Uchucklesaht people have lived and thrived in Ehthlateese for millennia. As the village continues to grow and evolve, Uchucklesaht citizens are invited to help guide what comes next through a new term of the Village Growth Working Group. This is an opportunity to share ideas, listen to one another, and contribute to conversations that will help shape the future of Ehthlateese for current and future generations.
Once you sign up, our team will follow up with next steps and meeting details.
Why join the Working Group?
The Village Growth Working Group gives citizens an opportunity to help inform how Ehthlateese grows over time. Community participation is important to ensuring future planning reflects the voices, lived experiences, and priorities of Uchucklesaht citizens.
Past working groups have brought forward valuable community perspectives on housing, gathering spaces, cultural priorities, and long-term village planning. A new term is now opening to continue those conversations together.
What is the Village Growth Working Group?
The Working Group is a space for Uchucklesaht citizens to:
● Share ideas and perspectives
● Listen to one another
● Help guide conversations about the future of Ehthlateese
Topics usually include:
● Homes and housing
● Gathering spaces
● Cultural places
● Community layout and design
● Spaces for children and future generations
● Long-term growth priorities
No prior experience is needed. Citizens are also welcome to attend, listen, and learn.
How to participate?
To participate in the Working Group, citizens must attend at least one of the first two meetings. Meeting details and next steps will be shared following review of submitted expressions of interest.
Grounded in Uchucklesaht values
The Working Group is guided by the principles of:
ʔiisaak Iisaak (respect with caring)
hišḥukʷiš c̕awaak Hish-uk ts’a-walk (everything is one)
ʔuuʔałuk Uu-a-thluk (taking care of)
These principles support respectful dialogue, active listening, and shared responsibility throughout the process.
Terms of Reference
The Village Growth Working Group was created to give Uchucklesaht citizens a voice in helping shape the future of Ehthlateese as the village grows and is revitalized by the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government (UTG).
This group helps guide community planning by sharing ideas, feedback, and priorities from citizens.
This Terms of Reference explains how the group will work together and support a community-informed planning process. Topics usually include housing, protecting the environment, transportation, community spaces, village design, and services that support citizens and families.
The Village Growth Working Group was established to seek input from Uchucklesaht citizens on land use and community planning in Ehthlateese as the village undergoes revitalization.
The process supports community-informed conversations around:
- Housing and residential growth
- Environmental protection
- Transportation
- Community design
- Shared spaces and services
The Working Group supports conversations focused on:
- Accommodating citizens who wish to return home
- Supporting cultural practices and accessibility
- Creating safe gathering spaces
- Supporting health, wellness, and equality
- Planning for future generations
The Working Group is open to all Uchucklesaht citizens. Interested citizens must attend at least one of the first two meetings to be considered members of the Working Group term. Members are encouraged to attend regularly to support continuity and meaningful participation.
Working Group members are invited to:
- Share perspectives and recommendations
- Participate respectfully in discussions
- Review materials provided
- Support open dialogue
- Focus on community-oriented discussions
UTG staff will:
- Coordinate meetings
- Share updates and information
- Support respectful participation
- Provide opportunities for both in-person and virtual attendance
The Working Group is guided by respectful communication and active listening.
Participants are encouraged to:
- Leave space for others to speak
- Engage honestly and respectfully
- Focus discussions on topics within scope
- Support a constructive environment
Some discussions or materials may be confidential.
Participants may occasionally be asked to:
- Respect confidential discussions
- Avoid sharing sensitive materials publicly
- Support the protection of cultural knowledge where requested
Working Group members will be compensated for their participation in accordance with the applicable UTG remuneration policy. UTG Staff will be in touch with regards to your compensation and payment process.
View the full Terms of Reference document here: UTG Village Growth Working Group Terms of Reference
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Citizens are welcome to participate regardless of experience or background.
Not necessarily, but you are welcome to contribute. Citizens are welcome to attend simply to listen.
Yes. Both in-person and virtual participation options will be available after you register. However, we encourage you to attend in person if you can.
The Working Group provides input and perspectives that help inform planning and decision-making processes.
Children are welcome to attend provided they can observe proceedings without disrupting the space.
