Logo Contest Extension: Experience Huu-ay-aht Nism̓a, a Nation-led Destination Management Organization (DMO)

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is inviting submissions from Nuu-Chah-Nulth artists to create a logo for Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a, meaning “Experience Huu-ay-aht Land.”

Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a is a Huu-ay-aht First Nations-led Destination Management Organization (DMO) that will support the development, promotion and coordination of tourism throughout Bamfield, Anacla and the broader Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories).

The winning logo will become the official identity for Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a and will also be used at Huu-ay-aht’s new Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, Huuʔii, currently being built in Anacla.

What should the logo represent?

Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a is an invitation to discover Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi through its rich culture, enduring stories, natural beauty and diverse visitor experiences. The DMO and Visitor Centre will connect visitors with local businesses, cultural experiences, outdoor recreation, accommodations, attractions, events and the people and places that make this region unique.

We are looking for a logo that captures the spirit and identity of Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a and communicates a welcoming invitation to experience Huu-ay-aht Land.

Artists are encouraged to bring their own creativity, artistic expression and perspectives to the design. The logo should reflect the purpose of the initiative while being recognizable, versatile and suitable for use across digital platforms, printed materials, signage and the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre.

The attached logo examples below are provided as visual references to help illustrate how other destinations and tourism initiatives present their identities. Artists are encouraged to develop original concepts rather than replicate existing designs.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and perspectives of Nuu-Chah-Nulth artists reflected in the visual identity of Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a.

Examples of DMO’s around BC:

Sunshine Coast Visitor Centre inside for visual reference example:

Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Cultural & Visitor Centre (In June 2026 – still under construction)

Logo Requirements:

  1. Circular shape.
  2. Simple design with no tiny or intricate details. The smallest details should be visible on a round print about 5- 7 cm in diameter. Designs should remain recognizable and legible when reproduced at smaller sizes.
  3. Following the Huu-ay-aht colour brand guide (images below).
  4. Design should reflect the concept of experiencing Huu-ay-aht lands, culture, and values.
  5. The logo should work across a range of uses, including websites, social media, signage, print materials, merchandise, stickers, shirts, and other promotional items.
  6. All submitted designs must be entirely original, human-crafted without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or generators, and fully suitable for use as the DMO’s official visual identity.

Prize: $500 Cash

Submission deadline extension: Friday, November 20, 2026

Submit to: Anacla or Port Alberni Government Office, or by email at communications@huuayaht.org

Click on the photo to enlarge
Click on the photo to enlarge

Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through Community Gathering and Orange Garden Planting

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Residential School Survivors, Citizens, and the Bamfield community gathered at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Thursday, October 1, 2026. (Photo by Huu-ay-aht Communications).

On Thursday, October 1, Huu-ay-aht First Nations honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, at the House of Huu-ay-aht in Anacla. 

An estimated 120 people came together, including residential school survivors, Huu-ay-aht citizens, the Bamfield community and students from Bamfield Community School, as well as families who travelled from Port Alberni, Nanaimo and even Vancouver. Attendees arrived dressed in orange in support of the day. 

 At the entrance of the House of Huu-ay-aht, participants received flower seeds, orange pins, t-shirt stickers as reminders to carry the spirit of the day with them and reflect on its meaning throughout the year.

The gathering opened with a moment of silence to honour the community’s recent loss, as well as the children who never returned home from residential school. A cultural song followed, and blankets were presented to families who had recently lost loved ones, and to survivor speaker Ben Clappis in appreciation. 

Photos of residential school survivors were displayed throughout the gathering, and Ben Clappis shared his personal story, helping attendees reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system. A community lunch followed, prepared by The Bamfield Pub, a Bamfield local business. After lunch, custom-made orange T-shirt cupcakes, provided by Mountain View Bakery, a Port Alberni local business, were shared. Ben Clappis spoke about the meaning of birthdays, explaining that at residential school, children were not able to celebrate their own birthdays, and only one large cake was shared among everyone. Participants sang “Happy Birthday” together in honour of survivors and the children who never had the chance to celebrate. 

