Huu-ay-aht First Nations is on the road to self-government, and this has meant hiring a dozen new staff members since May.
Huu-ay-aht Government is becoming a major employer in the Alberni Valley, and this dynamic organization is developing exciting business opportunities for its citizens. In order to take advantage of these upcoming opportunities, Huu-ay-aht requires ample space close to the business sector of Port Alberni to facilitate communication between its citizens, partners and the other area First Nations.
Elected Chief Councillor Jeff Cook said with the additional staff, Huu-ay-aht has outgrown its current office on the corner of Third Avenue and Napier Street.
Following an extensive search and feasibility study to determine the suitability of properties throughout the Alberni Valley, Huu-ay-aht has secured a new office space for administration in Port Alberni. The new facility is located off the main Johnston corridor and provides easy access for citizens, business partners, political officials and tourists alike. Located at 4644 Adelaide Street, in the old Sears building across from the Buy-Low centre, it will provide ample space to do business.
Elected Chief Councillor Jeff Cook said that more than 80% of citizens live off Treaty Settlement Lands, so an administration building in Port Alberni makes sense.
“As we build opportunities and create jobs in our Nation, the goal is to bring people home,” the chief councillor explained. “With success, a time will come that it makes sense to move administration to the Anacla Government Office. Until that time, it is necessary to have a suitable office space in Port Alberni to provide administration and services to our people.”
He said difficult road access also poses a challenge, but that should improve in the future as Huu-ay-aht explores more opportunities for its citizens.
The new Adelaide Street property met or exceeded all outlined criteria and will provide Huu-ay-aht with a strong visible presence in the Alberni Valley. The many future projects that Huu-ay-aht is planning will take commitment and staff to complete, and that requires a suitable work space. This new building offers the optimal environment for everyone to work together to achieve a common goal of enhancing the quality of life of Huu-ay-aht citizens now and for future generations.