Author: Huu-ay-aht Communications

The Huu-ay-aht First Nations community  remembers and honours Patsy Lecoy’s life and legacy. She was a deeply respected member whose dedication, warmth, and strength left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her.

Patsy served her Nation with quiet determination and a unwavering heart. From 2002 until her retirement in late 2011, she worked as a Building Service Worker for Huu-ay-aht First Nations. Whether keeping spaces clean and welcoming or offering a kind word in passing, her presence was a constant reminder of care and commitment to the community’s well-being.

However, Patsy’s contributions extended far beyond her job title. She was passionate about preserving and revitalizing the Nuu-chah-nulth language, a gift she carried with great pride and purpose. Her love for the language was shared with the next generation through her work with the Anacla Paawats children, where she taught and nurtured cultural identity through traditional language learning. Her efforts created a lasting bridge between generations, rooted in the values and teachings of the Huu-ay-aht people.

Patsy also demonstrated an unwavering sense of civic responsibility. She never hesitated to participate in government meetings, Nananiiqsu, the People’s Assembly, and more, ensuring her voice and the voice of her community were heard regardless of the circumstances. Her presence at the table was a powerful reminder of the importance of involvement and the strength that comes from showing up.

Above all, Patsy was devoted to her family. She was always surrounded by and supporting her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride. Her home and heart were always open, and she was there to lend a hand whenever needed, offering guidance, comfort, or simply a helping presence.

To those who knew her, Patsy was more than a teacher, colleague, or community member; she was a source of inspiration, knowledge, and love. Her commitment to language, culture, community, and family will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

We honour her memory and carry her legacy forward with gratitude and respect.

ƛ̓eeko ƛ̓eeko Patsy. May your spirit continue to guide us.

On Friday, February 7, representatives from Global Affairs Canada’s Indigenous Engagement team and Indo-Pacific Branch toured Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s trade operations, which include the Oyster Farm and TimberTiles production. These industries are significant economic drivers for the community and reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

“These business projects represent Huu-ay-aht Group of Business’s value-added strategy to maximize the return for Huu-ay-aht from the natural resources within the ḥahuułi” said Patrick Schmidt, CEO, Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses.

Huu-ay-aht’s oyster farming operation, based in Bamfield BC, is a prime example of responsible aquaculture. Currently, the Oyster Farms have a limited shipping radius, but an exciting development is underway: the farm will soon be employing new processing technology. This equipment will allow for more significant expansion and robust shipping opportunities, further establishing Huu-ay-aht as a key player in the sustainable seafood market.

Additionally, the TimberTiles operation in Port Alberni is another standout. Sourcing wood from the region, including Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi (territory), this operation is a testament to the Nation’s ability to manage its natural resources responsibly. Huu-ay-aht has partnered with local owners to market these high-quality TimberTiles, promoting environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

“The greater understanding that vital federal departments like Global Affairs Canada have regarding the interests of modern treaty nations, the better off Huu-ay-aht will be in pursuing the creation of value in the global economy and benefiting from that activity directly and indirectly,” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor, John Jack, “This visit shows that this federal government and the department itself are committed to understanding the nuances involved in First Nations economic development on the West Coast, as well as the considerations needed in how modern treaties create opportunities for creating value and for clarification in how to best work together. I thank Global Affairs Canada for their time and attention, and for everyone pulling together following the weather to make sure it happened in a good way.”

As the tour with Global Affairs Canada demonstrated, Huu-ay-aht is preserving its cultural heritage and actively building a sustainable and profitable future. With expanding operations and a focus on ethical business practices, Huu-ay-aht is positioning itself as a reliable and responsible business partner. For inquiries, please get in touch with Huu-ay-aht First Nations or the Group of Businesses.

Contact:
Patrick Schmidt, CEO
Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses
Patrick.S@huuayaht.com
778-421-2663

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

On February 10, 2025, Huu-ay-aht First Nations announced they have secured $1.0 Million for a Weaving Justice Grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia. With this funding,  
Huu-ay-aht will study and review its Tribunal process.  

The Weaving Justice Grants opportunity provides financial support for Indigenous communities to use law to restore power to their communities in ways that bring people together. This opportunity will focus on supporting work to heal Indigenous families and communities through Indigenous legal education, legal research, legal services, and law reform.

Huu-ay-aht successfully received one of the available grants, the Cedar Grant, a four-year grant of $250,000 per year. Huu-ay-aht has appointed Dr Heather Castleden (HEC Lab) as Project Lead. Her team will focus on four phases: 1. Research the Tribunal process, 2. Recommend evidence-informed reforms to the Tribunal Act, 3. Develop community-wide educational resources related to any Huu-ay-aht approved changes, and 4. Implement new trauma-informed protocols to support Tribunal applications in the future.

“If we are to achieve the fusion of our ancient spirit and modern mind, we must continually evaluate our institutions and ensure that they bring together the needs of the present and future with the values and aspirations of our ancestors”, said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Jack. “The Tribunal process has been a vital function of our nation that holds governments accountable to formal laws like our Constitution. We should investigate the further integration of our traditional governance practices into the written body of law so that all citizens may know them. I look forward to the work as it will bear fruit that will strengthen our governance and take us into the future in ever-improving ways. On behalf of the Huu-ay-aht, I thank the Law Foundation of British Columbia for their grant, and HEC Lab for their focus, expertise, and responsiveness.”

The study of the Huu-ay-aht Tribunal intends to break the colonial legal traditions and embed Huu-ay-aht Values and the Three Sacred Principles.

ʔiisaak (respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), and hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is connected) will guide this project and build on the rich history Huu-ay-aht is working to build for a bright future for generations to come.

During this process, Huu-ay-aht Government and Citizens will have the opportunity to participate in this project through invited interviews and community engagement, where input and feedback will be valuable. Please look out for Community Engagement details.

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About Huu-ay-aht First Nations – Huu-ay-aht First Nations is an Indigenous community located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is a part of the
Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, formerly called the Nootka. Huu-ay-aht is a party to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, a modern treaty that grants its five member-nations constitutionally protected self-government as well as ownership, control, and law-making authority over their lands and resources. For more information, visit: www.huuayaht.org

About HEC Lab

The HEC Lab is a hub for meaningful research and transformative action. At the HEC Lab, we recognize that everything is connected, and we commit to research that honours Indigenous knowledge systems and addresses our most pressing governance, health, and environmental challenges. We focus on research that fosters reconciliation and challenges colonial practices, bridging diverse cultures and disciplines to create impactful change. For more information, visit: The HEC Lab

About Law Foundation of British Columbia – The Law Foundation of British Columbia (the Foundation) is an independent non-profit foundation established in 1969 under the Legal Profession Act. The Foundation receives the interest on funds held in lawyers’ pooled trust accounts maintained in the banks and credit unions of the province. The Foundation in turn distributes these funds by way of grants. For more information, visit:  https://www.lawfoundationbc.org/

Contact:

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

Heather Castleden, Project Lead
Director, HEC Lab
902-489-2412 | castleden@uvic.ca  

View Official Press Release, here