Huu-ay-aht moves forward on Integrated Resource Management Plan

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Huu-ay-aht First Nations intends to create a coordinated plan for forest and environmental management in our entire ḥahuułi that respects the present and future needs of the Nation and the ecosystem in our care – the Hišuk ma c̕awak Integrated Resource Management Plan.

The deep need for this work has been highlighted by our Ḥaw̓iiḥ Council and citizens, who want to ensure that we, as a Nation, are doing all we can to balance important extractive industries on the land base with sound management that supports other aspects of our interconnected resources and livelihoods. This work is in the spirit of the principle that what one takes out, one must also put back in.

“The driving force behind the Integrated Resource Management Plan is Ḥaw̓iiḥ,” explains Chief Councillor Robert Dennis. “We heard the message, ‘You can use the ḥahuułi, but we want you to take care of it in accordance with our values and principles.’”

He said it only makes sense to call it the Hišuk ma c̕awak IRMP, because everything is connected. The plan will not just consider the land and trees, but also salmon and other aquatic life, wildlife, and so much more.

To achieve this goal, the Nation seeks to collaborate with the other organizations to which portions of our Ḥahuułi have been entrusted for forestry activities. The process will be led by the Huu-ay-aht Government on behalf of our Ḥaw̓iiḥ Council, with external support from subject matter experts and input from our citizens.

“Our three sacred principles, ʔiisaak, ʔuuʔałuk, and Hišuk ma c̕awak, and the Huu-ay-aht Forestry Principles must guide this work,” says Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin (Hereditary Chief Derek Peters). “These principles have been followed by the generations who came before us and will guide the direction and implementation of the plan.”

The plan is intended to inform allowable annual cut (AAC), which is based on a harvesting, reserve, and silviculture strategy for the entire ḥahuułi, including Huu-ay-aht’s Treaty Settlement Lands and Crown Tenures and TFL 44 where that overlaps with the ḥahuułi.  The general approach has been endorsed by Ḥaw̓iih Council and Executive Council.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations has been actively managing their ḥahuułi for thousands of years. With the advent of the British Columbia forest tenure system in the late 1800s, Huu-ay-aht were excluded from the management and decisions made in their ḥahuułi. However, over the past 30 years the Nation has made significant progress towards regaining management of their lands. 

“We have always lived off the land and taken care of it,” says Councillor Duane Nookemis, who will be the councillor responsible for the IRMP. “We have done so in a sustainable way in the past. We have gotten away from that, and we need to get back to that way of thinking.”

He says the Nation has been unofficially doing many of the pieces of the work outlined in the Integrated Resource Management Plan, but now it will be in one place and serve as a reference tool for Huu-ay-aht.

Present timelines assume a two-year time horizon to complete the inaugural IRMP, but with acknowledgement that the work we are embarking on is an iterative and will continue to benefit from collaboration and planning into the future. It is our hope that the work will be funded collaboratively by all forestry partners operating within the ḥahuułi. Councillor Nookemis will be working with the team to ensure all avenues of possible funding and partnerships are investigated.

The planning process will consider:

  • Values identified by Ḥaw̓iih Council and citizens
  • Old-growth forests and monumental cedar
  • Environmental research and renewal
  • Recommendations from the 2020 review of forestry operations in the Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi
  • Recommendations for forestry management systems and values

The IRMP will provide a collaborative transparent and effective process to manage forestry operations in the Ḥahuułi for the present and into the future. This process is in keeping with reconciliation and the intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by promoting a collaboratively based sustainable future for our people, economy, and environment.

“We are not the only ones who rely on this land. We need to consider all of it,” Chief Dennis explains. “This is an opportunity to combine both of our strengths to integrate our Ancient Spirit with our Modern Mind.”

Huu-ay-aht receives $510,340 grant for Pachena Bay Campground

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Huu-ay-aht First Nations is pleased to announce it is one of 38 rural communities to receive funding from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program announced this week.

The Nation is the recipient of a $510,340 grant earmarked for the Pachena Bay Campground expansion. This grant is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response, with grants totalling $20 million across the province. The Rural Economic Recovery stream is designed to help people living in rural communities by supporting new jobs and economic opportunities to help them recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

“Last summer, we made the choice not to open our campsite in order to keep our community and citizens safe during the pandemic,” explains Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “Our citizens told us they did not feel safe opening our community to added risks. This decision came at a significant cost to the Nation. We are grateful for this grant as it will help us move forward with the plans we have despite suffering a devastating tourism season last year.”

