The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island, including Opitsaht on Meares Island near Tofino. (Eric Plummer photo)
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino, the Nuu-chah-nulth nation has long been fighting to be acknowledged in their pursuit of reconciliation.
"The signing of this important document represents 19 years of discussions," said Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Elected Chief Moses Martin, in a release. "We are pleased that we are finally moving forward on the path of reconciliation.”
The hisiikcumyin pathway agreement will focus on a range of issues, from sustainable land stewardship, to protection of cultural heritage. Priority topics that have been outlined include the development of an economic diversification strategy for community-based job creation, Tla-o-qui-aht’s stewardship of its tribal parks, language preservation and revitalization, as well as land transfers, among others.