territory, but also the living legacy of those who have carried the responsibilities of leadership through time.

A Living System of Governance

The Maiyoo Keyoh is one of several Keyohs within this region—each representing an ancestral governance system that predates colonial boundaries. Every Keyoh had its own village, its own leadership, and its own obligations to the land and people.

The role of Keyohwhuduchun is not simply ceremonial. It embodies the sacred duty of stewardship—ensuring that the land, waters, and all living beings are cared for according to ancestral law. Leadership traditionally passes to the next most suitable relative, chosen for their ability to uphold the values and responsibilities of the Keyoh.

Leadership Rooted in Family and Land

Most recently, Sally A’Huille, who carried the responsibilities of the Maiyoo Keyoh, entrusted the title of Keyohwhuduchun to Petra A’Huille. This transition represents more than a change in leadership—it reflects the enduring strength of Keyoh governance and the deep interconnection between family, land, and identity.

A Place of Continuity and Respect

Susk’uz remains a place of reverence—a site where ancestral knowledge meets the living present. The gentle waves of Tsa Bunghun speak to those who listen, carrying reminders of our obligations to protect what was handed down to us.

Through this short film, the Maiyoo Keyoh Society honours the legacy of our leaders and invites others to witness the beauty and governance that continue to guide our people.