The grant Huu-ay-aht received will help create additional sites, new trails, and service upgrades. This will also move forward the plan to build a second access road to the campground. This is something that has been important to the Nation as citizens of Lower Anacla often raised the safety concern related to having the access road through the village. The pandemic also highlighted the need for this second access.

Pachena Bay Campground is owned by the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses, which is owned by Huu-ay-aht First Nations. HGB will oversee these upgrades and changes. This is the second grant the campground has received. The first was a federal grant for $270,000.

“These grant funds provide an exciting opportunity to build upon the existing foundation of the Pachena Bay Campground, leading to greater economic success for Huuayaht First Nations,” explained Patrick Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer for the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses.

Prior to the shutdown in 2020, the Pachena Campground proved to be a successful venture for the Nation. The new facilities and amenities are expected to attract a new market, including more RV owners. By adding an additional 40 sites, visitor volumes are expected to increase as the campground is typically full for most of the season. This will potentially have positive spinoffs for the neighbouring community of Bamfield, leading to more employment and business opportunities. The expansion is expected to generate five direct jobs at the campsite, creating more opportunity to bring Huu-ay-aht citizens home.

“During the pandemic, we had to make decisions that were often difficult, but they were necessary in order to keep our citizens safe, especially those in our remote community,” explained Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin (Hereditary Chief Derek Peters). “Our sacred principles of ʔiisaak, ʔuuʔałuk, and Hišuk ma c̕awak guide us in our decisions, and I am pleased to hear the province is offering support to help us recover from what has been a tough year for many of us.”

 For a full details and a list of all of the projects funded through the Rural Economic Recovery, please refer to the provincial release: https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2020-2024/2021FLNRO0010-000310.htm

Update on TFL44 LP transaction from Huu-ay-aht leadership

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On behalf of Executive and Ḥaw̓iiḥ Council, please review the following bulletin to citizens. This offers an update on the TFL 44 LP Transaction.

Click here for the full bulletin to citizens.

In the coming weeks, Huu-ay-aht will offer more opportunities to learn the details. Please watch for updates and meeting dates. If you have any questions, please email: communications@huuayaht.org.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations and United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937 Commit to Advancing Reconciliation and Job Creation on TFL 44

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Huu-ay-aht First Nations and United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937 announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a process for the parties to work together to ensure the Tree Farm Licence 44 (TFL 44) undercut volume is allocated to Huu-ay-aht and to develop a job creation and training plan through the TFL 44 Woodlands Contractors that will contribute to economic revitalization of the Alberni Valley forest sector.

In pursuing the goals of this MOU, the parties will be guided by Huu-ay-aht’s three sacred principles: hišuk ma c̓awak (“everything is one”); ʔuuʔałuk (“taking care of”); and ʔiisaak (“utmost respect”) and a strong commitment to reconciliation and meeting the principles and standards of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“USW’s commitment to reconciliation and recognition of the Maa-nulth Treaty demonstrates a respect for our citizens, current Hereditary (“Ḥaw̓iiḥ”) and Elected Councils, and honours the generations that came before us,” said Tayii Ḥawił ƛiišin (Head Hereditary Chief Derek Peters). “Today’s announcement signals another step toward healing and creating a brighter future for present and future generations.”


This historic development between Huu-ay-aht and USW affirms both parties’ commitment to advance reconciliation with First Nations on TFL 44 and provide job security, training and other benefits for current and future USW members by:

  • Working together to seek the approval of the B.C. government for the allocation of the TFL 44 undercut volume to Huu-ay-aht;
  • Commitment to continue harvesting the undercut volume with a USW certified workforce;
  • Developing a long-term plan to create 50+ well-paid, long-term USW jobs on TFL 44 for Huu-ay-aht citizens and other First Nations citizens with territory within TFL 44;
  • Establishing a pilot project to place 10 Huu-ay-aht/TFL 44 First Nations citizens in TFL 44 USW jobs with TFL 44 Woodlands Contractors over the next 12 months; and
  • Developing a long-term conditional job creation and training plan for implementation when the TFL 44 undercut is awarded to Huu-ay-aht, including retirement incentives, workforce training and preferential hiring and other considerations.

“The signing of this MOU is a demonstration of a commitment that a stronger future can be achieved by working together to advance both of our interests in the forest sector,” said Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “It also acknowledges USW’s adherence to Huu-ay-aht values on the Ḥahuułi of the Huu-ay-aht Ḥaw̓iiḥ (Huu-ay-aht traditional territory), and we look forward to taking this reconciliation step, and further steps, toward full reconciliation as we work with the USW.”

