Executive Councillor n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner, brought the opportunities of Huu-ay-aht nism̓a (traditional land) to the forefront at the Indigenous Resources Opportunities Conference (IROC) alongside Premier David Eby, MLA A’Aliyah Warbus, and leaders from across the sector.
The Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference (IROC) is a significant, Indigenous-led event that promotes Indigenous economic participation in British Columbia’s natural resource sector. Now in its 10th year, IROC 2026 brought together First Nations leaders, government representatives, resource developers, and industry partners for three days of keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities for relationship-building.
Together, these leaders are committed to fostering respectful collaboration and creating a strong future through responsible development
Premier David Eby and Executive Councillor n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner at the IROC (Photo provided to Huu-ay-aht Communications).
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).
Today, Thursday, February 26, Elected Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Alan Jack, addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs. His message was clear: it’s time for a Modern Treaty Commissioner (Bill C-10).
After 15 years of the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, federal implementation remains inconsistent. By implementing a Modern Treaty Commissioner, we hope to provide impartial oversight across the whole federal government. Bill C-10 ensures that the thousands of obligations in the Maa-nulth Final Agreement are met.
“Together, we can deliver the results that modern treaties were meant to enable and enoble.” — Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Alan Jack.
Members of Huu-ay-aht First Nations Executive Council attended the B.C. Cabinet & First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver this week.
Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Jack, Councillor n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner, and Councillor ƛicitatḥ, Edward R. Johnson met with members of the BC Cabinet as they continue to advocate for the long-term health and well-being of Huu-ay-aht.
Productive conversations were held with the Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma, the Minister of Children and Family Development Jodie Wickens, the Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon, the Minister of Forests Mackenzie Leine, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Kreiger and many more.
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.
