Uu-a-thluk
Uu-a-thluk means "taking care of" in the Nuu-chah-nulth language spoken on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is the Nuu-chah-nulth aquatic management organization. This organization was established with financial support from the federal government in recognition of the need to manage aquatic resources wisely together with the many sectors and interests working in the area. The philosophy that drives the organization is the idea that working cooperatively with other governments, communities and individuals is required to achieve sustainable and fruitful management (Uu-a-thluk, 2008a).
Structure
Uu-a-thluk’ members are from the fourteen member Nations of the NTC as well as the Pacheedaht Nation in the southern part of the Nuu-chah-nulth territory (Uu-a-thluk, 2008a). Uu-a-thluk consists of (Uu-a-thluk, 2008c): The Council of Ha’wiih, which includes the following First Nations: Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Nuchatlaht, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchahtlaht, Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Uchucklesaht, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht.
Roles and responsibilities
Uu-a-thluk publishes a quarterly newsletter that has information about projects, people and opportunities related to aquatic resource use in the region. It is available at http://uuathluk.ca/communication.htm or by email subscription (Uu-a-thluk, 2008b).
Administration
The Uu-a-thluk administration includes a Joint Technical Working Group and a Secretariat: The Joint Technical Working Group was set up to allow a forum for First Nations and government, represented by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), to work together to solve problems and allow communities to take advantage of conservation and economic opportunities. The Secretariat, which performs core administrative functions, includes biologists, managers, outreach, capacity development, fundraising and economic development. This body conducts the work of the organization under the direction of the council of Ha’wiih.
Sources
Ecotrust Canada. Sharmalene Mendis-Millard "Central Region Governance," in Daniel Arbour, Brenda Kuecks & Danielle Edwards (editors). Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations Governance Structures 2007/2008, Vancouver, September 2008.