“The Steelworkers’ commitment to represent and support First Nations members and their communities is part of our commitment to meeting the principles and standards of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Brian Butler, President, United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937. “Over time, USW members have been impacted by the loss of harvesting opportunities, and we are confident that as we continue to build our relationship with Huu-ay-aht, we will not only advance our members interests, we will expand our joint interests in the Alberni Valley forest sector.” The job creation and training plan will address the eligibility criteria and formula for any retirement incentives as well as arrangements for workforce training and preferential hiring.

Family of Marcia Thomas hopes her death will remind people to stay safe at home

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Marcia Thomas was on a good path this year. She was almost three years sober and was making amends with her family after years of struggles. She was living beside her brother, staying safe and healthy, and finally starting to smile more.

Then one night in late September she made a mistake in judgement that she would pay for with her life. Marcia decided to go visit some old friends who were not in her COVID bubble. She thought it was safe because they were her friends and none of them had the virus. Within a few days she was in hospital, and shortly after on life support. Marcia lost her battle with COVID-19 on November 25, and her family wants to share her story in hope that it will save lives.

“I just keep expecting her to come to the window next door to say good morning,” explains Marcia’s brother Jackson Dennis. “It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”

Jackson said losing his sister to COVID-19 has been hard on the whole family. Not only did it happen very fast, but they were not given an opportunity to say goodbye. Like so many fatal COVID cases once Marcia was hospitalized family could no longer visit her. Now that she has passed, they cannot have a service or gather to support each other because of the restrictions that are in place. Jackson said that makes it even worse.

“It’s the natural next step to say goodbye,” he explained. “This virus has taken that from us.”

Jackson said his sister was careful when it came to COVID restrictions, but she did let her guard down. She decided to go over to the apartment building where she used to live to visit old friends. She had been stopped drinking for almost three years, but that night she decided to go have a few drinks with her friends. The building where they lived did not have any COVID restrictions in place. People were free to come and go as they liked, and visitors were not restricted or asked to wear a mask.

Jackson blames a lack of protocol at the building for his sister’s exposure. He said more needs to be done to keep people safe. He also admits that everyone must be responsible for their own actions as well. He said the province is locking things down for a reason, and it’s time people started listening.

“It’s not in our power to change or bend the rules,” Jackson said. “We all have to do our part. This is serious.”

Even though none of Marcia’s friends from that night had COVID symptoms, they still passed the virus on to her. Marcia’s daughter Linnea Bowes said part of what makes this virus challenging is that you sometimes do not see it coming.

“My mum worked hard to stay safe, but here we are, mourning a huge loss,” she said. Linnea said for years she and her mother have struggled with their relationship. Alcohol got in the way and for much of her life Linnea had to protect herself by distancing from her mother. It was only in the last little bit that they managed to repair that relationship. Unfortunately, COVID has taken any hope she had of letting her mother get to know her children.

Linnea said her mother had underlying health issues that meant she was not strong enough to fight the virus. She said for that reason once she contracted the disease everything happened fast.

“We couldn’t visit her and could only do video chatting for a little while,” she said. “The last time we talked to her she was in the ICU, and then she was gone.”

Jackson said if he could give people one piece of advice it would be to not take chances.

“Nothing is worth the risk you are taking if you don’t follow the recommendations,” he said. “My sister just wanted to go see her friends, but it just wasn’t worth it.”

He wants people to see what his family is going through and learn from their loss. He wants people to stay home, only socialize with people in their own household, and wear a mask.

“This virus isn’t a joke, and we have to take it seriously,” he said.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations has had several citizens contract the disease. Fortunately, the Nation has lost only one person to COVID, but Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. said that is one too many.

“We need our citizens to take this seriously,” he said. “My family has lost someone due to this virus, and I don’t want another family to suffer the same loss.”

He asks people to follow the restrictions. He also said it is especially important that people stay home and follow the non-essential travel ban. He said at this time visitors are not welcome in Anacla. With the holidays just around the corner, he admits this will be difficult. He wants citizens to stay in their own community and only have contact with the people in their household.

“We hear a lot about what we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but in order to make a difference, everyone has to do their part,” he said. “Our Nation has lost one too many people to this virus. I pray we don’t lose anymore.”

British Columbia currently has the following restrictions in place related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • No social gatherings at your residence beyond your household
  • No social gatherings of any size in public places
  • Your core bubble should consist of only the people in your household. If you live alone, you must keep your bubble to one or two people
  • Masks are mandatory in all public spaces
  • No adult indoor or outdoor sports permitted, youth sports must follow restrictions in place, including no travel
  • All non-essential travel is to be avoided – essential travel includes regular travel for work within your region and travel for things like medical appointments
  • People should also clean your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and keep a safe distance from others