with many other coastal First Nations,
was seen as rich in marine and forest
resources, it was determined by the
Indian Agent that Coastal First Nations
did not need their traditional territories
for their socio-economic benefit, essen-
tially robbing the nation of opportunities
for self-sustainment.
“Viable economic opportunities are
limited for all coastal communities due
to over-fishing and depletion of the
forest from over harvesting,” says Smith.
But the Wuikinuxv Nation has a legacy of
resourcefulness, and that trait is in as full
force now in 2019 as ever.
Nicknaqueet River
Hydropower project
Because of the remote nature of the
Nation, Reliable access to electricity
was a challenge. The community relied
heavily on diesel fuel. “As the years
passed, Wuikinuxv Nation was consum-
ing 350,000 liters of diesel fuel a year;
MARCH 2019 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 81
