Final Report 2009-2010

FINAL REPORT 2009-2010

A NUU-CHAH-NULTH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

Prepared by Uu-a-thluk Staff on Behalf of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations INTRODUCTION Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations have always been physically, culturally, and spiritually connected to the aquatic resources in our Ha-ha-houlthee (Chiefly territories). Physically, the aquatic resources provide food, clothing, tools, and shelter. Culturally, the aquatic resources are the core of the Nuu-chah-nulth economy and the complex social relationships that arise from this economy. Spiritually, Nuu-chah-nulth people respect the environment and understand the importance of our interdependence with our aquatic resources. Management is part of this intricate relationship. Originally, Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih (heredi- tary Chiefs) were solely responsible for managing the resources in their Ha-houlthee. Providing for the people living in the Ha-houlthee is a core duty of Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih. Wise management, respect, and use of aquatic resources provided for healthy and prosperous Nuu-chah-nulth communities for thousands of years. Over time, Nuu-chah-nulth involvement in aquatic resource management has waned, though the duty and responsibility of the Ha’wiih remains. In the early 1990’s, the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) provided financial resources to Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations to begin reconstruct- ing the tools needed to resume this management responsibility. The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) program provides supplementary resources for a Nuu-chah- nulth resource management organization to further assist Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. In 2005, 15 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations formally launched Uu-a-thluk (Nuu-chah-nulth for “taking care of”) as an AAROM Collaborative Management organization. From roughly south to north, the member First Nations are Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Hupacasath, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nu- chatlaht, Ehattesaht, and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che: k’tles7et’h’. This report highlights the activities of the Uu-a-thluk Council of Ha’wiih, the Joint Technical Working Group, and Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors during the fifth year of operations. Dispersed throughout the report are profiles sampling Uu-a-thluk’s activities for the reporting year. These include Community Feasting Project, Henderson Lake monitoring, species at risk activities, and the Na-a-qu-us project. The report is organized by the categories of the AAROM Agreement Activity Summary (Ap- pendix 2 of the AAROM Agreement). Supplementary information (newsletters and articles) are included to provide examples of Uu-a-thluk internal and external communications. AQUATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP

A) MANAGERIAL, TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Program Management

Overall direction and supervision of Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors: • Oversaw Uu-a-thluk program • Supervised six staff and six to eight full and part-time contractors • Hired and orientated Program Delivery Assistant • Hired and orientated Harvest Management Coordinator. Created Harvest Management Coordinator position • Developed and implemented agreements and contracts • Administered NTC AFS agreement flowing AFS funding to NTC First Nations • Oversaw AAROM evaluation project • Attended Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework (IACMF) workshops in Ottawa and Nanaimo, and participated in follow-up conference calls

Policy and fisheries management issues: • Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI): coordinated collective activities including assisting with the development and submission of a business plan and arranging meetings; provided licence relinquishment information to Nuu-chah-nulth commercial fishermen; submitted co-management proposal to DFO; drafted interim access timetable; communicated to First Nations about quota distribution; handled responses to/from First Nations regarding interim access to halibut and black cod quotas and revenue generated from fishing by Nuu-chah-nulth fishermen; reviewed draft PICFI agreements; participated in DFO PICFI evaluation; acquired and administered interim licences and quota on behalf of First Nations and NTC; met with Nations to explain PICFI benefits and opportunities • Groundfish integration: discussed involvement of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations in Groundfish Integration review and status of review process; participated on working group that developed terms of reference for Groundfish Integrated Advisory Board; distributed Terms of Reference to First Nations and First Na- tions Fisheries Council; reviewed Commercial Groundfish Integration Pilot Review submission; helped DFO communicate concern with dual fishing problems • Wild Salmon Policy implementation: corresponded with DFO and West Coast Aquatic (WCA) staff; coordinated production planning; participated on Alberni-Barkley Integrated Salmon Management Steer- ing Committee; motivated action at JTWG re: WSP implementation • Sardine fishery development: assisted First Nations, First Nation Sardine Association, Sardine Inte- grated Advisory Board and DFO to develop active participation of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and fishermen in a viable commercial sardine fishery • WCVI West Coast Aquatic Board (WCA): provided technical and policy support for NTC and other Nuu- chah-nulth representatives to West Coast Aquatic (WCA) Board • Salmon Integrated Harvest Planning Committee (IHPC): participated in Salmon IHPC meetings and sub-committees leading to development of the Salmon IFMP • Chinook Sentinel Stock Program: supervised and participated in development of WCVI projects for 2010

5 • Nuu-chah-nulth domestic fishing needs: communicated with First Nations and DFO re: fishing opportunities for salmon in 2009/2010 • PST mitigation: supervised staff and communications with DFO related to PST Mitigation issue; participated in WCA sub-committee meetings to develop WCVI consensus recommendations to DFO and Minister Shea; participated in Integrated Advisory Group meetings regarding PST Mitigation • Clam Licence Transferability: briefed new DFO Shellfish Manager on Nuu-chah-nulth interests related to Clam License Transferability • Adjacency: through participation on First Nations Fisheries Council Food and Ceremonial “Launch Crew”, advised senior DFO staff on continuing concerns that First Nations have with DFO’s attempt to limit First Nations access to sea resources through adjacency restrictions • Proposed Fisheries Act: monitored government plans to renew the Fisheries Act • Salmon aquaculture: participated in First Nations Fisheries Council meeting and conference calls related to jurisdictional changes in the regulation of salmon aquaculture • Sea otters: facilitated education and discussion with Nuu-chah-nulth Nations on sea otters and a proposed Nuu-chah-nulth Sea Otter Management plan • WCVI chinook: forwarded Nuu-chah-nulth Nations concerns over the status of WCVI chinook populations through the Salmon Integrated Harvest Planning Committee (IHPC) and other forums; proposed and sought action from harvesting groups and DFO to reduce exploitation of WCVI chinook during rebuilding period • High Seas Treaty: Organized correspondence to First Nations and DFO supporting Canada’s active participation in developing a new High Seas Treaty • Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) and Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC): participated in Southern Panel, Southern Endowment Fund Committee, and First Nations caucus • First Nations Fisheries Council: contributed to assembly planning, bi-weekly conference calls, attended and presented at the FNFC Annual Assembly in Chehalis; participated in Food and Ceremonial launch crew, and Co-Management launch crew

Council of Ha’wiih and Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council: • Liaised with NTC Directors, NTC Executive, and Council of Ha’wiih

Joint Technical Working Group process management and JTWG chair: • Coordinated JTWG meeting schedule and agenda with DFO • Chaired JTWG meetings

Advance interests of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations: • Maintained and increased access to sea resources • Increased Nuu-chah-nulth management authority • Assisted Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation • Worked with other First Nations to advance collective policy interests • Contributed to development of B.C. First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) • Conveyed interests of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to B.C. FNFC • Implemented Western Economic Diversification’s Community Adjustment Fund (WED CAF, or Na-a-qu- us project), including reviewing communications and job postings, overseeing implementations including coordination of activities between Uu-a-thluk and WCA, conducting interviews for coordinator, over-

6 seeing interaction of Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors, and overseeing communications to First Nations about the project • Coordinated Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights development, including review of court decision; overseeing logistics, materials, and agenda of meetings re: implementation and a negotiating committee; ongoing communications to Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations Ha’wiih, fishermen, and community members; presentations to interested organizations and First Nations; requested meetings between Nuu-chah-nulth and DFO; affidavit prepared in response to the Underwater Harvesters Association’s application B.C Supreme Court to join the case as a party to the litigation; PICFI letter template to Nations re: participation in light of Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights decision; discussions with two Nations and facilitator regarding ter- ritorial overlaps; developed statement regarding Nuu-chah-nulth and Uu-a-thluk staff on-going regular business with DFO in relation to Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights decision

Communications: • Reviewed reports and proposals (AFS, ARROM, BCCI, Na-a-qu-us, AFSAR, LRT, PSC) • Promoted Uu-a-thluk internally and externally (to DFO, other First Nations, and other organizations and stakeholders) • Prepared materials for meetings • Reviewed and prepared materials before distribution: meeting notices, articles, briefing notes and letters • Facilitated AFS reporting workshops with Nuu-chah-nulth Nations • Met with Haida Chiefs and fisheries program staffs to discuss issues of mutual interest • Met with A’tlegay Directors and staff to discuss Uu-a-thluk and issues of mutual interest

Finance and Administration

Regular duties of the Uu-a-thluk (NTC Fisheries) Program Delivery Assistant included: • Reviewing and processing accounts receivable and payable • Verifying payroll and leave requests • Responding to requests and inquiries from staff, contractors, DFO, First Nations, and other organizations • Monthly tracking and updating of budgets – providing to Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors as necessary • General office administration including file maintenance • Organizing various re-certification training for staff • Providing support to Uu-a-thluk team and First Nations • Assisting with logistics and attending various meetings including Uu-a-thluk team meetings, JTWG, Nuu- chah-nulth Fishing Rights, AAROM evaluation project and Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Meetings • Assisting at Uu-a-thluk’s fall fair exhibit • Reviewing and drafting of agreements, contracts, reports and associated budgets • Working with NTC accounting department for 2009/10 budget and contract management updates • Attending conference calls and meetings with DFO • Organizing logistics for southern, central and northern region Uu-a-thluk AFS regional reporting workshops and making financial presentations with Program Manager • Working with individual Nations on AFS reporting requirements • Coordinating year-end activities including audit information

7 Fundraising

Fundraising coordination: • Updated database of all grants applied for by Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors • Identified staff project priorities in relation to funding opportunities • Investigated new sources of funding to support Uu-a-thluk goals and activities

Development of a fundraising strategy: • Updated fundraising strategy for review by Capacity Building Coordinator and Program Manager • Continued to develop fundraising priorities and short descriptions of each potential project • Assisted with the development the capacity building program budget and fundraising priorities • Provided pictures, captions, and voice over script for Uu-a-thluk promotional slide show aimed at potential funding partners

Potential funders/partners: • Successfully pursued New Horizons for Seniors funding to support development of Traditional Foods Toolkit • Communicated with Living Rivers Trust regarding continued support for new graduate placement program • Successfully developed BCCI application in conjunction with Uu-a-thluk’s Capacity Building Coordinator • Identified and researched other potential funding sources for capacity building initiatives • Developed successful proposal for Aboriginal Intern for SAR program with Central Region Biologist • Successfully pursued Service Canada funding to support one summer student • Partnered with West Coast Aquatic (WCA) to develop joint application to Na-a-qu-us • Developed wage subsidy draft proposal for Uu-a-thluk Fisheries Intern wages • Assisted with AAROM proposal revisions for 2009/10 transition year

Research into alternative funding options for Uu-a-thluk projects: • Maintained Google ads for cookbook web page • Wrote and reviewed miscellaneous funding proposals • Researched other means of support, including other government sources, foundations, and product sales

Development of revenue-generating products: • Attended youth-elder traditional foods exchanges to document traditional food and fisheries knowledge for inclusion into published booklets • Developed Traditional Foods Toolkit booklets 1-5 (Eelgrass, Traditional Salmon Preparation, Steam Pit Cooking, Low Tide Foods, and Herring Spawn)

Promotion and marketing of Uu-a-thluk products: • Promoted Nuu-chah-nulth cookbook locally, provincially and nationally • Promoted Uu-a-thluk’s Sport Fishing Guide web page through search engine optimization, email queries, link exchanges, and media releases • Developed Google Adwords campaign for sport fishing website

8 • Developed social media strategies to promote cookbook and sport fishing website; promoted via Face- book, Twitter, and other online networks

Funds acquired in 2009/10 for use in 2010/11 fiscal year or later: $1,904,154.00 (see appendix 3)

Other activities: • Assisted with research for AAROM Evaluation Project • Assisted with 2009/10 AAROM annual report • Collated communications for funding reports prepared by other staff and contractors

NTC Administration Uu-a-thluk operates under the umbrella of Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC), which provides administrative and infrastructure support to Uu-a-thluk and the AAROM program. This support includes the services of the NTC Executive, reception, photocopying, mail service, the NTC Finance Department, independent audi- tors, IT computer network services, computer maintenance, meeting rooms, Human Resources staff support services and other benefits.

B) SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Assistant Program Manager

Assisted with the direction and supervision of Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors, including: • Correspondence with Uu-a-thluk team members re: overall program objectives and where individuals require support from Program Manager • Discussions with Capacity Building Coordinator to receive updates on youth retreats, BCCI deliverables, 09/10 proposal and year-end report • Uu-a-thluk Fisheries Intern/Coordinator Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) position including posting and recruitment • Contracts drafted for Program Manager’s review • Discussions with outreach and communications team regarding work plan for 09/10 fiscal year activities • All aspects of the AAROM evaluation project, including: confirming Steering Committee (SC) participation, and primary researcher responsibilities and contract; coordinating SC conference calls; providing information to SC and researcher and following up on direction received; developing evaluation frame-

9 work and specific interview questions; conducting interview; coordinating data analysis; working with primary researcher and jointly diagnosing problems, finding remedies and implementing solutions

Scheduled, organized and attended meetings: • Coordinated all aspects of Uu-a-thluk team meetings • Prepared for and hosted Brazilian group visit • Researched, coordinated and communicated information to team members regarding information gathering trip to meet with Makah in Neah Bay, Washington • Supported Uu-a-thluk’s regional AFS Reporting Workshops • Traveled to Macoah with Central Region Biologist and met with Toquaht T’yee Ha’wilth about leases, Uu- a-thluk’s upcoming AFS regional reporting workshops, PICFI, Na-a-qu-us project and upcoming projects • Provided coordination support for and attended Nuu-chah-nulth litigation decision meeting in Vancou- ver • Provided coordination support for and attended Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights meeting at Tin Wis • Provided support and coordination for all Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries related meetings

Provided relevant information or materials: • Prepared materials for all Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries related meetings including PICFI, JTWG, Council of Ha’wiih • Prepared and coordinated distribution of financial appendices for 2008/09 AAROM final report • Prepared draft 2009/10 operations budget for Program Manager’s review • Provided documentation to Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation (NSDC) re: PICFI and NCN fishermen’s needs and goals

Communications: • Reviewed and provided feedback for various communication materials including Ha-Shilth-Sa articles, letters to Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, funding proposals, interim reports, venue displays, key messaging, traditional food kit project and Na-a-qu-us materials

Maintained records of meeting minutes, action items, and deliverables: • Recorded decisions and summaries for Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries related meetings including: PICFI, JTWG, Council of Ha’wiih • Distributed above information to appropriate parties • Prepared and monitored action items from Uu-a-thluk team meetings and distributed to team members

Liaised with Uu-a-thluk team members and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to maintain effective communication between Uu-a-thluk programs and initiatives: • Prepared Program Delivery Assistant (PDA) posting, recruitment and supported new PDA orientation • Met with Tseshaht re: Fisheries Intern position and support • Communicated various aspects and objectives of Uu-a-thluk team exchange with Makah fisheries program with Uu-a-thluk team • Met with newly elected Huu-ay-aht First Nation (HFN) Council member with fisheries portfolio • Coordinated and met with Huu-ay-aht First Nation Councillor for fisheries and Uu-a-thluk Program Man- ager to discuss various working groups, tables, issues and projects underway

10 • Attended Feasting Project in Anacla • Participated in First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) conference calls in Program Manager’s absence • Provided coaching support to Uu-a-thluk team members • Co-facilitated Na-a-qu-us meeting between Uu-a-thluk and West Coast Aquatic team members • Requested and received advice for a Nuu-chah-nulth name for the WED CAF project (Na-a-qu-us: listening, learning in a place) from Huu-ay-aht elders

Capacity Building Coordinator

Collaboration with Uu-a-thluk staff and NTC departments: • Worked with Uu-a-thluk communications team to promote program activities and awareness • Developed training and mentorship plan for Associate Biologist, in conjunction with Assistant Program Manager • Developed mentorship and training plan for Tseshaht First Nation Fisheries Manager in Training in conjunction with Nation and regional biologists • Developed training and mentorship/work plan for Capacity Building Intern in the Central/ Southern Re- gions in conjunction with Program Assistant • Partnered with Nuu-chah-nulth Education Program to support the Nashuk Youth Council, to plan and deliver youth retreats and plan all Nation Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Conference for May 2010 • Worked with Uu-a-thluk fundraiser to develop Na-a-qu-us initiative and successfully apply for WED CAF funding in partnership with WCA to support one Fisheries/Coastal Zone Planning coordinator for each of the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations • Worked with Uu-a-thluk fundraiser to develop programming for 2010/11 and beyond • Prepared contracts and worked with contractors to deliver programs under the B.C. Capacity Initiative Program • Worked with Communications Coordinators to develop and produce Traditional Foods Toolkit • Facilitated three appreciative inquiry sessions with Uu-a-thluk staff for strategic planning and goal setting • Attended Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights meetings and supported Nashuk youth to attend

Partnerships with external organizations: • Partnered with Ucluelet First Nation for the development of a traditional foods tank at the Ucluelet aquarium • Partnered with Ucluelet, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Ehattesaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Clayoquot Biosphere Trust to deliver multi-generational information exchanges and feasting events to increase community knowledge of harvesting, preserving and preparing seafood • Partnered with above Nations and local knowledge holders and researchers to develop the Nuu-chah- nulth Traditional Foods Toolkit • Developed a leadership/ mentorship program and planned youth conference with Nashuk Youth Council participants (20 youth), which included partnerships with the Nisma Society, VAST Alternate School, Al- berni District Secondary School (ADSS), SD70, Tofino Field Station, BCHLA, and cultural leasers/ teachers • Partnered with Parks Canada, North Island College, Vancouver Island University, University of Victoria, DFO, Ucluelet Aquarium, local fishing guides and tour operators, commercial fishermen and Central Re- gion Nations to plan and deliver Marine Based Career Fairs in Ahousaht and Ucluelet Secondary School for youth and adults

11 Uu-a-thluk Feasting Project s a Delicious Success : Itt atsoo and Anacla uu-chah-nulth people have long known Coordinated by Uu-a-thluk, the smokehouse was just that sharing fresh and healthy food brings one part of a month-long series of activities sponsored Ncommunities together. That teaching was one by the BC Healthy Living Alliance, the BC Cancer Society, reason five men from Ittatsoo spent a week in August and the BC Capacity Initiative. Ucluelet First Nation and building a communal smokehouse next to their Nation’s community members also donated materials, time, and administration office. Having a place to collectively space to make the activities happen. smoke fish would give people from Ucluelet First Nation In addition to smoking and preparing fish, men, a chance to work together, something that has already women, and youth spent time picking berries, preparing started to happen thanks to the building’s construction. jam, canning fruit, and fishing. Watson Touchie also “I’m amazingly connected to my community, and taught a group of youth how to fillet and barbecue it feels great!” said project organizer Melody Charlie. salmon the traditional way—on Nuu-chah-nulth cutchas “Others are already looking forward to more learning (cedar sticks). with [events] like these.” “We’ve had very positive feedback from all community Built with timber donated by Ucluelet First Nation, members. It was really nice to see people of all ages the smokehouse will soon be filled with colourful strips participate,” Charlie said. of salmon filleted and prepared by community members. Although passing on traditional food knowledge As part of the project, Ucluelet member Brenda was the main goal of the project, participants were also Clayton taught Ittatsoo’s women how to cut fish and getting ready for a community-wide feast to share their later mentored volunteers in building and tending the skills and celebrate the Nuu-chah-nulth connection to sea fire. Everyone who took part in the demonstrations— resources. including NTC health nurse Michelle Eng—learned how to “All the food that we’ve been making—the chumus, make traditional smoked fish and (uptlsquee). the jam, the smoked fish—it’s all for the feast,” said Uu- “I lost my 33-year-old husband to a heart attack, so a-thluk’s capacity building coordinator, Norine Messer. I am very passionate about health,” Charlie said. “This “Everyone who helped got some jars of jam and smoked project is so important because there are too many fish to take home, but the rest is to feed the community. unhealthy food choices today that are making people The final feast will take place on October 17, but the very sick, overweight, and even killing our people… Our new smokehouse is a permanent fixture in Ittatsoo. “The traditional foods kept us alive and very healthy for years. smokehouse will be for the community, and people can We all need to reconnect to the basics in our backyard.” sign up to use it,” Messer said. “Traditional foods are a part of wh o we are today. I was lucky that my mom taught me how to smoke fi sh and prepare fi sh. It is good to see young women learning how to clean, cut, smoke fi sh and make the fi re for the smoke house wh ich is diﬀ erent than making a regular fi re.”

Left: Feasting organizer Melody Charlie displays her fi lleting handiwork. Middle: Watson Touchie teaches youth from Ittatsoo how to fi llet and barbecue salmon the traditional way—on cedar sticks. Itt atsoo Right: Salmon in the smokehouse. 12 Left: Anacla steampit Middle: Hipolite G. Williams demonstrates how to fi let the fi sh. Right: Freshly harvested . Anacla

Nuu-chah-nulthN cooking terms In the past, (chum or dog salmon) was the most abundant fish available to Huu-ay-aht people. boiled— According to Angie Joe, the fish was delicious boiled, baked— stuffed, baked, half-smoked, dry-smoked, or fried. As the barbecued— last salmon to come back to the river in the fall, dried— was also excellent for the winter supply of uptl’ts’kwee smoked— because its low oil content made it suitable for drying. fried—

ngie Joe may live many kilometres from Anacla along with a small bag full of mussels, which they gave to in the tiny community of Sarita, but that doesn’t the elders. “This is the first time I’ve harvested ,” said one Astop the Huu-ay-aht elder from passing on her of the participants. knowledge about traditional foods. Between July 20 and On the third day, Joe talked about medicinal plants 23, Joe was one of several elders who took part in the and showed some members of the group how to harvest Anacla Feasting project. Along with members of the Huu- seagrass for basket-making. “Our people used seagrass ay-aht Youth Program and the Uu-a-thluk team, the elders baskets for gathering some berries,” said Joe. “They spent four days exploring ways to harvest and prepare would hang the basket around their neck by a rope so they Nuu-chah-nulth foods. could pick hands-free. They also used them for picking “My favourite is probably half-smoked fish,” said clams and for carrying other shellfish.” Joe on the first day. “I like to eat it freshly prepared or The week ended with a community pit cook and salmon canned.” feast to welcome paddlers returning from the Tribal To begin the week, teens from the Huu-ay-aht Journeys. Volunteers from the community helped gather Youth Program prepared lunch for Joe and the other ferns and salal and loaded the pit with root vegetables participants. They followed the meal by asking questions for the final celebration. Judy Johnson and Gabe Williams about traditional foods. showed an audience of rapt youth how to fillet salmon “It’s really great to see them interested in what we and roast it over the fire on cedar sticks. After a full day’s know. We don’t do this kind of thing very often,” Joe said. work, the meal was delicious. The second day, more youth joined the group to “The greatest part about growing up eating traditional walk the east side of Pachena Bay in search of foods was that we worked together as a team to feed our (chitons). Huu-ay-aht member Stella Peters led the walk, family,” Joe said. “It never seemed like work, because it showing everyone where to look and how to pry the was just what we did.” creatures off the rocks using flat butter knives. The Anacla Feasting Project was jointly developed by “My sister boils them for ten minutes, but some elders Uu-a-thluk and the Huu-ay-aht Youth Program. Special like to eat them fresh,” she said. thanks to the B.C. Capacity Initiative and the B.C. Healthy Although dense seaweed made the difficult Living Alliance for funding the project. to find, the group came home with a dozen specimens,

13 • Delivered numerous workshops in high schools about using Uu-a-thluk’s career manual • Networked and partnered with BC Healthy Living Alliance and Vancouver Island and Coastal Commu- nities Indigenous Foods Network (VICCIFN) to deliver workshops and events to promote and highlight Traditional Ecological Knowledge through events and elder/ youth retreats • Worked with West Coast Aquatic and 14 First Nations to develop Na-a-qu-us Initiative, to hire workers and deliver training program including basic orientation, Art of Hosting, Swift Water Rescue, marine safety courses, Essential Skills Training and computer training • Worked with Nations to assess training needs and deliver training programs including Tidal Fish An- gling Certificate in Port Alberni for 20 Nuu-chah-nulth members and ROC-M, PCOC, MED A3 and SVOP small vessel safety courses now required by Transport Canada for 20 Ehattesaht members • Worked with regional schools to promote events related to Nuu-chah-nulth culture and marine resources/careers • Developed plan to ensure youth council participants could earn graduation credits for their work in leadership training and planning • Worked with Vancouver Island University and Centre for Shellfish Research to promote summer shellfish camp to the Nations and support Huu-ay-aht, Ehattesaht and Ucluelet students to attend • Partnered with Vancouver Island University to fund and deliver training to Na-a-qu-us workers • Partnered with Vancouver Island University on the development of an online shellfish aquaculture training program for Vancouver Island First Nations. This program is to be delivered in 2010 • Partnered with Tseshaht First Nation on Manager in Training Internship • Supported Mallorie Brodie of DFO with the development of DFO Capacity Building Manual. Shared Quu’as approach and internship program

Research funding options: • Secured funding from BC Healthy Living Alliance for traditional foods toolkit, Nashuk Youth Council and Youth Conference • Secured funding from Clayoquot Biosphere Trust for Feasting Project • Worked with fundraiser to secure funding from the New Horizons for Seniors for DVD and Digital Stories on traditional ecological and food knowledge • Worked with fundraiser to draft and develop B.C. Capacity Initiatives proposal to develop management capacity for Nuu-chah-nulth ocean resources • Researched potential funding sources for preserving traditional ecological knowledge related to ocean resources, increasing employment and training opportunities for Nuu-chah-nulth

Communications: • Communication with First Nations regarding potential training opportunities • Promoted online career manual (Paddle Your Own C’apac) • Promoted employment and training opportunities to Nations • Reviewed all communications around Uu-a-thluk Capacity Building Initiatives • Reported events to communications contractors and provided images for Uu-a-thluk’s photo library • Developed DVDs and Digital Stories to highlight Capacity Building Initiatives

Workshops and presentations: • Coordinated marine based career fairs

14 • Organized science camps with Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Huu-ay-aht and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations and the University of Victoria • Organized Nisma Program for Central Region students • Coordinated youth planning team (Nashuk Youth Council) of 20 high school students meeting regularly throughout the school year • Developed two presentations for the Council of Ha’wiih to report on capacity building activities • Delivered presentations about Uu-a-thluk’s capacity building program to the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, and First Nations Chiefs and Councils • Attended NTC AGM to represent Uu-a-thluk Capacity Building program • Regularly involved in VICCIFN events and workshops • Supported youth to attend digital storytelling workshop • Delivered multiple training programs as listed above • Coordinated youth / Elder information exchanges • Coordinated and oversaw Nuu-chah-nulth youth retreat at Esperanza and youth forum in Tahsis • Attended Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference as Uu-a-thluk representative to promote Uu-a- thluk activities and sell booklets and cookbook

Capacity Building Interns (The Uu-a-thluk Capacity Building Intern was not funded by AAROM in FY 2009/10, but the following related activities were in part AAROM funded.) • As part of the Capacity Building Coordinator’s work plan, a training and mentorship program was delivered for two Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries interns • Capacity Building occurred with Nuu-chah-nulth Uu-a-thluk staff • Uu-a-thluk Summer Student/Intern wages for the summer of were made possible through the successful fundraising effort of the Uu-a-thluk Fundraiser

Associate Biologist (Associate Biologist funded by external sources. This position supported the activities of the First Nations.) Worked with Southern, Central and Northern Regional Biologists in technical services provided to First Na- tions, including:

Education and training: • Attended Aboriginal Graduation Recognition Ceremony for completion of BSc. Degree in Fisheries & Aquaculture • Attended Vancouver Island University (VIU) convocation for completion of degree program • Completed re-certification for Occupational First Aid (OFA level 1) • Completed MED Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety and Small Vessel Operator course

Salmon assessment and monitoring: • Assisted with the installation of Hobiton River fish fence with Ditidaht fisheries for sockeye assessment • Assisted Huu-ay-aht with adult and juvenile chinook assessments in the Sarita River and Numukamis Bay • Participated in the Burman and Kaouk Chinook Sentinel Stock programs, with the Northern Regional 15 Biologist and Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations • Completed stream walk survey with Ditidaht to determine sockeye salmon escapement in Cheewaht • Researched Coded Wire Tag initiative to increase recovery rates and First Nation participation • Worked with Uchucklesaht and their fisheries technician on catch monitoring and biosampling of their catch of Henderson Lake sockeye

Salmon meetings: • Participated in the Somass Working group meetings, Joint Management Enforcement Committee meetings, and Area 23 Harvest Committee meetings on a weekly basis regarding harvest management and planning with First Nations during the fishing season • Participated in the Joint Technical Working Group meetings during the fishing season and Salmon sub- committee meetings to discuss and collaborate priority projects for the upcoming year for WCVI salmon • Attended a meeting at Robertson Creek Hatchery regarding salmon production • Participated in Sentinel Stocks Program (SSP) meetings regarding preparation and operation of Bur- man and Kaouk River Projects and how staff and First Nations can collaboratively work together on these projects; also participated in meetings for project updates and improvements for SSP projects with Canada and the USA and discussion on projects for the upcoming year • Participated in a conference call regarding Vancouver Island and Mainland sockeye returns • Participated in Ditidaht fisheries meeting with DFO regarding upcoming project plans for Hobiton, Chee- waht, creel surveys, ESSR and training for First Nation staff • Participated in a conference call regarding the Pacific Salmon Commission Fraser Panel Update • Meeting with Southern Regional Biologist and Tom Pinfold regarding economic value of salmon in relation to the Wild Salmon Policy and importance to First Nations • Participated in the Pacific Salmon Commission Chinook Technical Committee meetings • Participated in a meeting regarding Pacific Salmon Treaty Sockeye annex • Attended Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy Integrated Planning meeting • Participated in Uchucklesaht community meeting and presented past and future initiatives

Salmon – data analysis and reporting: • Worked on deadpitch protocol with stock assessment staff for Kaouk project • Assisted Northern Regional Biologist with the data analysis and report writing for the Burman project and reviewed draft proposal for the Moyeha project which will be the new SSP project

16 Resource management and assessment: • Entered food and ceremonial catch data for Uchucklesaht and Ditidaht fisheries into a MS Excel format • Reviewed sea otter management plan • Met with Uchucklesaht regarding draft planning for AFS supported fisheries technician • Developed a memorandum to Uchucklesaht Tribe regarding crab trap seizures within their territory • Performed groundfish assessment with Ditidaht fisheries • Conducted a sea otter survey • Participated in sea lice surveys with Central Region Biologist • Performed crab and prawn assessment surveys and fishing effort estimates with Ditidaht and Uchuck- lesaht • Conducted a clam assessment in Rae Basin with Central Region Biologist and Hesquiaht First Nations • Performed habitat restoration and enhancement • Met regarding Cheewaht restoration initiative and objectives to proceed with the project • Examined Conuma channel construction

Community engagement and awareness: Took part in the following events: • Oceans Day in Tofino • Aboriginal Day activities with Hotsprings Cove students • Ahousaht Marine Career Fair

General: • Worked on application for Community Engagement and Watershed planning and attended the Water Conference in Cumberland • Participated in Somass Basin Water Management Plan • Provided regular updates for Living Rivers Trust regarding progress and activities conducted and met with Tom Rutherford regarding funding opportunities for First Nations Legacy project and attended committee meetings • Uu-a-thluk team meetings and activities • Meeting with visitors from Brazil regarding fisheries issues within Brazil compared to British Columbia and First Nation involvement in the industry • Na-a-qu-us related planning and mentoring activities • Attended Uu-a-thluk AFS southern region reporting workshop • Attended fisheries litigation decision for Nuu-chah-nulth right to sell fish. Also assisted in preparing for meetings regarding the litigation and participated in a number of Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries meetings with Council of Ha’wiih and individual nations to discuss next steps • Assisted Uchucklesaht in finding information regarding San Mateo fish farm • Participated in a conference call regarding high seas fisheries: an overview of the Treaty and Canada’s priorities • Participated in a conference call with the Southern Regional Biologist and Josie Osborne regarding bird species in Nuu-chah-nulth territories and possible First Nations participation

17 • Completed Association of Professional Biologist application and requirements and sent to the institution for evaluation • Participated in the Nuu-chah-nulth Crab Working Group meeting

C) STEWARDSHIP AND COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT

Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Designed and produced Uu-a-thluk newsletters and e-newsletters: • Provided information about Uu-a-thluk, fisheries issues and policies, and profiled Nuu-chah-nulth working in resource management • Distributed paper newsletter and e-newsletter • Subscribed to a new email campaign software • Updated email list includes Nuu-chah-nulth, DFO, province, media and others • Created links to Uu-a-thluk website and NTC website • Updated contact lists

Conducted community presentations: • Coordinated and attended community engagement regarding Na-a-qu-us Project and other issues for Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ • Coordinated community engagement regarding Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights and other fisheries issues with Ditidaht, Uchucklesaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht, Mowachaht/Mowchalaht, and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’

Presentations to organizations and groups: • Attended and presented at pit cooking event at Camosun College in Victoria • Coordinated and attended various events with Uu-a-thluk display, Nuu-chah-nulth Tlupiich Games, NTC Career Fair, Port Alberni Fall Fair, and the B.C. First Nations Fisheries Council Fall Assembly in Chehalis

Wrote and submitted articles and other communications: • Maintained a list of article ideas and published article index • Created Ha-Shilth-Sa regular back page features, including interviewing subjects, writing text, locating/ taking pictures, and designing layout • Created one to two other articles on Uu-a-thluk fisheries issues in most issues of Ha-Shilth-Sa • Submitted Uu-a-thluk articles to other media, such as the Alberni Valley Times, the Westerly News, the West Coaster, the Gold River Record, and The Bamfield Beacon (now the Bamfield Quarterly). Articles submitted include: Central Region Sea lice Report, PICFI backgrounder, Anacla Feasting Project, Prawn Fishery Primer, introductions of new team members, Future leaders on the Water program and biologist profiles, Na-a-qu-us, Henderson Lake, Species at Risk, Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights decision, Steller sea lions, Basking sharks, Olympia oysters, rockfish, herring fishery, and Nashuk Youth Council • Coordinated, compiled narrative section of Uu-a-thluk’s Final Report • Submitted regular communications to community bulletins, newsletters and local media • Coordinated and distributed media releases and backgrounders • Produced fact sheets and one-pagers about fisheries policy issues 18 Henderson Lake Sees New Monitoring Program enderson Lake may not have the new counting Lake watershed. These included: fence Jim Lane was hoping for, but it has • Building and operating a sockeye hatchery at the Hsomething almost as good—a new monitoring head of Henderson Lake (1992-2006) program administered by Uchucklesaht Fisheries. • Initiating a multi-year restoration program for Since 1992, Uchucklesaht has focused much of their the Henderson Lake watershed, including lake fisheries effort on rearing sockeye and chinook salmon fertilization (1994-present) in the Henderson Lake hatchery. While the fry released • Encouraging DFO to manage the Sproat and Great from the facility each year were likely an important Central Lake sockeye fisheries so as not to adversely contribution, no one really knew how effective the impact the Henderson Lake sockeye stocks (1980’s hatchery was at re-establishing the declining fishery. and on) Jim Lane, Uu-a-thluk’s Southern Region biologist, • Developing an adult sockeye counting fence and saw this as a problem. Without assessment data, the juvenile downstream counting program (1993- stocks were more likely to be overfished. “Henderson 2006). sockeye get caught up in mixed-stock commercial, All of the above actions cost money. When operating recreational, and First Nations food and ceremonial costs became too great for Uchucklesaht, and funding fisheries for the much the larger Somass sockeye run,” programs to help with costs were no longer available, he said. the Nation sat down with Uu-a-thluk staff to look at According to Lane, DFO’s data in the 1980s suggested new directions for their fisheries program. Earlier, Henderson fish were being exploited up to 10-15% in the Uchucklesaht had considered installing a new fish commercial fisheries. “And the commercial fisheries of counting fence, but timing for the seasonal structure the day were harvesting 900,000 pieces, so 10 or 15 % is was no longer right. Launching a monitoring and a lot,” Lane added. “It was being harvested at a rate it assessment program was the next best choice. couldn’t really maintain.” “We started up a monitoring program so we could The situation becomes especially serious when have more accurate reporting,” said Uchucklesaht marine survival and other conditions change, as they did Chief Councillor, Charlie Cootes. “Having someone on in the 1990s. According to DFO, production and catches the ground makes that easier.” of Somass and Henderson sockeye have decreased That person turned out to be Kildonan resident dramatically in recent years. This makes gathering Tina Halvorsen, who Uchucklesaht hired as a fisheries technician to sample fish for age and origin and to keep information about the stocks even more critical. a tally of the food and ceremonial catch. The Nation “Somass fish are managed aggressively—with also purchased a sockeye net that community members automatic counters, estimates of smolts coming could use under Halvorsen’s guidance. out, pre-season forecasts, in-season estimates of “[This program] will help ensure we have enough abundance, in-season catch estimates of all people sockeye and chinook and that we are protecting them harvesting… the list goes on. We want to put the by closing our fishery at the right time,” said Cootes. management of Henderson sockeye on the same level,” Having a monitoring program in place will also Lane said. support the operation of a new fish counting fence, To begin achieving this objective, Uchucklesaht First when and if Uchucklesaht decides to install one. This Nation initiated a number of actions aimed at rebuilding suits Lane, who would still like to gather escapement the fish and fish habitat resources of the Henderson data to complete the picture.

Left: Henderson Lake from the air, Right: Tina Halvorsen takes biosamples from Henderson sockeye during her term as Uchucklesaht’s ﬁ sheries technician.

19 • Designed and produced informational folder with a series of one pagers about the Uu-a-thluk program • Maintained online photo library for staff and contractors to document activities and programs in the various Nuu-chah-nulth regions. Coordinated ongoing submission of images, including tagging, sorting, and grouping • Drafted communications and updates for staff where requested • Drafted Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights communications such as memos, letters, fact sheet, one-pagers and key messages • Developed and circulated communications survey • Produced regular email updates

Coordinated Uu-a-thluk website: • Updated information on site (activities, projects, job postings, etc.) • Linked to resources and opportunities • Updated web archive of articles • Created and maintained Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing for Business promotional web page, [uuathluk.ca/bc- sportfishingguides/fishing_guides], which included interviewing fishing guides, collecting photos, and working with web designer

Collaboration with other Uu-a-thluk team members: • Supported Capacity Building Coordinator with Feasting Project, documented traditional knowledge sessions between elders and youth and assisted with various events, including those in Anacla, Yuquot, and Itattsoo • Worked with Capacity Building Coordinator to promote youth conferences, summer internship programs, and educational opportunities for communities • Worked with Capacity Building Coordinator to create traditional food booklets—this included research, interviews, layout, design, and printing coordination • Created Capacity Building Program brochure advertising summer camps—included writing text, designing layout, and assisting with promotion • Worked with Capacity Building Coordinator on reprinting the sea creatures poster and root vegetable garden poster • Supported Na-a-qu-us Program (developed key messages; created engagement materials including press release, letter to First Nations, backgrounder, and FAQ; assisted with establishing relationship between workers and Uu-a-thluk; worked with Na-a-qu-us workers regarding Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights Community meetings) • Transcribed interviews for AAROM Evaluation project • Assisted with planning Uu-a-thluk’s session at the International Congress of Ethnobiology • Distributed career manual DVD during community visits • Distributed various job postings • Prepared miscellaneous letters, edits and communications • Reviewed and revised various letters and other communication materials

Meetings and conferences: • Assisted with the planning and logistics for the Council of Ha’wiih and Uu-a-thluk staff meetings

20 • Produced and distributed meeting notices for various events such as the Council of Ha’wiih, Nuu-chah- nulth Fishing Rights and Nuu-chah-nulth Crab Working Group • Assisted with the planning and logistics for the Nuu-chah-nulth Crab Working Group • Assisted in planning and attended team meetings • Meetings with Assistant Program Manager regarding ongoing activities and project • Prepared for and attended team trip to Neah Bay, USA to meet with the Makah Fisheries program; met with fishermen to explore communications topics and compiled information exchange document • Assisted with planning Na-a-qu-us Program meetings • Attended Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights meeting at Tin Wis

General: • Maintained online photo storage for images • Reviewed communications strategy and work plan • Tracked online articles about Nuu-chah-nulth people and events through Google news alerts and shared with staff. Archived articles about sea otters and Uu-a-thluk cookbook • Researched idea for Nuu-chah-nulth traditional territory books and maps • Designed and produced Uu-a-thluk table top display • Processed and distributed cookbooks from online orders • Developed Uu-a-thluk word mark, letterhead, and email signature • Created Facebook page and Twitter for Uu-a-thluk organization; posted event notices, updates, and job postings • Coordinated reprint of the cookbook including minor revisions • Updated and reprinted Uu-a-thluk postcards

Training: • Attended Na-a-qu-us Art of Hosting training in Tofino

Regional Fisheries Biologists

Northern Region Biologist

Provided technical support to Ka:’yu:k’t’h/Che:ktles7et’h, Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht/ Muchalaht First Nations fisheries programs and governments: • Assisted First Nations with project support, work planning, and reporting • Corresponded regularly and met with First Nations • Assisted First Nations with AFS activities and reporting • Assisted Mowachaht/Muchalaht with shellfish farm review with mentor, assessing farm production • Participated in Regulatory Committee planning meetings and field trips for removal of the BC Hydro Heber River diversion for Mowachaht/Muchalaht: implementation planned for 2010 was deferred as the BC Utilities Commission would not authorize the removal prior to the BC Water Comptroller order- ing the Water Use Plan for the Campbell River system • Liaised with various DFO branch staff. Took part in assessment and resource management activities with DFO OHEB and C&P staff 21 • Assisted new Nuchatlaht management staff with reporting and orientation • Assisted with planning of Mowachaht/Muchalaht sockeye salmon terminal run estimation and catch monitoring program

Capacity building: • Assisted Na-a-qu-us program hiring for four new fisheries staff for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Ehat- tesaht, Nuchatlaht and Ka:’yu:k’t’h/Che:ktles7et’h First Nations • Assisted four Na-a-qu-us fisheries workers with annual fisheries work plans and program budgets for each First Nation, and with planning specific projects. Examples include the Nuchatlaht deepwater shellfish farm; Ehattesaht Park River sockeye enumeration weir; Mowachaht/Muchalaht sockeye estimation and catch monitoring project • Provided training for Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Ka:’yu:k’t’h/Che:ktles7et’h staff working on Burman River and Kaouk River chinook salmon Sentinel Stocks programs to estimate chinook escapement, age structure and origin

Outreach: • Assisted with articles and outreach regarding the Sentinel Stocks Program, salmon productivity article, Conuma side channel, PSP closures, Pacific Salmon Treaty, CSSP, Clam Board nomination and election process • Provided ongoing communication to First Nations Ha’wiih and Councillors, fisheries staff and fishermen

Sea otters: • Assisted with editorial revisions of the draft Nuu-chah-nulth Sea Otter Management Plan developed by the JTWG; responded to and incorporated comments on plan by Parks Canada staff in Haida Gwaii; distributed plan to northern region communities.

Assisted First Nations with fish farm issues in Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet: • Provided information and updates on the Grieg Seafood sea lice epidemic at Esperanza Inlet to the Nuchatlaht, Ehattesaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht governments. Where sea lice levels reached 40 lice per farm fish and treatment with SLICE was not effective in eliminating the sea lice, most of the in- fected fish were harvested and the remainder were cycled through hatchery in freshwater to eliminate sea lice before returning them to farm sites. • Arranged permission letters for an independent sea lice researcher to sample juvenile salmon in the Nuchatlaht, Ehattesaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht territories related to the sea lice epidemic • Developed a protocol for information exchange and relayed reports to Mowachaht/ Muchalaht and CEMB board members from Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. on sea lion entanglement deaths (20- January 2010) and shooting of additional ‘problem’ sea lions at Muchalat Inlet salmon farms • Continued to pressure Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. at the CEMB and NSWS to provide Mowachaht/Muchalaht with 2004-2010 individual fish-specific sea lice infection data collected under condition of licences from DFO, that has been withheld by Grieg and DFO: Grieg agreed to release the data following annual sampling program data in June 2010 • Stepped down as a Mowachaht/Muchalaht representative on CEMB to allow Mowachaht/Muchalaht leadership to fill Board seats. Reviewed settlement, cooperation and draft confidentiality agreements with new CEMB board members

22 Assist with development of First Nations economic opportunities: • Assisted Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht First Nations with decision making for participation with NSDC collective for participation in PICFI program: Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht decided to proceed independently while Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’, and Mowachaht/Muchalaht will participate in collective group applications • Supported Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. discussions on a shellfish production joint venture concept; secured $10,000 for feasibility study/business planning from Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. • Assisted with surveying depths at Chum/Savey Creek deepwater oyster farm prior to setting anchors and longlines for the Nuchatlaht First Nation clam farm

Participated in technical and advisory processes: • Participated in the Pacific Salmon Commissions First Nations Caucus, Joint Chinook Technical Commit- tee, and Sentinel Stocks Committee meetings • Participated in salmon IHPC early-timed Fraser and WCVI chinook sub-committees • Drafted letter to DFO on Nuu-chah-nulth concerns with WCVI Exploitation Rate limit that excludes ISBM impacts in Canadian fisheries and other stock specific concerns • Attended BC Hydro Heber River Regulatory Committee meetings and site review leading to diversion decommissioning • Provided input to DFO on the identification of WCVI chinook protection closures for the 2009 sardine fishery

Assisted First Nations with salmon escapement enumeration and stock assessment: • Planned and implemented PSC Sentinel Stocks Program (SSP) funded chinook escapement estimation projects on the Burman and Kaouk Rivers and presented preliminary results of these projects to the Sentinel Stocks Committee. Planning and implementation of these two projects used the majority of the northern region biologist’s time in FY 2009/2010. • Prepared successful funding proposals to the SSP to continue the Burman River chinook mark-recapture program and implement a new mark-recapture project on the Moyeha River: both were approved for funding and implementation in fall 2010 • Prepared a funding proposal to implement the Kaouk weir SSP project that was initially deferred due to funding limitations in 2010; coordinated the submission of a revised lower-cost proposal for a mark- recapture study that was recommended for funding by the bulk of the SSC, subject to concurrence by Alaskan SSC members • Attended meetings with DFO WCVI salmon stock assessment and science staff regarding planning for Sentinel Stocks Program projects

23 • Assisted Mowachaht/Muchalaht plan a 2010 Gold River sockeye salmon catch, run-size and escapement estimation project to support on-going requests to DFO for additional sockeye catch to meet community needs; terminal run size will be estimated by a mark-recapture project with mark rates obtained by monitoring the catch, and escapement approximated from the terminal run minus the monitored catch • Attended JTWG sub-committee meeting on WCVI salmon stock assessment and escapement survey planning for 2009 and 2010 • Received approval from the PSC Southern Boundary and Enhancement Fund (SEF) to implement a $247,000 proposal for mark-resight estimates of chinook escapement on five WCVI streams submitted in 2008; transferred the project to DFO WCVI Salmon Assessment group due to capacity limitations for implementing both SSP and SEF projects

Habitat restoration: • Worked with DFO OHEB staff and the NSWS to develop and prioritize as list of potential habitat restoration projects for Nootka Sound following completion of construction of the $500,000 Conuma groundwater channel. New priorities are to support planning for a channel at Tahsis; surveying of the Canton Creek channel after groundwater test wells indicated sufficient groundwater flow; and a gravel survey on the Muchalat River to evaluate the perceived need for gravel additions to support chinook spawning. • Assisted Mowachaht/Muchalaht secure employment in Phase II construction of the Burman River coho side channel in 2009

Meetings: • Attended Uu-a-thluk Council of Ha’wiih and Joint Technical Working Group meetings • Chaired Nootka Sound Watershed Committee meetings, which discussed habitat and hatchery enhancement projects, fundraising mechanisms, and fisheries management issues in Nootka area. De- veloped collaborative agreement with DFO to increase chinook production at Conuma Hatchery with funds raised by NSWS; began developing a Nootka area salmon production planning document with DFO; organized in-season management sub-committee to advise DFO fisheries management staff on Tlupana Inlet chinook fisheries. • Coordinated Area F intertidal Clam fishery Community Management Board (Area F Clam Board) Clam conference calls and meetings revamping • Attended Uu-a-thluk team meetings

Training: • Attended Association of Professional Biologists/College of Applied Biologists annual general meeting and completed mandatory ethics course • Attended Program MARK (a high-powered mark-recapture software program) training at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado • With funding from the Kaouk River Sentinel Stocks Program organized Swiftwater Rescue Level I training for three Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ staff

Central Region Biologist

Technical assistance to the Central Region First Nations (Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, To- quaht, and Ucluelet) included scientific, administrative and operational support for fisheries management, research and development. The following projects and activities were undertaken:

24 Biological support: • Coordinated Clayoquot Sea Lice Working Group: − Coordinating field research − Data entry − Working with statistician to produce a public friendly report (available at uuathluk.ca/activities) − Working with other interested sea lice researchers or community groups

• Undertook salmon enhancement planning with Ahousaht-Mainstream Fish Farm Committee • Reviewed government fisheries management process: − Various species at risk listings (SARA) − Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification processes

• Continued activities to benefit Kennedy sockeye: − Helped put in rotary screw trap in Lower Kennedy River − Reviewed John Taylor’s report on state of Kennedy salmon

• Planned and attended Streamkeepers training in Esowista • Undertook clam survey in Hesquiaht Harbour with Hesquiaht Fisheries (tasks included data entry) • Investigated options for further research on fish farm impacts (i.e., food limitations to wild salmon, lights at night application with Center for Aquatic Health Sciences: application rejected) • Reviewed scientific literature • Participated in sea otter surveys, data entry, and reporting • Planned for and participation in Moyeha River escapement surveys • Applied for funding through Sentinel Stock Program for Moyeha River escapement surveys • Provided research and advice to Ahousaht Mining Committee on potential environmental impacts • Researched Tofino sludge complaint • Organized training for sand lance spawning habitat survey

Outreach and communication: • Investigated reasons for declines in Clayoquot salmon stocks: − Presentation made to Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Marine and Aquatic Committee − Articles written for Ha-Shilth-Sa and Tofino Times to educate Nuu-chah-nulth and local communities about various limiting factors to Clayoquot salmon stocks

• Presented at school visits and biological demonstrations with area schools (Hotsprings, Ahousaht, Wickinninish School) • Participated in Ucluelet Salmon Festival • Attended Oceans Day celebrations with Hotsprings and Ahousaht school • Presented to Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino schools for Aboriginal Day at Wickinninish Interpretive Center • Helped organize and invite speakers to Tofino to discuss research on limitations to salmon stocks • Researched and wrote about fisheries related subjects for Ha-Shilth-Sa and Tofino Times • Met with the following organizations to increase partnerships: − Living Rivers Trust − Ecotrust Canada (regarding sea lice, fisheries traceability project, etc.)

25 − Friends of Clayoquot Sound (regarding Clayoquot sea lice project, potential research projects in Kennedy system) − Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks

• Planned for Uu-a-thluk participation at International Ethnobiology Congress in Tofino (May 2010) • Attended Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights court decision meeting in Vancouver • Presented poster at Barkley Sound Knowledge Symposium regarding Ucluelet Harbour crab study • Presented at Pacific Rim Whale Festival about Nuu-chah-nulth activities to protect species at risk in their Ha-ha-houthlee • Worked with Na-a-qu-us workers in their respective communities on fisheries related issues • Organized and participated in abalone information sessions in Ittatsoo and Ahousaht • Organized sea otter open house in Tofino for whale watch guides

Operational support: • Attended Ucluelet First Nation fisheries committee meetings regarding: − PSC application for Nahmint − Dead whale in Ucluelet Harbour − Wave energy proposals for Amphitrite Point − Crab survey in Ucluelet Harbour − Clam survey application for Ucluelet Harbour

• Attended meeting with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Salmon Security Initiative • Worked with Tla-o-qui-aht manager on Na-a-qu-us application • Worked with Hesquiaht fisheries and council on planning for fisheries program • Met with Ahousaht Ha’wiih and Chief and Council regarding various fisheries issues • Worked with Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht to plan negotiation strategy for Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights

Administration: • Prepared project reports for HSP and AFSAR SARA funding • Attended Uu-a-thluk team meetings • Maintained boat and Uu-a-thluk equipment • Applied for Registered Professional Biologist package − Attended Applied Biology Conference in Victoria

• Completed AFS reporting • Developed job description for Nuu-chah-nulth SARA Coordinator. Contracted and supervised coordinator. • Met with West Coast Aquatic regarding Na-a-qu-us funding • Attended NTC AGM • Relocated Central Region Uu-a-thluk office in Tofino

Participation in technical and advisory processes: • Attended JTWG meetings • Planned for local stream restoration projects in Tla-o-qui-aht Ha-houlthee 26 • Reviewed changes to sport fish regulations in Clayoquot Sound • Planned, coordinated, and attended Clayoquot Salmon Roundtable meetings − Conducted meeting follow up

• Attended Clayoquot Biosphere Trust’s marine and aquatic committee meetings • Attended BC FNFC Fall Assembly in Chehalis • Reviewed National Aquaculture Strategic Action Plan Initiative (NASAPI) document • Reviewed and participated in SARA listings • Participated in Area F Clam Board • Attended West Coast Aquatic Management Board meeting

Training: • Recertification as Swiftwater Technician • Recertification of Level 1 Occupation First Aid

Southern Region Biologist

Technical services to NTC Southern Region First Nations (Ditidaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Tse- shaht, and Uchucklesaht) including:

Salmon stock assessments: • Worked with Ditidaht with construction, installation, operation and analysis of the Hobiton River adult salmon enumeration fence program • Worked Ditidaht in planning a Hobiton sockeye rebuilding program including juvenile assessments • Worked with DFO and other Uu-a-thluk staff on Conservation Unit (CU) benchmark work plans for Barkley Sound WSP Pilot • Assisted DFO and Hupacasath with adult salmon enumeration at the Sproat Lake, Great Central Lake and Stamp River fishways • Assisted Hupacasath and Tseshaht with fishery planning in context with salmon forecast for Barkley Sound sockeye and chinook • Worked with Uchucklesaht Chief and Council to design and support a new seasonal Fisheries Techni- cian position for their community. Focus activities on Henderson sockeye catch monitoring and biosampling • Worked with DFO and Uchucklesaht on adult salmon assessments in Clemens Creek 27 • Discovered the remnants of an old fish weir in the Henderson River • Continued development of a production model for Henderson sockeye • Completed final report for on the Genetic Stock Identification project for the Pacific Salmon Commis- sion Southern Fund • Worked with DFO and Ditidaht on preparing and implementing test fishing program for Nitinat Lake chum, chinook and coho • Worked with Huu-ay-aht to design and implement a chinook assessment program for the Numukamis Bay area of Barkley Sound • Worked with DFO and Tseshaht’s Fisheries consultant to design a chum assessment form for the upper Alberni Inlet area and the Somass River • Worked with Ditidaht on the assessment of adult sockeye and coho in Cheewaht Lake tributaries • Began developing and designing salmon stock assessment priorities for 2010 with DFO and other Uu- a-thluk staff

Habitat restoration and enhancement: • Worked with multi-party group (Ditidaht, DFO, MoFR, Parks Canada and the Forest Industry) to implement fish habitat restoration prescriptions for the Cheewaht watershed and to develop additional habitat assessment priorities in the watershed • Worked with Hupacasath to resubmit a sidechannel restoration proposal for the Ash river watershed to BC hydro’s BCRP • Participated in a Somass watershed habitat and stewardship workshop. Topics include land use planning and impacts and potential large scale engineering projects to mitigate perceived issues with in- river temperatures and low oxygen in the estuary

Groundfish: • Worked with DFO and representatives of the commercial and recreational sectors on developing Cana- dian positions on halibut apportionment, by-catch and allocation principals through the Halibut Advi- sory Board process and the Strategic Halibut Working Group • Reviewed and commented on the GIAB Terms of Reference • Initiated groundfish surveys at the Dare Point Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) with Ditidaht • Prepared Nuu-chah-nulth submission for the Canadian Groundfish Integration Pilot Proposal (CGIPP) review • Organized Nuu-chah-nulth proxies for the Pacific Halibut Management Association annual general meeting and election of Board members

Shellfish: • Continued to support Ditidaht in their long-term monitoring of the crab fisheries in Nitinat lake • Began preparing reports on the results of the Ditidaht crab surveys form 2005 to 2010 • Worked with Uchucklesaht Fisheries Technician to develop and implement a First Nation’s and recreational crab and prawn surveys in Uchucklesaht territories • Worked up Uchucklesaht crab and prawn First Nation and recreational effort data to submit to DFO

General activities: • Prepared and submitted reports as required for the ARROM and AFS program

28 • Drafted comments and analysis on AMB Board member statements and positions for Nuu-chah-nulth AMB Board members with respect to groundfish and Barkley Sound salmon issues • Reviewed sea otter draft management plan • Discussed the potentials of utilizing some of First Nations food and ceremonial fishing for stock assessment and catch monitoring collaboration for all fisheries with DFO’s PICFI Enhanced Accountability Manager Colin Mason • Worked on developing a comprehensive Nuu-chah-nulth Harvest Monitoring Coordinator proposal and budget • Organized and attended field trip to Bamfield, Sarita estuary, Carnation Creek and Grappler Inlet-Sug- saw Creek with HFN Councilor for Fisheries, Irene Williams, Larry Johnson and Uu-a-thluk’s Program Delivery Assistant to show project areas, habitat issues, shellfish aquaculture infrastructure, etc. • Recertified Swiftwater Technician training • Attended to general operation and maintenance of Uu-a-thluk equipment (boats, motors, sampling gear etc.) • Undertook technical reading (journals, reports, etc.) to keep current on fisheries management and research topics

Capacity building activities: • Worked on PICFI interim access for Nuu-chah-nulth fishermen with PM, PDA, NTC President and Vice- President including assisting in adjudicating proposals and contacting fishermen • Worked with Uu-a-thluk staff and Living Rivers Trust to create a professional development and mentoring program for Uu-a-thluk’s Associate Biologist position • Reviewed material for role model poster for Associate Biologist • Worked with First Nations fisheries staff to increase their knowledge and understanding of fisheries resource management issues and activities • Worked with Uu-a-thluk’s Capacity Coordinator to interview, hire and supervise a Uu-a-thluk Fisheries Intern • Worked with First Nations Na-a-qu-us workers

Communication and outreach: • Wrote articles for Uu-a-thluk’s newsletters and program updates • Worked with Living Rivers Trust staff to develop a presentation for the LRT Board on the Uu-a-thluk fisheries activities funded by LRT

Meetings

Salmon: • Somass Fisheries management meetings including Area 23 Harvest Committee, Somass Technical Working Group and the Joint Management and Enforcement Committee • Henderson sockeye assessment • Barkley Sound WSP Implementation including habitat assessment and production planning • Nitinat Lake ESSR and Test Fishing Program • PICFI • PST Mitigation • Na-a-qu-us logistics and planning 29 Shellfish: • DFO crab reform workshops • DFO crab and prawn Sectoral and Sectoral sub-committee meetings • Nuu-chah-nulth Crab Working Group

Groundfish: • Halibut management assessment meetings including DFO’s HAB and Strategic Halibut Working Group, IPHC’s apportionment and by-catch workshops, and AGM and NTC participation in the PHMA

General: • PSARC meeting on Sardines at PBS • Attend Applied Biology Conference in Victoria • Barkley Sound Ecosystem symposium • DFO International Directorate on High Seas Fisheries Management Organization

Project Information and Support Services • Meeting with Ecotrust and Wild Fish Conservancy to discuss living atlas for region • Preliminary work on partnership agreement with Vancouver Island University • Developed contracts for two aspects of WSP Implementation in Barkley Sound: a Project Information and Support Services Contractor (PISSC) and a WSP Implementation Coordinator. Working with Uu-a- thluk and the Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Steering Committee, the WSP Imple- mentation Coordinator will be responsible for implementing the community based Production Planning component of the Barkley Sound WSP pilot

GIS based WCVI Wild Salmon Policy Conservation Unit Identification and Monitoring Mapping

The purpose of this project was to: • Map the Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) Conservation Units (CUs) and their respective populations as well as the non-CU populations occurring in the WCVI area; and • Graphically represent the NuSeds monitoring information for each population

The information, once vetted through the JTWG, will be available to the public on the West Coast’s Aquatic map atlas website. Activities that occurred for this project were: • Reviewed NuSeds and CU data from obtained from DFO • Reviewed NuSeds populations for non-CU data • Organized data to calculate for each population, the number of years a population was inspected from 2002-2006 • Organized data to enable joining of descriptive (e.g., frequency, escapement data) data with spatial data to map and colour code the monitoring/count frequency of populations • Reviewed data • Created a series of GIS map layers: 1) Conservation Units for each wild salmon species; 2) escapement monitoring frequency for CU wild salmon populations; and escapement monitoring frequency for non CU salmon populations (i.e., enhanced) • Compiled map data and descriptive information

30 New Partnership Brings Jobs and Training to Nuu-chah-nulth Communities

Left: Hupacasath councillor Steve Tatoosh (right) and Darren Willis of the Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation (centre) were among those gathered to hear about the federal government’s contribution to the Na-a-qu-us Project. Right: Representatives from West Coast Aquatic and Ucluelet First Nation met in June to talk about coastal planning goals.

uu-chah-nulthhh lh Nations are the h ffocus of f a new Workingkh in the partnership, h Nations in the hkl Barkley- partnership between Uu-a-thluk and West Coast Clayoquot region will each see one community member NAquatic (WCA) that will see up to 15 new employees employed by WCA to share information about coastal hired from Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Known as “Na-a- zone planning and to convey their Nation’s interests to qu-us” (literally, “where you are listening in a place”), the participants in the coastal zone planning process. partnership aims to advance coastal planning and fisheries “With the vastness of our territory and diversity of the goals on the west coast of Vancouver Island while helping needs of communities, it is challenging for one person to Nuu-chah-nulth people gain training and experience on- communicate and connect with everyone meaningfully,” said the-job. Kelly Poirier, WCA’s First Nations Engagement coordinator. “The Nations identified a need for assistance to “That is why WCA is introducing these positions—to create participate in the coastal zone planning initiative and WCA staff within each community who can help WCA expanding their fisheries programs,” said Don Hall, Uu-a- and Uu-a-thluk meaningfully and respectfully connect to thluk’s program manager. “We put a joint proposal together communities in ways that are culturally appropriate and with WCA and found the funding to support a position in connected to the needs and priorities of each Nation.” each of the First Nations communities.” Although not the immediate target of WCA’s coastal Those funds, totalling $1.25 million over 18 months, will zone planning project, Nations located in the northern and go towards salaries and training for a new position for each southern Nuu-chah-nulth regions will benefit equally from Nation that is interested. Funded by Western Economic the partnership by working with Uu-a-thluk to gain training Diversification’s Community Adjustment Fund (WED CAF), and expertise for their fisheries departments. the new positions will work directly for WCA advancing “We’ll help Nations build on their strengths and work goals shared by their Nation and one or both of the partners. to address fisheries-related priorities that have been “For Nations in the northern and southern Nuu-chah- identified by the communities,” said Norine Messer, Uu-a- nulth regions, the priority is fisheries management. For thluk’s capacity building coordinator. those in the Barkley-Clayoquot area, the priority is coastal Representatives from both organizations have already zone planning,” Hall said. been meeting with Nations to discuss shared goals and Also known as Integrated Coastal Zone Management, community priorities for the positions. WCA has also hired coastal zone planning is an innovative way of bringing Tseshaht member Ken Watts to coordinate the project. governments, industry, and communities together to jointly Funding for the partnership lasts until March 2011, but develop a plan for the protection and future development participating Nations can expect to see benefits extend of a region. In the case of Barkley-Clayoquot, WCA proposed beyond that time frame. These include increased skills and coastal zone planning in response to increasing pressures experience for community members, as well as a stronger on communities and resources. voice in aquatic management issues on the WCVI.

