Projects

Cootes Consulting has worked with many businesses to create economic prosperity in the Huu-ay-aht Territory for Huu-ay-aht benefit. Many of these projects led to greater participation in the local economy and better decision making within the territory. All projects respect our value-system lens to ensure they don’t negatively impact our land, water, people, or culture.

Huu-ay-aht Social Service Project

Summary: When the Huu-ay-aht First Nations declared the treatment of Huu-ay-aht children a public health emergency, the Executive Council sought support from the Provincial and Federal Governments.

Outcome: Successfully secured a 5-year, $4.2 million funding agreement to support Huu-ay-aht social services for child and family services.

C̕awak ʔqin Forestry (TFL 44)

Summary: C̕awak ʔqin Forestry owns and operates a timberlands business on Tree Farm Licence 44 (TFL 44). The executive council mandated the project meet specific outcomes, including increasing revenues, promoting a strong economy, and creating jobs.

Outcome: Provided Huu-ay-aht decision-making power over its territory. This provided the nation better stewardship over the territory. The success of this transaction is an excellent demonstration of economic reconciliation in action. It’s an investment that will provide returns for generations to come.

St. Jean's Cannery

Summary: St. Jean’s Cannery on Vancouver Island has been in operation since 1961 and is known for its canned smoked oysters and family oyster chowder recipe. When the founder’s son Gerard retired, they sought someone to take over the family business.

Outcome: In 2015 Trevor and the negotiating team successfully acquired majority ownership for the five Nuu-chah-nulth nations. Today they’re building upon the founder’s legacy and are environmental stewards and active participants in BC’s seafood economy.

Kwispaa LNG

Summary: Kwispaa LNG proposed to build and operate a liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility off the coast of Bamfield on Vancouver Island. Similar to the C̕awak ʔqin Forestry project, we sought to meet our economic mandates, while protecting our nation’s values.

Outcome: The team was successful in securing an ODA (Opportunity Development Agreement) for Huu-ay-aht, proving that a First Nations community can participate in and help co-manage large scale energy projects like this.

Kiix̣in Tourism Strategy

Summary: Kiix̣in is the only known remaining complete traditional First Nations village on the southern BC Coast. Huu-ay-aht sought to share their ancient culture by offering tours to the public, thereby providing employment and cultural pride to their community.

Outcome: Through this project, we were able to successfully share the Huu-ay-aht story in a positive way and increase tourism and tours of the community.