Tasii?akqin ?uyaqhmisukqin is the continuation of Dr Castleden’s long-standing research collaboration with huuʕiiʔatḥ (Huu-ay-aht First Nations), one of the five First Nation signatories of the Maa-nulth Treaty. Since 2005, we have undertaken a community-driven comprehensive study about the multi-faceted experiences of becoming a Modern Treaty Nation, contributing to the negotiation process and the first 15 years of the implementation journey from community perspectives. The goal of the current project is to identify, document, critically understand, and analyze how huuʕiiʔatḥ citizens are experiencing implementation as the Nation prepares for the 2026 ‘Periodic Review’ of the Maa-nulth Treaty. We are guided by a 7-person huuʕiiʔatḥ research advisory committee, and use community-driven approaches to analyzing data, collected through interviews, community engagement sessions, survey, archival materials, and photovoice. This collaborative study aims to contribute to the Nation’s ability to adequately and effectively implement its Final Agreement, it also adds to contemporary academic critiques of modern treaties, and contributes to policy and process alternatives. Contact the HEC Lab if you are interested in learning more and getting involved. Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Our project logo was designed in 2021 by huuʕiiʔatḥ youth artist, n̓aasʔiyiłʔimʔas (Naaseealthimus John).
Artist Statement: The Moon design shows huuʕiiʔatḥ’s journey as a modern treaty Nation by being able to constantly change its phase and seek new beginnings. This moon is surrounded by our ocean waters and there it finds our next beginning within our children and begins to nurture the next generation. A moon strongly represents huuʕiiʔatḥ and its research advisory committee’s importance to its people’s future.
In Partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations
View Huu-ay-aht First Nations website: www.huuayaht.org
View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuuayahtFN
View on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huuayahtfn/?hl=en
Advisory Committee: Tayii Ḥaw̓ ił ƛiišin, Edward Johnson Jr., Jane Peters, Stella Peters, Mercedes Williams, Simon Dennis
