A new trail-building project is generating excitement in the remote Central Coast community of Wuikinuxv Nation, about 125 km southwest of Bella Coola.
Last year, the community received funding to support land-based opportunities for youth, said Malista McIntyre, executive director for the nation.
When McIntyre started looking for a way to use the funding, she discovered the website for First Journey Trails Ltd., a B.C. trail design and building company.
"They sounded amazing," she said. "They build bike trails, do bike workshops and there are several youth in our community that have bikes."
In September 2023, she connected with Patrick Lucas, a registered planner with First Journey Trails who lives in Courtney.
Lucas also co-founded the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program in B.C. with First Journey Trails CEO Thomas Schoen of Williams Lake.
"Patrick and I talked about what a trail would look like in our community," McIntyre said. "There is so much to do and explore here.We live in one of the most beautiful places in B.C."
Before the telephone call ended, she had invited Lucas to visit the community in March 2024 to do some community engagement.
While in the community, Lucas learned members had been hoping back in 2009 and 2010 that some trails could get built there. They had meetings, but it never got off the ground.
"Patrick said 'this is amazing, you already have the foundation, let's make it happen,'" McIntyre said.
Lucas returned in May with Schoen and they began building a three-kilometre trail.
Working with school students and community members, they completed half of the trail and will finish it later this summer with a youth program.
"There is so much support for them coming here to help make it happen."
Seeing the project come to life has been rewarding, said Lucas.
"The community's enthusiasm and support make every trip here special."
Schoen said while he has had the privilege of working in dozens and dozens of small communities, Wuikinuxv stood out.
"The stunning scenery and the warm hospitality of the people are unparalleled," Schoen said. "This village is a gem on the West Coast, and it’s an honour to be part of their trail-building journey.”
McIntyre said the new trail will link up with some old existing trails and make it possible to walk the entire length of the Wannock River.
"We need to get people out
Wuikinuxv has a year-round population of about 90 people.
In summer the population doubles when people return home for summer programming, fishing and vacationing.
Born and raised in Vancouver, McIntyre moved to the community in 2020 with her 15-year-old son.
"My husband and my son are both Wuikinux. It was supposed to be the summer to come and visit. I came and we never left."
