Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to invite you to the celebration of completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project on Tuesday, October 10, at the House of Huu-ay-aht at noon. Join us for a meal, and please bring your shawls and drums.
For this event Huu-ay-aht First Nations is accepting bids for catering in Anacla for Tuesday, October 10, for approximately 200 people. Please submit your menu, bid, and food safe certificate to communications@huuayht.org
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to say Klecko to all who participated at the 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days, August 11 to 13. Thank you to the vendors, wellness professionals, and Alex Thomas (guest speaker) who attended and shared their talents with Huu-ay-aht.
On August 11, at 11 A.M., 2023, Huu-ay-aht days began. Vendors, Wellness professionals, caterers, citizens, and Huu-ay-aht First Nation staff gathered at the House of Huu-ay-aht.
The event began with a welcome from Executive Council members Edward R. Johnson and Stella Peters, leading to culture.
Following culture, the guest speaker, Alexandra Thomas, spoke addressing the importance of the Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi (territories) and how to protect it, and to have Huu-ay-aht voices heard, is having someone at the table during decision-making. She also spoke about what her warrior’s program does and explained the possibilities of the Huu-ay-aht Warriors program.
Concluding her speech, everyone went into lunch and the Bannock, Fry Bread, and Chili Contest. Charlene catered lunch. She and the team prepared sandwiches, soups, salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fish.
The announcement of the Bannock, Fry Bread, and Chili contest was announced. The winners are as follows: Bannock and Fry Bread – Sylvia Dennis, and Chili – Tiana Peters. Congratulations to the winners!
After lunch, the door prize winner was announced, winning a beautiful cedar basket made by Huu-ay-aht elder, Barbara Johnson. The winner was Richard Nookemus. This concluded the time at the House of Huu-ay-aht and everyone proceeded down to the Pachena Beach citizen sites.
At Pachena Beach, children played along the shore, building sandcastles and swimming. Some participated in a scavenger hunt. When completing the hunt, children were gifted a Kiixin bag with a Huu-ay-aht shirt and water bottle inside.
Between culture, wellness, and visiting vendors, more prizes were announced. These gifts were a drum, beaded pin, tuque, cedar, and more. At 3 P.M., some guests participated in the Kiix̣in tour.
Dinner was served at 5 P.M., and citizens were left to enjoy their night.
On Saturday, August 12, at 9 A.M., breakfast was served. This was a time to enjoy each other’s company and good food.
After breakfast, Alex Thomas provided a guided walk to citizens to explain the plants on the ḥahuułi (territories).
Saturday Activities were provided, but the day was for citizens to enjoy their time and spend time with one another, which happened.
Activities were a community Potluck, Kiix̣in Tour, Movie Night, Tug O’ War, Family Photos, and haircuts.
Again, Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to say Klecko to all who participated and supported 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days.
Huu-ay-aht is currently undertaking community research to understand the significance of the Old Village Site, Kiix̣in, historically and in the present context as perceived by the community, to develop a collective vision for the future growth potential of Kiix̣in and its surrounding areas. This project is funded by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s (FPCC), Sense of Place Grant.
We would like to hear from the community and understand the significance of the Village Site in the present context and the cultural relationships of Huu-ay-aht people to the Village Site. This will be explored in the first half of the session. The second half of the session will examine the potential for the Kiix̣in Village Site and the neighbouring areas for future growth and examine what that growth looks like.
The engagement Workshop will be held in person in Bamfield. This will be a limited-person engagement seeking 3 Elders, 3 Youths and 3 Adults to include diverse voices and varied perspectives. Enrollment in the Workshop will be required to secure a spot. Honorariums will be provided to the Workshop participants for their valuable time and feedback.
Details about the Workshop are mentioned below.
When – Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 9 am to 12 pm (Lunch will be provided).
Where – Bamfield B.C., The Market
Please call 250-723-0100 Ext 106 or email cheryl.e@huuayaht.org to secure your spot for the Knowledge Gathering Workshop for the Sense of Place Grant Project.
We thank you for your time and support!
The Inquiry Panel looks forward to meeting you this week! Please join in person or virtually to learn more about the inquiry panel process.
In response to serious allegations that have recently come to light, Huu-ay-aht Executive Council has directed that an inquiry be conducted into allegations of abuse of power committed by members of government. With that an Inquiry Panel has been formed and will be hosting a meet and greet in Anacla at the House of Huu-ay-aht and in Port Alberni at the Huu-ay-aht Government Office.
Meet and Greet Details:
Anacla – House of Huu-ay-aht
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
5 – 8 p.m.
In-person only
Port Alberni Government Office
Thursday, October 6, 2022
5 – 8 p.m.
In-person and Virtually
Zoom Meeting Details:
Zoom Meeting ID: 838 1221 1119
Passcode: HFNINQUIRY (all caps)
*There will be a waiting room, please ensure your first and last name are visible so the host can admit you into the meeting. If you are unable to edit your name, please message the host in the Zoom.
Please click here to read the notice of Inquiry Panel terms of reference on the public notices page.
Planning for the 2022 Community Engagement Sessions is underway providing citizens an opportunity to get together and ask questions and discuss the topics below.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and the meeting will start at 6 p.m.
October 6, 2022
House of Huu-ay-aht
October 19, 2022
Coast Bastion Hotel
11 Bastion St.
November 1 2022
The Aboriginal Mother Centre
2019 Dundas St.
October 18, 2022
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
November 2, 2022
Songhees Wellness Centre
1100 Admirals Rd.
Questions or comments can be sent to communications@huuayaht.org.