From Treaty to Tomorrow: Celebrating 15 Years of Maa-nulth

On May 30, citizens, Elders, youth, leaders, and guests gathered in Campbell River to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Maa-nulth Treaty, honouring a milestone that continues to shape the future of the five Maa-nulth Nations.

Together, we raised our hands in gratitude to the Creator and to our relatives from Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and Uchucklesaht Tribe Government for coming together to mark this important occasion.

The Maa-nulth Treaty officially came into effect on April 1, 2011, following years of negotiations between Canada, British Columbia, and the five Maa-nulth Nations. As one of British Columbia’s first modern treaties, it affirmed the Nations’ rights to self-government, strengthened governance over lands and resources, and created new opportunities to advance economic development, cultural revitalization, and community well-being.

For Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, the treaty represents far more than a legal agreement. It reflects a return to governance rooted in our own priorities, stewardship responsibilities, cultural values, and the continued exercise of our inherent rights throughout our ḥaḥuułi.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wilfred Cootes, President of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society and Chief Councillor of Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, shared:

“On April 1, 2011, our five Nations stepped into a new era of self-government, out from under the Indian Act. In 15 years of treaty implementation, our governments and culture have strengthened. We are building lasting economies empowered by our treaty, a living document that will continue to evolve alongside our peoples for generations to come. hišḥukʷiš c̕awaak, everything is connected. Our work continues.”

Over the past 15 years, the treaty has supported stronger self-governance, investments in housing and infrastructure, environmental stewardship, economic development, and culturally grounded programs and services that continue to strengthen our communities. As a living agreement, it grows alongside the Nations it serves, creating opportunities for today’s citizens while laying the foundation for future generations.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honour those whose vision and determination helped make the treaty possible. Their work continues to guide us as we build a strong, self-determining future rooted in our culture, our language, and our responsibility to care for one another and the lands and waters that sustain us.

Across Maa-nulth territories, treaty implementation continues shaping infrastructure, stewardship, housing, governance systems, economic development, and culturally grounded services for citizens and communities.

Recent milestones highlighted through the anniversary include:

Story contributed and edited by Rippon Madtha