As a result of the Treaty, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations has full ownership and jurisdiction over more than 8,200 hectares of land within their territories and continue to have rights throughout our Hahoulthee (traditional territories). With full control over these undisputed lands owned in fee simple, our Nation is able to govern the lands under our own laws. Seeking to leverage this strength, Executive Council and Hereditary Chiefs (Ha’wiih) have been actively seeking opportunities to engage in responsible and sustainable economic development in order to forward our vision of working together to establish a healthy, prosperous, and self-sustaining community.
Maintaining their historic role as caretakers of the lands, waters, and resources of their Hahoulthee, the Ha’wiih works closely with Elected Chief and Council to ensure that all development considerations are informed and guided by the long-held principles of ʔiisaak (greater respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), and Hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is connected).
The Government Services support this caretaker role by managing different programs that include duties and responsibilities of the Natural Resources and Trades and Land Departments; the design, implementation and sustainability of management systems in support of government internal operations including infrastructure, engineering, natural resources, financial controls, taxation, municipal planning and permitting, tracking, managing and assessment of departmental performance on budget, scope and scheduling activities in relation to the strategic plan. Additionally it promotes natural resource conservation, management, barter and trade, and resource development.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations main community is at Anacla (43.5 hectares), located on the west coast of Vancouver Island at Pachena Bay.
In the Nuu-chah-nulth Phrase Book & Dictionary, Barkley Sound Dialect, page 25, Bobby Sport attributed the name to the flounders in the creek there (analthcha’).
The Lower Village is built on the Pachena River flood plain and has been affected by flooding events. It consists of:
– 45 dwelling units – leased to Citizens.
– Gas bar – leased to Huu-ay-aht Development Corporation.
– Community facilities.
– Pawaats (Child care) – building with playground and fenced area.
– Public Works buildings – small shed and carving shed used for storage and maintenance.
– Soaring Eagle Community Centre.
The Upper Anacla Village (42.5 hect.), to the northwest of the Pachena River, is where the Nation has committed to building its future. It is situated at a higher elevation above the Tsunami inundation zone.
Development began with construction of the House of Huu-ay-aht, which is a large community center built in a traditional fashion.
A new government office has been constructed and is the hub of the community.
The subdivision of Anacla is a project that would move Citizens to the Upper Village, in order to improve community safety. Residents will be out of the tsunami inundation zone, out of flood plain. Both, resources and community, will be centralized: child care, government office, public works, community center and sports facility.
New roads would be built to Ministry of Highways standards: improving sight lines, reducing maintenance requirements and premature failure. Planned upgrading to sidewalks and walkways will increase public safety.
Planned Subdivision Sewer
Phase 1 has been completed. The sewer trunk main has been installed between Anacla and Bamfield. A partnership with the Bamfield Marine Science Center utilizes existing outfall. So, it requires a new treatment plant with cost-sharing opportunities.