Huu-ay-aht Pushes to Redesignate Bamfield Main Road

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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.

Community Notice: Busy Weekend in Anacla July 17 – 19, 2026

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To: Huu-ay-aht Citizens

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

From: Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government Office

Stackabl Housing Initiative: Exploring Housing and Economic Opportunities

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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.

FIFA World Cup Watch Party Brings Communities Together in Anacla

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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!

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

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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).