Executive Councillor n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner, brought the opportunities of Huu-ay-aht nism̓a (traditional land) to the forefront at the Indigenous Resources Opportunities Conference (IROC) alongside Premier David Eby, MLA A’Aliyah Warbus, and leaders from across the sector.
The Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference (IROC) is a significant, Indigenous-led event that promotes Indigenous economic participation in British Columbia’s natural resource sector. Now in its 10th year, IROC 2026 brought together First Nations leaders, government representatives, resource developers, and industry partners for three days of keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities for relationship-building.
Together, these leaders are committed to fostering respectful collaboration and creating a strong future through responsible development
Premier David Eby and Executive Councillor n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner at the IROC (Photo provided to Huu-ay-aht Communications).
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.
Huu-ay-aht Staff at the House of Huu-ay-aht participating in Treaty Training (Photo by HFN Communications).
Five staff members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations emergency management team recently joined forces with neighbouring nations and local partners for an intensive Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Essentials training session.
The course, hosted by the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation, brought together personnel from Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Hupačasath First Nation, the City of Port Alberni, and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Emergency Program to build skills and practice emergency management protocols together.
Delivered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), the training focused on the core fundamentals of how an EOC functions to support frontline departments during a crisis. Participants explored site support operations utilizing the standardized Incident Command System (ICS) management structure. This framework defines key roles, such as operations, planning, logistics, and finance, ensuring that all can collaborate seamlessly when a disaster strikes.
Nations and Organizations participating in EOC training (Photo by Tseshaht First Nations).
The 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration is coming this summer! Hosted by the Hupacasath First Nation in close partnership with the Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, this exciting event brings live FIFA World Cup 2026 match screenings straight to the big screen.
Supported by the Province of British Columbia and delivered in collaboration with the Alberni Athletics Soccer Club, the City of Port Alberni, and the ACRD, this free, family-friendly gathering features 16 major matches. Come out for 8 dynamic days of action at the Kinsmen Community Centre in Port Alberni, and be sure to join us right at home for a special West Coast satellite broadcast at the House of Huu-ay-aht in Bamfield on Tuesday, July 7, 2026! Packed with youth-focused activities and open to everyone—bring your jerseys, flags, and best energy!
General Event Information
Event Title: 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration
Dates: June 12 – July 19, 2026 (Select dates across the tournament)
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is advancing two key tourism projects that will help shape how our ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories) are experienced, promoted, and supported over the long term. Together, these initiatives are focused on creating a strong, Nation-led tourism economy that reflects Huu-ay-aht values while generating sustainable opportunities for citizens.
Establishing Regional Management and Reinvestment
As part of this vision, Huu-ay-aht is working toward establishing what could become Canada’s first Indigenous-led Destination Management Organization (DMO). This initiative focuses on developing a coordinated approach to managing and promoting tourism across Huu-ay-aht territory. By establishing a clear identity and “sense of place” for the region, the DMO aims to ensure that local tourism directly reflects the Nation’s culture, priorities, and long-term vision.
Alongside the development of the DMO, Huu-ay-aht is exploring the implementation of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). If approved, the MRDT would generate dedicated revenue to be reinvested directly into community-identified tourism initiatives. Potential improvements include enhanced signage across the territory, trail development and maintenance, targeted marketing for regional tourism experiences, and public infrastructure such as washrooms and visitor amenities.
This project is not just about attracting visitors; it is about ensuring that tourism is well-managed and community-driven, and that it benefits all residents of the Huu-ay-aht territory.
Preparing for the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre
In parallel, preparations are underway for the opening of the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, anticipated in 2026. This facility will serve as a central hub for visitors to learn about Huu-ay-aht history, culture, and territory. Current planning focuses on designing the overall visitor experience, developing day-to-day operations, and creating structural opportunities for Huu-ay-aht artists and entrepreneurs to participate through retail space and cultural programming.
Once operational, the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre will play an important role in welcoming visitors in meaningful ways, creating local employment, and supporting cultural sharing.
