Following the completion of a landmark $49-million upgrade to the Bamfield Road in 2023 and the increase in travellers to the region, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is now calling on the Province of British Columbia to take the next critical step: officially redesignating Bamfield Main Road to recognize its regional and provincial significance. On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillors ƛicitatḥ, Edward R. Johnson, and Wiiheyakchikk, Brad Johnson, met directly with Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth to discuss the proposed redesignation and long-term vision for the road.
Left to Right: Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor Edward R. Johnson, Honourable Mike Farnworth, and Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor Brad Johnson following their meeting on Tuesday, July 14, in Anacla (Photo provided to Communications).
The four-year collaborative infrastructure project, funded jointly by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and key partners, transformed the once-treacherous logging route into a safer link between Port Alberni and Anacla (Bamfield, B.C.). The initiative gained urgency after numerous tragedies along the road, including the 2019 bus crash that claimed the lives of two University of Victoria students, as well as the loss of two residents near Sarita.
Following construction, Huu-ay-aht submitted a comprehensive Bamfield Main Road Completion Report and maintenance assessment to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Data collected in 2024 highlights the route’s vital role in regional travel, recording average daily traffic counts of 554 vehicles in the summer and 185 vehicles in the winter, with passenger vehicles accounting for 89% of all traffic year-round.
Redesignating the route as provincially significant would secure dedicated funding to protect safety gains and drive economic development across tourism, forestry in the area, and marine research at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
“The investments made through reconciliation have demonstrated what is possible,” Executive Councillor Edward R. Johnson shared. “Now is the time to build on that success, protect the gains already achieved, and establish a long-term pathway for safe, reliable access and sustainable economic growth.”’
To ensure coordinated oversight following their meeting with Minister Farnworth, Executive Councillors Edward R. Johnson and Brad Johnson recommended re-establishing the Bamfield Main Road Working Group. This body would bring together the Province, First Nations leadership, local governments, and forestry industry partners to manage ongoing safety priorities, such as maintenance at Mt. Underwood and Sarita.
Huu-ay-aht has requested that the Ministry initiate formal discussions on both redesignation and reconvening the working group in the coming months to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Bamfield Main Road.
Where: Citizen Private Site, Pachena Bay Campground
When: Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
Duration: Weekend only
We are welcoming a large crowd of campers this weekend for the Pachena Bay Music Festival! Because our private sites will be at full capacity, we kindly ask everyone to cooperate and keep the campground safe:
Share the Space: Take only the space your group genuinely needs.
Have Safe Fun: Have an amazing time, but please look out for one another and do not drink and drive.
Be a Good Neighbour: Respect those camping around you.
Follow the Rules: Adhere to all established campsite rules and regulations.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Please take all your garbage, recycling, and gear with you when you leave. Leave no trace!
Reminder: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 open fires are strictly prohibited across the Coastal Fire Centre as of Thursday, July 16, 2026. To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour: Call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on your cell.
Thank you for helping us keep the community safe and enjoyable for everyone. Have an amazing festival weekend
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) continues to explore the Stackabl modular housing initiative, which aims to address housing needs while also creating broader economic opportunities for the Nation.
Over the past two years, HFN has been working closely with Stackabl Homes BC to understand better the technology, supply chain, and long-term potential of modular housing. This has included delegations to China, internal due diligence, and engagement with various government organizations and agencies. As part of their commitment to the project, Stackabl has covered the costs associated with the China delegations, allowing HFN to participate in this important due diligence work without placing a financial burden on the Nation. In addition, Stackabl has opened offices in Vancouver and Nanaimo and provided a job opportunity to one of the Huu-ay-aht citizens.
A key milestone has been reached: the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has approved Stackabl Homes BC’s manufacturing and technology partners. This makes them the first offshore Canadian manufacturing unit to obtain CSA-A277 certification, allowing them to manufacture housing for the Canadian market. In early June, Huu-ay-aht returned to China for a follow-up visit to understand the manufacturing process further and explore opportunities to integrate Huu-ay-aht forestry resources into the supply chain.
The project is gaining strong interest across the region, with active discussions underway with multiple stakeholders, institutions, and First Nations on Vancouver Island regarding potential affordable housing projects. A CSA-certified demonstration unit with BC Step Code 4 is planned for installation in Port Renfrew in August, helping to showcase the product and support engagement with communities, governments, and partners.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is currently working on a pre-feasibility study, which is expected to be concluded by November 2026. This study will analyze the supply chain, demand, product viability, and cost before stepping into a full feasibility stage that could support a joint venture between HFN and Stackabl Homes BC. By exploring the viability of bringing housing manufacturing directly to HFN treaty settlement lands, this initiative ultimately aims to unleash the wealth of our nism̓a (land) and create sustainable jobs for citizens.
