Huu-ay-aht First Nations Celebrates the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project

ANACLA, B.C. – OCTOBER 10, 2023 Today, Huu-ay-aht First Nations hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Bamfield Main Road at Kilometre 76 to mark the completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project. Following, was a celebration at the House of Huu-ay-aht.

This project started back in 2020 with Huu-ay-aht and the Province sharing the same vision of creating a safer route between Bamfield and Port Alberni, and today both partners have made it a reality.  Providing mitigation towards a safe route is one substantial task completed.

The Bamfield Main Road is an active industrial road. It supports multiple users from industry to residents living in the Bamfield and Ditidaht area and the growing number of visitors. Over the years, the Bamfield Main, known as a dusty gravel road, has put many road users at risk and in some cases taken their lives. Everyone will play a role in continually being a diligent driver for the safety of everyone on the road.

Although the chip seal is complete, our next task is to collaborate on a strategy for maintaining the chip-sealed road and preparing for the economic growth that will come. Working together with partners we will work diligently to ensure the proper steps are taken to secure this investment and vision. 

A project of this size does not happen without strong partnerships and the many workers involved. Huu-ay-aht extends their utmost respect (ʔiisaak) and gratitude to everyone who contributed and the individuals who worked hard and long hours to complete this project.

B.C. supported the project with $25.7 million in 2020, and an additional $10 million in 2023.

Quotes

“Completing the Bamfield Road Reconciliation Project was a top priority for Huu-ay-aht. Working in partnership with the Province of BC, C̓̓awak ʔqin, and Mosaic, together we have made this a reality. We wanted to provide a safer and more reliable route for everyone who travels in Huu-ay-aht territory. With this upgrade, we begin building a strong, self-reliant community and economy for Huu-ay-aht citizens and everyone in the region. We are grateful to everyone who has supported Huu-ay-aht in reaching our vision.”

– Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor, John Jack

“The leadership shown by Huu-ay-aht from the outset of this project has been so inspiring. Their perseverance and resolve got them through wildfires, pandemics, rising costs and floods.  The result is that the Bamfield Main Road is now much safer.  This work will have a lasting impact for everyone: community residents, local businesses, and the forestry and tourism industries alike. It will support economic growth and economic recovery for years to come.”

– Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Murray Rankin

“There are many people to hold in our hearts with remembrance and gratitude as we celebrate this moment. The road is the main transportation link between Port Alberni and the communities of Bamfield and Anacla, and it is used for medical, emergency and community access for Huu-ay-aht First Nations members, Bamfield residents, workers, and visitors. These improvements will make the trip to and from Bamfield and Anacla a safer one, bringing peace of mind to everyone who travels that road.”

– MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, Josie Osbourne

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Cutting the cedar ribbon at kilometre 76 on the Bamfield Main Road. Left to right: Huu-ay-aht Councillor Edward R. Johnson, Mosaic, CEO Rob Gough, Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack, Former Minister Scott Fraser, Former Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., MP Gord Johns, Western Forest Products, Seanna McConnel, Huu-ay-aht ḥaw̓ił Jeff Cook, Huu-ay-aht Councillor Brad Johnson and Stephen Rayner.

View Official Press Release Here: Click Here

For more information:

Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
250-720-7776
amanda.c@huuayaht.org

Bamfield Main Road Update – September 26

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September 24 – 30

  • Chip Seal is completed from kilometres 14.3 to 76.
  • Preparation is completed between kilometres 0 to 14
  • A pilot vehicle will used during both sweeping and seal coating operations on the Bamfield Main Road.
  • Delays will be a maximum of 15 minutes.
  • Chip Seal between kilometre 0 to 6 will be taking place this week.
  • Sweeping, cleaning of bridges, and removing berms will be taking place through out the week.

Important:

Huu-ay-aht has had a number of concerns brought to their attention in regards to vehicles speeding and putting other road users at risk, specifically around narrow sections of the road. Please be aware of the road signage and obey the speed limit of 60 km/hr. The Bamfield Main is still an active industrial logging road and road users are travelling on the Bamfield Main at their own risk. To ensure safety for everyone, please slow down.

Be aware and watch for construction equipment, flaggers, crews are on the road, and follow pilot vehicles.  

The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.

Please drive with your headlights on and drive with extreme caution.

