More Than a Designation: Honouring nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Stewardship

Marcie Callewaert

We’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO biosphere designation, when the efforts of West Coast residents towards a sustainable future led to this region being internationally recognized as globally significant. However, the vitality of this place and the power of its people long predate the UNESCO designation. This place is exceptional thanks to the enduring nuučaan̓uł advocacy for interconnected rights, title, and environmental stewardship.

The five central Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations are all active members of the CBT board: hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation). Since time immemorial, they have cared for the lands and waters, maintaining deep relationships grounded in reciprocity and interconnection.

Enduring displacement and oppression through colonization, they engaged settler allies for front-line activism and tough conversations between governments throughout the logging conflicts of the late 20th century. The biosphere designation would not exist without nuučaan̓uł advocacy, which today continues to be the lifeblood of the region’s pursuit of social, environmental, and economic justice.

The UNESCO designation uplifts these efforts, recognizing that when Indigenous rights and title are upheld, communities and ecosystems thrive. As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, we want to honour the frontline advocacy and grassroots effort that made this possibleand continues to guide the path forward

Check out Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks and Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society to learn more and get involved.