Project Investment:

• Island Coastal Economic Trust: $45,000
• Applicant Equity: $50,000
• Total Budget: $95,500

Project Highlight:

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and one of the five First Nations signatories to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, the first modern-day treaty to be concluded on Vancouver Island.

Inspired by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s successful Tribal Parks Allies program (launched in 2018), the Huu-ay-aht First Nations is investigating a tourism fee program in the Bamfield area to support the Nations’ development of ecological and cultural stewardship to strengthen local tourism.  

The potential program will be adapted to suit the specific needs and interests of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and will invite 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.  

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 initiative’s second phase, the program will invite Bamfield businesses and other businesses utilizing Huu-ay-aht traditional territory to voluntarily participate.