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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

© 2023 Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation / All Right Reserved. Created by Y5 Creative

Lands & Natural Resources

Welcome to MMFN's Lands and Natural Resources Department

As an MMFN member, you can trust our Lands and
Natural Resources Department to represent our
interests in managing traditional territories and
natural resources.

We work closely with the Council of Chiefs (COC)
and community members to protect our
aboriginal rights.

Referral Program

The MMFN’s Referral Department, overseen by
the Lands and Natural Resources Department
and the Council of Chiefs, reviews proposed
projects and developments in our traditional
territory.

This includes forestry, mining, hydroelectric,
aquaculture, and infrastructure projects.

Guide To Application Process

If you are interested in doing business with the MMFN, we kindly request that you review the following policies to understand our processes better.

Archaeology Programs

Our programs efficiently manage our land and
resources to safeguard our territory for future
generations.

A New Archaeology program has been
developed by MMFN’s Lands and Natural
Resources Department that is aimed at
protecting culturally significant sites, including
Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) and
archaeological sites.

It focuses on preserving MMFN’s cultural
heritage in our cultural forests.

Contact

Lands Department: lr-projects.mgr@yuquot.ca

GIS Tech: gis@yuquot.ca

Researcher: researcher@yuquot.ca

Technologist: landsadminassist@yuquot.ca

Looking for our Audited Financials?

CLICK HERE

REFERRAL PROGRAM

Our MMFN Referral Department operates under the oversight of our Lands and Natural Resources Department and the Council of Chiefs. We are committed to meaningful consultation, accommodation, and consent in our decision-making processes. Our primary responsibility is to review a wide range of projects and developments within our traditional territory, such as forestry, mining, hydroelectric projects, aquaculture, and infrastructure projects.

When a project is proposed within our territory, the proponent is required to submit a referral to the Crown, which initiates our involvement in the process. We conduct a thorough assessment of the project, drawing upon our traditional knowledge, scientific data, and other relevant sources of information. Based on this assessment, we provide comments or recommendations to the proponent, or we may request further consultation to address any outstanding concerns.

The Referral Program reflects our dedication to safeguarding our lands and resources and ensuring our interests are considered. It also allows us to engage with project proponents and advocate for sustainable development practices that respect our cultural values and traditions.

By actively participating in decision-making processes related to projects and developments in our territory, the Referral Program allows us to uphold our rights and ensure our voice is heard. We are committed to protecting our lands and resources, and through this program, we assert our presence and work towards sustainable development for the benefit of our community.

Archaeology Programs

Our programs efficiently manage our land and resources to safeguard our territory for future generations.

A New Archaeology program has been developed by MMFN's Lands and Natural Resources Department that is aimed at protecting culturally significant sites, including Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) and archaeological sites. It focuses on preserving MMFN's cultural heritage in our cultural forests.

It focuses on preserving MMFN's cultural heritage in our cultural forests.

LANDS & NATURAL RESOURCES

The MMFN is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of their Ha'houlthee (territory). Our Lands and Natural Resources Department works closely with the Council of Chiefs and community members to protect our aboriginal rights and manage our traditional territories and natural resources.

The department is vital in developing MMFN-driven land use, and management plans to prioritize protecting non-commercial use areas. These areas include:

  • Yellow and Red Cedar Zones
  • Old-growth Recruitment Corridors
  • Culturally Modified Trees
  • Archaeological Sites
  • Salmon Parks
  • Wildlife Habitats

The MMFN aims to preserve their cultural heritage, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health by focusing on these areas.

To achieve long-term sustainability, the MMFN seeks to reduce the annual allowable cut (AAC) to a level that ensures the health and vitality of our forests. Additionally, we advocate for an increased share of the AAC for the MMFN/Matchlee. By actively participating in the referral process for development projects, the Lands and Natural Resources Department ensures that these projects align with the community's aboriginal rights and values.

Habitat conservation is a key focus for the MMFN. We strive to restore fish and wildlife habitats to support aboriginal access and maintain healthy ecosystems. Collaboration with the Council of Chiefs, community members, and stakeholders is essential to balance industry and environmental stewardship in land and fisheries management decisions.

The Lands and Natural Resources Department is responsible for various tasks such as overseeing land holdings, surveys, mapping, legal lot descriptions, transfers, document preparation, referral consultation, and record-keeping. These responsibilities are carried out to manage the land and resources of the MMFN efficiently.

The MMFN is dedicated to protecting our waters and lands from contamination and hazards while upholding our community's values and traditions. Our ultimate objective is to resume managing our territory's natural resources and gain recognition of the MMFN aboriginal title.

Through these efforts, the MMFN aims to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our community and future generations.