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).

Huu-ay-aht Emergency Team Builds Readiness at Joint EOC Training Session

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Five staff members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations emergency management team recently joined forces with neighbouring nations and local partners for an intensive Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Essentials training session.

The course, hosted by the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation, brought together personnel from Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Hupačasath First Nation, the City of Port Alberni, and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Emergency Program to build skills and practice emergency management protocols together.

Delivered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), the training focused on the core fundamentals of how an EOC functions to support frontline departments during a crisis. Participants explored site support operations utilizing the standardized Incident Command System (ICS) management structure. This framework defines key roles, such as operations, planning, logistics, and finance, ensuring that all can collaborate seamlessly when a disaster strikes.

Nations and Organizations participating in EOC training (Photo by Tseshaht First Nations).

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Shares Vision for Nation-Led Tourism Initiatives

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Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is advancing two key tourism projects that will help shape how our ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories) are experienced, promoted, and supported over the long term. Together, these initiatives are focused on creating a strong, Nation-led tourism economy that reflects Huu-ay-aht values while generating sustainable opportunities for citizens.

Establishing Regional Management and Reinvestment

As part of this vision, Huu-ay-aht is working toward establishing what could become Canada’s first Indigenous-led Destination Management Organization (DMO). This initiative focuses on developing a coordinated approach to managing and promoting tourism across Huu-ay-aht territory. By establishing a clear identity and “sense of place” for the region, the DMO aims to ensure that local tourism directly reflects the Nation’s culture, priorities, and long-term vision.

Alongside the development of the DMO, Huu-ay-aht is exploring the implementation of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). If approved, the MRDT would generate dedicated revenue to be reinvested directly into community-identified tourism initiatives. Potential improvements include enhanced signage across the territory, trail development and maintenance, targeted marketing for regional tourism experiences, and public infrastructure such as washrooms and visitor amenities.

This project is not just about attracting visitors; it is about ensuring that tourism is well-managed and community-driven, and that it benefits all residents of the Huu-ay-aht territory.

Preparing for the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre

In parallel, preparations are underway for the opening of the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, anticipated in 2026. This facility will serve as a central hub for visitors to learn about Huu-ay-aht history, culture, and territory. Current planning focuses on designing the overall visitor experience, developing day-to-day operations, and creating structural opportunities for Huu-ay-aht artists and entrepreneurs to participate through retail space and cultural programming.

Once operational, the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre will play an important role in welcoming visitors in meaningful ways, creating local employment, and supporting cultural sharing.

Pachena Bay Beach & River in Anacla, BC.

Huu-ay-aht Youth Honoured with Indigenous Role Model Award

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On Thursday, April 16, marked a significant milestone for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations community as Gaige Manson was formally recognized at the Semá:th First Nation Longhouse. The son of the late Timothy Manson and grandson of Marleen Nookemus, Gaige was named one of only ten students in the Fraser Valley to receive the prestigious Indigenous Role Model Award. This honour follows a highly competitive selection process involving over 100 student applicants, with each recipient earning a $1,000 scholarship to support their future endeavours.

Gaige Manson is recognized as an Indigenous Role Model (Photo by Abbotsford School District).

To earn this distinction at Yale Secondary, Gaige had to meet a rigorous set of district-wide standards that emphasize cultural connection, academic focus, and community service. Throughout his four years of high school, he demonstrated great commitment to his heritage by enrolling in language classes every single year. Beyond the classroom, he was a visible leader on his rugby team and an active participant in school culture, embodying the “Lion Pride” and inclusive spirit expected of the district’s top student mentors.

Gaige’s path to this award was solidified by a comprehensive video application that showcased his resilience and his reputation as an “overall good human” with strong marks. His leadership extends into the school’s Link Crew and various Indigenous clubs, where he has acted as a positive motivator for younger students. His ability to balance the physical demands of athletics with the academic discipline required for graduation made him a standout candidate during the rigorous review process.

With high school graduation on the horizon, Gaige has already mapped out a clear and practical path for his professional life. He plans to transition his dedication and hands-on work ethic into the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) plumbing program. By pursuing professional training and working toward becoming a certified plumber, Gaige intends to turn his technical interests into a sustainable career, continuing to serve as a role model for Huu-ay-aht youth by proving that dedication to one’s roots and one’s future go hand in hand.

Looking for support with post-secondary, trades, or training? Contact Education, Employment, & Training Manager, Brent at brent.r@huuayaht.org or 250-723-0100.

Honouring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Persons with Community Gathering

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On Tuesday, May 5, Huu-ay-aht First Nations honoured Red Dress Day – the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Persons (MMIWG2S+). The day brought together not only Huu-ay-aht citizens but also residents of Port Alberni and Bamfield, drawing an estimated 100 participants across two locations. Attendees arrived dressed in red, each finding their own way to wear the colour in support of healing and transformation.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation Anacla Government Office
Huu-ay-aht First Nation Port Alberni Government Office


The gathering opened with a cultural song, grounding the day in tradition and collective mourning. Speaker Rowena Keitlah took time to share personal stories and grief, creating a safe space for the community to sit with the weight of this day together, honouring those who are no longer here and the families still waiting for answers.
Throughout the event, attendees crafted red-dress beads and participated in a colouring activity. At the same time, a BBQ lunch featuring hot dogs and hamburgers brought neighbours together over shared plates and conversation. The strong turnout across both the Anacla and Port Alberni locations reflected the depth of community commitment to honouring MMIWG2S+.

To learn more about MMIWG2S+ and the National Inquiry, visit www.mmiwg-ffada.ca.