You can also find road updates on our Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN 

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Explores Allies Tourism Fee Program to Build Stewardship Finance

COURTENAY – September 19, 2023 – The Huu-ay-aht First Nations is investigating a tourism fee program in the Bamfield area to support the Nation’s development of ecological and cultural stewardship to strengthen local tourism through a new project investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.

“We are very appreciative of the investment from the Trust in supporting Huu-ay-aht as we investigate a valuable option that will support Huu-ay-aht’s economy and Guardian program,” says Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor, John Jack (Sayaač̓atḥ), “Taking these steps will ensure that the stewardship of our territory is sustained, and protected, and provides visitors with knowledge of Huu-ay-aht’s values.”

This potential program, inspired by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s successful Tribal Parks Allies program launched in 2018, will be adapted to suit the specific needs and interests of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. This strategy invites businesses and organizations to sign a protocol agreement that commits them to contribute a 1% Ecosystem Service Fee to fund action items defined in community plans, such as environmental and cultural stewardship initiatives. With new road infrastructure improving access to Bamfield and Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ traditional territory, Huu-ay-aht is expecting a major influx of tourism visitation. The development of new partnerships with local businesses and tourism operators will create a revenue stream that will be directly reinvested in long-term stewardship of Huu-ay-aht territories enabling sustainable tourism development.

“This initiative is a special one for the Trust to invest in with Huu-ay-aht who are leading the way in developing a sustainable local economy along with an innovative approach to stewardship finance as the owners and stewards of their traditional territory,” says Aaron Stone, Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust, “This new initiative will create new partnerships and revenues for Huu-ay-aht First Nations that benefit local businesses, citizens, and visitors in the years ahead.”

The project includes a strategic planning and visioning phase, which will determine the specifications of the Huu-ay-aht Allies program, as well as the initiative’s development and launch. During the second phase, the program will invite Bamfield businesses and other businesses utilizing Huu-ay-aht traditional territory to voluntarily participate.

The “Allies Tourism Fee Development” program will work with participating businesses, recognized as “Allies”, and be recognized as such through the display of the Allies logo. Together, allied members and Huu-ay-aht will work in a mutually beneficial way that is respectful of Indigenous rights and help mitigate the impacts of tourism.

“Bamfield and Huu-ay-aht territories continue to attract visitors who are looking for stunning beauty and adventures in nature,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, “This innovative program will help ensure more of the profits from tourism go back to the Huu-ay-aht Nation and create partnerships that will support the region’s ongoing prosperity.”

Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Huu-ay-aht First Nations in the Allies Tourism Fee Development project through the Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $45,500 to a total project budget of $95,500. The project will be underway imminently.

For the official press release, please click here

Media Contacts

Brodie Guy
CEO
Island Coastal Economic Trust
brodie@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797

Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Amanda.c@huuayaht.org
250-720-7776

Bamfield Main Road Completion Celebration

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Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to invite you to the celebration of completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project on Tuesday, October 10, at the House of Huu-ay-aht at noon. Join us for a meal, and please bring your shawls and drums.


Request for Bid

For this event Huu-ay-aht First Nations is accepting bids for catering in Anacla for Tuesday, October 10, for approximately 200 people. Please submit your menu, bid, and food safe certificate to communications@huuayht.org


Bamfield Main Road Update – September 19, 2023

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Crews are starting grade preparation and chip sealing this week at kilometres 0 to 4. This will require vehicles to follow a pilot vehicle at this section. Delays are estimated to be a maximum of 15 minutes.

There are also some places where crews will work in zones along kilometres 0 to 36. Workers will be grading, sweeping, and placing chip seals. Please stay alert to pilot vehicles, road signs, and speed limits.

Important:

Huu-ay-aht has had a number of concerns brought to their attention in regards to vehicles speeding and putting other road users at risk, specifically around narrow sections of the road. Please be aware of the road signage and obey the speed limit of 60 km/hr. The Bamfield Main is still an active industrial logging road and road users are travelling on the Bamfield Main at their own risk. To ensure safety for everyone, please slow down.

Be aware and watch for construction equipment, flaggers, crews are on the road, and follow pilot vehicles.  

The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.

Please drive with your headlights on and drive with extreme caution.

You can also find road updates on our Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN