By Irine Polyzogopoulos, Communications and Development Coordinator
Staff transitions
Over the past six months, Uu-a-thluk has experienced several staffing changes.
In April, Whehs-Wiss-Sunup, Jared Dick (pictured below), returned to his position as Central Region Biologist after a one-and-a-half-year educational leave. In June, Kayley Hollyer, Uu-a-thluk’s term Associate Fisheries Biologist, accepted a new role with Toquaht Nation as Lands and Resources Technician, marking a new step in her career. Claudia Tersigni (pictured above), who previously worked for Uu-a-thluk, returned to complete the Associate Fisheries Biologist term and will be with the team until the end of March 2026.
These changes highlight Uu-a-thluk’s ongoing commitment to professional development and adaptability, ensuring strong support for Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries management and stewardship.
Kayley Hollyer, Toquaht Nation’s Lands and Resources Technician.
Northern Region office
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) will soon open a new Northern Region office in downtown Campbell River.
Situated on Cypress Street, this location will replace the previous office in Mowachaht/Muchalaht territory (Gold River). Uu-a-thluk will have dedicated office space at the new site, along with access to wet and dry storage areas to support our Northern Region Biologist’s research and monitoring activities (think dry suits, nets and waders).
The NTC’s Child and Family Services department, USMA, will occupy most of the office space, while meeting rooms will be available for use by all departments.
Scientific Contributions
Uu-a-thluk’s Southern Region Biologist, Huu-yiik (Sabrina Crowley), has been reappointed to the Marine Fishes Species Specialist Committee for COSEWIC—the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
This appointment marks Crowley’s second and final term, which will span four years. Crowley will contribute to the development of candidate lists of species to be considered for assessment, commission status reports for priority species, and review reports for scientific accuracy and completeness.
Species Specialist Committee members are chosen for their expertise in relevant fields and their demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation.
Sabrina Crowley, member of the Marine Fishes Species Specialist committee for COSEWIC.
