Author: Huu-ay-aht Communications

March 2, 2026. 

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Longer daylight hours and low tides combined to create ideal conditions for an intertidal clam digging experience at the food beach at Sarita Bay. The event was led by the Huu-ay-aht Lands and Natural Resources Team—Tommy Joe, Abigail Andiel, and Stephen Smith. 

Joining the harvest were Huu-ay-aht youth Vanessa Young and Issiah Dennis. Jacquie Dennis also brought a van load of youngsters from Paawats. Staff members from Nova Harvest participated as well, making it a lively and collaborative outing. 

Participants enjoyed digging up clams and discovering many other intertidal organisms in the mucky clam garden. Tommy Joe, a true clam-digging machine, worked continuously and filled two buckets—the equivalent of about 100 pounds of clams. In total, 150 pounds of clams were harvested during this “introduction to clam digging” event. 

The use of the food beach at Sarita Bay encourages its ongoing productivity and celebrates the construction of the clam garden, a project completed through the Huu-ay-aht Warriors program. Clam gardens are a prehistoric practice used to increase the production of culturally significant foods. Rock walls built in the lower intertidal zone filter sediment and create a shallow, sloped terrace—ideal conditions for clams to grow and spawn. 

You can read more about clam gardens here: https://hashilthsa.com/news/2023-08-24/nuu-chah-nulth-youth-restore-clam-gardens-future-generations 

photos: H. Alexander

February 11, 2026

Statement of Solidarity from Huu-ay-aht First Nations

The Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Government are profoundly saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred yesterday, February 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Our hearts are heavy for the students, staff, and families who this violence has directly impacted. We recognize the unimaginable trauma experienced by those within the school walls and the long road of healing that lies ahead for the entire student body, faculty, and overall community of Tumbler Ridge.

As we send our strength to the school community, we also extend our respect and condolences to all Nations who call Treaty 8 home, whose land we recognize as the place where this tragedy occurred. We stand in solidarity with you as you support your youth and families through this time of profound grief.

In Nuu-chah-nulth and Huu-ay-aht culture, we live by three sacred principles, one of which is hišukma c̕awaak (everything is one). When the heart of a community, its school, is hurt, the impact is felt by all of us, from our coastal shores to the mountains of the Peace River region.

We send our prayers for the healing of the injured and the strength of the first responders. To the families grieving unimaginable loss: please know that from our shores to your mountains, we are holding you in our hearts.

Key BC Crisis Resources:

• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 (Available 24/7).
• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433): Specifically for suicide prevention/intervention.
• 310-6789: BC Mental Health Support Line (no area code needed) for emotional support.
• KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717 (Indigenous-specific, 24/7).
• Youth Services: Call or text 686868 (Kids Help Phone).

View Official Statement: Here

On Monday, February 9, 2026 at a news conference in Ottawa, members of the Land Claims Agreements Coalition call on all political parties to support Bill C-10, the government’s bill to establish a commissioner for modern treaty implementation. The legislation, which was co-developed with Indigenous treaty partners, is currently at second reading in the House of Commons. Among the press conference, participants were Debra Febril (Executive Chairperson, Nisga’a Lisims Government), John Jack (Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations), Wilfred Cootes (Chief Councillor, Uchucklesaht Tribe government), Ruth Massie (Chief, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council), and Kilikvak Kabloona (CEO, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.).

See recording or live press conference here: click here

See Press Release here: click here