The Huu-ay-aht First Nations is one of five First Nations signatory 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 Nation, 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 implementing their new relationships for over ten years. The treaty recognizes and transfers ownership and jurisdiction of 24,550 hectares of land to the First Nations and a one-time capital transfer payment of $73.1 million over 10 years. In addition, it provides $1.2 million annually in resource royalty payments for 25 years 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 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.