August 28, 2023 – Huu-ay-aht First Nations over the past several years has been working with citizens, Ḥaw̓iiḥ, legal counsel, and consultants to better understand intergenerational trauma amongst our Nation.
Three separate groups have interviewed over 50 Huu-ay-aht citizens to discuss various things that affect intergenerational trauma such as addictions, physical & mental abuse, sexual assault & harassment, and abuse of power. Reports such as the Inquiry panel report, intergenerational impacts of residential school, and community wellness, all indicated recommendations for Huu-ay-aht First Nations to move forward for the betterment of our Nation.
The Huu-ay-aht Ḥaw̓iiḥ and Huu-ay-aht Government are committed to protecting our most vulnerable, women, children, youth, and elders. We can’t do this alone. It will take you, our citizens, to help us implement the recommendations and to strengthen our communities to be safe and healthy. We want all of us to help achieve our wellness statement:
Huu-ay-aht Wellness Statement: “Our citizens are grounded in our culture, teachings, and sacred principles. Through healing, wellness, celebration, and the understanding of our Treaty, we are connected, empowered, responsible, accountable, and motivated.”
Working with partners such as the RCMP, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Province of BC, and the Federal Government departments, we will be committed to identifying resources to support our journey of wellness, health, and safety, and strengthening our environments.
Activities that can damage or cause harm to our communities and citizens in our communities will not be tolerated. Drinking and driving, abuse, or harm to our most vulnerable, women, children, youth, and elders in our communities will not be tolerated.
We ask our citizens to support us in achieving our wellness statement and help us create a safe, healthy, and welcoming community.
“We are profoundly grateful to everyone who placed their trust in us by initially bringing their stories forward to our Council and to all of those who participated in the investigations. We are humbled by their bravery and appalled by what they have suffered. The Ḥaw̓ ił̣ Council stand with them and are here to support them. We urge them and all our citizens to take care of themselves and one another.”
– ‘On behalf of the Hawiih Council – Thlu’ as aksup /Theresa Nookemis’
“We recognize and acknowledge that intergenerational trauma throughout Huu-ay-aht citizens and communities is a widespread and long-standing problem. We are grateful & appreciative to everyone who continues to place their trust in us and opened to using their voice in the investigations. It is essential that together we begin to address these painful and harmful legacies of intergenerational trauma, particularly on Huu-ay-aht’s most vulnerable, women, children, youth, and elders.”
– ‘On behalf of the Executive Council – Chief Councillor, John Jack’
We encourage you to take care of yourselves and each other. And please reach out for support, assistance, and guidance. Together we can steer our canoe in the right direction.
To view official signed document: click here