Something good and important happened last summer in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. With little fanfare, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qu-aht First Nations announced the creation of 10 new conservancies, which will protect 76,000 hectares of key ancestral forests in their territories.
The announcement came after years of visioning with and listening to the membership of both Nations. Congratulations to Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht for implementing a strong conservation vision for your territories!
In a nutshell, the decision protected the intact ancestral rainforests of Flores Island, Vargas Island, and Meares Island (wanačis ḥiłhuuʔis Tribal Park). The unlogged and unprotected iiḥmis (precious) valleys (the Pretty Girl, Ursus River, Clayoquot River and much of the Sydney) will now join the Megin, Watta and Moyeha with permanent protection. This will double the amount of protected old-growth rainforest in the region, the largest remaining tract of temperate rainforest on Vancouver Island.
Clear-cut logging has no place
Elmer Frank, Chief Councillor, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation said “These lands have benefited from the stewardship of our Hawiih (hereditary chiefs) and the lands have provided benefits to our people for untold generations. The establishment of conservancies will ensure that clear-cut logging has no place in these important old-growth forests. This protection by British Columbia brings BC laws into better alignment with Tla-o-qui-aht laws.”
“The Ahousaht Hawiih celebrate this decision alongside partners and people around the world as a significant win for climate, biodiversity, reconciliation between Ahousaht and British Columbia, and of course for the benefits to the Ahousaht Nation”, said Tyson Atleo, an Ahousaht hereditary representative.
An impossible dream come true
Having been a key leader of the so-called War for the Woods, I feel such huge relief to know these valleys will be spared from the chainsaw. 30 years ago, that seemed like an impossible dream. Yet a small group of people worked very hard to put this issue on the map globally (and succeeded beyond our wildest dreams!).
Now the forests are finally protected, ensuring a future for the use of cedar in cultural ways, including carving poles and canoes, clothing, housing and medicines. The ancestral forests also provide critical spawning habitat for salmon, ensuring that once fish farms are removed from tribal waters, this key food source will also continue into the future.
Huge gratitude to the Province of BC and the Government of Canada for supporting Ahousaht and Tla-o-qu-aht’s vision to protect their lands for future generations. We call on both governments to continue to support the Nations and their neighbours in implementing their land use visions fully.
Dan Lewis is Executive Director of Clayoquot Action.
