On Wednesday, June 10, Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Government staff from Port Alberni and Anacla gathered at the House of Huu-ay-aht to learn about the Nation’s journey to Treaty.
‘Treaty 101’ was prepared and presented by Huu-ay-aht citizens, speaker, and BC Treaty Commissioner, Angela Wesley. Angela shared valuable information about how HFN became the self-governing Nation we know today, outlining the core motivations behind the historic decision and the foundational goals that continue to guide the community.
During the presentation, Angela highlighted that the path to a modern-day treaty was a deliberate choice by Huu-ay-aht citizens. While legal battles and court cases yielded some victories over the years, the litigation process ultimately proved too costly in time and money.
Recognizing that HFN could not fully achieve its long-term goals under the restrictions of the Indian Act, the Nation was already preparing to govern itself. The Treaty was voted on by citizens as the logical next legal step toward true independence, aimed at improving the lives of all Huu-ay-aht People, no matter where they live, while protecting and stewarding HFN lands and natural resources for years to come.
The presentation also highlighted historic growth and autonomy Huu-ay-aht achieved since the Treaty was officially implemented. Angela shared several remarkable milestones that underscore the power of self-governance:
- Expanded Territory: The Nation has added 800 hectares to its land base since 2011.
- Territorial Control: Huu-ay-aht now controls, manages, or jointly controls 91% of its traditional territory.
- Financial Growth: Since implementation, financial investments have undergone a massive transformation, increasing by up to 32 times. As well as increased Federal funding for the Nation by 102%.
These milestones reflect the strict criteria the Treaty had to meet to serve the Nation effectively. It needed to:
- Assert the inherent right to self-government within a modern context.
- Recognize and protect both land and sea rights.
- Provide the necessary tools to empower communities socially and economically.
- Serve as the foundation for an ongoing, living relationship.
On behalf of Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government and all the staff in attendance, we send a sincere thank you to Angela for taking the time to present and for so generously sharing her knowledge, history, and insight. Sessions like ‘Treaty 101’ play a vital role in ensuring that staff remain deeply connected to the Nation’s mission, grounded in its history, and fully equipped to support Huu-ay-aht citizens as the journey of self-governance continues to unfold.
