Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Watershed
British Columbia
Our Story
Founded in 2005 as a collaboration between Nuu-chah-nulth hereditary and elected chiefs, Uu-a-thluk, represents a new and vital approach to managing aquatic resources in Nuu-chah-nulth ha-ha-houlthee (chiefly territories of land, resources and people). Uu-a-thluk is an aquatic resource management organization administered through the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC). Uu-a-thluk is funded through a contribution agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) program within the policies and practices of the NTC.
Uu-a-thluk brings Nuu-chah-nulth-aht together to work with other governments and groups. Its framework allows us to manage our aquatic resources consistent with Nuu-chah-nulth practices and principles, complementing and reinforcing Ha’wilth patak Ha’wiih (Nuu-chah-nulth governance). Together we are increasing Nuu-chah-nulth participation in the harvest and management of our aquatic resources.
What does Uu-a-thluk do?
Access: Uu-a-thluk increases Nuu-chah-nulth access to sea resources by (1) protecting and advancing Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights, (2) maximizing Nuu-chah-nulth participation in beneficial government programs, (3) managing and protecting habitat and resources within Nuu-chah-nulth ha-ha-houlthee, and (4) retaining knowledge of Nuu-chah-nulth rich oral history and culture as it relates to the sea.
Management: Uu-a-thluk improves Nuu-chah-nulth role in sea resource management by providing a forum for Nuu-chah- nulth to work together and with other governments and organizations on aquatic resource management issues and opportunities.
Capacity: Uu-a-thluk enables and equips Nuu-chah-nulth individuals to take advantage of opportunities in the sea resource sector through training, education, mentorship, and workplace.
Vision
Our vision is to manage Nuu-chah-nulth ha-ha-houlthee of our Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) in a sustainable way for our muschim (the community), consistent with Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge and values. This is a responsibility given by Naas (Creator). Our aquatic resources must fulfill our sustenance, ceremonial and societal needs, and provide an economic base for healthy communities.
Communities
KEY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
∙ Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries ∙ T’aaq-wiihak Fisheries ∙ Joint Technical Working Group ∙ Community Capacity Building ∙ Sustainable Aquatic Resource Management ∙ Research ∙ Education ∙ Communication & Outreach ∙ Policy
INTERNAL CAPACITY
∙ Program Manager ∙ 3 Regional Biologists ∙ Associate Biologist ∙ Program Coordinator ∙ Communications and Development Coordinator ∙ Capacity Building Coordinator ∙ Fisheries Technicians and Interns (seasonal) ∙
PARTNERSHIPS
- Nuu-chah-nulth member Nations
- First Nations Fisheries Council
- West Coast Aquatic
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
- Island Marine Aquatic Working Group (IMAWG)
- Science Venture
- Vancouver Island University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
- Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation
- MC Wright and Associates
