Project Title:

Kyuquot Economic Development Strategy

Project Organization:

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $29,500
  • KCFN: $29,500
  • Total Budget: $59,000

Project Highlight:

The two Nations of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ and Che:k’tles7et’h’ came together in the early 1960s. Together, they comprise the northern most of 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations occupying approximately 300 acres of Vancouver Island’s Pacific coast.

The Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) is comprised of 500 members, residing within and outside of their remote traditional territory on the Pacific coast of northern Vancouver Island. An existing economic development strategy no longer reflected the Nation’s socio-economic state or the challenges of members residing in other communities. With members living within and outside a large broken up territory, a new economic development plan would require an extensive consultation and innovative approaches to gain widespread engagement.

Using a range of consultation and reporting activities – including workshops, open houses, interviews and a review of business plans and previous strategies – this project will deliver a new strategy to guide KCFN’s economic development priorities and future business activities. An innovative aspect of the project is the creation of a graphic novel, which will communicate the economic history of the Nations  and results of the consultation to members in an engaging and meaningful way.

Upon completion, KCFN will have a plan to meet the Nation’s changing needs and challenges, and to support members whether they live locally or outside of the region. The strategy will mesh with the Treaty process currently underway and will build on current economic development initiatives in forestry, fishing, aquaculture and tourism, along with new opportunities identified through consultation. As a result, supporting business opportunities and access to employment that respects the culture values and sustainable practices of the Nations. The strategy will be delivered Spring 2020.