The Huu-ay-aht First Nations is one of five First Nations signatories to the Maa-nulth First Nations Treaty that came into effect on April 1, 2011. The five First Nations were former Indian Act bands, and become self-governing through the Maa-nulth treaty, which is being implemented by the five independent governments: Huu‑ay‑aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe, and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet)
For recent updates, please see our latest annual report. Please see the Maa-nulth website for additional updates.
The First Nations, Canada, and British Columbia have been building their new relationships through treaty implementation for over a decade. The treaty recognizes and transfers ownership and jurisdiction of 24,550 hectares of land to the First Nations. It also imparts a one-time capital transfer payment of $73.1 million over 10 years. Additionally, it provides $1.2 million annually (for 25 years) in resource royalty payments and $9.5 million annually for program funding.
Huu‑ay‑aht has approximately 710 citizens; Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ has approximately 590 citizens; Toquaht has approximately 150 citizens; Uchucklesaht has approximately 250 citizens; and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ has approximately 675 citizens. The traditional territory of Huu-ay-aht First Nations is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island surrounding Barkley and Kyuquot Sounds. Maa-nulth First Nations have overlapping and/or shared territory with their First Nation neighbours: Ditidaht, Hupacasath, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Tseshaht.