Huu-ay-aht Land Use Regulations Amendments Project

ʔaaʔaayišaḥap̓aƛin (we have lots to do). Huu-ay-aht First Nations has over 8,250 hectares of land within our Treaty settlement boundaries. Guided by our key policy frameworks: 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, Hišuk ma c̕awak Integrated Resource Management Plan, Community Economic Development Plan, and our Framework Plan. This project will update four regulations under the Huu-ay-aht Community Planning and Development Act, which includes our:

1. Land Use Plan Regulation: This document sets out our long-term vision for land use and development within our ḥaḥuułi, and all other regulations have to match it.
2. Zoning Regulation: This document sets the guidelines for what kind of development can happen where, and how each property can be used and built on.
3. Development and Building Permit Regulation: This document explains the steps applicants need to take to develop lands in our ḥaḥuułi.
4. The Residential Lease Regulation: This document explains the steps required to establish residential leases on our ḥaḥuułi.

HERE’S ALL THE GOOD WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON THE PROJECT SO FAR

• Creation of project Engagement Plan
• Creation of an internal working group representing different departments
• Creation of a Project Webpage on the Nation’s website and regular updates
• Review of existing regulations and relevant geospatial data
• Project introduction & subsequent updates in Anacla and Uyaqḥmis Newsletters (See Engagement & Materials tab on this webpage)
• Project introduction flyer & flyer subsequent update during Food Fish Distribution
• Meetings with Knowledge Holders (1 virtual meeting with EC & Ha’wiih & phone calls with individuals)
• Development of a Regulatory Alignment Summary highlighting the Nations’ key regulatory priorities and outlining gaps and policy misalignments within the four land use regulations under review identified above and proposes modifications aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and alignment across the regulatory landscape.
• Distribution of 3 Mini Surveys ~ Seeds for Thought ~ aimed at obtaining citizen input
• Development of draft Core Content for Land Use Plan (to be shared following November engagement)

• Citizen Engagement at the 2025 Fall People’s Assembly
• Begin drafting amendments for consideration
• Planning for next citizen engagement opportunity

ƛiƛič̓ałukwit̓asin (we will be steering our canoe in the right direction). This project is led by the Huu-ay-aht Lands and Natural Resources Department, with oversight from the Executive and ḥaw̓iiḥ Councils and support from a working group comprising staff from multiple departments.  Huu-ay-aht has also hired Firelight, an Indigenous-owned and led consulting firm, to help support the project with planning and technical support services. Firelight collaborates with Indigenous governments and organizations throughout B.C. and Canada. You can learn more about them, the values that guide their work, and the services they provide at https://firelight.ca.

Ḥaačatił ʔaaqƛin haaʕin (We’ll invite others). Launched in May 2025, this year-long project is scheduled for completion in April 2026. During this time, we will host a series of virtual and in-person citizen engagement opportunities to reach out to and hear from as many citizens as possible. We will also share project updates openly and regularly to spotlight how your input is helping shape the proposed amendments, ensuring they reflect the real needs of our citizens and their daily lives. There are several ways to stay informed and get involved, including:

• Visiting the Huu-ay-aht website and app regularly for updates and opportunities;
• Responding to and attending citizen engagement opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas; and
• Reading our newsletter updates to stay informed.

SURVEYS – LEND US YOUR VOICE!
ʔaaʔaayišaḥap̓aƛin (we have lots to do).

1. CLOSED: Seeds for Thought was a sequence of mini surveys specific to the Land Use Amendments Project.  See the results of the surveys below.

2. CLOSED: Land Use Plan and Residential Lease Regulation Surveys are a further 9 short surveys.
– Surveys closed December 15, 2025.
– Two winners have been drawn for the foosball table and one blue tooth speaker. Congratulations Kensie (Foosball Table) and Kevin Peters (speakers).

– Following the close for these surveys (December 15, 2025), the remaining prizes (blue tooth speaker, drone with camera, and air fryer) were drawn.

Materials: