4 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations have been directly impacted by the Mount Underwood fire in close proximity (12 km) to Port Alberni and within their territories. This fire is still classified as out of control after 9 days.
Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations both have 2 reserves that could be in the path of the fire. In fact, one reserve belonging to Tseshaht First Nation (Tiipis, also known as Polly’s Point or “Alberni 2” Reserve) had an evacuation alert and those homes chose to evacuate they have since returned home. Today, the evacuation alert has been lifted for Tiipiis which is good news for those residents. Both First Nations have been preparing their communities in the event the fire reaches Port Alberni and they have been working closely with the City of Port Alberni and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District and BC Wildlife Services.
Smoke and particulate matter from the fire has caused very poor air quality and the two First Nations have been providing air purifiers for their members in need and could use more resources to buy more. Other Nuu-chah-nulth Nations have also been providing air purifiers to their members living in Port Alberni due to intense wildfire smoke that can cause severe health problems. Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) cancelled their annual sports tournament the Tlu-piich games, out of concern for their members’ health from the heavy smoke. We appeal to all governments for resources that we need in the situation we are in.
The out of control fire and its fast growth due to high temperatures, winds, very dry forests and steep terrain, have caused stress and worry to their members – many of whom checking frequently for updates on the fire. NTC has been providing cultural and mental health supports where needed, during this difficult time.
Huu-ay-aht and Ditidaht First Nations have been cut off from Port Alberni once the road was closed due to the fire. Port Alberni is their main source for supplies and medical needs. The only other route out of their communities to Youbou is very rough and dangerous. Flat tires are a common occurrence in fact there were 17 flat tires reported in 24 hours. Ditidaht in particular runs its generators on propane and the propane trucks have refused to use the road in its current condition. This has created an urgent situation for Ditidaht as the generator which runs the community water system uses propane. If Ditidaht cannot get propane, they will not be able to get water to their members. NTC has reached out to Mosaic Forest Management, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), TFL 44 (Western/Cawaakin), and TFL 46 Teal Jones for help in getting the road repaired to a standard that propane trucks can use. Getting prescriptions and members to medical services is also important and more good reasons to get the road in good condition to transport people and supplies. It is critical to have a safe alternate route during times of crisis, which are occurring more frequently and intensely.
Judith Sayers, NTC President states, “we urgently appeal to Mosaic Forest Management, MOTI, TFL 46 Teal Jones and TFL 44 (Western/Caawakin) to work on repairing the Youbou road to a driveable condition as a critical measure for our members living in Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht so they can have propane delivered and they can mobilize their members especially if evacuation is required.
Les Doiron, NTC Vice President, added “we deeply thank everyone who has helped in the fire fighting at Mt. Underwood. This includes BC Wildfire Services, many other fire fighters from other jurisdictions, the City of Port Alberni, the ACRD and so many more. We owe a great deal to all these people and organizations.”
Judith Sayers added “we also thank BC Hydro for moving quickly to start to restore power to Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht communities once they were able to access the Bamfield road. Living without power for weeks is very difficult especially at this time of the year when the temperatures have been so high. We are delighted that BC Hydro anticipates power restored by August 30th and sooner if possible. The Nations look forward to meeting with BC Hydro and discuss liabilities from the power outage. We recognize the resilience of the Ditidaht and Huuayaht people to do without power as this happens on a regular basis”. They look forward to finding long term solutions for downed power lines and improving power reliability for the west coast communities.
The NTC reiterates they are so very grateful to all who had a hand in keeping the fire out of our communities to date. Our Nuu-chah-nulth members lives are precious and our communities housing and infrastructure are key to our lives. Also thanking many people for their prayers, good thoughts and care they have sent our way. Klecko, Klecko to all.