31 Next steps required for this project include: • Discuss with DFO stock assessment branch and IT about the possibility of having a direct link with NuSeds database, so that population escapement and frequency of monitoring/counts data can be updated automatically • Include on the West Coast Aquatic web atlas as interactive maps, data, and overview of work • Expand analysis to indicate stock trends when the data are available

Collaborative Management and Coordination

Uu-a-thluk structure and governance: • Helped organize and facilitate meetings and provided support for JTWG and Council of Ha’wiih • Undertook tracking and directing strategic plan implementation • Developed Uu-a-thluk’s AAROM evaluation project, including outline, work plan, budget and team organization

Relationships to other governments and organizations: • Undertook developmental work on how PICFI Co-Management funding could support DFO/Uu-a-thluk initiatives • Supported Uu-a-thluk interests in Alberni – Barkley Wild Salmon Policy Implementation of Strategy #4, Integrated Salmon Management; working with DFO, LRT, local government • Provided ongoing coordination of meetings between Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, DFO managers and policy makers, other government agencies and groups to promote consultation with First Nations on WCVI aquatic resource issues • Provided updates/discussion with West Coast Aquatic; worked to coordinate roles and activities • Organized and facilitated Alberni Barkley Aquatic Planning Forum • Assisted with partnership development with other WCVI organizations

Provided general policy issue support on the following issues: • Pacific Salmon Treaty Mitigation strategy • Wild Salmon Policy and strategy • Abalone project • Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights meetings

Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI): • Helped develop collective PICFI approach for Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, including development of collective seafood business options

Staff advice and support: • Corresponded with Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors regarding projects and issues • Reviewed policy and communications documents and making recommendations • Attended team meetings

Uu-a-thluk Council of Ha’wiih Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih and/or their representatives from 15 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations participated in some or all of the Uu-a-thluk’s meetings. This year’s focus was to engage Ha’wiih and other community members 32 within their territories. For this reason, there were a series of community-based meetings with Nuu-chah- nulth Ha’wiih, fishermen, community members, and Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors. These meetings took place to support the responsibilities of the Ha’wiih in relation to the sea resources in their territories at the community level.

Community engagement dates and locations: Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’– March 12, 2010

Mowachaht/Muchalaht – March 15, 2010

Nuchatlaht – March 12, 2010

Ehattesaht – March 13, 2010

Tla-o-qui-aht – March 18, 2010

Uchucklesaht – March 20, 2010

Ditidaht – March 29, 2010

Dates, major items, and significant results from special meetings; Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights:

November 19, 2009, Tin Wis (near Tofino)

This one-day meeting focused on the November 3, 2008 decision of the Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Litiga- tion. The meeting was attended by approximately 165 Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih, elected Chiefs and Coun- cils, fishermen, staff, contractors, and interested supporters. The purpose of this meeting was to receive a presentation from the Nuu-chah-nulth legal team on the content of the November 3 decision finding Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights; to continue discussions among the Nations and with the legal team on implementing the decision, including the two year negotiation period with DFO to establish a rights-based Nuu-chah-nulth economic fishery. A dinner, hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht, and Hesquiaht, celebrated the recognition of Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights. Identified next steps from this meeting were correspondence with Federal Ministers and the RDG to initiate negotiations with Canada to establish a Nuu-chah- nulth rights-based fishery.

January 22, 2010, Port Alberni

Updates on the Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights decision were the main focus of discussion at this one-day meeting. Approximately 100 Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih, elected Chiefs and Councils, fishermen, staff, contractors and the legal team attended. A significant decision made at this meeting was for the Nations to work together for all Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to benefit from the decision. Participants agreed to establish a Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights Negotiations Committee.

March 22/23, 2010, Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Meeting, Port Alberni

This two day meeting was facilitated by two Ha’wilth, one from the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation and the other from the Toquaht First Nation. It was attended by First Nations’ leadership, Ha’wiih, fishermen along with Uu-a-thluk staff, the NTC President and Vice President. The main focus of the two days was to review and build upon the Uu-a-thluk Evaluation Project and to discuss the next steps for implementing the Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights decision.

Presentations were given by the Nashuk Youth Council and West Coast Aquatic about the Na-a-qu-us project. 33 AAROM evaluation project In 2006 Council of Ha’wiih participants, Ha’wiih, Chief and Councils, fishermen, and fisheries managers set out a strategic plan to guide the work of the Uu-a-thluk program. In the fifth year of the program, Uu-a-thluk engaged in an evaluation process. A three person Steering Committee was formed consisting of two Ha’wiih, Chief Mike Maquinna of Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Chief Anne Mack of Toquaht, and Heather Castleden, a professor at Dalhousie University. The Uu-a-thluk Assistant Program Manager coordinated the evaluation, with support from the Collaborative Management Coordinator. Victoria Wells, an Ehattesaht member, was contracted as the primary researcher.

Through this evaluation, interviews with Ha’wiih were conducted, information about the program was compiled, and a DVD and report is being produced and will be distributed to the Nations. This project was funded through the Council of Ha’wiih budget, with costs including: DVD production, interim report printing, support for Steering Committee members, contract services and travel for principle researcher, and modest support of Ha’wiih interviewed.

Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) The Uu-a-thluk Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) is made up of First Nations, Uu-a-thluk, and DFO staff working together to solve problems and take advantage of WCVI fisheries related opportunities. Below is a summary of JTWG meetings held in FY 2009/10.

May 12, 2009 Major items discussed: technical exchange regarding 2009 salmon (draft IFMP, outlook, food and ceremonial fisheries, WSP implementation, local process for Clayoquot salmon management, PST Chinook mitigation, Chinook Sentinel Stocks projects), 2009 herring update; clam license transferability and Area F Clam Board; PICFI (access, training, harvest monitoring, collaborative management); Tanner crabs; sardines; and sea otter draft management plan.

Decisions and next steps: 1. There is a joint interest in improved catch monitoring for Nuu-chah-nulth, recreational, and commercial fisheries. 2. Pursue PICFI funding for Uu-a-thluk coordinator and dedicated resources for Nations. 3. Plan for a initial meeting in Clayoquot Sound to gather people interested in populating a salmon table. 4. Get the message out about planning for 2009 food and ceremonial fisheries. 5. Get in-season information from North Coast commercial and recreational fisheries regarding WCVI mor- tality limits. 6. Work with Huu-ay-aht regarding AFSAR workshop planning. 34 December 17, 2009 Major items discussed: if and how the JTWG needs to be restructured/modified to make it more useful for DFO, Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, and Uu-a-thluk; the Chinook Sentinel Stocks program in 2009 and improvements necessary for 2010 projects.

Decisions and next steps: 1. The JTWG is useful process and needs to meet more frequently, but perhaps on specific topics. Partici- pants assigned specific salmon assessment work to JTWG salmon sub-committee that will meet on Feb- ruary 2. 2. Transfer SEF WCVI salmon assessment project for 2009 to DFO Stock Assessment staff. 3. Pursue Chinook Sentinel Stocks project for Moyeha River in Clayoquot Sound.

February 24, 2010 Major items discussed: shellfish assessment program in Alberni Inlet, crab reform action plan (stalled), geo- ducks (First Nations concern regarding overharvesting), Bamfield/Huu-ay-aht abalone project (need to in- vestigate avenues to keep the project active), salmon (reviewed action items from salmon subcommittee group that met Feb. 2/10), review SSP projects and objectives, Clayoquot Sound round table and direction, First Nation 2010 food and ceremonial needs and management objectives, overview of herring and sardines and impact on Chinook salmon (e.g., near Nahmint estuary), halibut (joint Treaty with Canada and US, apportionment method does not work in Canada’s favour and significantly reduces catch, Alaska also has by- catch issues that impact Canadian fisheries), aquaculture (salmon aquaculture is transitioning to federal authority), sea otters (concerns regarding hunting sea otters).

Decisions and next steps: 1. Crab Reform: Items that can move forward need to be identified, potentially using the Ditidaht as a dem- onstration area. 2. Errol Sam: The new Uu-a-thluk Harvest Management Coordinator will be the contact person for First Na- tion food and ceremonial needs and harvest plans. 3. Halibut: We still need to develop better catch information for the WCVI area. 4. The Ditidaht fisheries can collect fork length and catch information in their area to determine correct weight averages within that area 5. Sea otters: need to consult Nuu-chah-nulth Chiefs and Nations.

February 2, 2010: Salmon Sub-committee Major items discussed: Identifying assessment priorities and developing a work plan between Uu-a-thluk and DFO staff identifying priorities and obligations with each group.

Decision and next steps: 1. Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy Pilot: develop a production planning process (Jim and Sabrina will develop an outline with objectives/timeline), 2. Catch monitoring: Roger and Jamie will coordinate discussion with the Northern Nations regarding fisheries management objectives. Roger and Karin will establish a data standard that can be used in all fisheries (including recreational and First Nations). 3. Food and Ceremonial catch monitoring: Errol Sam, Harvest Management Coordinator, will be working with First Nations 4. Escapement: Project priorities are related to SSP and SEF for DFO and Uu-a-thluk. Engage First Nations in pre-season planning and collect local information. Jim, Sabrina, and Jeff will work together to improve 35 the assessment program for the Stamp/Somass Indicator Stock Program. Cora will be scheduling meetings with Nations to discuss her role and engage First Nations on an annual basis (focusing on the technical positions).

