The immediate neighboring communities include the Ucluelet and Toquaht First Nations and the District of Ucluelet. Read below for more information.

Clayoquot Sound
Central Region Communities:

Hesquiaht First Nations:
Band # 661 Population: 627

The most northerly of the Clayoquot Sound Central Nations are the Hesquiaht. Two of eight Hesquiaht Reserves are occupied by Hesquiaht members, one at Hot Springs Cove and the other at Hesquiaht Harbour. Hot Springs Cove is named after the natural hot springs located at the south end of a narrow peninsula on the East Side of the Cove. The Reserve Community of Hot Springs (Refuge Cove) village is located on the Cove's west side, home to approximately 80 individuals and 25 families (39 dwellings). Total population: 627 Economic activities reflect tourism, forestry and fishing, traditional gathering, carving and art. Employment generally relates to Band administration, health, education and social services.

See www.hesquiaht.org for more information.

Ahousaht First Nations:
Band # 659 Population: 1673

The Ahousaht, whose territory encompasses the majority of the Sound, are comprised of three former groups: the Ahousaht, Manhousaht and Keltsmaht. The community of Ahousaht is located on Flores Island (also known as Marktosis). Ahousaht means people of (aht) Ahous, a small bay on the west side of Vargas Island. The Marktosis IR is the only one of 25 Ahousaht reserves that is occupied year round. The population of Ahousaht has been growing at an average rate of 2.6%, with a strong interest among members living "away from home" in returning. Currently 36% of the Ahousaht membership lives at home (vs. a BC average of 49%). The population is predominantly (77%) under 40 years of age (41%, 0-19). Total population 1673 noted from the 2001 Census. Economic activities are fishing, forestry, aquaculture, tourism, traditional gathering, art and culture. Employment generally relates to Band management, health and social services. Traditional employment includes mushroom picking, firewood and botanical forest products gathering. Ahousaht has several aquaculture companies within their traditional territory but note that employment from the farms is low.

See www.ahousaht.com for more information.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations:
Band# 660 Population: 783

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation resides on two separate reserves, one on Meares Island (Opitsaht) and the other at Esowista, surrounded by Pacific Rim National Park. A reserve expansion is planned for the Esowista site. The Tla-o-qui-aht (TFN) has been very active in economic development. They own and operate TinWis resort, are about to launch a tourism booking center and shellfish aquaculture operation, facilitated by their Economic Development Corporation. Like several other Nations, members (6-8) are also involved in the spawn-on-kelp industry. One member still holds a commercial salmon license; others work at TinWis, pick mushrooms, cut firewood, produce art and hold a number of other occupations.

Ittatsoo First Nations:
Band # 668 Population: 611

The Ucluelet First Nation holds ten reserve areas. Its primary settlement is located across the bay from Ucluelet (Ittatsoo). Another reserve is located just south of Wickanninish Centre. The Ucluelet Band provides employment opportunities through Band Administration, social services fishing, dock facilities, forestry, traditional hunting and gathering.

Toquaht First Nations:
Band # 666 Population: 115

Finally, the Toquaht First Nation occupies seven reserves, their main settlement being Macoah on the North Shore of Barkley Sound. The Toquaht operate a logging and sawmill operation, an art gallery, and various other individual and tribal businesses. The District of Tofino and Ucluelet are also home to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents (estimated 11% of Ucluelet population is of Aboriginal decent).

Ucluelet Town Council:
Population 1978

The population for Ucluelet in 2003 was 1652. Ucluelet is experiencing steady growth which is expected to continue to expand over the next ten years or more. In summer months Ucluelet hosts a wide variety of tourists from around the world. Traditional economic activities such as fishing and forestry will continue to rebound. Tourism employment continues to provide significant employment, increased resort development and new business start-ups within the region.

See www.ucluelet.ca for more information.

Tofino Town Council:
Population 1906

Tofino will continue to attract a wide variety of new residents to the area as well as steady growth in the tourism industry. Nature based activities will continue to attract the out door enthusiast. New housing and business start-ups are attracting the trades as well as business entrepreneurs. Issues in the near and distant future will focus on water supply and controlling growth. Employment opportunities will continue to be found in the hospitality industry, government services, the aquaculture industry, the arts and culture.

See www.tofino.ca for more information.

Alberni-Clayoquot Sound Regional District Area C:
Population 401

There are three Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations communities and traditional territories within the South Beach area. The Ucluelet, the Toquaht and the Tla-o-qui-aht of the Nuu-chah-nulth has inhabited the South Long Beach area for thousands of years.

All three South Long Beach First Nations have a long history of utilizing fish, wildlife and forestry resources for traditional uses.

The South Beach Plan replaces a former OCP, and extends the plan area to cover a larger portion of Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District’s Electoral Area C. It defines directions that will guide the development of South Long Beach plan area and meet its anticipated needs over the next decade and beyond. The process to develop the Plan has taken into account residents’ and property owners’ views about the future, regional trends and legislative requirements. This plan also reflects new approaches to community processes and development, embracing principles of sustainability to improve all aspects of life in South Long Beach. These directions will also help ensure that South Long Beach is an even more desirable place to live, work and invest in the future.

See www.acrd.bc.ca for more information.