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.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is preparing to welcome a new Vertical Hydroponic Farming unit to Anacla, with delivery expected in mid-May. Led by HFN’s Economic Development team in strategic partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU), the project represents a major step toward local food sovereignty. This initiative was made possible by securing close to $700,000 in funding from several key partners, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Island Coast Economic Trust (ICET), BC Hydro, and the BC Government.
The project utilizes specialized technology from Growcer, a leader in modular farming, which is providing the unit along with the essential training and technology transfer required for success. Once operational, the Growcer unit will enable the year-round local growth of fresh produce, such as leafy greens and vegetables. This is a vital resource for the community, where access to fresh, affordable food is often limited by distance and transportation challenges.
Currently, work is underway in Anacla to prepare the site and ensure the necessary systems are in place before installation. Simultaneously, SFU is supporting Huu-ay-aht in developing a business plan, training materials, food safety protocols, and hiring processes to get the project up and running. Launched as a pilot, this initiative serves as a social blueprint for the future, allowing HFN to test operations and explore how the project can evolve into a long-term social enterprise that creates local jobs and ensures lasting food security for Huu-ay-aht citizens.
Inside a hydroponic vertical farming unit (Photo provided by Growcer).
The Huu-ay-aht Economic Development Team would like to invite Citizens to the upcoming Economic Development Plan Submit happening in Anacla at the House of Huu-ay-aht from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.. This is the rescheduled event that was scheduled to occur back in November 2024. This is a collective effort, and your participation is vital as we work together to shape our community’s economic future. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Huu-ay-aht Economic Development Team would like to invite Citizens to the upcoming Economic Development Plan Submit. This is a collective effort, and your participation is vital as we work together to shape our community’s economic future. The event will take place on Friday, November 22, 12 – 3:15 p.m., at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni. Lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations hosted a two-day 2023 Nuu-Chah-Nulth Artist Symposium, on September 12 and 13, 2023, at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel in Port Alberni, BC.
This event was made possible through a grant Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Economic Development Department was able to obtain through the Canada Council for the Arts.
“We would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for their support of Nuu-chah-nulth art and culture,” says Chief Councillor, John Jack.
He continues to say, “we believe that this a vital step and a first step in the direction to help organize, support and promote indigenous art and artists and helping to define how it is we can ensure authenticity and protect the cultural and economic importance of this aspect to our life as indigenous people.”
The first day, September 12, was a closed event solely for invited master artists. In attendance, there was 11 master artist from various backgrounds of work. There were cravers, jewellers, sculptors, weavers, and clothing makers.
The 11 artists included:
Artist
Work Type
Tom Patterson
Carver
Connie Watts
Media Artist & Designer
Tim Paul
Carver
Rodney Sayers
Carver
Edward Johnson Sr.
Carver
Geraldine Edgar Tom
Weaver
Hjalmer Wenstob
Sculptor & Carver
Hipolite Williams
Carver
Lavern Williams
Weaver
Gerren Peters
Carver & Jeweler
Gordon Dick
Carver
To start off the morning of September 12, 2023, guests were led by Master of Ceremonies (MC) Trevor Little in song and prayer, following a land acknowledgement that the event was being held on the unceded traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupač̓asatḥ First Nations.
Breakfast was served to the artists, and following this, master artists were broken into three groups and participated in round table discussions. This activity brought the group to lunch, and they resumed another set of questions after lunch.
Questions that the master artists answered are the following:
How do we create a way to protect our art from being stolen and lost?
What are some ways to protect indigenous artists from being taken advantage of?
What art do we want to share with the world?
What traditional forms of art should be protected and kept private?
How do we inspire the next generation?
What could mentorship look like?
On day two of the event, the public and vendors joined to converse with master artists and join in on the conversations of preserving and protecting Indigenous Artists’ rights and authenticity.
Through breakfast and lunch, individuals purchased from vendors, talked with artists, and participated in cultural songs. From this, the group was transitioned into sitting in a sharing circle discussion. People introduced themselves and shared their thoughts regarding Nuu-Chah-Nulth Art.
Throughout the two days, feedback was received from artists and the public which was collected and will be compiled into a report and will be sent to Canada Council for the Arts.
This is just the beginning of the Nuu-chah-nulth Artist Symposium. With the work Huu-ay-aht has started, there are hopes this can continue and become something bigger and meaningful to all Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to join in on and participate.
If funding is available for next year, there are already suggestions to incorporate traditional language with art to help educate the history and value of an art piece being created.
“I felt very lucky to be a part of this event. Witnessing various artists, vendors, and the public take the time to attend spoke immensely to the significant importance of this Symposium. Throughout the conversations, the biggest feedback was how we could positively support Nuu-chah-nulth artists and First Nation art and culture, as well as, the challenges they face. This Nuu-Chah-Nulth Artist Symposium laid the groundwork for this year’s goals, but also helped provide insight for next year.” Says Executive Councillor, Stephen Rayner.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations anticipate that the results of this event will help fund a second Nuu-chah-nulth artists symposium in 2024.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts contributes to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and supports its presence across Canada and around the world. The Council is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” The Council’s grants, services, initiatives, prizes, and payments support Canadian artists, authors, and arts groups and organizations. This support allows them to pursue artistic expression, create works of art, and promote and disseminate the arts and literature. Through its arts funding, communications, research, and promotion activities, the Council fosters ever-growing engagement of Canadians and international audiences in the arts. The Council’s Public Lending Right (PLR) program makes annual payments to creators whose works are held in Canadian public libraries. The Council’s Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts through exhibition and outreach activities. The Council is responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a future of peace, reconciliation, equity, and sustainable development.
For more information about Canada Council for the Art, please visit: www.canadacouncil.ca
