The Nuu chah nulth Peoples of Vancouver Island's west coast once held sea otters in high regard. Chiefs and nobility wore sea otter pelts as signs of prestige and status. They were collected by chiefs as gifts to be used for important occasions. Traditionally, hunting for sea otters was carefully prepared for. In fact, the hunting of no other mammal with the exception of the whale, involved as much physical, spiritual and mental preparation on the part of the hunter. According to Hesquiaht elders (the late Ben Andrews, late Mike Tom (Sr.), late George Ignace, late Alex Amos, late Alice Paul) who were interviewed and taped in the 1970's, ?uusumc~, a period of mental and spiritual preparation, was necessary for a successful sea otter hunt. ?uusumc~, in preparation for a sea otter hunt, involved, among other things, bathing in special pools, ritual cleansing, and prayer.