News

On Friday, February 7, representatives from Global Affairs Canada’s Indigenous Engagement team and Indo-Pacific Branch toured Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s trade operations, which include the Oyster Farm and TimberTiles production. These industries are significant economic drivers for the community and reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

“These business projects represent Huu-ay-aht Group of Business’s value-added strategy to maximize the return for Huu-ay-aht from the natural resources within the ḥahuułi” said Patrick Schmidt, CEO, Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses.

Huu-ay-aht’s oyster farming operation, based in Bamfield BC, is a prime example of responsible aquaculture. Currently, the Oyster Farms have a limited shipping radius, but an exciting development is underway: the farm will soon be employing new processing technology. This equipment will allow for more significant expansion and robust shipping opportunities, further establishing Huu-ay-aht as a key player in the sustainable seafood market.

Additionally, the TimberTiles operation in Port Alberni is another standout. Sourcing wood from the region, including Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi (territory), this operation is a testament to the Nation’s ability to manage its natural resources responsibly. Huu-ay-aht has partnered with local owners to market these high-quality TimberTiles, promoting environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

“The greater understanding that vital federal departments like Global Affairs Canada have regarding the interests of modern treaty nations, the better off Huu-ay-aht will be in pursuing the creation of value in the global economy and benefiting from that activity directly and indirectly,” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor, John Jack, “This visit shows that this federal government and the department itself are committed to understanding the nuances involved in First Nations economic development on the West Coast, as well as the considerations needed in how modern treaties create opportunities for creating value and for clarification in how to best work together. I thank Global Affairs Canada for their time and attention, and for everyone pulling together following the weather to make sure it happened in a good way.”

As the tour with Global Affairs Canada demonstrated, Huu-ay-aht is preserving its cultural heritage and actively building a sustainable and profitable future. With expanding operations and a focus on ethical business practices, Huu-ay-aht is positioning itself as a reliable and responsible business partner. For inquiries, please get in touch with Huu-ay-aht First Nations or the Group of Businesses.

Contact:
Patrick Schmidt, CEO
Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses
Patrick.S@huuayaht.com
778-421-2663

Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager, Huu-ay-aht First Nations
amanda.c@huuayaht.org
250-720-7776

On February 10, 2025, Huu-ay-aht First Nations announced they have secured $1.0 Million for a Weaving Justice Grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia. With this funding,  
Huu-ay-aht will study and review its Tribunal process.  

The Weaving Justice Grants opportunity provides financial support for Indigenous communities to use law to restore power to their communities in ways that bring people together. This opportunity will focus on supporting work to heal Indigenous families and communities through Indigenous legal education, legal research, legal services, and law reform.

Huu-ay-aht successfully received one of the available grants, the Cedar Grant, a four-year grant of $250,000 per year. Huu-ay-aht has appointed Dr Heather Castleden (HEC Lab) as Project Lead. Her team will focus on four phases: 1. Research the Tribunal process, 2. Recommend evidence-informed reforms to the Tribunal Act, 3. Develop community-wide educational resources related to any Huu-ay-aht approved changes, and 4. Implement new trauma-informed protocols to support Tribunal applications in the future.

“If we are to achieve the fusion of our ancient spirit and modern mind, we must continually evaluate our institutions and ensure that they bring together the needs of the present and future with the values and aspirations of our ancestors”, said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Jack. “The Tribunal process has been a vital function of our nation that holds governments accountable to formal laws like our Constitution. We should investigate the further integration of our traditional governance practices into the written body of law so that all citizens may know them. I look forward to the work as it will bear fruit that will strengthen our governance and take us into the future in ever-improving ways. On behalf of the Huu-ay-aht, I thank the Law Foundation of British Columbia for their grant, and HEC Lab for their focus, expertise, and responsiveness.”

The study of the Huu-ay-aht Tribunal intends to break the colonial legal traditions and embed Huu-ay-aht Values and the Three Sacred Principles.

ʔiisaak (respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), and hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is connected) will guide this project and build on the rich history Huu-ay-aht is working to build for a bright future for generations to come.

During this process, Huu-ay-aht Government and Citizens will have the opportunity to participate in this project through invited interviews and community engagement, where input and feedback will be valuable. Please look out for Community Engagement details.

