For official press release, click here: Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Bring a Plan for Shared Prosperity to First Ministers
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is inviting submissions from Nuu-Chah-Nulth artists to create a logo for Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a, meaning “Experience Huu-ay-aht Land.”
Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a is a Huu-ay-aht First Nations-led Destination Management Organization (DMO) that will support the development, promotion and coordination of tourism throughout Bamfield, Anacla and the broader Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories).
The winning logo will become the official identity for Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a and will also be used at Huu-ay-aht’s new Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, Huuʔii, currently being built in Anacla.
What should the logo represent?
Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a is an invitation to discover Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi through its rich culture, enduring stories, natural beauty and diverse visitor experiences. The DMO and Visitor Centre will connect visitors with local businesses, cultural experiences, outdoor recreation, accommodations, attractions, events and the people and places that make this region unique.
We are looking for a logo that captures the spirit and identity of Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a and communicates a welcoming invitation to experience Huu-ay-aht Land.
Artists are encouraged to bring their own creativity, artistic expression and perspectives to the design. The logo should reflect the purpose of the initiative while being recognizable, versatile and suitable for use across digital platforms, printed materials, signage and the Cultural & Visitor Information Centre.
The attached logo examples below are provided as visual references to help illustrate how other destinations and tourism initiatives present their identities. Artists are encouraged to develop original concepts rather than replicate existing designs.
We look forward to seeing the creativity and perspectives of Nuu-Chah-Nulth artists reflected in the visual identity of Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a.
Examples of DMO’s around BC:
Sunshine Coast Visitor Centre inside for visual reference example:
Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Cultural & Visitor Centre (In June 2026 – still under construction)
Logo Requirements:
Prize: $500 Cash
Submission deadline extension: Friday, November 20, 2026
Submit to: Anacla or Port Alberni Government Office, or by email at communications@huuayaht.org
On Thursday, October 1, Huu-ay-aht First Nations honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, at the House of Huu-ay-aht in Anacla.
An estimated 120 people came together, including residential school survivors, Huu-ay-aht citizens, the Bamfield community and students from Bamfield Community School, as well as families who travelled from Port Alberni, Nanaimo and even Vancouver. Attendees arrived dressed in orange in support of the day.
At the entrance of the House of Huu-ay-aht, participants received flower seeds, orange pins, t-shirt stickers as reminders to carry the spirit of the day with them and reflect on its meaning throughout the year.
The gathering opened with a moment of silence to honour the community’s recent loss, as well as the children who never returned home from residential school. A cultural song followed, and blankets were presented to families who had recently lost loved ones, and to survivor speaker Ben Clappis in appreciation.
Photos of residential school survivors were displayed throughout the gathering, and Ben Clappis shared his personal story, helping attendees reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system. A community lunch followed, prepared by The Bamfield Pub, a Bamfield local business. After lunch, custom-made orange T-shirt cupcakes, provided by Mountain View Bakery, a Port Alberni local business, were shared. Ben Clappis spoke about the meaning of birthdays, explaining that at residential school, children were not able to celebrate their own birthdays, and only one large cake was shared among everyone. Participants sang “Happy Birthday” together in honour of survivors and the children who never had the chance to celebrate.
The gathering closed with the Orange Garden for Truth and Reconciliation project near the memorial bench outside the House of Huu-ay-aht. A planter box was painted orange in advance by children from Paawats Daycare, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations childcare centre. Community members and children helped plant and water the flowers. The project recognized the 2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and created a meaningful space for remembrance, reflection and healing. It was made possible with funding from the Government of Canada.
Every Child Matters. Today and every day, Huu-ay-aht remembers.
Project Background:
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is developing Canada’s first Indigenous-led Destination Management Organization (DMO), Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a (meaning “Experience Huu-ay-aht Land”). This initiative will lead the development, promotion, and management of tourism throughout the Bamfield, Anacla, and broader Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories).
Designed to create a more coordinated destination experience, the DMO will help visitors discover the full range of cultural, recreational, natural, and community-based activities available in the area, connecting travellers directly with the people, places, and services that make the region unique.
To support visitors as they plan and experience their trips, Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a will feature a centralized digital pathway. The upcoming website will serve as a primary hub linking visitors to authentic cultural experiences, local tourism businesses, attractions, events, accommodations, and essential visitor services across the Bamfield–Anacla area. This initiative’s logo will also serve as the official logo for Huu-ay-aht’s new Cultural & Visitor Information Centre, currently being built in Anacla.
Ultimately, the name Experience Huu-ay-aht nism̓a is a welcoming invitation to explore Huu-ay-aht ḥaḥuułi through its rich culture, enduring stories, and vibrant lands.
Requirements:
Prize: $500 Cash
Submission deadline: Sunday, October 11, by 4 p.m.
Submit to: Anacla or Port Alberni Government Office, or by email at communications@huuayaht.org
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Stackabl Housing Initiative reached a major milestone with the official soft launch of its first demonstration home in Port Renfrew on Saturday, August 22, marking the project’s transition from concept to a tangible, walkable reality.
The event drew a strong turnout, giving those deeply involved in the project a chance to tour the structure and experience the innovative housing solution firsthand after months of collaborative planning.
Since HFN began working with Stackabl Homes BC in 2024, the initiative has steadily advanced toward broader implementation. A key milestone this year is the progress toward CSA A277 certification, a critical step toward introducing the housing system to the wider Canadian market.
Beyond delivering affordable homes, the long-term vision emphasizes economic development and capacity building. HFN is exploring how Canadian and Indigenous timber, including potential Huu-ay-aht forestry resources, can be integrated into the supply chain. Over time, the project aims to foster local assembly, manufacturing, employment, training, and greater Indigenous participation through a fully “Made in Canada” approach.
Interest in the project continues to grow organically, with First Nations, industry partners, housing organizations, and government representatives actively engaging in discussions regarding its potential impact on British Columbia’s housing landscape.
HFN will continue working with Stackabl and our partners over the coming months to build on this momentum, explore housing opportunities and better understand how Huu-ay-aht can participate in the future growth of the initiative.
