Participate in the Huu-ay-aht Tsunami Debris Cleanup!

Posted on by heathersthomson

Tsunami debris is a danger to wildlife. As it was originally submerged in the marine environment (e.g. docks and  ships), it can contain coastal aquatic invasive species. There is also terrestrial origin debris such as electrical goods, clothes and door frames. None of us would like to be exposed to these! Give us a hand, then!

Amelia Vos, Environmental Technician, is happy to announce that Huu-ay-aht will be participating in the Tsunami Debris Cleanup Event of  Edward King and Diana Island. Staff, Anacla residents and Huu-ay-aht citizens are invited to volunteer with the Marine Station students. This is an excellent time to showcase the values of our Nation by working together to keep our coastal ecosystems clean and healthy.

Join us on November 12th and 13th, from 10 am to 2 pm, on the islands mentioned above, which are part of Huu-ay-aht’s Traditional Territory. Every participant will get a complimentary t-shirt, lunch and beverages. Contact Amelia now via email (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) or call her at 1-888-644-4555 or 250-728-3414 to register.

Click on the image to download some historical facts on tsunamis in this country:

Timeline

Source: Catalyst for Science

James Spencer, Registered Professional Biologist who currently manages JAS Projects as an Environmental and Economic Development Consultant, and Amelia received a contract through the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) to coordinate tsunami debris cleanups in all the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. So far,  they have organized two successful cleanups with Toquaht and Uchucklesaht First Nations (UFN).  They will continue to coordinate with Tseshaht, UFN, Hesquiat, Ahousaht, and Ditidaht.  To guarantee the continuity of this project, local First Nations must support the initiative.

One of the main objectives is to raise awareness on how to respond to marine and tsunami debris in and on coastal territory.  Huu-ay-aht First Nations looks forward to working with its neighbours to get stronger and more in touch with nature as our ancestors taught us.

Did you know?

Enjoy this virtual exhibit about The Great Tsunami of 1964! Click on the image to see the gallery and read the stories:

Virtual_Exhibit

Tsunami Smart: Get the 101

Other resources

Emergency Info BC

Remembering the 1964 Port Alberni tsunami

This Week in History: Huge earthquake set off a tsunami that devastated Port Alberni

Natural Disasters CBC Digital archives

 

 

Submit your motions for the People’s Assembly 2015!

Posted on by heathersthomson

What would you like to see Huu-ay-aht accomplish within the next four years?

You can answer this question or send your proposals as motions. They can be made on any subject. If you require assistance in the wording of them, the Law Clerk, Kim Chretien, and if necessary legal counsel, is available to help at no cost. If you would like assistance, please contact us as soon as possible and, in any event, by November 2nd to allow us time to draft it before the deadline.

Motions submitted on November 3rd, 2015 will be added to the agenda for the People’s Assembly and included in the public notice. We strongly encourage citizens wishing to bring a motion to do so timely. Motions made after that date can be walked in, but there is no guarantee that they will be considered –the People’s Assembly will need to vote to add them to the agenda. In addition, the Executive Council will prepare and circulate reports on any motions on the agenda as of November 3rd, 2015, allowing you to be informed on the issues they will be asked to consider.

The People’s Assembly is on November 20th, 21st and 22nd this year. You must register by filling the PDF/online form here http://huuayaht.org/2015/09/22/peoples-assembly-registration/  or calling 250-723-0100.  Accommodations at the Best Western Barclay and childminding will be supplied for the event.

People’s Assembly updates

Notice of motions

Send your motions here! or call Coraleah Johnson at 250.723.0100, Ext. 224.

Once your details are sent, you will see a similar text displayed:

Message_Sent

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Update – Burn program will be conducted on our lands!

Posted on by heathersthomson

*Update* The burn program was postponed but will resume October 30th until November 30th , weather permitting.

We will be conducting a burn program to burn slash piles for reforestation and hazard abatement on the N1A, K3N and Treaty Settlement Land tenures (see the map below) when weather conditions permit between September 21 and October 9, 2015.

The main focus areas of the burn program will be:
• Along the Bamfield Mainline at the Spencer Mainline junction
• 2.5 km East of Sarita lake off the Central Mainline
• At 8 km along the Central Mainline
• 2.4 km East of the Bamfield Mainline and Sugsaw Mainline junction
• West of Sugsaw lake
• South of Pachena Lake
• 4.5 km of Pachena Bay off the Klanawa and Somerset Mainlines

Please click on the image to enlarge it!

2015HFN_BurnPlan_Map

Weather conditions need to be ideal in order to carry out the burn to ensure that the smoke does not create hardships on any people or wildlife in the vicinity. Optimum burning conditions are also needed to reduce the chance of a fire’s escape. This means that the burn program make take place over multiple days spread throughout the time period stated above.

