North Island Central Coast District First Nations

Disclaimers

Some of this information has been provided by external sources. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, currency and reliability of the content, Ministry of Forests accepts no responsibility in that regard.

The Kwakwaka'wakw speaking peoples comprise approximately twenty four percent of the total population living in the North Island, Port McNeill area. As the first inhabitants of the area, there are many village sites located throughout the North Island. Eleven of the total of fifteen Kwakwaka'wakw speaking Nations reside within the North Island Forest District area.

The Kwakwaka'waka speaking people represent a proportionate contribution to the social and economic life of the District. Examples are the Aboriginal education dollars, Aboriginal Health services dollars, and Aboriginal businesses. Some First Nations administer their own communities infrastructure, schools, health clinics, sewer, water, and elected local governance. Potlatches, feasts, and festivals put on by the Kwakwaka'waka speaking people provide Northern Vancouver Island and the South Central Coast residents a uniqueness and diversity that enriches all who live, work, and visit the area.

First Nations on the Central Coast

There are five First Nations with claimed traditional territory within the Central Coast  including the Nuxalk Nation, Heiltsuk Nation, Kitasoo Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation and Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw.  The population within the First Nations communities on the coast has been increasing and is expected to continue to increase into the future due to the number of young people staying within the communities and looking for opportunities locally.

The Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Ministry of Forests was created in October 1994, as part of government's response to changing environmental and social concerns, changing market expectations and new legislation.

Aboriginal Affairs Branch and the Aboriginal Liaison Officer provide leadership, advice and overall co-ordination with respect to forest-related First Nations' initiatives.  The Aboriginal Liaison Officer is the communications link between and Ministry of Forests and the First Nations in the Central Coast.  The Aboriginal Liaison Officer is involved in interim measures, provides information to treaty negotiations, policy development and increasing First Nations' participation in the forest industry.

First Nations in the Central Coast are involved in forestry initiatives through joint ventures with forest companies, an offer for a Community Forest Pilot Agreement, Non-replaceable Forest Licence Agreements and Contract Opportunities for silviculture, logging, watershed restoration and archaeological assessments.

The North Island -Central Coast Forest District strives for positive working relationships with each of the five First Nations in the district within the guidelines set out in the Ministry of Forests Aboriginal Rights and Title Policy and the Ministry of Forests Consultation Guidelines.

The Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan, which includes the North Island - Central Coast Forest District is underway.  Most First Nations within the district are participating in this process which has made a preliminary recommendation to government and is expected to be completed by March 2003.

First Nations participate in a number of committees organized by the North Island - Central  Coast Forest District including the District Steering Committee in which the District Manager communicates forest policy changes to the members.  The technical subcommittee deals with operational planning issues within the district.  First Nations participate in this committee due to their involvement in various forest tenure initiatives and their role in the forest development planning processes with different forest companies operating in the Mid Coast.

The North Island - Central Coast  Forest District has an Aboriginal Affairs Officer who works out of the Port McNeill office.

Some objectives for the position are to:

• build working relationships within and between First Nations, licensees, crown agencies, and other resource use interests.
• communicate changes to consultation policy to staff, clients and First Nations.
• informing district staff/management of FN issues in a timely and proactive manner.
• promoting FN socio-economic participation in forest activities and encourage economic activities.