While still in the early stages, this initiative has the potential to support housing development, create jobs, and contribute to long-term economic growth in the region.
Citizens and visitors watching FIFA game at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 (Photo by Huu-ay-aht Communications).
The fusion of culture and the global excitement of soccer brought Anacla together with neighbouring communities on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, for a monumental FIFA World Cup Watch Party and Community Day.
Tuesday’s festivities were among many other watch parties and community events since June organized by the 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, a historic regional festival funded by the Province of British Columbia through a $90,000 grant from the 2026 Community Event Support Fund. The initiative represents a powerful partnership between the Hupačasatḥ, c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht), and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, aimed at creating a lasting sports legacy and bringing Truth and Reconciliation to life through soccer.
The morning kicked off at the Upper Anacla Field with an energetic soccer clinic led by Sam Hodgetts from Ditidaht First Nation. Around 15 eager young participants from the communities of Nitinat, Anacla, and Bamfield took to the field to sharpen their skills and run through drills.
By midday, the action shifted to the House of Huu-ay-aht. Attendees were treated to a warm welcome ceremony and a barbecue lunch prepared by Sarah Johnson. While lunch was served, citizens, community members, and visitors connected with hands-on cedar bark weaving lessons.
In the afternoon, the House of Huu-ay-aht transformed into a world-class sports arena for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup match between Switzerland and Colombia.
Equipped with chairs and community spirit, Huu-ay-aht Citizens gathered with visitors from Nitinat, Bamfield, Port Alberni, and Pachena Bay Campground.
The viewing experience was brought to life by Five Acre Co. Staging and Productions Services, who installed a massive 8×14-foot screen paired with a superior, stadium-quality sound system. The immersive audiovisual setup delivered an electric atmosphere, leaving attendees feeling as though they were at the game.
The Switzerland-Colombia match went to extra time, remaining scoreless after 120 minutes before moving to penalties. Ruben Vargas struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-3 shootout victory for Switzerland, advancing the team to the quarterfinals.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to raise our hands to the event organizers at the 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, the Province of British Columbia, Sam Hodgetts, Sarah Johnson, Five Acre Co., and all attendees. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and it allowed our communities to celebrate together.
If you are looking for a place to watch the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration will host the game at The KCC (4090 Hollywood St.) in Port Alberni. Doors open at 10 a.m.; the game starts at 12 p.m. The event is free and for all ages, with food, beverages, and the community coming together!
On a pathway to jurisdiction over our children and families, Huu-ay-aht First Nations Child and Family Wellness department recently wrapped up a vital series of community engagements spanning from Anacla to Vancouver.
Held during the final week of June, the five distinct engagement sessions provided Huu-ay-aht families and citizens with critical updates on the nation’s independent legislative path and milestones achieved alongside federal and provincial partners. The focus was on the Yaaʔak̕ap (to embrace) Child and Family Wellness Act, Huu-ay-aht’s own foundational child welfare legislation, as well as the historic yaaʔak̓apʷin (we are embracing) shared interest agreement.
Director of Child & Family Wellness, Kerry-Ann Collinge and Executive Councillor and Child & Family Wellness Portfolio Holder, Edward R. Johnson, at the Nanaimo Community Engagement on Thursday, June 25, 2026 (Photo by Communications).
A Proven Model: “Bring Our Children Home”
These recent community updates represent a journey that began nearly a decade ago. In 2016, after years of systemic challenges under federal and provincial family services, Huu-ay-aht’s Executive Council appointed an independent Social Services Panel. The panel’s 2017 report outlined 30 comprehensive recommendations aimed at prevention, healing, and keeping families together instead of separating them.
In 2018, the Nation declared a public health emergency due to the high number of children in provincial care. Following this, it secured essential funding from both Canada and British Columbia to implement its practice framework developed from the 30 recommendations.
The shift from a reactive child protection model to the Huu-ay-aht community-driven, life-span prevention approach has shown remarkable results. With the specialized “Bring Our Children Home” model, 72% of Huu-ay-aht First Nations children in care have been successfully reunited with their families and community. This achievement has been further supported by the opening of the ʔumʔiiqsu Centre and Childcare Centre in Port Alberni in 2025. This innovation was based on recommendation 26 out of the 30 recommendations made in 2017. The Indigenous-led residential and childcare facility is designed to provide comprehensive support, allowing families to thrive and heal together.
The yaaʔak̓apʷin Agreement and Provincial Education Tour
A significant milestone on the path to sovereignty was achieved on December 16, 2025, when the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) signed the yaaʔak̓apʷin agreement. This agreement officially came into effect on March 16, 2026, and ensures that the Nation has a greater role and genuine involvement in child welfare planning and decision-making.