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About Huu-ay-aht First Nations – Huu-ay-aht First Nations is an Indigenous community located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is a part of the
Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, formerly called the Nootka. Huu-ay-aht is a party to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, a modern treaty that grants its five member-nations constitutionally protected self-government as well as ownership, control, and law-making authority over their lands and resources. For more information, visit: www.huuayaht.org

About HEC Lab

The HEC Lab is a hub for meaningful research and transformative action. At the HEC Lab, we recognize that everything is connected, and we commit to research that honours Indigenous knowledge systems and addresses our most pressing governance, health, and environmental challenges. We focus on research that fosters reconciliation and challenges colonial practices, bridging diverse cultures and disciplines to create impactful change. For more information, visit: The HEC Lab

About Law Foundation of British Columbia – The Law Foundation of British Columbia (the Foundation) is an independent non-profit foundation established in 1969 under the Legal Profession Act. The Foundation receives the interest on funds held in lawyers’ pooled trust accounts maintained in the banks and credit unions of the province. The Foundation in turn distributes these funds by way of grants. For more information, visit:  https://www.lawfoundationbc.org/

Contact:

Amanda-Lee Cunningham, Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
250-720-7776 | amanda.c@huuayaht.org

Heather Castleden, Project Lead
Director, HEC Lab
902-489-2412 | castleden@uvic.ca  

View Official Press Release, here

Anacla, B.C. – December 19, 2024 – The Huu-ay-aht Executive Council passed a motion on Thursday, December 19, confirming that the Ancient Village of Kiix̣in will remain closed to the public. This decision includes the temporary suspension of Kiix̣in Tours, which had been offered both privately and by the Nation, until further notice.

Huu-ay-aht is actively working on an exciting new research and development initiative aimed at enhancing and reimagining the Kiix̣in Tours experience. Over the years, Kiix̣in has operated under the Huu-ay-aht Economic Development Department, and the temporary closure in 2024 has provided an opportunity to focus on capacity building and long-term strategic planning.

As the Nation looks ahead to 2025, Huu-ay-aht remains committed to creating a sustainable and enriched Kiix̣in Tours program. In collaboration with Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses and Legacy Tourism Group, the Nation is conducting comprehensive studies to ensure the preservation of this National Historic Site while enhancing the cultural and educational experience for future visitors.

The public is reminded that access to Kiix̣in remains restricted without explicit permission from Huu-ay-aht. Unauthorized tours or activities at Kiix̣in are strictly prohibited. The Nation will not assume responsibility for any accidents, damages, or liabilities arising from unauthorized access or actions.

Contact:

Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
Email: communications@huuayaht.org
Phone: 250-723-0100
Cell: 250-720-7776

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View Official Press Release Here: Click Here

Huu-ay-aht is looking for one youth to participate in the Youth Treaty Simulation, February 2025, in Gatineau, Quebec. All travel, accommodations, and meals will be covered by Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

Are you interested in modern treaties and what it is like to negotiate and implement modern treaties first hand, while learning from treaty experts? Check out The Gordon Foundation website for more information, find the link here: Gordon Foundation Youth Treaty Simulation

The deadline to apply is Monday, October 21, 2024.

Please apply here: online form

Please note, that those who apply must have two pieces of government ID (one with a photo) to travel.

For inquiries, please contact: Kae-Lynn Johnson at the Port Alberni office at 250-723-0100 or kae-lynn.j@huuayaht.org

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LCAC – Land Claims Agreement Coalition, February 24-26, 2025

Are you interested in participating in a cultural performance on behalf of Huu-ay-aht First Nations at The 2025 LCAC Conference? As well as learning about raising awareness of and knowledge about Modern Treaties in Canada, professional development, and other opportunities – please read more in the link here: LCAC 2025 – About The Event

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is looking for 3 youth and 3 citizens to attend the February 2025, LCAC Conference in Gatineau, Quebec. All travel, accommodations, and meals will be covered by Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

The deadline to apply is Monday, October 21, 2024.

Please apply here: online form

Please note, that those who apply must have two pieces of government ID (one with a photo) to travel.

For inquiries, please contact: Kae-Lynn Johnson at the Port Alberni office at 250-723-0100 or kae-lynn.j@huuayaht.org