The gathering closed with the Orange Garden for Truth and Reconciliation project near the memorial bench outside the House of Huu-ay-aht. A planter box was painted orange in advance by children from Paawats Daycare, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations childcare centre. Community members and children helped plant and water the flowers. The project recognized the 2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and created a meaningful space for remembrance, reflection and healing. It was made possible with funding from the Government of Canada. 

Every Child Matters. Today and every day, Huu-ay-aht remembers.

Indigenous-Led Community Celebration to Feature FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Screenings in Alberni Valley

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

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

Complete Match Schedule & RSVP Links

Venue 1: The KCC (4090 Hollywood St., Port Alberni)

  • June 12 (Friday) – Tournament Kickoff!
    • 🇨🇦 Canada vs. Bosnia – 12:00 PM (RSVP Here)
    • 🇺🇸 USA vs. Paraguay – 6:00 PM (RSVP Here)
  • June 13 (Saturday) – Super Saturday Viewings!
  • June 18 (Thursday)
    • 🇨🇦 Canada vs. Qatar – 3:00 PM (RSVP Here)
    • 🇲🇽 Mexico vs. South Korea – 6:00 PM (RSVP Here)
  • June 21 (Sunday)
    • New Zealand vs. Egypt – 6:00 PM (RSVP Here)
  • June 24 (Wednesday)
    • 🇨🇦 Canada vs. Switzerland – 12:00 PM (RSVP Here)
    • Brazil vs. Scotland – 6:00 PM (RSVP Here)
  • June 26 (Friday)
    • New Zealand vs. Belgium – 8:00 PM (RSVP Here)
  • July 2 (Thursday) – Knockout Round Triple-Header!
  • July 19 (Sunday) – The Grand Finale!
    • 🏆 FIFA World Cup Final – 11:15 AM Pre-Show | 12:00 PM Kickoff (RSVP Here)

Venue 2: House of Huu-ay-aht (Bamfield)

  • July 7 (Tuesday) – West Coast Feature Event!
    • Round of 16 (Live from Vancouver) – 1:00 PM (RSVP Here)

West Coast of Vancouver Island Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon Stock Assessment in 2024

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

The 2026 Fisheries and Oceans Canada research report on the West Coast of Vancouver Island’s natural-origin Chinook salmon highlights a direct partnership with the Huu-ay-aht First Nation.

Through the dedicated monitoring and assessment efforts of the Huu-ay-aht team since 2017, the Sarita River Chinook has emerged as a vital ecological indicator for understanding natural-origin juvenile Chinook production and population dynamics within the Stock Management Unit.

The team has conducted comprehensive assessments of juvenile salmon out-migration and return migration in the Sarita River, employing active management and mark-selective fisheries to improve the stock’s proportional natural influence.

This collaborative research, supported by Huu-ay-aht fisheries management, provides critical insights into smolt survival rates and life-cycle bottlenecks that are essential for shaping future conservation and rebuilding strategies for the region

View full research report: Here

Update for Huu-ay-aht Citizens: Education Programs

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government has decided not to renew our participation in the NTC Graduation & Scholarship Program.


Why?
Huu-ay-aht already offers our own graduation and scholarship programs—and they are more inclusive and provide greater support to our students.

• Our program recognizes all Huu-ay-aht graduates (Dogwood, Adult Dogwood, Evergreen, and post-secondary)
• NTC’s program is limited to SD70 students and has had low participation from our citizens
• Only a small number of Huu-ay-aht students have received modest NTC scholarships in recent years
• NTC programs have also created confusion and overlap with our own supports.

What this means
By stepping away from the NTC program, we can invest more directly into our own students.

This means:
• More support for all Huu-ay-aht learners (K–12 and beyond)
• Stronger and more consistent recognition and scholarships
• A program that is designed specifically for our citizens

This decision is about focusing on our own programs and better supporting Huu-ay-aht students.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Brent Ronning, Education Manager, at brent.r@huuayaht.org or 250.723.0100.