Members of Huu-ay-aht First Nations celebrated a significant milestone on Dec. 16, 2025, by signing a child and family services agreement, known as the yaaʔak̓apʷin (we are embracing) agreement, with the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development.
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Huu-ay-aht First Nations citizens gathered at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni on Sunday, December 15, for a festive Holiday Dinner Gathering hosted by Ḥaw̓iiḥ. This was the first year that Ḥaw̓iiḥ hosted a Holiday Dinner and it was successful. The event was filled with holiday cheer, featuring the theme “ugly sweaters.”
The evening kicked off at 4 p.m. with attendees exchanging greetings and excitement. Huu-ay-aht Cultural Support Worker Mel Edwards led the Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for the celebration. A traditional holiday dinner was served soon after, bringing the community together to enjoy delicious food and festive spirit.
The highlight of the evening was the Ugly Sweater Contest, where attendees were encouraged to showcase their best (or worst) holiday attire. Becki Nookemis took first place, Theresa Nookemus came second, and Rena Johnson finished third. Several door and cultural prizes were also given out, including an early bird prize, a drum, which was won by Harry Brossault.
A special surprise visit from Santa Claus capped off the evening. Mr. Claus greeted nearly 80 children, ranging from infants to 18-year-olds, and each child received a gift, including a teddy bear. The Port Alberni Bulldogs Hockey Team and the Toy Run Association donated the teddy bears.
The event concluded with a Culture Night, where citizens participated in singing, dancing, and drumming, celebrating Huu-ay-aht traditions. The evening was a memorable and joyous occasion, bringing the community together for a holiday celebration filled with food, laughter, and culture.
Ḥaw̓iiḥ would like to thank the citizens who attended, Hinatinyis for serving as MC, and the planning committee who supported the organization of this event. Additionally, they wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and a wonderful new year.
Children and Youth Ages 7 – 18
Join HoopLife and Huu-ay-aht First Nations in Anacla on Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27, for a two-day Basketball Camp at the House of Huu-ay-aht. This camp is open to all Huu-ay-aht Citizens ages 7 – 18, and the ages will be broken into two groups: 13 and under and 18 and under. These two groups have different start and end times. Children and youth in the 13 and under group will be 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and 18 and under will be 1 – 3 P.M.. Over the two days, participants will learn proper shooting form, defensive skills, advanced dribbling, and high-level scoring. For further information or questions, please get in touch with Kerry-Ann at kerry-ann.c@huuayaht.org or 250-723-0100.
Executive Councillor’s Edward R. Johnson, ƛicitatḥ and Stephen Rayner, n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ receiving a Premier’s Award on behalf of Huu-ay-aht First Nations along side other partnering Nations (Photo provided by Wendy Norris).
On November 21, 2023, Huu-ay-aht First Nations was awarded, alongside other Nations, a Premier’s Award for the work done on Bill 38.
The Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards are given annually to honour exceptional accomplishments and contributions in various areas.
Huu-ay-aht was awarded in the leadership category by Jennie Ireland, Executive Director of the Ministry of Child and Family Development. The Premier’s Awards celebrate British Columbia’s creativity, innovation, and dedication and the public service employees who make it possible.
In 2022, British Columbia, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, drafted Bill 38 (Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act), resulting in historic changes to its provincial child and family service legislation.
Bill 38 amended the Adoption Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act to align both acts with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, aiming to recognize, uphold, and reduce barriers to Indigenous jurisdiction over Indigenous child and family services in B.C.
Notably, the 1996 passage of the Child Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) in B.C. replaced the colonial-era Family and Child Service Act, which had been in force since 1980, marking significant amendments since then.
The goal of this bill was to rework jurisdiction and allowing Indigenous Nations to have say over child welfare in communities. It aimed to grant Huu-ay-aht and other Indigenous nations the authority to determine how families facing challenges would be supported and how Indigenous children would be cared for, with the goal of avoiding the removal of children from Indigenous families.
The Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Award presented to Huu-ay-aht First Nations (Photo by Amanda-Lee Cunningham).
“This is a historical event for Huu-ay-aht First Nations and all First Nations involved” says Councillor Edward R. Johnson “This collaboration with the Province, brings us one step closer to creating change for future generations”.
Councillor Edward R. Johnson explains that with the collaborative work on Bill 38, it is working towards our main priority of keeping Huu-ay-aht and all Indigenous Children healthy, safe, and connected to their family, home, traditions, and culture.
The Indigenous Child Welfare system is a work in progress, Councillor Edward R. Johnson explained he was honoured to participate in the process of Bill 38, but also looks forward to contributing on future amendments that recognize and uphold inherent Indigenous jurisdiction over Child and Family Services in British Columbia.
WORK COMPLETED:
UPCOMING WORK:
