(Ha-Shilth-Sa will live-stream the event for those who cannot attend.)
On Nov. 1 at Maht Mahs gym, Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih, Chiefs, fishers, members and staff will gather to celebrate the final legal determination of Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights. The day is developing into quite a party.
On Jan. 30, the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear Canada’s appeal in the Ahousaht et al. vs Canada court case. This ruling effectively ended more than a decade of legal proceedings between Canada and the five nations—Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht—with a final affirmation of the Nations’ aboriginal economic fishing rights.
“This is a day to recognize our momentous wins, to celebrate through our ceremonies, songs, dances, and to hold up and share a meal with all the people who have worked for us and with us to get to this day,”said Debra Foxcroft, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President. “However this decision isn’t just a win and celebration for us; the results of this decision have a ripple effect with all the First Nations in B.C. and in Canada.”
The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. After an opening and welcome by Tseshaht, a prayer by Hesquiaht’s Simon Lucas and a Call to the Ancestors by Ahousaht, the importance of the ceremonial curtain (muuyapiłum) to Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih will be explained, then Maquinna-Ahousaht’s muuyapiłum will be explained.
The Maquinna-Ahousaht hinkeets dance will be presented, then there will be celebration songs.
A special presentation will be made by artist Kelly Poirier that will reveal the Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih collective HuupaKwanum (what Ha’wiih own). There will also be an overview of how Nuu-chah-nulth got to the legal victory that recognizes economic fishing rights.
The speakers list includes keynotes from First Nations leadership. Then there will be a time to honor witnesses and supporters.
Songs and dances will be presented after that until Tseshaht sings to wrap up the day’s event. Lunch and dinner will be served and snacks will be available throughout the day.
The event highlights the connection of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to their sea resources and showcases their reputation as great hosts. The celebration will include a diversity of seafood to demonstrate the abundance and variety of species that Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih have in their Ha-ha-houlthee (territories).
“Five of the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations have the constitutionally protected right to fish and sell all species of fish within their territories,” said Ken Watts, NTC Vice-President. “The decision holds tremendous promise for our communities in terms of economic opportunities and improving social conditions. Nobody can take those rights away. They are cemented in history.”
Even with further litigation ahead, Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih decided after last January’s Supreme Court decision that it was time to celebrate the tremendous achievement and to thank Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, fishers, members, staff and other supporters.
Adds Deb Foxcroft, “We are excited and stand proud in our strength as Nuu-chah-nulth people coming together to celebrate our success.”