Following its implementation in March, Huu-ay-aht First Nations launched an extensive educational campaign, delivering nearly 10 presentations between March and June to MCFD Directors of Child Wellness Operations and frontline social workers across the province. Designed to educate the ministry on best government-to-government practices and define exactly how to work with Huu-ay-aht children and families, the presentations saw immense engagement, with the largest session drawing over 130 attendees.
With this crucial educational phase successfully completed, MCFD and Huu-ay-aht leadership have officially returned to the negotiating table to map out Phase 2 of the agreement. This next phase aims to further align operations and structural planning, with completion projected by the end of summer 2026.
Activating the Yaaʔak̕ap Act: Concurrency and Accountability
As Huu-ay-aht navigates these provincial alignments, the Nation is preparing to fully activate its own legal framework. While passed by the Huu-ay-aht Legislature in May 2023 under then-Chief Councillor Robert Dennis, the Yaaʔak̕ap Child and Family Wellness Act includes a specific activation protocol: it is not formally in force until the Executive Council passes a resolution bringing it into effect. To prepare for this operational transition, the government enacted the Huu-ay-aht General Legislation Amendment Act, 2026, on March 31, 2026, signed by Chief Councillor John Jack and ḥaw̓iiḥ Councillor Theresa Nookemus.
Once fully brought into force, the Yaaʔak̕ap Act will operate concurrently with provincial and federal child welfare laws throughout British Columbia, applying to Huu-ay-aht children both on and off treaty lands. To support this wide-reaching implementation and permanently resolve existing geographic limitations, the Nation is actively pursuing key treaty amendments with Canada and British Columbia. All service providers, including provincial social workers, will then be legally bound to comply with the Act’s strict provisions.
A central priority of the legislation is shifting authority away from sudden apprehensions toward strict court-ordered accountability. Except in situations of immediate danger, provincial agencies must secure a court order before removing a child from their home, providing the Huu-ay-aht government with advance notice and a formal legal right to intervene, respond, and offer family support services first.
Furthermore, the Act sets strict standards for cultural continuity. Huu-ay-aht children in care will have legally protected rights to access traditional foods and cultural community events. Non-Huu-ay-aht foster families and social workers will be required to demonstrate verified cultural competency and knowledge of Huu-ay-aht values, with the Nation retaining the legal right to petition the courts to change a child’s placement if these cultural standards are not met. To ensure institutional accountability, the Act establishes an independent, non-administrative Child Services Officer who will provide oversight and report directly to the Executive Council.
Navigating the Next Five Years
The June community engagements mark an important milestone for Huu-ay-aht as it embarks on the next significant phase of self-determination. Leadership and staff are currently collaborating with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) on a comprehensive five-year federal legislative review of Bill C-92, which is titled “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families.” This bill, passed in 2019, affirmed the inherent jurisdiction of Indigenous communities over child welfare.
Ensuring that citizens are well-informed through these conversations allows community voices to influence upcoming relationships directly, coordination table agreements, and the broader prevention strategy for 2026–2031 by grounding modern legislative pathways in ancient sacred principles, ʔiisaak (greater respect), ʔuʔaałuk (taking care of), and Hišukma c̕awak (everything is one). Huu-ay-aht citizens and staff continue to build a sovereign system of care. This system aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for the next generation, fostering a deep connection to their culture.
Timeline of Key Milestones:
2011: Huu-ay-aht becomes a Modern Treaty Nation under the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, establishing the right to self-government.
2015: Huu-ay-aht and Usma signed Protocol Agreement
2016–2017: The Independent Social Services Panel is formed, delivering 30 recommendations focused on prevention and family unity.
2018: Huu-ay-aht secures $4.2M in federal funding alongside provincial support to launch its proactive Social Services Project.
2018: Huu-ay-aht & BC Housing begin conversations regarding ʔumʔiiqsu Centre
2020: Federal Bill C-92 comes into effect, legally recognizing Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services across Canada.
2022: B.C. passes Bill 38, the Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act. This Act, along with Bill C-92, upholds the inherent rights of Indigenous communities to provide their own child and family services. B.C. became the first province in Canada to recognize an inherent right of self-government specifically in provincial legislation.
2023: The Yaaʔak̕ap Child and Family Wellness Act is officially passed by the Huu-ay-aht legislature.
2025: The ʔumʔiiqsu Mother Centre opens its doors. In December, the historic yaaʔak̓apʷin agreement is signed with MCFD.
2026: The yaaʔak̓apʷin agreement takes effect. Huu-ay-aht launches a province-wide government-to-government training tour for MCFD staff members.
2026 (Current): June multi-community engagements wrap up as leadership enters Phase 2 negotiations with MCFD, targeting operational alignment by the end of summer.
