2024
WE ARE STILL HERE.
NUCHATLAHT FIRST NATION
WINS HISTORIC BC TITLE CLAIM
For the first time in B.C. history, a B.C. Supreme Court has awarded Aboriginal title to a First Nation in B.C. In a precedentsetting decision,Nuchatlaht’s win hasthe court recognizing Aboriginal title to part of their traditional territory on Northwest Nootka Island.
NUCHATLAHT FIRST NATION WINS HISTORIC BC TITLE CLAIM
NUCHATLAHT First Nation is celebrating a historic legal victory, after Justice Myers of the B.C. Supreme Court found that the Nuchatlaht hold aboriginal title to a portion of their traditional, ancestral, unceded territory on Nootka Island. This ruling marks the first time that a B.C. trial court has recognized a First Nation’s Aboriginal title.
The Tsilhqot’in First Nation needed to appeal their decision to the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa. Tyee Ha’wiih Chief Jordan Michaelsaid upon receiving the decision “we are celebrating this victory and looking ahead for the future of our nation. There is still much that needs to be done to restore our land and heal our people.”
This victory follows a 54-day trial which began in March of 2022. In May of 2023 the court rejected the Nuchatlaht’s entire claim area but acknowledged that Nuchatlaht have Aboriginal title somewhere on Nootka Island. This decision identifiesthose areas and concludes a processstarted when the Nuchatlaht first brought the claim in 2017.
“This is a victory for Nuchatlaht, butwe know that our territory didn’t stop at the bottom of the hill. Our people used everything from the beaches to the mountain tops.” said Nuchatlaht Councillor Mellissa Jack. Nuchatlaht are considering appealing the decision for the remainder of their original claim area. Archie Little, Nuchatlaht elder and Councillor said “we're not just fighting for Nuchatlaht. We want to show the world that we can manage better, we can enhance better, and there will be enough for everybody.”
Future Plans
The case was first started underthe leadership ofthe late Ha’wiih Chief Walter Michael, who said of the case "successive governments have failed to give Nuchatlaht serious iisaak (respect) for their Rights and Title... These governments need to hear from the court system to allow us to restore and protect our ancestral lands for the benefit of all future generations.”
Ha’wiih Chief Jordan Michaelspoke about the continuity of this vision. “There has been industrial clearcut logging. There’s no thought about tomorrow. It’s take everything now. We want to do things differently.”
With the reclamation of part of their territory, the Nuchatlaht plan to practice Nuu-chah-nulth stewardship based on the principle of Hishuk-ish tsa’walk (everything is connected). With over 80% of old growth forests clearcut in the region and no watersheds left intact, the aim is to rehabilitate the natural ecosystem while supporting the growth of the Nuchatlaht people and culture.
In addition to forestry, the Nuchatlaht have big plans to collaborate with stakeholders to restore and strengthen wild salmon populations in the area. “We are ocean people,” said Councillor Little. “A priority is restoring wild salmon habitat in our waters.”
Housing is another priority for the Nuchatlaht, and they are developing plans to improve access to housing for members on and off reserve. “It’ll be a great thing for oursmall community being able to provide for our community members,” said Melissa Jack, a Nuchatlaht Councilor.
“Now it’ll be our turn and it will be good to see our people flourish.” “This is a real chance at becoming self-sustaining. For far too long we’ve been isolated on this tiny little reserve watching all ourresources getting stripped away, while not taking any real part in the economic development of our nation” said Councillor Erick Michael. ”I think it’ll be a huge win forselfdetermination. We will finally be able to take care of our people and take care of our lands like we want to. It will be really big for generations to come.
The Tsilhqot’in First Nation needed to appeal their decision to the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa. Tyee Ha’wiih Chief Jordan Michaelsaid upon receiving the decision “we are celebrating this victory and looking ahead for the future of our nation. There is still much that needs to be done to restore our land and heal our people.”
This victory follows a 54-day trial which began in March of 2022. In May of 2023 the court rejected the Nuchatlaht’s entire claim area but acknowledged that Nuchatlaht have Aboriginal title somewhere on Nootka Island. This decision identifiesthose areas and concludes a processstarted when the Nuchatlaht first brought the claim in 2017.
“This is a victory for Nuchatlaht, butwe know that our territory didn’t stop at the bottom of the hill. Our people used everything from the beaches to the mountain tops.” said Nuchatlaht Councillor Mellissa Jack. Nuchatlaht are considering appealing the decision for the remainder of their original claim area. Archie Little, Nuchatlaht elder and Councillor said “we're not just fighting for Nuchatlaht. We want to show the world that we can manage better, we can enhance better, and there will be enough for everybody.”
Future Plans
The case was first started underthe leadership ofthe late Ha’wiih Chief Walter Michael, who said of the case "successive governments have failed to give Nuchatlaht serious iisaak (respect) for their Rights and Title... These governments need to hear from the court system to allow us to restore and protect our ancestral lands for the benefit of all future generations.”
Ha’wiih Chief Jordan Michaelspoke about the continuity of this vision. “There has been industrial clearcut logging. There’s no thought about tomorrow. It’s take everything now. We want to do things differently.”
