Welcoming Our New Five Nations Salmon Laws Project Coordinator – Charlene Miller!
Introducing Charlene Miller - Salmon Laws Project Coordinator
On Tuesday, we proudly announced the launch of a new four-year initiative:
Restoring the Five Nations’ Salmon Laws & Consultation Protocol Project.
Through this important project, we will work with the five Nations to document, revitalize, and affirm traditional Nuu-chah-nulth salmon laws and governance systems, and co-develop a consultation protocol that reflects each Nation’s rights, governance, and values. This project is being led in partnership between Ha’oom Fisheries Society, the Balance Co-Lab, and the Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations.
We’re now excited to share that Charlene Miller has officially joined Ha’oom as the Project Coordinator for this initiative!
Charlene brings deep experience working with Nuu-chah-nulth communities and a strong passion for protecting Indigenous rights and knowledge. She was a member of Da’naxda’xw First Nation until she transferred to Tseshaht First Nation after marriage and is a proud mother of two. Before joining us, Charlene has worked with Quatsino First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, and most recently the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in their Education Department. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts at both Vancouver Island University and North Island College.
She’s passionate about human rights, salmon and food fishery rights, Indigenous artists’ rights, and increasing economic opportunities for First Nations. In her spare time, Charlene enjoys baking, ceremonies, family time, and walks with her fur babies. She also grew up in Edmonton, Alberta—and is a loyal Edmonton Oilers fan!
What Charlene’s Role Will Be
Charlene will coordinate this four-year project, working closely with each of the five Nations to support interviews, meetings, gatherings, and research to ensure that the project reflects community values, priorities, and voices. She will work alongside elders, knowledge holders, and Nation leadership, as well as with the Balance Co-Lab team and the rest of the Ha’oom team, to help shape a shared path forward for salmon governance.
She will also be the main point of contact for this project for community members, leadership, and partners who would like to learn more, ask questions, or provide feedback throughout the project.
If you have questions about the project or would like to connect, Charlene can be reached at charlene@haoom.ca. She looks forward to meeting with the five Nations’ community members over the coming months and supporting meaningful community engagement at every step of the way.
Please join us in giving her a warm welcome — we’re so excited for what lies ahead.
Welcome to the team, Charlene!