The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, with help from University of Victoria researchers, wants to use the ocean to help power its community so that people who were moved out by the federal government in the late 1960s can return year-round. 

Only one family now lives in Yuquot, on Nootka Island. It is known as the birthplace of British Columbia because it was the first point of contact between First Nations people and Europeans. “This village was a trade hub — a place of great wealth sought after by our European visitors,” says Azar Kamran, the nation’s administrator and CEO. 

“Moving forward we want to establish Yuquot as a ‘centre’ once more — now in the context of setting examples for innovation in community building and clean energy development.”