With the reclamation of part of their territory, the Nuchatlaht plan to practice Nuu-chah-nulth stewardship based on the principle of Hishuk-ish tsa’walk (everything is connected). With over 80% of old growth forests clearcut in the region and no watersheds left intact, the aim is to rehabilitate the natural ecosystem while supporting the growth of the Nuchatlaht people and culture.
In addition to forestry, the Nuchatlaht have big plans to collaborate with stakeholders to restore and strengthen wild salmon populations in the area. “We are ocean people,” said Councillor Little. “A priority is restoring wild salmon habitat in our waters.”
Housing is another priority for the Nuchatlaht, and they are developing plans to improve access to housing for members on and off reserve. “It’ll be a great thing for oursmall community being able to provide for our community members,” said Melissa Jack, a Nuchatlaht Councilor.
“Now it’ll be our turn and it will be good to see our people flourish.” “This is a real chance at becoming self-sustaining. For far too long we’ve been isolated on this tiny little reserve watching all ourresources getting stripped away, while not taking any real part in the economic development of our nation” said Councillor Erick Michael. ”I think it’ll be a huge win forselfdetermination. We will finally be able to take care of our people and take care of our lands like we want to. It will be really big for generations to come.
NEW NUCHATLAHT TRIBE OFFICE LOCATION
The Nuchatlaht Tribe opened a new office in Campbell River in February 2024.
Located at 1741 16th Ave, Campbell River, BC.
Located at 1741 16th Ave, Campbell River, BC.
2023
NORTHERN REGION GAMES
In 2023, the Nuchatlaht First Nation hosted the Northern Region Games in Zeballos, BC.
Various games were held at the local sports field, with more sports being played at the Zeballos Elementary Secondary School. Participants from Northern Vancouver Island tribes gathered around to engage in sporting activities from June 30th to July 2nd, 2023.
With the help of volunteers from other nations and organizations, the 2023 NRG was a success!
Various games were held at the local sports field, with more sports being played at the Zeballos Elementary Secondary School. Participants from Northern Vancouver Island tribes gathered around to engage in sporting activities from June 30th to July 2nd, 2023.
With the help of volunteers from other nations and organizations, the 2023 NRG was a success!
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
2022
Our Court Case Rally
September 27th, 2022 in Vancouver, B.C.
An Update on Nuchatlaht’s Land Title Claim
In the last few months, Nuchatlaht’s legal team led by Jack Woodward KC and Owen Stewart have gathered and presented evidence before the provincial court. Evidence consisted of compelling research from Archaeologist Jacob Earnshaw and Anthropologist John Dewhirst. The evidence presented consisted of extensive studies on culturally modified trees dating back to the 16th century, with two sites in the Northwest Nootka Island having thousands of CMTs, two of the largest known sites in all of Canada. As part of the evidence presented, there were official archival government records, fur trade journals, and academic texts all showing Nuchatlaht’s long standing presence in and connection to their land.
Meanwhile, the Province is arguing that the Nuchatlaht 1) have no connection to their land 2) were too small to control their territory and 3) should pay for the Province’s legal fees. There is little to support any of these arguments, and evidence presented by Jack Woodward KC instead shows the opposite.
Evidence presented clearly shows what everyone already knows; that the Nuchatlaht today are the descendants of the same Nuchatlaht met by explorers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Given the project of reconciliation it is deeply disappointing that the Province is claiming legal fees against the Nuchatlaht, and in response to the claim that Nuchatlaht were too small, evidence was led showing that Nuchatlaht had amassed an arsenal of over 200 guns by the early 1800s. Small but mighty!
BETRAYED BY B.C HYPOCRISYOn April 21st 2022, the Province announced a provincial action plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), which consisted of litigation directives that would minimize the adversarial approach that has disadvantaged Indigenous people in court proceedings. Despite this, the Province continues to pursue arguments that contradict the directive.
“Premier Horgan is giving B.C. credit for the transformative change that UNDRIP will bring, yet they have led us further away from reconciliation, and lack any signs of good faith. Apparently, they need 5 more years to talk about implementation,” said Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael. “There has been no show of good faith. The hypocrisy of the provincial government is very apparent, and needs to be addressed.”
The arguments presented by the Province include claiming that the Nuchatlaht are too small, that they have no connections to their territory, that they barely used land resources and that the Nuchatlaht should cover the Province’s legal fees.
TIMELINE & NEXT STEPSBetween March 21, 2022 to May 26, 2022 there were 40 days of trial wherein Nuchatlaht and the Province presented their arguments to court. Since May 26, both parties have writing and researching their extensive final arguments. Once presented to the Court, Nuchatlaht’s legal team are hoping for a decision early in the New Year.
Meanwhile, the Province is arguing that the Nuchatlaht 1) have no connection to their land 2) were too small to control their territory and 3) should pay for the Province’s legal fees. There is little to support any of these arguments, and evidence presented by Jack Woodward KC instead shows the opposite.
