The Big Eddy is the name give to the Juan de Fuca current that lies off of the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the North coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The Big Eddy is a natural whirlpool that brings nutrients up from the bottom and feed many migratory species making it one of the most productive ecosystems on the continent. “Big Eddy contains the whole food chain for every living species and migrating stocks for both BC and Washington State. We know that fish stop there to fatten up for the last time as they are making their journey,” states Hesquiaht elder Simon Lucas.

A number of groups and agencies on both sides of the border have now begun to work together to look at the ecology of the Big Eddy and discuss how this unique ecosystem shared by the US and Canada is being managed. The symposium’s focus is to bridge gaps between nations, science and management.

Within one of North America’s most important fishing grounds the Big Eddy is an essential source of resources for coastal First Nations and it is important to ensure that First Nations take a proactive leadership role in any future developments related to the area. “It is imperative that First Nations are involved,” states Makah Councilman and artist Micah McCarty, “without our input the outcomes could be very uncomfortable.”

On June 19th, Nuu-chah-nulth representatives and Uu-a-thluk staff met with leaders of the Makah Tribal Council to ensure that any initiatives regarding this trans-boundary area include First Nations values and priorities. “When we went to meet in Port Angeles we met with 4 representatives from Makah,” stated Lucas, “We Nuu-chah-nulth made it clear that we support Makah to lead in the Big Eddy. Makah have always known it was there.” The discussions that have begun between Makah and Nuu-chah-nulth are very preliminary and the Makah extended an invitation for a Nuu-cha-nulth delegation to visit Neah Bay to learn about their fisheries activities. In turn, Nuu-chah-nulth formally invited the Makah to attend the next Council of Ha’wiih meeting.

“We are not different, we are both Nuu-chah-nulth,” states Councilman McCarty, “We have a great deal of economic interest in the Big Eddy. Both Makah and Nuu-chah-nulth stand to gain a great deal economically and increase the economic benefits to Nuu-chah-nulth people with resources on the West Coast. There is room to explore how we may be able to take advantage of traditional trade routes, and import/export relationships,” adds McCarty.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness (CPAWS) and the Olympic Coast Sanctuary are the biggest drivers of Big Eddy initiatives, with the area having real promise to become an important example of trans-boundary cooperation. The upcoming Symposium will be a good opportunity to find out more about the area and who is involved in the management in both the US and Canada.

“I am glad that science and NGO’s think about what we’ve always talked about.” added Lucas, “It comes back to hishuk’ish tsa’walk. When we look at our house and understand that our whole house also includes the ocean.”

The spirit of working together and re-affirming traditional ties with Makah, continues during the symposium events, as Nuu-chah-nulth and Makah will be co-hosting a feast on the second night of events.

Attendees to the Big Eddy Symposium can also look forward to the words and insight of Billy Frank Sr., Chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, who will be a keynote speaker. He will be of special interest to all Nuu-chah-nulth with his history of activity with the Boldt Decision in the early 1970’s. This decision is monumental because Washington state tribes won 50% of their fisheries resources. This offers real food-for-thought to all Nuu-chah-nulth to gain insight into some of their strategies, successes and challenges for the Nuu-chah-nulth Fisheries Litigation.

Along with guest speakers, a host of experts, scientists and resource people from across the country, the Big Eddy Symposium will also ensure that Makah and Nuu-chah-nulth play a key role in shaping the future of this valuable and unique ecological feature.