Huu-ay-aht staff take part in all-staff Treaty Training

Posted on by kiaralc

On Wednesday, June 10, Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Government staff from Port Alberni and Anacla gathered at the House of Huu-ay-aht to learn about the Nation’s journey to Treaty.

‘Treaty 101’ was prepared and presented by Huu-ay-aht citizens, speaker, and BC Treaty Commissioner, Angela Wesley. Angela shared valuable information about how HFN became the self-governing Nation we know today, outlining the core motivations behind the historic decision and the foundational goals that continue to guide the community.

During the presentation, Angela highlighted that the path to a modern-day treaty was a deliberate choice by Huu-ay-aht citizens. While legal battles and court cases yielded some victories over the years, the litigation process ultimately proved too costly in time and money.

Recognizing that HFN could not fully achieve its long-term goals under the restrictions of the Indian Act, the Nation was already preparing to govern itself. The Treaty was voted on by citizens as the logical next legal step toward true independence, aimed at improving the lives of all Huu-ay-aht People, no matter where they live, while protecting and stewarding HFN lands and natural resources for years to come.

The presentation also highlighted historic growth and autonomy Huu-ay-aht achieved since the Treaty was officially implemented. Angela shared several remarkable milestones that underscore the power of self-governance:

  • Expanded Territory: The Nation has added 800 hectares to its land base since 2011.
  • Territorial Control: Huu-ay-aht now controls, manages, or jointly controls 91% of its traditional territory.
  • Financial Growth: Since implementation, financial investments have undergone a massive transformation, increasing by up to 32 times. As well as increased Federal funding for the Nation by 102%.

These milestones reflect the strict criteria the Treaty had to meet to serve the Nation effectively. It needed to:

  • Assert the inherent right to self-government within a modern context.
  • Recognize and protect both land and sea rights.
  • Provide the necessary tools to empower communities socially and economically.
  • Serve as the foundation for an ongoing, living relationship.

On behalf of Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government and all the staff in attendance, we send a sincere thank you to Angela for taking the time to present and for so generously sharing her knowledge, history, and insight. Sessions like ‘Treaty 101’ play a vital role in ensuring that staff remain deeply connected to the Nation’s mission, grounded in its history, and fully equipped to support Huu-ay-aht citizens as the journey of self-governance continues to unfold.

Huu-ay-aht Staff at the House of Huu-ay-aht participating in Treaty Training (Photo by HFN Communications).

Huu-ay-aht Emergency Team Builds Readiness at Joint EOC Training Session

Posted on by kiaralc

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).

Honouring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Persons with Community Gathering

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On Tuesday, May 5, Huu-ay-aht First Nations honoured Red Dress Day – the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Persons (MMIWG2S+). The day brought together not only Huu-ay-aht citizens but also residents of Port Alberni and Bamfield, drawing an estimated 100 participants across two locations. Attendees arrived dressed in red, each finding their own way to wear the colour in support of healing and transformation.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation Anacla Government Office
Huu-ay-aht First Nation Port Alberni Government Office


The gathering opened with a cultural song, grounding the day in tradition and collective mourning. Speaker Rowena Keitlah took time to share personal stories and grief, creating a safe space for the community to sit with the weight of this day together, honouring those who are no longer here and the families still waiting for answers.
Throughout the event, attendees crafted red-dress beads and participated in a colouring activity. At the same time, a BBQ lunch featuring hot dogs and hamburgers brought neighbours together over shared plates and conversation. The strong turnout across both the Anacla and Port Alberni locations reflected the depth of community commitment to honouring MMIWG2S+.

To learn more about MMIWG2S+ and the National Inquiry, visit www.mmiwg-ffada.ca.

Cultivating Food Security: Huu-ay-aht First Nations Launches Vertical Farming Pilot in Anacla

Posted on by kiaralc

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).

For more information:

December Uyaqḥmis (Page 2)

Huu-ay-aht First Nations sign historic child and family services agreement with Province

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

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.

View full press release: Here