Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada

Our First Nations Partners

Working Together | Research | Achievements

Parks Canada staff and the Benson Island House Post
© Parks Canada

The Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations consider the lands within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve as their traditional territory. Since 1995 the park has been working collaboratively with First Nation partners to achieve long-term conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  This partnership provides an enriched sense of place for visitors and the local communities.

• Long Beach Unit: Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ
• Broken Group Islands Unit: Tseshaht First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe 
• West Coast Trail Unit: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ditidaht First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation  
• Other Partners:  Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve falls within the traditional territories of
nine Nuu-chah-nulth Nations
© Parks Canada

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Working Together

Our working relationships are guided by the Nuu-chah-nulth principles of Iisaak (respect) and Hishuk ish ts’awalk (everything is one), both of which are integral to the management and operations of the park.

The key objectives are to ensure:

• First Nation people from the region are represented in all aspects of park management and operations;
• First Nations cultural interpretation is an integral part of the park’s programs;
• park management is inclusive of Nuu-chah-nulth traditional knowledge;
• park staff and First Nation partners work towards cooperative management through the development of Cooperative Management Boards ;
• and First Nation partners understand and support the Parks Canada mandate.

Cooperative Management Boards and Working Groups:

Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the Parks Canada Cooperative Management Board
© Parks Canada

The park works with nine Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation partners through cooperative management boards and working groups.

These boards and working groups provide advice, guidance, support and recommendations to the park on topics, including resource management, visitor experience, planning and economic development. Strong working relationships help ensure mutual interests are respected and considered in decision and policy-making.

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Research with First Nation Partners

Those proposing to conduct research in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve must adhere to the Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit System application process.

To meet legal requirements, Parks Canada will consult First Nations whose traditional territories lie within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and abide by current treaties and agreements. Research permits will only be issued once First Nation partners have been consulted.

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Our Achievements

Nuu-chah-nulth Working Group who contributed to the renewal of the Kisitis Visitor Centre
© Parks Canada/L.Campbell

Through the collaborative efforts of Parks Canada staff and our nine Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation partners, we have accomplished the following:

• Developed the park’s first Management Plan (PDF, 6.62 MB)
  Our First Nation partners provided invaluable input into the conservation of ecological and cultural resources and presentation of meaningful and memorable visitor experiences within the park;
  
  
• Re-designed and re-opened the Kisitis Visitor Centre
  The Nuu-chah-nulth Working Group, comprised of First Nation Elders, leaders and community members, and Parks Canada, designed authentic exhibits for the new
  Kisitis Visitor Centre;
  
  
• Story-telling and interpretive opportunites by Nuu-chah-nulth Guest Speakers
  Guest speakers share stories with and deliver presentations to visitors at the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, Wickaninnish Beach and the Kisitis Visitor Centre on everything from traditional knowledge to singing and drumming;
  
  
• Established a team of First Nation Guardians and Beach Keepers
  Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht Guardians and Tla-o-qui-aht and Tseshaht Beach Keepers deliver First Nations hospitality while ensuring visitors have a safe experience that is respectful of their traditional lands;
  
  
  Broken Group Island Beach Keepers
  © Parks Canada/J. Clarke
  
  
• Ongoing protection of Species at Risk
  Parks Canada’s species at risk teams works together with First Nation partners to monitor and improve habitat for species at risk within the park and treaty settlement lands. Parks Canada is leading on a number of species at risk programs, including Dromedary Jumping Slug, Pink Sand Verbena, Northern Goshawk, and the Seaside Centipede Lichen;
  
  
• Incorporated the Nuu-chah-nulth language and content into communication materials
  The Parks Canada Charter has been translated into all four Nuu-chah-nulth dialects (Northern, Central, Barkley and Southern). You can also explore the language through many of the signs and exhibits throughout the park.