Everything You Need to Know for Huu-ay-aht Days 2024
2024 Huu-ay-aht Days will take place from August 16 to 18. Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government will kick off the weekend on Friday, August 16, at 11 A.M. filling the day with food, culture, contest, and fun activities. Then it is up to Huu-ay-aht Citizens to take charge of your weekend. Come together and have fun as a self-reliant nation.
On this page, you will find everything you need to know leading up to 2024 Huu-ay-aht Days. You will find the registration form, vendor form, Friday’s schedule (to come soon), and more here.
If you have any questions that you cannot find the answer to on this page, please contact:
Kimmie MacDonald
kimmie.m@huuayaht.org
250-723-0100
Communications
communications@huuayaht.org
250-723-0100
Registration is now closed
Registration form:
It is essential for those attending, camping, participating in the cook-off, or volunteering to fill out the registration form. If you do not register, you will not be eligible for reimbursement on ferry boarding costs or a gas card.
Deadline to register: Friday, August 2, 2024
Schedules
*Click images to enlarge
Vendor Form:
Nuu-chah-nulth Vendors! Please fill out the vendor form if you want to sell some artwork, handmade clothes, or something else. We ask all vendors to participate Friday, August 16, from 2 – 6 P.M. at the beach private sites. No vending will happen at the House of Huu-ay-aht Friday morning. A table and chair will be set up for you. Please note: depending on how many vendors register, you may only be guaranteed half a table. You are more then welcome to bring your own table to avoid this situation.
We kindly ask that you donate one item to go towards door prizes.
To fill out the vendor form, visit this link: click here.
Quest Speaker – Kevin Neary
Kevin Neary has conducted cultural history research in British Columbia for over 50 years. He has worked for and with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on many projects over the course of nearly 30 years. Kevin started work in 1972 at the Royal BC Museum in 1972, and remained there for 24 years, holding positions as Indigenous collections Manager, Curator, and creating exhibits and public events.
He left the Museum in 1996 and since then has worked as a consultant on projects and investigations related to First Nations culture, history, archaeology, arts, material culture, and museum exhibits.
He was a founding partner of Traditions Consulting Services, Inc. (Traditions) in 1997. Kevin has directed or participated in numerous research and other projects for a number of First Nations, specializing in traditional use and occupancy studies, as well as other investigations related to Indigenous history and culture and museum exhibits.
His first major involvement with Huu-ay-aht First Nations was on several Traditional Use Studies in the late 1990s, working together with a team of HFN researchers and many Elders and Knowledge Keepers of the day. He assisted in having Kiixin commemorated as a National Historic Site, researched for Huu-ay-aht treaty-related issues, organized the repatriation of Huu-ay-aht belongings, has authored many reports on Huu-ay-aht history and culture, and co-authored a book, Voices of the Elders: Huu-ay-aht Histories and Legends, together with his wife Kathryn Bridge.
Camping and event location map of Pachena River/Beach:
Camping Checklist:
Make sure to remember the essentials when camping! No need to stress. We have created an essential checklist to help you out. Check out the photo; if you click on it, you’ll get a printable PDF.
Details to know:
1. This camp-out event will take place at Pachena Beach at the reserved sites. Please bring own camping gear, as it will not be supplied. You don’t have to worry about applying for a Permit.
Huu-ay-aht will have a general permit for that weekend.
2. Gas cards will be handed out to citizens on Friday, August 16, 2023, between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the House of Huu-ay-aht. It is one gas card per vehicle not per citizen.
3. Ferry boarding costs only will be reimbursed. This does not include meals. Please keep both your arrival and return receipts. Huu-ay-aht is only able to reimburse you if you have your receipt. Reimbursements are done by cheque or direct deposit, which can take up to a week to two weeks. You may submit you receipts via email to kimmie.m@huuayaht.org, scanning , or mailing.
4. Vendors must fill out a different form if you want to sell your art. Please note that you are responsible for your money float, tables and chair will be provided. For the vendor form: click here
5. Chili and Bannock/Fried Bread Cook-Off Contest
There will be a chilli and bannock/fried bread cook-off contest! If you would like to participate, please indicate that in your registration. Huu-ay-aht citizens vote, and the winner takes home a prize and their name on a plaque that will be displayed at the Anacla Government Office! Must be at the House of Huu-ay-aht at 11:30 a.m. with your chili, bannock, or fried bread.
6. Huu-ay-aht staff will kick off the weekend with a catered lunch, chili, and bannock/fried bread cook-off contest at the House of Huu-ay-aht, followed by activities at the Pachena Beach private sites. Then, citizens will take over and spend their weekend together however they please.
7. Huu-ay-aht government will provide one catered lunch and dinner at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Friday, August 16, and breakfast on August 17, then citizens will be responsible for their food and drink for remainder of the weekend.
8. There are no recycling bins at the campground. Please pack out what you pack in.
9. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the weekend. Examples: helping with breakfast Saturday morning, ensuring citizens are not leaving garbage out, watching their children, practicing Huu-ay-aht sacred principles, assisting citizens if help is needed, etc.
10. We ask that citizens are diligent with their health. If you have special requirements, please ensure you are prepared. If you have allergies, please ensure you have an EpiPen on you.
11. Parents are responsible for their children. We can’t stress it enough. Please keep an eye on your children at all times. Do not leave them unattended.
12. Huu-ay-aht Days is an alcohol and drug-free event, please do not attend if you are under the influence.
13. There is no lifeguard on duty during Huu-ay-aht days. Please use caution and never swim alone.
14. As a community, let Huu-ay-aht sacred principles guide us through the weekend: ʔiisaak (greater respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of…), Hišuk ma c̕awak (Everything is one)
We can’t wait to gather and celebrate Huu-ay-aht culture! Bring your shawls and drums.
Please check our social media pages and website for updates leading up to the weekend.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN