Huu-ay-aht First Nation - Chief-Councillor's Letter

During the week of 17 March 2008, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief & Council conducted a series of community meetings to update community members on treaty implementation and discuss our continued involvement in the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Ahousaht) fisheries litigation that the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council brought against Canada. Following a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of continuing with the fisheries litigation, we held a secret ballot on the following recommendation:

“I recommend that Huu-ay-aht First Nations sign the Maa-nulth Treaty and drop out of the Ahousaht Fisheries Litigation as soon as possible.”

You gave us a strong recommendation to continue with the litigation: over 95% of the ballots cast recommended against signing the Treaty and dropping out of the Ahousaht litigation.

Despite advising Canada, British Columbia, and the other Maa-nulth Nations, the pressure has continued to sign. This is in opposition to the democratic direction that came out of the meetings held in Anacla, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Vancouver in March. Despite the external pressure, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations will continue to work with and stand beside our friends and family in the Nuu-chah-nulth that are also a part of the case.

According to a treaty-related document called The Discontinuance Letter that was signed by the Huu-ay-aht, the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7eth’ and the Ucluelet First Nations and became effective on 9 December 2006, we do not have to leave the fisheries litigation until ten days after we sign the treaty. As such, our decision to stay with the litigation is not at odds with what we have agreed to do in respect to the Maa-nulth Treaty. In fact, we continue to aim for an effective date for the treaty in 2010.

I would like to thank those who were able to make it out to the community meetings last March and assure each and every member of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations that we understand how important it is that our fisheries interests are addressed in all forums and that all of our interests are pursued wholeheartedly. Our interests will not be served if we drop out of the fisheries litigation before the trial decision is issued.

On behalf of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief and Council, I hereby make a solemn commitment to you to continue protecting our fisheries interests. If you have any questions, comments or requests on the fisheries litigation or any treaty matters please contact Molly or John at the Huu-ay-aht Treaty Office: (250) 723-0100.

Klecko, klecko.

Sincerely,

Robert Dennis Senior, Chief-Councillor

Huu-ay-aht First Nations