Finding and creating opportunities to get Huu-ay-aht citizens fishing again is a top priority of Executive Council.
On March 7, Executive Council approved the purchase of a commercial crab licence that will get fishers out on the water this year. The licence cost the Nation $1,035,000, plus the cost in fees to transfer the crab licence.
“I always say, ‘If you give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,’” explains Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis. “This is an important step that we need to take to get our fishers out fishing again. That’s what I want to see for our people.”
Executive Council budgeted $500,000 for the purchase price, and the remaining $635.000 will be achieved through financing, hopefully through the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation.
Purchasing this licence is an important step in fulfilling the commitment made as part of the Fisheries Treaty Implementation Plan. The funds being used to make the purchase are available because Huu-ay-aht received money through the signing of the Maa-nulth Treaty to develop a commercial fishery.
Councillor Connie Waddell holds the Treaty Implementation portfolio. She often hears citizens ask “what are the benefits of becoming a treaty nation?”
“Here is a specific example of one of those benefits – negotiating the additional funds for the licences,” she explains. “Having it in the Treaty upon signing and receiving the dollars gave us the opportunity to purchase of the crab licence. This will help make our Nation and our fisherman successful in the future.”
Huu-ay-aht issued a request for proposals earlier this month for a partner to lease one Category R – Area G tab that will expire at the end of the season in 2019. In order to fulfill the goal of offering opportunities to citizens in our Nation, first priority will be given to applicants who can provide training and mentorship to Huu-ay-aht citizens. If you are interested in the RFP, go to: https://huuayaht.org/whats-happening/work-with-us/