Nuchatlaht vindicated

Apr 7, 2026 | 9:13 AM

The Nuchatlaht First Nation has a land agreement after decades of fighting.

The small First Nation from the remote north side of Nootka Island went through the treaty process, specific claims process, supreme court and finally appeals court to have their land rights recognized.

Archie Little, Nuchatlaht’s lead negotiator for the past 25 years says he’s elated.

“April 2, 2026 was the first time I woke up and I didn’t feel like a begger in my own country,” he said. “I will never ever get on the floor and hope crumbs fall off the table. I’ll get up and I’ll kick everybody off the head of the table that’s where Nuchatlaht will sit.”

He said while they’ve been in discussions with governments over the decades, logging companies have all but destroyed their forests and streams.

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“We want to be part of a solution process. We’re not here to make enemies,” he said. “We’re not here to make people angry. We want them to feel comfort and work with us, because we have a lot to share.”

In 2024 the BC Supreme Court recognized title to just their coastal areas, and last week the appeals court ruled that partial decision was incorrect, and granted their full 210 square kilometre claim.

Photo: Archie Little speaks in front of Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Walter Michael and supporters in front of BC Supreme Court (nuchatlaht.com)

by David Wiwchar

Nuchatlaht vindicated

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