Huu-ay-aht First Nations citizens made history on Saturday when they became the first British Columbia Nation to approve the co-management development of a liquefied natural gas facility.
With 70 per cent support in a referendum on Saturday, March 25, citizens show resounding faith in Huu-ay-aht Ḥaw̓iiḥ (Hereditary Chiefs) and elected Executive Council’s vision, and the Sarita LNG facility became real. The positive vote means that the Nation will move forward in a co-management relationship with Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG proposed for their traditional territory in Sarita Bay, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
“This is an exciting day for Huu-ay-aht,” explains Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “This vote shows that our community is united and ready to sit at the table with Steelhead LNG as partners as this project moves forward.”
Executive Council would like to offer its appreciation to citizens for their support in this project. By voting in favour of this project, citizens have opened the doors to a future full of opportunity. The project will make possible many of the projects and programs Executive Council has proposed. Executive Council will move forward guided by ʔuuʔałuk, ʔiisaak and Hišuk ma c̓awak, and fostering growth and capacity building in citizens, ensuring the success of the people, families, and Nation for generations to come.
Very disappointed to read about this. I was considering purchasing property in Bamfield and was happy to see that the band had purchased quite a few properties in town. This made me think that tourism and the environment would be a priority for the band; however, there is no way Bamfield will become the next Tofino with LNG tankers passing by. I am happy that you published this online as it has steered me away from Barkley sound in general.
Too bad for today’s decision by Petronas
My thanks to the Huu-ay-aht Nation.
I work in the energy sector and your decision is a ray of hope to a depressed industry that seems to continually be cast in a negative light. Canadian energy companies are among the most ethical and technologically advanced in the world and I doubt anyone could dispute that our First Nations are the greatest wards of the land and there are no other groups that care for the environment as deeply as you do.
If the Sarita project is completed, it will surely be to a standard that is unrivalled.
I have children as I’m sure you do and although I hope they all get to grow up in a world of opportunity and convenience, it can’t be at the expense of mother earth. Knowing that your nation will be involved in this project gives me the greatest confidence that it will be done in a responsible manner. Thank you again.
Where’s The LNG coming From?
Can you please report how many eligible voters there are in their community with the results of how many yes and how many no? I only ask because in our community the band council only sends out ballots to the yes members. and how many hereditary chiefs and matriarchs there are and how many of them voted yes? same concern. thank you. will look for an update.
Thank you for your question Cynthia, there are over 500 eligible voters in our Nation. Ballots were mailed to every eligible citizen, including many of our international citizens as well. As for your questions regarding who voted, the vote was done anonymously and I cannot disclose that information. For more information on how our referendums are held, you can view our laws and current legislation on our website. https://huuayaht.org/government/current-legislation/