The Keyoh as ancestral lands owned by an extended family whose head manages the lands.  The head of the Keyoh is called the Keyoh Holder or Keyohwhudachun.  The Keyohwhudachun title is passed from the family head of one generation to the next generation. It is customary for the first male child or someone of suitability to receive the title of Keyohwhudachun. The practice continues generation after generation.

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Keyoh Holders and their families respect the authorities and titles to each others’ territories. 

The practice of recognizing and respecting each others’ Keyoh is vital to maintain relationships between neighbouring families for many reasons and fosters good social relations including trade relations between families and in turn neighbours develop as strong allies.

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Respect and recognition of one Keyoh to another enhances the ability of each others management and control.  Internal control is vital to the long term sustainability and relationship between the family the plants, and animals, in their Keyoh.

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Each Keyohwhudahun is the steward or custodian of their land.  Permission to use a family’s keyoh is granted by the consent of the Keyohwhudachun.

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Recognizing and respecting each others family ownership integral to the cultural institution

of the Keyoh.

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In 2008 Keyoh Holders documented the protocol for recognition and respect of each other.  The Keyoh Holders’ Protocol is titled “Recognition & Harmonization For Keyoh Title” (PDF)