ʔuuʔałuk (Taking care of)
BC Corrections and Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) met at the Port Alberni Government office on Friday, July 18, 2025, to share a meal, exchange gifts, and join in partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Supported Community Integration.
The purpose of the MOU is to establish a collaboration between BC Corrections and HFN to support release planning, reintegration and/or case management of BC Corrections Clients who are registered citizens of the HFN, or are currently residing in, or intending to reside in the HFN community.
This initiative intends to provide BC Corrections and HFN citizens a better understanding of the significant role that a community can play when individuals who are involved with BC Corrections desire to have representatives from their community support their reintegration efforts.
The MOU was signed by HFN Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Jack and Assistant Deputy Minister, BC Corrections, Erin Gunnarson. Also in attendance were HFN Executive Councillors n̓aasiismisʔaksup, Stella Peters (the portfolio holder), ƛicitatḥ, Edward R. Johnson, n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner, and from the ḥaw̓iiḥ Council, Sherri Cook (Yaalthuuaa-uks) and Theresa Nookemus (Thlut’ as aksup).
Gifts were exchanged between BC Corrections and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations: the Huu-ay-aht gave a wood-carved Eagle feather and cedar roses. BC Corrections presented a wooden box and blanket made by inmates at a BC Corrections facility who are taking part in the woodworking and Tailor Shop Programs.
Other First Nations have also participated in this initiative; the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation signed a similar MOU in 2019, and five Nicola Valley Indian Bands – the Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Indian Band in 2021.