The final Report: Year-Round Abundance Monitoring of Large Whales Throughout the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government & Maa-nulth Nations’ Southern Marine Territory (2022–2025) has been published.
This research was conducted by the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (YG) to better understand large whale occurrence throughout the Maa-nulth marine territory. YG leadership has decided to pause further aerial marine monitoring at this time.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their valuable knowledge and time to this project.
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.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is proud to support the next generation of leaders through our Student Youth Program, an initiative designed to connect youth with meaningful employment opportunities within our government departments.
This summer, Huu-ay-aht youth are gaining hands-on experience by working in areas that align with their interests and career goals. Whether it’s administration, natural resources, communications, culture and language or community services, students are exploring their passions while building valuable skills for their future.
As part of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Student Youth Program orientation, the students visited the Anacla Government Offices (AGO) and the sacred ancestral village of Kiix̣in as part of their summer employment orientation on July 3, 2025.
Photo [left to right]: Cory Howard Sr., Emily Kosteniuk, Hailey Jacob, Charli Brown, Jay Gill, Daniel Jack, Issiah Dennis, Vanessa Young, Nolan Nookemus, Victoria Williams (photo by H. Alexander).
Seven students participated in a full day of events; Emily Kosteniuk, Hailey Jacob, Charli Brown, huč̓is Vanessa Young, ʔuutstuʔaksa Victoria Williams, tamuuk Issiah Dennis and wahuu Nolan Nookemus, and for some it was a first visit to their ancestral home.
The students were welcomed at the Anacla Government Office (AGO) by tuqwii Cory Howard Sr. with a welcome prayer, and then met AGO staff, managers, and program leads. Executive Councillor n̓aasiismisʔaksup Stella Peters presented an overview of Huu-ay-aht governance and the vision for youth involvement. Once paperwork was completed, the students were given a short tour of the AGO, followed by a dinner song by Daniel Jack and a pizza lunch, provided by The Market (HFN Group of Businesses).
It was a perfect summer day to hike the board-walk trail to the ancient village of Kiix̣in. Along with forest birds, big bear scat and wildlife sightings, Cory Sr. explained the significance of the animal carvings on the sign commemorating Kiix̣in as a National Historic Site; the thunderbird, bear, fish and whale carvings indicate that the area was rich in these resources for the Huu-ay-aht.
The students were fortunate their visit to Kiix̣in occurred at low tide, with calm seas and favourable weather, and a few students took the opportunity to explore the cave under the large sea stack. After exploring the beach, Cory Sr. guided the students into the village site and pointed out ancient house and door posts and told stories of life at Kiix̣in. He described the traditional boundaries of the Huu-ay-aht territory, how the people of nearby Nations identified territory borders using carved posts, and spoke of the conflicts among surrounding Nations.
Cory Sr. also spoke of his own heritage (the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation) and told stories learned from his father, and how he came to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory when he was 17 years old.
Daniel Jack (Culture and Language), Jay Gill (Human Resources), Stephen Evans (Economic Development), and Heather Alexander (Communications) also participated in the student orientation day.
Photo [left to right]: Charli Brown, Hailey Jacob, Daniel Jack, Jay Gill, Nolan Nookemus, Vanessa Young, Victoria Williams, Issiah Dennis, Emily Kosteniuk, Cory Howard Sr. (photo by H. Alexander)
The Student Youth Program helps participants earn income and develop a strong work ethic and empowers them to see themselves as contributors to the Nation’s growth and success. Through mentorship, learning, and real-world experience, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is investing in our youth, supporting them to become confident, skilled, and community-driven individuals.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is excited to watch these young professionals thrive and take pride in knowing they are helping to shape the future of Huu-ay-aht.
Effective July 10, 2025 at 12 p.m. noon, Huu-ay-aht First Nations will implement a prohibition on all Category 1 campfires at both public and private campsites within Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi(traditional territory). This decision comes in response to ongoing dry conditions, limited firefighting resources, and the proximity of our lands to extensive forested areas.
Effective immediately, Category 1 open campfires are not permitted at the following Huu-ay-aht Campgrounds:
Haines Island
Dania (Hamilton Point)
Diana (Kirby Point)
Helby
Sarita River
Sarita Falls
Sarita Lake
Pachena Beach Campground Public Sites & Citizen Private Sites
Category 1 campfires are defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 meters high by 0.5 meters wide, typically used for recreational purposes such as cooking or keeping warm. This restriction is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of wildfires during high-risk conditions.
Portable propane fire rings are still permitted, as they are a safe alternative that does not rely on wood burning and can be quickly extinguished.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations deeply respects the importance of fire in cultural and ceremonial practices. If a fire is required for cultural purposes, please get in touch with the Director of Lands and Natural Resources in advance for approval and safety coordination. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during this time.
For questions, please contact Jaleen Rousseau, Acting Director of Lands & Natural Resources at Jaleen.r@huuayaht.org or 250-728-3414.
