2023 Huu-ay-aht Days will take place from August 11 to 13. Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government will kick off the weekend on Friday, August 11, at 11 A.M. filling the day with food, culture, contest, and fun activities. Then it is up to Huu-ay-aht Citizens to take charge of your weekend. Come together and have fun as a self-reliant nation.


On this page, you will find everything you need to know leading up to 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days. You will find the registration form, vendor form, Friday’s schedule, and more here.


If you have any questions that you cannot find the answer to on this page, please contact:

Kimmie MacDonald
kimmie.m@huuayaht.org
250-723-0100

Communications
communications@huuayaht.org
250-723-0100

Registration form:

It is essential for those attending, camping, participating in the cook-off, or volunteering to fill out the registration form.


To fill out the registration form, visit this link: click here.

Vendor Form:

Huu-ay-aht Vendors! Please fill out the vendor form if you want to sell some artwork, handmade clothes, or something else. We ask all vendors to participate Friday, August 11, as donating one item from your collection is required to use as a door prize. Please also know as a vendor, it is your responsibility to supply your table set up and cash float for yourself.

To fill out the vendor form, visit this link: click here.

Friday, August 11, 2023 Schedule:

On Friday, August 11, 2023, Huu-ay-aht Days will begin at 11 A.M. at the House of Huu-ay-aht. We will gather at the House of Huu-ay-aht for food, culture, and prizes. Then, head to Pachena Beach for activities, a guest speaker, then citizens take over your weekend.

Friday, August 11, 2023 Agenda –

10 A.M. – Doors open at the House of Huu-ay-aht

11 A.M. – Opening Comments and Prayer

11: 30 A.M. – Guest Speaker, Alex Thomas

12 P.M. – Chili, Fry Bread, and Bannock cook-off contest and a catered lunch served
*please note: citizens who are participating in the contest, please bring your cooked chili and bannock/fried bread, ready for the 11:30 a.m. tasting and voting.

12:45 P.M. – Announcement of cook off winner

1 P.M. – Culture at Pachena Beach (Gazebo) (Song, Dance, cedar weaving, and devils club).

2 P.M. – Scavenger Hunt and Prize Draws

3:00 P.M. – Kiix̣in Tour

Saturday, August 12, 2023 Activities available:

9 A.M. – Breakfast

10/10:30 A.M. – Walk guided by Alex Thomas

1 P.M. – Community Potluck

5 P.M. – Kiix̣in Tour

7 P.M. – Movie Night

Guest Speaker – Alex Thomas

Alex Thomas, traditional name Naxnagəm (Nahx-nah-gim), is a Tlowitsis First Nation member with patrilineal connections to Sishalh First Nation and Squamish First Nation.

She is currently attending the University of British Columbia in the Forestry Resources Management undergraduate program and will be graduating with her degree this December.

Alex currently works for the Nanwakolas Council as the Forest Stewardship Project Coordinator and leads the urban sustainability project Homegrown Climate Justice.

Working with the Nanwakolas Council Alex facilitates cultural awareness workshops, surveys large cultural cedars, and represents her Nation in forestry planning. She has a great passion for plants, travelling, and playing soccer.

Camping and event location map of Pachena River/Beach:

Camping Checklist:

Make sure to remember the essentials when camping! No need to stress. We have created an essential checklist to help you out. Check out the photo; if you click on it, you’ll get a printable PDF.

Click me for a printable Checklist!

Details to know:

1. This camp-out event will take place at Pachena Beach at the reserved sites. Please bring own camping gear, as it will not be supplied. You don’t have to worry about applying for a Permit.
Huu-ay-aht will have a general permit for that weekend.

2. Gas cards will be handed out to citizens on Friday, August 11, 2023, between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the House of Huu-ay-aht.

3. Ferry costs will be reimbursed. Please keep your receipts. Huu-ay-aht is only able to reimburse you if you have a receipt. Reimbursements are done by cheque or direct deposit, which can take up to a week to two weeks.

4. Vendors must fill out a different form if you want to sell your art. Please note that you are responsible for your setup (tables, chairs, etc.). For the vendor form: click here

5. Chili and Bannock/Fried Bread Cook-Off Contest

There will be a chilli and bannock/fried bread cook-off contest! If you would like to participate, please indicate that in your registration. Huu-ay-aht citizens vote, and the winner takes home a prize!

6. Huu-ay-aht staff will kick off the weekend with a catered lunch, chilli, and bannock/fried bread cook-off contest at the House of Huu-ay-aht, followed by activities at the Pachena Beach private sites. Then, citizens will take over and spend their weekend together however they please.

7. Huu-ay-aht government will provide one catered lunch at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Friday, August 11, then citizens will be responsible for their food and drink.

8. There are no recycling bins at the campground. Please pack out what you pack in.

9. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the weekend. Examples: ensuring citizens are not leaving garbage out, watching their children, practicing Huu-ay-aht sacred principles, assisting citizens if help is needed, etc.

10. We ask that citizens are diligent with their health. If you have special requirements, please ensure you are prepared. If you have allergies, please ensure you have an EpiPen on you.

11. Parents are responsible for their children. We can’t stress it enough. Please keep an eye on your children at all times.

12. Huu-ay-aht Days is an alcohol and drug-free event, please do not attend if you are under the influence.

13. There is no lifeguard on duty during Huu-ay-aht days. Please use caution and never swim alone.

14. As a community, let Huu-ay-aht sacred principles guide us through the weekend: ʔiisaak (greater respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of…), Hišuk ma c̕awak (Everything is one)

We can’t wait to gather and celebrate Huu-ay-aht culture! Bring your shawls and drums.

Please check our social media pages and website for updates leading up to the weekend.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN