Chip Seal is completed from kilometres 14.3 to 76.
Preparation is completed between kilometres 0 to 14
A pilot vehicle will used during both sweeping and seal coating operations on the Bamfield Main Road.
Delays will be a maximum of 15 minutes.
Chip Seal between kilometre 0 to 6 will be taking place this week.
Sweeping, cleaning of bridges, and removing berms will be taking place through out the week.
Important:
Huu-ay-aht has had a number of concerns brought to their attention in regards to vehicles speeding and putting other road users at risk, specifically around narrow sections of the road. Please be aware of the road signage and obey the speed limit of 60 km/hr. The Bamfield Main is still an active industrial logging road and road users are travelling on the Bamfield Main at their own risk. To ensure safety for everyone, please slow down.
Be aware and watch for construction equipment, flaggers, crews are on the road, and follow pilot vehicles.
The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.
Please drive with your headlights on and drive with extreme caution.
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
For the safety of crews working on the Bamfield Main, single-lane alternating traffic with pilot vehicles will be in place where sweeping is occurring. For the safety of all crews working on the road and other road users, please slow down, follow the speed limit, and drive with extreme caution.
Important:
Huu-ay-aht has had a number of concerns brought to their attention in regards to vehicles speeding and putting other road users at risk, specifically around narrow sections of the road. Please be aware of the road signage and obey the speed limit of 60 km/hr. The Bamfield Main is still an active industrial logging road and road users are travelling on the Bamfield Main at their own risk. To ensure safety for everyone, please slow down.
Be aware and watch for construction equipment, flaggers, crews are on the road, and follow pilot vehicles.
The RCMP will be monitoring for safe driving throughout the project and detour.
Please drive with your headlights on and drive with extreme caution.
COURTENAY – September 19, 2023 – The Huu-ay-aht First Nations is investigating a tourism fee program in the Bamfield area to support the Nation’s development of ecological and cultural stewardship to strengthen local tourism through a new project investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.
“We are very appreciative of the investment from the Trust in supporting Huu-ay-aht as we investigate a valuable option that will support Huu-ay-aht’s economy and Guardian program,” says Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor, John Jack (Sayaač̓atḥ), “Taking these steps will ensure that the stewardship of our territory is sustained, and protected, and provides visitors with knowledge of Huu-ay-aht’s values.”
This potential program, inspired by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s successful Tribal Parks Allies program launched in 2018, will be adapted to suit the specific needs and interests of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. This strategy invites businesses and organizations to sign a protocol agreement that commits them to contribute a 1% Ecosystem Service Fee to fund action items defined in community plans, such as environmental and cultural stewardship initiatives. With new road infrastructure improving access to Bamfield and Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ traditional territory, Huu-ay-aht is expecting a major influx of tourism visitation. The development of new partnerships with local businesses and tourism operators will create a revenue stream that will be directly reinvested in long-term stewardship of Huu-ay-aht territories enabling sustainable tourism development.
“This initiative is a special one for the Trust to invest in with Huu-ay-aht who are leading the way in developing a sustainable local economy along with an innovative approach to stewardship finance as the owners and stewards of their traditional territory,” says Aaron Stone, Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust, “This new initiative will create new partnerships and revenues for Huu-ay-aht First Nations that benefit local businesses, citizens, and visitors in the years ahead.”
The project includes a strategic planning and visioning phase, which will determine the specifications of the Huu-ay-aht Allies program, as well as the initiative’s development and launch. During the second phase, the program will invite Bamfield businesses and other businesses utilizing Huu-ay-aht traditional territory to voluntarily participate.
The “Allies Tourism Fee Development” program will work with participating businesses, recognized as “Allies”, and be recognized as such through the display of the Allies logo. Together, allied members and Huu-ay-aht will work in a mutually beneficial way that is respectful of Indigenous rights and help mitigate the impacts of tourism.
“Bamfield and Huu-ay-aht territories continue to attract visitors who are looking for stunning beauty and adventures in nature,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, “This innovative program will help ensure more of the profits from tourism go back to the Huu-ay-aht Nation and create partnerships that will support the region’s ongoing prosperity.”
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Huu-ay-aht First Nations in the Allies Tourism Fee Development project through the Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $45,500 to a total project budget of $95,500. The project will be underway imminently.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to invite you to the celebration of completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project on Tuesday, October 10, at the House of Huu-ay-aht at noon. Join us for a meal, and please bring your shawls and drums.
Request for Bid
For this event Huu-ay-aht First Nations is accepting bids for catering in Anacla for Tuesday, October 10, for approximately 200 people. Please submit your menu, bid, and food safe certificate to communications@huuayht.org
