Maa-nulth and B.C. conclude 2025 G2G Forum in Victoria

Leaders and representatives from the five Maa-nulth Treaty Nations and the Province of British Columbia came together from July 14 to 15 in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) speaking people, for the 2025 Government-to-Government (G2G) Forum.

This annual event continues to build momentum toward reconciliation, partnership, and shared prosperity through the implementation of the Maa-nulth Treaty, a modern treaty between Huu-ay-aht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, tuk̓ʷaaʔatḥ, Uchucklesaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and the Government of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.

Participating Maa-nulth Treaty Nations included:

• Huu-ay-aht First Nations represented by Sayaac ̓atḥ Chief Councillor John Jack;
• Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nation represented by Legislative Chief Ben Gillette;
• tuk̓ʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation) represented by taayii ḥaw̓ił Anne Mack and čaamat̓a Kevin Mack;
• Uchucklesaht Tribe Government represented by Chief Councillor Wilfred Cootes;
• Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation) represented by President Charles McCarthy.

Jointly co-hosted by Sayaac ̓atḥ Chief Councillor John Jack of Huu-ay-aht First Nations and BC Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle, the forum brought together provincial ministers, senior public servants, First Nation leaders, and technical experts to engage in meaningful, solutions-oriented discussions.

“The importance of coming together as true-to-form governments is vitally important for modern treaty First Nations to help achieve their goals of rebuilding their Nations, and for the government of British Columbia to help forward on-going reconciliation efforts. This forum demonstrates the constructive relationship our communities have with the Province, and the commitment we all share in ensuring that we can improve the lives of all our peoples.” Sayaac ̓atḥ Chief John Jack, G2G forum Co-chair, Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

“Bringing leadership together in this way strengthens our collective ability to make meaningful changes as modern treaty nations. These conversations are not only about addressing challenges; they’re about building a shared future grounded in respect, accountability, and mutual progress.” President Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation).

The forum opened with a powerful welcoming ceremony at the BC Legislature’s Hall of Honour, featuring traditional songs, drumming and dancing by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ cultural team, including Elders and Youth. This cultural celebration set a positive tone for two days of dialogue, relationship-building, creative problem-solving, and a deepened commitment to collective action.

Discussions focused on priority areas that are vital to the well-being of Maa-nulth citizens and communities including:

• Health and Social Services – mental wellness, housing, child and family services, and the opioid crisis;
• Land and Natural Resources – habitat restoration, foreshore leases, and forestry management;
• Economic Development – infrastructure, telecommunications, and community access;
• Intergovernmental Relations – updates on a distinctions-based approach;
• Emerging Issues – including overlapping claims, access to forest service roads, and ongoing tariff concerns.

The Maa-nulth Treaty Nations are committed to ensuring the ideas and priorities discussed at the forum translate into action, strengthening the nations and improving outcomes for citizens.

MTS Media Contact: Mark Stephens, Maa-nulth Treaty Society CAO 250-724-1802