Huu-ay-aht First Nations is a self-governing, modern treaty Nation whose lands are located in the Barkley Sound region on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at the entrance to Alberni Inlet. The lands and waters making up our traditional territories (ḥahuułi, pronounced “ha-houlthee”) have been occupied by us since time immemorial. Today, Huu-ay-aht citizens number close to 750 and primarily reside around the village of Anacla, the Nation’s principal community close to Bamfield, as well as in Port Alberni, the closest population centre. The balance of our citizens live across Vancouver Island, in the Vancouver area, and beyond.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations owns and operates the HFN Group of Businesses, which has interests in the hospitality, forestry, fisheries, management, aggregates, marina, and ecotourism sectors. The Nation is party to many Agreements with the Provincial Government through its involvement in the historic Maa-nulth Treaty, through which it gained significant freedom to pursue economic development ventures as an independent and self-governing Nation.