Five staff members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations emergency management team recently joined forces with neighbouring nations and local partners for an intensive Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Essentials training session.
The course, hosted by the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation, brought together personnel from Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Hupačasath First Nation, the City of Port Alberni, and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Emergency Program to build skills and practice emergency management protocols together.
Delivered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), the training focused on the core fundamentals of how an EOC functions to support frontline departments during a crisis. Participants explored site support operations utilizing the standardized Incident Command System (ICS) management structure. This framework defines key roles, such as operations, planning, logistics, and finance, ensuring that all can collaborate seamlessly when a disaster strikes.
Nations and Organizations participating in EOC training (Photo by Tseshaht First Nations).
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is advancing two key tourism projects that will help shape how our ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories) are experienced, promoted, and supported over the long term. Together, these initiatives are focused on creating a strong, Nation-led tourism economy that reflects Huu-ay-aht values while generating sustainable opportunities for citizens.
Establishing Regional Management and Reinvestment
As part of this vision, Huu-ay-aht is working toward establishing what could become Canada’s first Indigenous-led Destination Management Organization (DMO). This initiative focuses on developing a coordinated approach to managing and promoting tourism across Huu-ay-aht territory. By establishing a clear identity and “sense of place” for the region, the DMO aims to ensure that local tourism directly reflects the Nation’s culture, priorities, and long-term vision.
Alongside the development of the DMO, Huu-ay-aht is exploring the implementation of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). If approved, the MRDT would generate dedicated revenue to be reinvested directly into community-identified tourism initiatives. Potential improvements include enhanced signage across the territory, trail development and maintenance, targeted marketing for regional tourism experiences, and public infrastructure such as washrooms and visitor amenities.
This project is not just about attracting visitors; it is about ensuring that tourism is well-managed and community-driven, and that it benefits all residents of the Huu-ay-aht territory.
Preparing for the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre
In parallel, preparations are underway for the opening of the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, anticipated in 2026. This facility will serve as a central hub for visitors to learn about Huu-ay-aht history, culture, and territory. Current planning focuses on designing the overall visitor experience, developing day-to-day operations, and creating structural opportunities for Huu-ay-aht artists and entrepreneurs to participate through retail space and cultural programming.
Once operational, the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre will play an important role in welcoming visitors in meaningful ways, creating local employment, and supporting cultural sharing.
On Thursday, April 16, marked a significant milestone for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations community as Gaige Manson was formally recognized at the Semá:th First Nation Longhouse. The son of the late Timothy Manson and grandson of Marleen Nookemus, Gaige was named one of only ten students in the Fraser Valley to receive the prestigious Indigenous Role Model Award. This honour follows a highly competitive selection process involving over 100 student applicants, with each recipient earning a $1,000 scholarship to support their future endeavours.
Gaige Manson is recognized as an Indigenous Role Model (Photo by Abbotsford School District).
To earn this distinction at Yale Secondary, Gaige had to meet a rigorous set of district-wide standards that emphasize cultural connection, academic focus, and community service. Throughout his four years of high school, he demonstrated great commitment to his heritage by enrolling in language classes every single year. Beyond the classroom, he was a visible leader on his rugby team and an active participant in school culture, embodying the “Lion Pride” and inclusive spirit expected of the district’s top student mentors.
Gaige’s path to this award was solidified by a comprehensive video application that showcased his resilience and his reputation as an “overall good human” with strong marks. His leadership extends into the school’s Link Crew and various Indigenous clubs, where he has acted as a positive motivator for younger students. His ability to balance the physical demands of athletics with the academic discipline required for graduation made him a standout candidate during the rigorous review process.
With high school graduation on the horizon, Gaige has already mapped out a clear and practical path for his professional life. He plans to transition his dedication and hands-on work ethic into the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) plumbing program. By pursuing professional training and working toward becoming a certified plumber, Gaige intends to turn his technical interests into a sustainable career, continuing to serve as a role model for Huu-ay-aht youth by proving that dedication to one’s roots and one’s future go hand in hand.
Looking for support with post-secondary, trades, or training? Contact Education, Employment, & Training Manager, Brent at brent.r@huuayaht.org or 250-723-0100.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is preparing to welcome a new Vertical Hydroponic Farming unit to Anacla, with delivery expected in mid-May. Led by HFN’s Economic Development team in strategic partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU), the project represents a major step toward local food sovereignty. This initiative was made possible by securing close to $700,000 in funding from several key partners, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Island Coast Economic Trust (ICET), BC Hydro, and the BC Government.
The project utilizes specialized technology from Growcer, a leader in modular farming, which is providing the unit along with the essential training and technology transfer required for success. Once operational, the Growcer unit will enable the year-round local growth of fresh produce, such as leafy greens and vegetables. This is a vital resource for the community, where access to fresh, affordable food is often limited by distance and transportation challenges.
Currently, work is underway in Anacla to prepare the site and ensure the necessary systems are in place before installation. Simultaneously, SFU is supporting Huu-ay-aht in developing a business plan, training materials, food safety protocols, and hiring processes to get the project up and running. Launched as a pilot, this initiative serves as a social blueprint for the future, allowing HFN to test operations and explore how the project can evolve into a long-term social enterprise that creates local jobs and ensures lasting food security for Huu-ay-aht citizens.
Inside a hydroponic vertical farming unit (Photo provided by Growcer).