Evidence presented clearly shows what everyone already knows; that the Nuchatlaht today are the descendants of the same Nuchatlaht met by explorers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Given the project of reconciliation it is deeply disappointing that the Province is claiming legal fees against the Nuchatlaht, and in response to the claim that Nuchatlaht were too small, evidence was led showing that Nuchatlaht had amassed an arsenal of over 200 guns by the early 1800s. Small but mighty!
BETRAYED BY B.C HYPOCRISYOn April 21st 2022, the Province announced a provincial action plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), which consisted of litigation directives that would minimize the adversarial approach that has disadvantaged Indigenous people in court proceedings. Despite this, the Province continues to pursue arguments that contradict the directive.
“Premier Horgan is giving B.C. credit for the transformative change that UNDRIP will bring, yet they have led us further away from reconciliation, and lack any signs of good faith. Apparently, they need 5 more years to talk about implementation,” said Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael. “There has been no show of good faith. The hypocrisy of the provincial government is very apparent, and needs to be addressed.”
The arguments presented by the Province include claiming that the Nuchatlaht are too small, that they have no connections to their territory, that they barely used land resources and that the Nuchatlaht should cover the Province’s legal fees.
TIMELINE & NEXT STEPSBetween March 21, 2022 to May 26, 2022 there were 40 days of trial wherein Nuchatlaht and the Province presented their arguments to court. Since May 26, both parties have writing and researching their extensive final arguments. Once presented to the Court, Nuchatlaht’s legal team are hoping for a decision early in the New Year.
L A N D B A C K
LAND TITLE COURT CASE
(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – January 20, 2017)
This morning, on the steps of the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, the Tyee Ha’wilth (Hereditary Head Chief), Walter Michael of the Nuchatlaht First Nation declared his Nation will be seeking an official recognition of the rights and titles held solely by Nuchatlaht for thousands of years.
Tyee Ha’wilth Michael stated “Nuchatlaht has spent many frustrating years of discussions at the Treaty table and other processes trying to protect our lands and the health of our people. Successive governments have failed to give Nuchatlaht serious iisaak (respect) for their Rights and Title.”
Located in a once pristine area on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the Nuchatlaht tribe have continuously and exclusively occupied their territory and maintained their traditional hereditary government. Successive generations of Nuchatlaht Ha’wiih (Chiefs) have refused to surrender their title and the Nuchatlaht muschim (People) have defended their territory with arms in ancient times.
When the first European explorers arrived in Nuchatlaht territory, they observed and recognized Nuchatlaht ownership and governance and paid tribute to their Ha’wiih. Until the arrival of these early foreign visitors and the interference of modern governments, Nuchatlaht Ha’wiih intensely managed and protected all land and aquatic resources within their Hahoulthi (Chief’s exclusive territory).
This continuous, sustainable management cycle protected the land and resources and sustained the Nuchatlaht people. This system was interrupted when wasteful industrial systems were implemented by B.C. and Canada during the last 150 years. These actions have enriched corporations , but adversely impacted Nuchatlaht sacred land and food sources while leaving few benefits for the Nuchatlaht people.
After decades of futile efforts, the Ha’wilth of Nuchatlaht has sought the assistance of the same legal team that was so successful in the recent landmark Aboriginal Title Supreme Court victory of the Tsilhqot’in Nation in Central B.C.
Tyee Ha’wilth Michael declared “These governments need to hear from the court system to allow us to restore and protect our ancestral lands for the benefit of all future generations.”
This morning, on the steps of the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, the Tyee Ha’wilth (Hereditary Head Chief), Walter Michael of the Nuchatlaht First Nation declared his Nation will be seeking an official recognition of the rights and titles held solely by Nuchatlaht for thousands of years.
Tyee Ha’wilth Michael stated “Nuchatlaht has spent many frustrating years of discussions at the Treaty table and other processes trying to protect our lands and the health of our people. Successive governments have failed to give Nuchatlaht serious iisaak (respect) for their Rights and Title.”
Located in a once pristine area on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the Nuchatlaht tribe have continuously and exclusively occupied their territory and maintained their traditional hereditary government. Successive generations of Nuchatlaht Ha’wiih (Chiefs) have refused to surrender their title and the Nuchatlaht muschim (People) have defended their territory with arms in ancient times.
When the first European explorers arrived in Nuchatlaht territory, they observed and recognized Nuchatlaht ownership and governance and paid tribute to their Ha’wiih. Until the arrival of these early foreign visitors and the interference of modern governments, Nuchatlaht Ha’wiih intensely managed and protected all land and aquatic resources within their Hahoulthi (Chief’s exclusive territory).
This continuous, sustainable management cycle protected the land and resources and sustained the Nuchatlaht people. This system was interrupted when wasteful industrial systems were implemented by B.C. and Canada during the last 150 years. These actions have enriched corporations , but adversely impacted Nuchatlaht sacred land and food sources while leaving few benefits for the Nuchatlaht people.
After decades of futile efforts, the Ha’wilth of Nuchatlaht has sought the assistance of the same legal team that was so successful in the recent landmark Aboriginal Title Supreme Court victory of the Tsilhqot’in Nation in Central B.C.
Tyee Ha’wilth Michael declared “These governments need to hear from the court system to allow us to restore and protect our ancestral lands for the benefit of all future generations.”