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Huu-ay-aht First Nations, USW sign MOU to develop job creation and training plan

Huu-ay-aht First Nations and United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937 announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a process for the parties to work together to ensure the Tree Farm Licence 44 (TFL 44) undercut volume is allocated to Huu-ay-aht and to develop a job creation and training plan through the TFL 44 Woodlands Contractors that will contribute to economic revitalization of the Alberni Valley, B.C. forest sector.

In pursuing the goals of this MOU, the parties will be guided by Huu-ay-aht’s three sacred principles: hišuk ma c̓awak (“everything is one”); ʔuuʔałuk (“taking care of”); and ʔiisaak (“utmost respect”) and a strong commitment to reconciliation and meeting the principles and standards of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“USW’s commitment to reconciliation and recognition of the Maa-nulth Treaty demonstrates a respect for our citizens, current Hereditary (“Ḥaw̓iiḥ”) and Elected Councils, and honours the generations that came before us,” said Tayii Ḥawił ƛiišin (Head Hereditary Chief Derek Peters). “Today’s announcement signals another step toward healing and creating a brighter future for present and future generations.”

This historic development between Huu-ay-aht and USW affirms both parties’ commitment to advance reconciliation with First Nations on TFL 44 and provide job security, training and other benefits for current and future USW members by:

• Working together to seek the approval of the B.C. government for the allocation of the TFL 44 undercut volume to Huu-ay-aht;
• Commitment to continue harvesting the undercut volume with a USW certified workforce;
• Developing a long-term plan to create 50+ well-paid, long-term USW jobs on TFL 44 for Huu-ay-aht citizens and other First Nations citizens with territory within TFL 44;
• Establishing a pilot project to place 10 Huu-ay-aht/TFL 44 First Nations citizens in TFL 44 USW jobs with TFL 44 Woodlands Contractors over the next 12 months; and
• Developing a long-term conditional job creation and training plan for implementation when the TFL 44 undercut is awarded to Huu-ay-aht, including retirement incentives, workforce training and preferential hiring and other considerations.

“The signing of this MOU is a demonstration of a commitment that a stronger future can be achieved by working together to advance both of our interests in the forest sector,” said Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “It also acknowledges USW’s adherence to Huu-ay-aht values on the Ḥahuułi of the Huu-ay-aht Ḥaw̓iiḥ (Huu-ay-aht traditional territory), and we look forward to taking this reconciliation step, and further steps, toward full reconciliation as we work with the USW.”

“The Steelworkers’ commitment to represent and support First Nations members and their communities is part of our commitment to meeting the principles and standards of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Brian Butler, president, United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937. “Over time, USW members have been impacted by the loss of harvesting opportunities, and we are confident that as we continue to build our relationship with Huu-ay-aht, we will not only advance our members interests, we will expand our joint interests in the Alberni Valley forest sector.”

The job creation and training plan will address the eligibility criteria and formula for any retirement incentives as well as arrangements for workforce training and preferential hiring.