September 12, 2025
PORT ALBERNI, BC – This morning, after much deliberation, BC Supreme Court Justice Amy Francis granted the application for an interim injunction in favour of Tsawak-qin Forestry LP (“Tsawak-qin”) which prohibits anyone from interfering with, or blocking access to, the permitted harvest area and any road within the injunction area.
For several weeks, a group of outside agitators have descended upon the territory of Pacheedaht First Nation and set up blockades to prevent Tsawak-qin and its contractors from engaging in First Nations supported, lawful forestry activities.
We, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, have called upon these unwelcomed individuals to leave the Pacheedaht territory and allow for the First Nations supported, lawful forestry operations to continue. We hope that these individuals will realize that Pacheedaht’s right to self-determination is of paramount importance here, and they will in turn leave the territory peacefully and promptly.
The blockade has undermined the right of Pacheedaht to assert its Inherent Rights and authority over all activities within its territory. The Pacheedaht are the rightful stewards of its land, waters, and natural resources. The disrespect shown by the blockaders not only harms Pacheedaht in the immediate term, but it harms the continued path towards reconciliation.
Continuing to allow these blockaders to undermine Pacheedaht sovereignty would have set a dangerous precedent for First Nations across BC and all of Canada, and we are encouraged by the news that the interim injunction was granted against these unwelcome individuals today. We are hopeful that they will leave Pacheedaht territory expeditiously following the interim injunction being granted today.
For official statement: Huu-ay-aht Statement Regarding Interim Injunction