With tourism's major contribution to Tofino’s economy, the industry itself is “less likely” to offer the region's living wage, according to a recent report.

While the costs of food, shelter, and transportation increase, tight food budgets are likely as locals cut corners to shoulder expenses.

In early November, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust published their biannual Vital Signs report revealing the regions living wage of $26.51 per hour is almost 10 dollars over the provinces minimum wage of $16.75.

A new two storey, 22-unit housing facility has opened in Port Alberni that fills a gap for women and gender-diverse people escaping domestic violence. The second-stage housing units are meant to provide homes between short-term emergency housing and long-term housing.

“It’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction,” says Pacheedaht elected chief Jeff Jones.

He said those words at a signing ceremony held at ʔA:ʔbʔe:ʔs  (Aah-bee-ay-s), the Middle Beach section of Pacheedaht Beach on Nov. 15.

Tseshaht has voted to demolish Maht Mah’s gymnasium, one of two remaining Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) buildings, if the First Nation can secure federal funding to build a new multi-use community facility.

“Culturally and sports and community wise, [Maht Mah’s has] been a hub, not just for Tseshaht, but many Nuu-chah-nulth,” said Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts. “But I think people do realize that… the shelf life of it, and just the things that are falling apart on it now are pretty substantial and costly.”

He was 10 years old when he saw a cedar chief’s hat being placed on his father’s head, marking the generational transfer of the Happynook hereditary chieftainship. On Nov. 4, 2023 Tommy Happynook Jr., with his own 10-year-old son standing by his side, stood proud as his father placed that same hat on his head, marking the official transfer of the Hup in yook seat from one generation to the next.

Nuu-chah-nulth-aht filled the Hupacasath House of Gathering on Friday, as the hundreds in attendance celebrated the court-affirmed right of five First Nations to commercially harvest fish from their respective territories.

On Nov. 16, Tseshaht First Nation and the federal government announced $2.7 million in funding to continue work locating and commemorating missing children who attended Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS), with a total investment that now amounts to over $3.2 million.

In early October, Clayoquot Action organized a showing of a new documentary, Mi’ma’omakw: People of the Salmon, showcasing the phase-out process of 17 fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago, followed by a panel discussion.

The Tin Wis conference center was filled with people from coastal communities to discuss fish farms, including members of the Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht and Hesquiaht First Nations.

On Nov. 9, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust 2023 vital signs report was launched, revealing an over five-dollar increase in the living wage for Vancouver Island’s west coast communities.

The living wage grew to $26.51 per hour, while in 2021 it was $21.25.

According to Living Wage BC stats, Clayoquot Sound’s living wage is the highest in the province.

“The rising cost of food, shelter, and transportation were the most significant contributors to the increase in the living wage,” said Rebecca Hurwitz, executive director of CBT.