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Huu-ay-aht First Nations is revitalizing and expanding the community of Bamfield in Barkley Sound through substantial long-term investment and commitment
Publisher: British Columbia Treaty Commission
Subject(s):
Posting Date: November 21, 2019
Year Published: 2019
Abstract:
With the financial strength and autonomy enabled by its modern treaty, Huu-ay-aht is demonstrating how treaty First Nations bring prosperity to a region.
Huu-ay-aht is one of five First Nations implementing the Maa-nulth treaty that came into effect on April 1, 2011. The main Huu-ay-aht village, Anacla, population 100, is five kilometers from Bamfield, population 180.
Bamfield is within Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territory and became a small European fishing community in the late 1800s. The town has retained its remote charm, but in the past several decades the population has declined and businesses have shuttered.
In the 1990s, eleven Bamfield properties were purchased by an out-of-town investor. The properties were neglected for decades and infrastructure deteriorated.
This lack of stability and care stagnated the region’s economy, hindering additional developments and tourism opportunities.
In early 2016, Huu-ay-aht purchased these eleven properties in Bamfield, including a motel, café, market, pub, airport, and two lodges. Under Huu-ay-aht’s ownership, many of these businesses have been restored or reopened, representing a turning point for Bamfield.
Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor Trevor Cootes explains that these investments are “a first step in a long-term vision of being the largest tourism employer in Bamfield, and are also helping the community grow in a way that will support the surrounding businesses.”
The businesses employ both Bamfield and Anacla residents, and will attract summer employees interested in working in tourism and Huu-ay-aht citizens currently living away from home.
The combination of the environmental beauty of Barkley Sound and Huu-ay-aht’s vibrant culture make Bamfield perfectly situated to attract visitors from around the world.
Huu-ay-aht’s vision is to create a cultural tourism experience where visitors’ accommodations, food, and activities will all be grounded in traditional culture. As Huu-ay-aht’s cultural tourism vision is realized, Bamfield’s reputation as a tourism destination will grow.
Huu-ay-aht’s vision for its traditional territory and its autonomy as a self-governing First Nation has revitalized Bamfield and brought new opportunities to the region.
Although Huu-ay-aht already had strong fisheries and forestry businesses, investing in Bamfield allows Huu-ay-aht to diversify its economy.
“The opportunity that treaty presents is that we have more capital to leverage than a small business would. We had the ability to take a somewhat larger risk than an individual or smaller company would want to take in such an area, but for Huu-ay-aht it’s within our traditional territory, so we didn’t see it in the same way,” said Councillor Cootes.
Cootes also emphasized the freedom treaty enables for First Nations’ economic development: “If we have the funds available, and we have the support of council, hereditary leaders, and our people, we can move on acquisitions, like we did with the Bamfield properties, without having to be in the handcuffs of the Government of Canada.”
Huu-ay-aht also leveraged the treaty for even broader opportunities that could benefit the region and province.
A unique and innovative partnership has been created with Steelhead LNG for the development of the Sarita liquefied natural gas [LNG] project on Huu-ay-aht lands. Project and lease agreements were signed in June 2017, which set out an innovative co-management process for the development, construction, operations, and decommissioning of the facility. This includes jointly conducting the environmental assessment process and engagement with affected First Nations, stakeholders, and the public, and ensures employment.
Tiffany Murray, Steelhead LNG Director of Community and Regulatory, states, “The certainty provided by the treaty and the clarity of relationship provided by Huu-ay-aht First Nations self-government enabled the partnership and helped the parties think outside the box and create an innovative co-management process that I am not aware of in any proposed LNG project to date.”
In addition to the eleven businesses and properties purchased by Huu-ay-aht, the First Nation is also developing a new residential subdivision between Anacla and Bamfield.
“A lot of the work we are doing right now is bridging the two communities together,” said Councillor Cootes.
As a part of the subdivision development, Huu-ay-aht has partnered with the Bamfield Marine Science Centre to build and operate a new sewage treatment plant for the region. These developments will be completed by the end of 2018, and will provide more opportunities for Huu-ay-aht citizens to return home. The First Nation has also built a walk and bike trail that connects Anacla, Bamfield, and the future subdivision.
