News

September 12, 2025

PORT ALBERNI, BC – This morning, after much deliberation, BC Supreme Court Justice Amy Francis granted the application for an interim injunction in favour of Tsawak-qin Forestry LP (“Tsawak-qin”) which prohibits anyone from interfering with, or blocking access to, the permitted harvest area and any road within the injunction area.  

For several weeks, a group of outside agitators have descended upon the territory of Pacheedaht First Nation and set up blockades to prevent Tsawak-qin and its contractors from engaging in First Nations supported, lawful forestry activities. 

We, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, have called upon these unwelcomed individuals to leave the Pacheedaht territory and allow for the First Nations supported, lawful forestry operations to continue. We hope that these individuals will realize that Pacheedaht’s right to self-determination is of paramount importance here, and they will in turn leave the territory peacefully and promptly.

The blockade has undermined the right of Pacheedaht to assert its Inherent Rights and authority over all activities within its territory. The Pacheedaht are the rightful stewards of its land, waters, and natural resources. The disrespect shown by the blockaders not only harms Pacheedaht in the immediate term, but it harms the continued path towards reconciliation.

Continuing to allow these blockaders to undermine Pacheedaht sovereignty would have set a dangerous precedent for First Nations across BC and all of Canada, and we are encouraged by the news that the interim injunction was granted against these unwelcome individuals today. We are hopeful that they will leave Pacheedaht territory expeditiously following the interim injunction being granted today.

For official statement: Huu-ay-aht Statement Regarding Interim Injunction

Letter of Support for Pacheedaht – September 8, 2025

The walls of the new Cultural & Visitor Information Centre are going up! Construction on the new Cultural Centre began in May 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the community. Construction is now well underway, and we are on track to welcome visitors by summer 2026.

This facility will be a place for Huu-ay-aht culture, art, and community to shine. It will include:

1. A museum featuring cultural treasures and artifacts returning home from the Royal BC Museum.
2. Visitor service desk
3. A workshop area for Huu-ay-aht and other Indigenous artists to create and share their work.
4. A retail section offering local art alongside other retail items.
5. Free Wi-Fi for visitors and community members.
6. Wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
7. A parking area for ease of access.
8. A space for Huu-ay-aht citizens to operate a food truck or café.

This Centre is more than a building, it is a step forward in revitalizing our culture, supporting artists and entrepreneurs, and creating a welcoming space for all who visit our lands.

There is still a lot of work ahead, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you as progress continues. Stay tuned!

Huu-ay-aht citizens of all ages participate in the 2025 Tlu-piich Games.

By Emily Kosteniuk 
 
It’s always an exciting time of year when Nations come together for the Annual Tlu-piich Games. On August 11, 2025, Huu-ay-aht First Nations was one of five nations who participated in this year’s games in Port Alberni, BC. 

The games, hosted by Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, took place at the Bob Dailey Stadium from August 11-14. Many people ranging in age from young children to adults participated in friendly competition. Activities in this event included Track and Field, Volleyball, Tee Ball, Canoe races, and much more.  

There were about 21 participants from the Huu-ay-aht First Nations along with four chaperones, the lead being Jacquie Dennis, and two others being summer students working with the Nation. 

Due to the danger of extreme heat, the games were cut short during the first couple of days. In the middle of the week, the games were cancelled due to the Mount Underwood Wildfire and air quality conditions. 

Huu-ay-aht First Nations wishes to thank the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for hosting the 2025 Tlu-piich games, everyone who organized the event and made it possible, and Huu-ay-aht staff and chaperones for coming together and supporting Huu-ay-aht children, youth, and citizens.  

Friday, August 29, 2025