Hupacasath First Nation View Reginal Map

Hupacasath First Nation

Background

Negotiating status
: Negotiating a comprehensive treaty settlement within the British Columbia Treaty Commission six-stage treaty process.

Negotiating affiliation
: Negotiating independently with Canada and British Columbia. The Hupacasath First Nation is a member of the 14-member Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council all of whom are negotiating treaties independently or as part of a treaty group.

Location
: Near Port Alberni, 150 km northwest of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. (Five reserves on 213.3 hectares.)

Number of Band Members: 257 (Source: Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence December 2006, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

Negotiations

The Hupacasath First Nation had its Statement of Intent to negotiate a comprehensive treaty accepted by the BC Treaty Commission in November 2000, after earlier withdrawing from the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council treaty group. Hupacasath, Canada and B.C. have initialled a Framework Agreement and will sign it in the near future, thereby allowing the parties to formally proceed to Stage 4 of the treaty process—negotiation of an agreement-in-principle.

Other Activities

In September 2003, the provincial Environmental Assessment Office approved a $100-million  joint venture construction aggregate quarry at Eagle Rock, near Port Alberni. The joint venture is between the Hupacasath First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation and Polaris Materials Ltd.

In April 2004 the province announced $137,000 in funding for three Hupacasath First Nation economic development projects that promote job creation and business venture opportunities. The projects include: the redevelopment of the old city hall site in Port Alberni; a feasibility study on the possible operation of an existing fish processing and smoking plant; and, a marketing study of off-season business opportunities.

In March 2007, the Province and the Hupacasath signed a Reconciliation Protocol, providing $550,000 to support economic development, community relations and treaty negotiations.  The protocol includes supporting community and economic development activities and resolving issues around natural resources. Funds are being provided by the BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and BC Integrated Land Management Bureau.

To support the Hupacasath in implementing energy efficiency measures in their homes and developing a run-of-river hydroelectric project, the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has contributed $445,000 from the federally-funded BC First Nation and Remote Community Clean Energy Program.

Planned Meetings

As dates are established for open public meetings, they will be publicized through the local media and posted on the B.C. Treaty Commission website Negotiations Calendar.