Huu-ay-aht First Nations Celebrates the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

ANACLA, B.C. – OCTOBER 10, 2023 – Today, Huu-ay-aht First Nations hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Bamfield Main Road at Kilometre 76 to mark the completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project. Following, was a celebration at the House of Huu-ay-aht.

This project started back in 2020 with Huu-ay-aht and the Province sharing the same vision of creating a safer route between Bamfield and Port Alberni, and today both partners have made it a reality.  Providing mitigation towards a safe route is one substantial task completed.

The Bamfield Main Road is an active industrial road. It supports multiple users from industry to residents living in the Bamfield and Ditidaht area and the growing number of visitors. Over the years, the Bamfield Main, known as a dusty gravel road, has put many road users at risk and in some cases taken their lives. Everyone will play a role in continually being a diligent driver for the safety of everyone on the road.

Although the chip seal is complete, our next task is to collaborate on a strategy for maintaining the chip-sealed road and preparing for the economic growth that will come. Working together with partners we will work diligently to ensure the proper steps are taken to secure this investment and vision. 

A project of this size does not happen without strong partnerships and the many workers involved. Huu-ay-aht extends their utmost respect (ʔiisaak) and gratitude to everyone who contributed and the individuals who worked hard and long hours to complete this project.

B.C. supported the project with $25.7 million in 2020, and an additional $10 million in 2023.

Quotes

“Completing the Bamfield Road Reconciliation Project was a top priority for Huu-ay-aht. Working in partnership with the Province of BC, C̓̓awak ʔqin, and Mosaic, together we have made this a reality. We wanted to provide a safer and more reliable route for everyone who travels in Huu-ay-aht territory. With this upgrade, we begin building a strong, self-reliant community and economy for Huu-ay-aht citizens and everyone in the region. We are grateful to everyone who has supported Huu-ay-aht in reaching our vision.”

– Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor, John Jack

“The leadership shown by Huu-ay-aht from the outset of this project has been so inspiring. Their perseverance and resolve got them through wildfires, pandemics, rising costs and floods.  The result is that the Bamfield Main Road is now much safer.  This work will have a lasting impact for everyone: community residents, local businesses, and the forestry and tourism industries alike. It will support economic growth and economic recovery for years to come.”

– Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Murray Rankin

“There are many people to hold in our hearts with remembrance and gratitude as we celebrate this moment. The road is the main transportation link between Port Alberni and the communities of Bamfield and Anacla, and it is used for medical, emergency and community access for Huu-ay-aht First Nations members, Bamfield residents, workers, and visitors. These improvements will make the trip to and from Bamfield and Anacla a safer one, bringing peace of mind to everyone who travels that road.”

– MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, Josie Osbourne

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Cutting the cedar ribbon at kilometre 76 on the Bamfield Main Road. Left to right: Huu-ay-aht Councillor Edward R. Johnson, Mosaic, CEO Rob Gough, Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack, Former Minister Scott Fraser, Former Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., MP Gord Johns, Western Forest Products, Seanna McConnel, Huu-ay-aht ḥaw̓ił Jeff Cook, Huu-ay-aht Councillor Brad Johnson and Stephen Rayner.

View Official Press Release Here: Click Here

For more information:

Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
250-720-7776
amanda.c@huuayaht.org

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Announces Old-Growth Interim Report

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Port Alberni – September 7, 2023) – Huu-ay-aht First Nations announces completion of an Old-Growth Interim Report that outlines the work completed to date on an Indigenous-led integrated stewardship approach to ecosystem health and biodiversity, including old-growth forests. 

In partnership with Huu-ay-aht Forestry Limited Partnership, C̓awak ʔqin Forestry, Mosaic Forest Management, the Old-Growth Interim Report is a step towards finalizing the Hišuk ma c̓awak Integrated Resource Management Plan (HIRMP). The HIRMP integrates a full range of values and stewardship measures across the entire Huu-ay-aht Ḥahuułi (Traditional Territory).

As part of the HIRMP, the partners developed a draft design of the M̓aƛasap (to take a bite out of) Network that integrates old forests, riparian habitat, rare ecosystems, wildlife habitat and features, and cultural and traditional use areas to maintain connectivity across the Ḥahuułi. 

Through the M̓aƛasap Network, 19,819 hectares of old and recruitment forests were identified to align with important values within Huu-ay-aht Ḥahuułi – 13,450 hectares being 250 years or older, and the remaining 6,360 hectares part of a long-term recruitment strategy.

Guided by the best science and data available, and Huu-ay-aht’s values and principles, the interim report identifies over double the amount of old-growth forests and rare ecosystems in the Ḥahuułi than what was established by the Old-Growth Technical Advisory Panel (TAP).

The HIRMP and Old-Growth Interim Report demonstrates the importance and value of taking a collaborative and holistic approach to implementing land and resource management that aligns with Huu-ay-aht values and its three sacred principles: ʔiisaak (Utmost Respect), ʔuuʔałuk (Taking Care of), Hišuk ma c̓awak (Everything is One).

The Hišuk ma c̓awak Integrated Resource Management Plan will be complete by March 2024.


Quotes:

“Hišuk ma c̕awak Integrated Resource Management Plan (HIRMP) represents the present and future needs of the ecosystems within the Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi. Its namesake sacred principle, Hišuk ma c̕awak, acknowledges the many interconnected aspects considered and incorporated into the plan. We continue to ensure we are managing our lands in a sustainable way, so it is there for the next 7 generations.  To do this, we value the partnerships we have that help us manage our lands and waters”.

– Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor, Brad Johnson (Wiiheyakchikk)

“We are making significant progress together in the development of the Hišuk ma c̕ awak Integrated Resource Management Plan. The work underway considers present and future needs to ensure lasting benefits for generations to come and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the progress made through this innovative planning process led by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations.”

– General Manager, C̓awak ʔqin Forestry, Geoff Payne

“Western is proud to support the development and implementation of the Huu-ay-aht-led Hišuk ma c̕ awak Integrated Resource Management Plan. With each step forward, we are pioneering a collaborative and integrated approach to ecosystem health and biodiversity that draws on local understanding, data, and technology to achieve our collective values.”

– RPF, Chief Forester, Western Forest Products, Stuart Glen

“Our relationship with Huu-ay-aht is built on a strong commitment to collaboration. The HIRMP demonstrates the immense value of partnerships for a coordinated and modernized approach to collaborative land-use planning”.

– Senior Vice President, Corporate Engagement and Chief Development Officer, Domenico Iannidinardo

Resources:

Old-Growth Interim Report, click here to view.

For official press release, click here to view.

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Bamfield Main Road Surfacing Project begins Chip Seal on the Bamfield Main

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Bamfield Main Resurfacing Project Header


PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – JULY 21, 2023 – Huu-ay-aht First Nations announces that the chip seal coat work on the Bamfield Main will begin on July 22, 2023. The final phase of the Bamfield Main Road Surfacing Project is possible with the continued support and partnership with the Province.

The project started almost three years ago when the two governments partnered to create a safe route along Bamfield Road.

The Provincial Government and Huu-ay-aht collectively identify this project as “The Bamfield Road Reconciliation Project”. These two governments worked together to launch the project with a shared vision of a safer route between Bamfield and Port Alberni. That act of reconciliation is why this project is where it is today.

The project’s final phase will begin mid-July and be completed by the end of early Fall of 2023. Work will begin at kilometre 36 to 76.6, working towards Bamfield. Then, seal coating will begin on kilometres 36 to 0, working towards Port Alberni.

During construction, detours, delays, and alternating single-lane traffic with pilot vehicles will be in place. Please watch for notices regarding detours, delays, and alternating single-lane traffic on the Huu-ay-aht and Western Forest Products web pages.

Quotes

“We are excited for the final stages of the road improvement to be complete. The road improvements will provide safety for Huu-ay-aht citizens, the Bamfield community, and visitors, and that is one of our main priorities. With the economic benefits this will bring to the region, we look forward to building a sustainable economy for our Nation.”

– Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor, Wiiheyakchikk, Brad Johnson

“This is a vital roadway on the west coast of Vancouver Island, connecting residents of several coastal communities. I commend Huu-ay-aht First Nations for their steadfast commitment and continued progress on such a large-scale project. This project will ensure Bamfield Main is a safe route for everyone.”

-B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin

For official release: click here

For inquiries, please contact:
Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
amanda.c@huuayaht.org | 250-720-7776

Bamfield Main Road Update – December 17 – January 2, 2023

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Bamfield Main Resurfacing Project Header

For the period of December 17, 2022 – January 2, 2023 

Please note that changes to the Bamfield Main Road detour route are now in effect. Drivers can expect to be detoured from Bamfield Main Road between 36 km and 49 km. 

From December 19 – December 21, 2022, drivers can expect single-lane traffic and delays at a minimum of two locations between Port Alberni and Bamfield, each with a minimum of 15 minutes delay. Both traffic control persons at stops and/or automated flagging devices with pilot cars will be utilized. 

Limited construction crews may be working from December 22 – January 8, 2023. Public drivers should be utilizing the detour route and the construction zones remain closed. Please check for updates before you travel on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN )  

Please slow down and expect additional delays due to the changing weather conditions. Winter driving conditions should be expected, and all public drivers should check weather conditions before travelling and be prepared. Please avoid driving during extreme weather conditions. 

Speed should not exceed 60 km per hour, and drivers are required to slow down in bad weather and when construction equipment, flaggers, and crews are on the road. The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.  

Bamfield Main Road Update – December 12, 2022

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Bamfield Main Resurfacing Project Header

For the period of December 12 – December 16, 2022  

Please note that changes to the Bamfield Main Road detour route are now in effect. Drivers can expect to be detoured from Bamfield Main Road between 36 km and 49 km. 

2022-12-12-new-detour-map- Bamfield Main Road
Bamfield Main Road Detour Map effective December 12, 2022

There will be no access to Bamfield Main Road from 39km to 49 km. All traffic, both industrial and public, will be required to use the detour. Drivers should slow down and be prepared for industrial traffic throughout the detour area. 

Drivers can expect single-lane traffic and delays at approximately three locations between Port Alberni and Bamfield, each with a minimum of 15 minutes delay. Both traffic control persons at stops and/or automated flagging devices with pilot cars will be utilized. 

All  travellers are required to use the detour, and those who attempt to bypass the detour will be turned back.  

Please slow down and expect additional delays due to the changing weather conditions. Winter driving conditions should be expected, and all public drivers should check weather conditions before travelling and be prepared. Please avoid driving during extreme weather conditions.  

Speed should not exceed 60 km per hour, and drivers are required to slow down when construction equipment, flaggers, and crews are on the road. The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.  

Crews will continue to work on ditching, culvert replacement, and beam barriers.