Huu-ay-aht’s investments have already led to a rejuvenation of tourism and busi-ness in the region. Ongoing revitalization will occur as Huu-ay-aht continues to imple-ment its treaty, demonstrating how capital and infrastructure investment from treaties remain in regional economies.
Huu-ay-aht is one of five First Nations implementing the Maa-nulth treaty that came into effect on April 1, 2011. The main Huu-ay-aht village, Anacla, population 100, is five kilometers from Bamfield, population 180.
Bamfield is within Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territory and became a small European fishing community in the late 1800s. The town has retained its remote charm, but in the past several decades the population has declined and businesses have shuttered.
In the 1990s, eleven Bamfield properties were purchased by an out-of-town investor. The properties were neglected for decades and infrastructure deteriorated.
This lack of stability and care stagnated the region’s economy, hindering additional developments and tourism opportunities.
In early 2016, Huu-ay-aht purchased these eleven properties in Bamfield, including a motel, café, market, pub, airport, and two lodges. Under Huu-ay-aht’s ownership, many of these businesses have been restored or reopened, representing a turning point for Bamfield.
Huu-ay-aht Executive Councillor Trevor Cootes explains that these investments are “a first step in a long-term vision of being the largest tourism employer in Bamfield, and are also helping the community grow in a way that will support the surrounding businesses.”
The businesses employ both Bamfield and Anacla residents, and will attract summer employees interested in working in tourism and Huu-ay-aht citizens currently living away from home.
The combination of the environmental beauty of Barkley Sound and Huu-ay-aht’s vibrant culture make Bamfield perfectly situated to attract visitors from around the world.
Huu-ay-aht’s vision is to create a cultural tourism experience where visitors’ accommodations, food, and activities will all be grounded in traditional culture. As Huu-ay-aht’s cultural tourism vision is realized, Bamfield’s reputation as a tourism destination will grow.
Huu-ay-aht’s vision for its traditional territory and its autonomy as a self-governing First Nation has revitalized Bamfield and brought new opportunities to the region.
Although Huu-ay-aht already had strong fisheries and forestry businesses, investing in Bamfield allows Huu-ay-aht to diversify its economy.
“The opportunity that treaty presents is that we have more capital to leverage than a small business would. We had the ability to take a somewhat larger risk than an individual or smaller company would want to take in such an area, but for Huu-ay-aht it’s within our traditional territory, so we didn’t see it in the same way,” said Councillor Cootes.
Cootes also emphasized the freedom treaty enables for First Nations’ economic development: “If we have the funds available, and we have the support of council, hereditary leaders, and our people, we can move on acquisitions, like we did with the Bamfield properties, without having to be in the handcuffs of the Government of Canada.”
Huu-ay-aht also leveraged the treaty for even broader opportunities that could benefit the region and province.
A unique and innovative partnership has been created with Steelhead LNG for the development of the Sarita liquefied natural gas [LNG] project on Huu-ay-aht lands. Project and lease agreements were signed in June 2017, which set out an innovative co-management process for the development, construction, operations, and decommissioning of the facility. This includes jointly conducting the environmental assessment process and engagement with affected First Nations, stakeholders, and the public, and ensures employment.
Tiffany Murray, Steelhead LNG Director of Community and Regulatory, states, “The certainty provided by the treaty and the clarity of relationship provided by Huu-ay-aht First Nations self-government enabled the partnership and helped the parties think outside the box and create an innovative co-management process that I am not aware of in any proposed LNG project to date.”
In addition to the eleven businesses and properties purchased by Huu-ay-aht, the First Nation is also developing a new residential subdivision between Anacla and Bamfield.
“A lot of the work we are doing right now is bridging the two communities together,” said Councillor Cootes.
As a part of the subdivision development, Huu-ay-aht has partnered with the Bamfield Marine Science Centre to build and operate a new sewage treatment plant for the region. These developments will be completed by the end of 2018, and will provide more opportunities for Huu-ay-aht citizens to return home. The First Nation has also built a walk and bike trail that connects Anacla, Bamfield, and the future subdivision.
Huu-ay-aht’s investments have already led to a rejuvenation of tourism and busi-ness in the region. Ongoing revitalization will occur as Huu-ay-aht continues to imple-ment its treaty, demonstrating how capital and infrastructure investment from treaties remain in regional economies.
First Nation(s):
Full Text Word Count: 10278