By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The Council of Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs) and their representatives from 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations gathered at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 to discuss several priority fisheries issues. The two-day Ha’wiih fisheries forum was hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and chaired by Wickaninnish (Cliff Atleo Sr.) of Ahousaht First Nation. Once again, the Council of Ha’wiih responded to industry pressure to reopen the west coast herring fishery. “We have been the ones that have watched that slow progression to improvement. Yes, it’s starting to come back, but it needs to be like that every season. We are the ones that have been keeping the department to tow the line in terms of resource management. We…