Nuu-chah-nulth Participation in DFO Advisory Processes Representatives of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the NTC, or Uu-a-thluk staff attended meetings of the following DFO or related advisory processes:

Salmon: • Salmon Integrated Harvest Planning Committee (IHPC); May 6-7, 2009, November 25-26, 2009 • Fraser River and Approach Working Group; Vancouver Island Tier 1, December 3, 2009; Fraser River Teir 1; December 9, 2009; First Nations Committee, February 2, 2010; Road Map Workshop, February 3-4, 2010; Approach Working Group, February 5, 2010; Vancouver Island Tier 1, February 16, 2010; Vancou- ver Island Working Group, February 17, 2010 • Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Steering Committee, October 7, 2009 • Barkley/Alberni Wild Salmon Policy Integrated Salmon Management Steering Committee, November 3, 2009 • Barkley/Alberni Aquatic Planning Forum (WSP strategy 4 implementation); April 16, 2010 • Barkley Sound WSP/Production Planning; September 22, 2009, March 22, 2010 • Clayoquot Salmon Round Table Planning and Development, November 10, 2009

Technical committees: • Pacific Salmon Commission First Nations caucus; January 10-14, 2010, February 7-11, 2010, • Pacific Salmon Commission Southern Panel and Southern Endowment Fund Committee; January 11-14, 2010, February 8-11, 2010 • Pacific Salmon Commission Chinook Technical Committee; January 11-14, 2010, February 7-11, 2010 • Pacific Salmon Commission Sentinel Stocks Committee; December 2, 2009 • DFO RDG and Aquatic Management Board PST Mitigation Sub-Committee; July 23, 2009 • Aquatic Management Board Sub-Committee on PST mitigation; June 11 & June 22, 2009 • PST Mitigation conference calls (3); August 10, 17, & 28, 2009 • PST Mitigation Integrated Advisory Group; June 24, 2009, April 27, 2010 • PST Mitigation, Minister Shea; July 9, 2009 • Update to Vancouver Island/Scechelt First Nations on PST Fraser Annex negotiations; July 10, 2009 • Grieg Seafood, Mowachaht/Muchalaht Communications and Environmental Monitoring Board; January 19, 2010 • Joint Management and Enforcement Committee (JMEC); weekly during fishing season • Ditidaht fisheries program staff and DFO; July 22, 2009 • Ditidaht Nitinat Lake Chinook, coho and chum ESSR/test fishing planning and fisheries program reviews; August 14, 2009 • Integrated Herring Harvest Planning Committee; September 16, 2009 • Henderson Lake Salmon Escapements; February 8, 2010 • West Coast Aquatic presenting plans for marine planning; March 17, 2010

36 Shellfish: • Clam Management Board, Area F; February 15, 2010 • Prawn Sectoral Committee and sub-committee (High Use Areas); September 21, 2009, December 9, 2009, April 6, 2010, February 18, 2010 • Crab Reform Working Group; July 7, 2009 • Crab Sectoral; September 23, 2009

Economic development: • Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI): Nuu-chah-nulth/DFO meetings, and meetings with First Nations • NTC President and DFO RDG (PICFI); April 2, 2010 • First Nations Fisheries Council; May 14, 2010 • First Nations Fisheries Council PICFI Working Group and DFO PICFI; July 22, 2009 • PICFI; June 4, 2009 • DFO PICFI Update; December 1, 2009

Groundfish: • Groundfish Integrated Advisory Board (GIAB) Terms of Reference Working Group

Halibut: • International Pacific Halibut Commission bycatch workshop • Halibut Advisory Board; September 18, 2009; special meeting October 29, 2009, February 23, 2010 • Halibut Apportionment Committee and sub-committee of the Halibut Advisory Board; December 11 &18, 2009, January 5, 13, & 19, 2010 • Halibut Advisory Board; December 15-16, 2009, January 15, 2010 • IPHC AGM; January 25-29, 2010 • Recreational/Commercial Halibut Transfer Mechanism

Habitat: • Ash River Working Group/Restoration Team • Campbell River Water Use Plan: Heber Diversion decommissioning

Marine mammals: • Sea otter open house; March 2, 2010

Sardines: • First Nations Sardine Association • PSARC pelagic sub-committee; April 2, 2010 • Sardine Integrated Advisory Board (SIAB); April 1, 2010

Other: • DFO Production Planning Round Table; June 17, 2009 • B.C. First Nations Fisheries Council Annual Assembly; October 28-30, 2009 • B.C First Nations Fisheries Council Food and Ceremonial Launch Crew; October 15, 2009 37 Spot light on Abalone Highlights Spec ies at Risk pecies at Risk” is the term given to wildlife experiment with breeding and raising abalone for whose numbers are so small, they are reintroduction into the wild. The BHCAP also sells some “Sthreatened with disappearing completely abalone to restaurants and other buyers. (extinction) or disappearing from the wild in Canada Despite the above measures, abalone populations in (extirpation). Because Nuu-chah-nulth territory provides B.C. continued to decline. Abalone is a luxury product, homes for many species at risk, Uu-a-thluk partnered with and market prices continue to motivate illegal harvest. the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk in 2009-2010 to As a result, northern abalone were assigned a threatened let our communities know what species at risk live in our status by the Committee on the Status of Endangered territories. Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in April 1999. In June 2003, The project began when Christine Aday of Ucluelet northern abalone were listed and protected as threatened First Nation joined the Uu-a-thluk team as the Species at under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Risk Coordinator. Aday worked with Nations to coordinate “Poaching is the biggest reason abalone numbers species at risk activities in Nuu-chah-nulth Ha-ha-houlthee are so low,” Aday said. “But this is also where we can really and to deliver presentations about species at risk and their make a difference, because we’re the people who are in recovery strategies. the communities.” Her first presentation took place in the village of For this reason, Aday’s presentation included Ittatsoo. Along with fellow presenters Katie Beach (Uu- information about species at risk legislation. Denise a-thluk), Stefan Ochman (Huu-ay-aht First Nation), and Koshowski from DFO also talked about how to report Denise Koshowski (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), poachers. Aday talked about Northern abalone and prepared samples “Coastwatch is a partnership between communities from the Bamfield-Huu-ay-aht Community Abalone Project and government,” Aday said, referring to the reporting (BHCAP). line set up to receive information about abalone poachers. “There was lots of laughing about the fact that we “People can call the hotline without leaving their name.” [as workshop hosts] didn’t know how to cook abalone For the audience, tasting abalone was a rare because we have never eaten it,” Aday said. experience. Aday especially appreciated help from those Declining in numbers since the late 1970s, all BC abalone in attendance who had once eaten abalone. “I had some fisheries were closed in 1990 to protect the remaining fun trying to get it out of the shell,” she said. population. This ban includes commercial, recreational, Uu-a-thluk’s species at risk project wrapped up in the and food and ceremonial harvest. Today, Australia remains spring of 2010. the only country in the world with a significant abalone Left: Abalone from the fishery. To help abalone stocks recover, communities and Bamﬁ eld Huu-ay-aht groupsg p launched pprojectsj like the one in Bamfield to Abalone Project. Middle: Christine Aday and her daughter Rose show oﬀ abalone samples. Right: Abalone from the Huu-ay-aht abalone project is prepared for eating.

38 • WCVI Aquatic Management Board; September 24, 2009, December 10, 2009 • Consultation on Canada’s Participation in International Negotiations to establish a new Management Ar- rangement for high Seas Fisheries in the North Pacific Ocean; October 28, 2009, January 19, 2010 • BC Hydro Heber Diversion Decommissioning Regulatory Group; January • Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework Focus Group; January 25-28, 2010, Febru- ary 18, 2010 • Living Rivers Trust meetings (Advisory Board, Technical Committee) • Nootka Sound Watershed Society and Production Planning sub-committee; March 17, 2010, May 31, 2010

Uu-a-thluk Operations Operational funding was used primarily for staff travel and office related expenses.

Administrative support to the agreement covers the operational expenses of Uu-a-thluk including staff and contractor travel, office overhead expenses, rent and storage fees, materials and supplies, printing costs, equipment maintenance, equipment purchases, insurance, phone & fax, internet, updates and maintenance to the Uu-a-thluk website, professional development and journal subscriptions.

Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Coordinator: The objective for the Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) Implementation Coordinator was to work with Uu-a-thluk staff and the Barkley Sound Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Steering Committee to develop and implement a multi-party community based Production Table component of the Barkley Sound WSP pilot. This year, the Coordinator: • Secured external funding for the process from Living Rivers Trust (LRT) • Worked with DFO, LRT and Uu-a-thluk staff to review the status of the Josh Gorman production model and determine what resources are required to make it operational • Bound the range of production considerations • Identified species priorities for production planning – chinook will be the first priority • Identified an appropriate meeting in collaboration with LRT • Determined roles of Uu-a-thluk, DFO and LRT staff in the meeting process • Met with other sectors and groups including First Nations, recreational and commercial fishing organi- sations, MOE, City of Port Alberni, Alberni/Clayoquot Regional District and the aquaculture industry to communicate production planning concepts, goals and objectives • Organized multi-party meetings including dates, appropriate budgets for meetings including the facilitator, logistics, and production of support materials

39 AQUATIC RESOURCE MANAGMENT COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

A) HARVEST MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Communications: • Supported development of Uu-a-thluk communications regarding Harvest Management Coordination (HMC) • Met with Maa-nulth Fisheries Committee for an introduction to HMC • Created memo to Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, Uu-a-thluk, and Cliff Atleo about Nuu-chah-nulth First Na- tions’ 2010 salmon needs

Capacity building: • Attended Ahousaht career fair to promote harvest monitoring and fishing opportunities

Training: • Received orientation from Uu-a-thluk regarding work plans. • Undertook computer training to upgrade EXCEL skills

Meetings: • Attended FRAWG meetings in Kamloops and Nanaimo and associated conference calls • Corresponded with Alistair Thomson-DFO regarding catch monitoring history and the use of calendars and dual fishing for food and ceremonial requirements • Met with Ahousaht, Ehattesaht and Kyuqout First Nation regarding new HMC position; discussion about salmon fishing and reporting requirements of salmon catches, etc. • Attended JTWG meeting in Port Alberni • Met with Ahousaht regarding reviewing salmon catch data for 2009 • Met Andrew Webster regarding Ahousaht First Nation Work Group, Area G Troll update – Funding request for PST mitigation injunction • Attended Clam Board conference call to review the season to date, schedule next fishery, and draft minutes and action items • Attended West Coast Aquatic meeting which included updates to the Tsawalk project, Clayoquot Round Table, Sentinel Stocks and Pacific Salmon Treaty and Area G Troll legal strategy • Met with DFO staff (Brenda Wright and Karin Mathias) and Jim Lane regarding catch monitoring, data entry, WCVI AABM chinook fishery, Barclay Sound Area 23 monitoring, Somass sockeye, halibut data, Nuu- chah-nulth winter chinook fishery and ground fish • Met with Simon John regarding catch monitoring, clam fishery and Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights • Attended Fraser River Sockeye Spawning Initiative workshop in Kamloops • Attended NTC Fisheries meeting at Maht-Mahs • Attended Uu-a-thluk team meetings

40 Attachments Uu-a-thluk newsletters, various media articles, updated re-printed cookbook, series of food booklets, postcards, and information folder are included in the original print version of this report as examples of communications and outreach work. Copies of these attachments are not included with digital copies of this report, but are available on request.