Burning of piles is an important part of reforestation of Huu Ay Aht Lands as these areas occupy plantable spots that are replanted once burning is completed. The burning treatment is also important in removing potential fire hazards within the tenures. Burning is not done without all risk considered as Resource Managers need to have a sound understanding of fire behavior and its short/long term effects on the environment.

Download the notice here:

Burn plan public notice 2015.pdf

Contact information:
Marina Rayner
Assistant Forester
Meridian Forest Services Ltd
PH: 250-586-0200 ext. 207
FX: 250-586-0201
Email: mrayner@meridianforest.ca

Join a committee and move the Nation forward!

Posted on by heathersthomson

The Huu-ay-aht Executive Council would like to add members to the following committees:

  • Citizen Development (Education)
  • Citizen Development (Social)
  • Economic
  • Finance
  • Infrastructure

They will  provide input, guidance and recommendations to Executive Council, as required by the Treaty and our Legislation.

Honoraria will be provided for the successful applicant. Meetings may take place via conference call or alternate media. You can join more than one committee.

To submit your name to be considered for appointment, please  download this form, fill it out and send it to the Acting Executive Director, Karen Haugen (karen.h@huuayaht.org):

Huu-ay-aht Committee Application Form (.PDF)

Deadline, Sept. 18th, 2015.

 

Citizens engaged through 2015 All-Candidate Event

Posted on by heathersthomson

anacla blessing cu

The first two All-Candidates Meetings for the 2015 Huu-ay-aht Election were a big success. Approximately 47 people attended the event at the Best Western Barclay Hotel on Tuesday night, June 9, in Port Alberni. On Wednesday, June 10 about 40 people came to participate in the meeting. The debate was also broadcast live for citizens who could not attend, and up to 37 people tuned in to hear what candidates had to say. Although there were difficulties with the live feed of the event, 17 people tuned in.

The third meeting will take place on June 19 in Port Alberni at the Best Western Barclay Hotel, from 6 to 9 p.m. The format will be the same, with candidates for Chief Councillor starting off the event, followed by the people running for the five councillor spots.

The final session will also be broadcast live for people who cannot be in attendance. The link is: https://livestream.com/VITVca2441774/events/4080102. The first two All-Candidate Meetings were recorded and will be available on Huu-ay-aht’s YouTube channel: (https://www.youtube.com/user/HFNCommunications).

Here are the questions asked in the Port Alberni All-Candidates Meeting:

 

Chief Councillor Candidates

Jobs, Huu-ay-ahts in training – what can be done?

How would you effectively manage a council that might not always agree?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How would you ensure youth are being heard and their concerns are being heard?

Where do you see Huu-ay-aht in 20 years, and how will you lead us to success?

What do you think of our communication, and what would you change?

What does a healthy government look like to you?

Will you reply to all emails/snail mail, and how will you ensure privacy?

How do you see our hereditary government and elected government having a better relationship?

 

Councillor Candidates

Would you volunteer some of your time to create a healthy community?

How well can you deal with the anger of some citizens without giving up?

How would you communicate with and involve the elders group if elected?

How would you support a decision that goes against your personal values?

What are the three things you hope will leave you a legacy for the next generation?

How will you put your personal biases aside and treat all citizens equally?

How would you encourage Huu-ay-aht citizens to speak up?

What would you suggest doing to bring citizens home?

 

These are the questions asked at the Anacla All-Candidates Meeting:

 

Chief Councillor Candidates

Given that the majority of the population lives in Port Alberni, is it important and feasible to continue to have an office in Port Alberni?

What are your strategies to make sure work relationships are healthy between Huu-ay-aht government and business?

Health, Elders and Education – please rank these in order of importance to you.

What would be some creative ways to get housing down here (Anacla)?

What is your vision for, in the next five year, for getting people in beds and how can they afford it?

There were five agreements in the treaty, what would you do to get these done (ie walking trail)?

What kind of commitment do you think the Executive Council must make to create a successful council?

The LNG project – Is it worth looking at, and will we be better off in the future as a result?

Would you work with the past government in transition to make it smooth?

Who is your hero or someone who inspires you?

 

Councillor Candidates

What kind of commitments should the Executive Council make to form a successful government?

If you heard a rumour or hearsay, what would you do about it?

How would you commit to being more involved in the community and Treaty Settlement Land?

Is it important and feasible to have an office in Port Alberni, given that the majority of the population lives there?

How would you see a strong and diverse economy in our homeland?

How will you educate our youth on traditions and culture, instead of alcohol and drugs? What are your personal beliefs on culture?

How will you ensure more Huu-ay-ahts get more of the jobs?

What weakness do you bring to the table and how would you work on it?

How would you encourage administration to incorporate more work experience programs for youth?

If elected, what would be your first and second priority?

Over the next four years, how do you see us as a nation unlocking the wealth of our land?

Note: These questions are paraphrased from the ones asked by citizens at the sessions. For exact wording and answers to the questions, please watch the recorded All-Candidates Meetings at https://www.youtube.com/user/HFNCommunications.