Economic Development Plan

Introduction

Nuchatlaht is a small community located approximately 4 hours west of Campbell River in a remote portion of Vancouver Island. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council which consists of 14 communities along the western portion of Vancouver Island. Nuchatlaht has approximately 20 members living on-reserve and a total membership of 162. In order to support the growth of the community, there is a need to explore potential economic development opportunities that will create more employment and wealth for community members, particularly as several members have indicated that they would like to move back to the community.

This Plan incorporates and builds off of Nuchatlaht’s recent planning and community engagement efforts. It will help Nuchatlaht review potential economic development opportunities and assess its ability to maximize the benefits of various economic development opportunities.

Purpose of the Plan

At a broad level, this 5 Year Economic Development Plan is intended to help Nuchatlaht be more proactive in pursuing economic development. More specifically, this planning effort will help Nuchatlaht:

• Reaffirm its economic development vision and goals through an inclusive engagement process with members Chief and Council (Tyee) and staff
• Ensure that priorities are clearly identified and that there is an implementation strategy
• Access funding for implementation

Within the first year of the 5 Year Economic Development Plan, it is recommended Nuchatlaht undertake the following initiatives:

Present 5 Year Economic Development Plan to NEDC. - completed
Finalize and adopt draft CCP. - completed
Finalize and adopt community Constitution.
Hire a professional and prepare a site development plan for Nuchatlaht based on a community engagement process.
Develop an organizational chart outlining roles and responsibilities.
Acquire proper land use designations and land tenure for the community dock.
Hire Economic Development Coordinator.
Engage with energy proponents to determine if there is a potential equity position for Nuchatlaht in potential projects.
Approach the BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to determine the potential for a revenue sharing.
Host annual community meeting to review this plan and measure progress.

Begin discussions with Western Forest Products and/or other industry proponents operating within their territory to facilitate participation which could include training and education.
Obtain legal opinion on Nuchatlaht’s Aboriginal Right to harvest and sell fish in their traditional territory.
Get in touch with AYMBP to discuss the potential of building trails and assisting members to participate in the sport of mountain biking.
Continue with the implementation of current business plan for a fishing charter. - completed
Ensure that the greenhouse is kept in good working order and well utilized. - maintained
Maintain the fishing boat and portable sawmill so that they can be used for generating jobs and income. - maintained
Work with neighboring communities to continue lobbying the province to maintain the Zeballos Forest Service Road to a high standard.

The Economic Development Plan (EDP)

The EDP has been constructed to better benefit the people of Nuchatlaht Tribe. To learn more about the EDP, click the button below.

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