About Huu-ay-aht First Nations Culture

The Huu-ay-aht First Nation is a self-governing, modern treaty Nation whose traditional territories of land and water covers the west coast of Vancouver Island between Bamfield and Port Alberni.

The traditional language is Nuu-chah-nulth, and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council with close to 750 residents living in the village of Anacla region; the Nation’s principal community located close to Bamfield, and Port Alberni.

The Huu-ay-aht First Nation culture highlights a fundamental concept of the Ḥaw̓iiḥ (Chiefs) and the hahoulthee (Chiefly Territories) are responsible for the health and prosperity of their hereditary lands, the hahoulthee, and extended families. Currently, there are seven hereditary leaders including Tayii Ḥaw̓ił (Head Chief) Derek Peters.

The Nation has survived many challenges including diseases brought by colonization in the 1700s to forge the strong economy and community well-being inherent in the Nation today. They are one of five First Nations signatories to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, the first modern-day treaty to be completed on Vancouver Island. From this treaty came the commitment to a “made in Huu-ay-aht” sustainabilty.

The campground is part of the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses which includes the Malsit Public House, Upnit Lodge & Marina, Hacas Inn, Awis Guesthouse, The Café, The Market, The Gas bar and more.

The Pachena Bay Campground Logo

The Pachena Bay Campground logo incorporates a First Nations design with traditional colours. The image reflects an orca (Kakaw’in) in the paw of the wolf (Qwaya’ciik).

In traditional Aboriginal stories of the North West Coast, the killer whale is said to have originated from a great white wolf that leaped to the sea and transformed into a Killer Whale.

The whale, like the wolf, stays with its family and travels in large pods. Both animals are considered guardians and protectors of the land and the water.