More Than a Mission: Collaboration with Toquaht Nation Powers CAF for Exercise TRIDENT FURY 25

A/Slt Christopher Hofing

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel were met by more than the beauty of the West Coast while establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for Exercise TRIDENT FURY 2025 (Ex TF25). They were also greeted by the generosity and support of Secret Beach’s local British Columbia Indigenous community—the Toquaht Nation.

Months before boots hit the ground, the Ex TF25 planning team, which included representatives from Base Safety, Environment & Indigenous Relations, proactively engaged 21 Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous communities regarding the upcoming multinational maritime exercise. This early engagement also helped enable a strong working relationship between the CAF and Toquaht Nation leadership, with Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt (N)) Dakota Nelson, FOB Officer-in-Charge, and Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Justin Lam, Mine Countermeasures Lead Planner, coordinating with Noah Plonka, Business Manager and elected member of the Toquaht Nation Executive Council. This collaboration helped ensure military operations were both effective and respectful of local land and culture.

“Noah was incredibly accommodating,” said Lt(N) Nelson. “He offered us access to whatever land was needed, and even advanced construction projects to support our camp setup. His willingness to work with us was instrumental.”

To LCdr Lam, the collaboration meant everything. “The Nation helped us train where it counts, and build the relationships needed to safeguard the Pacific approaches together,” he said.

The Toquaht Nation provided the CAF with key infrastructure like potable water, portable toilets, moorage, and an on-site cookhouse. This gave members of the FOB a warm and dry place to gather, eat, and conduct briefings. The Nation also granted permission to conduct training on both Toquaht land and in Barkley Sound. Local businesses also helped meet logistical needs, with the Ucluelet Rent-It Center supplying washroom and garbage facilities, Wet Again Water delivering fresh water, and Cedar and Salt Restaurant providing catering. These contributions all played a vital role in operational success.

To Noah Plonka, the collaboration was a sign of strength and shared purpose. “It’s good P.R. for Toquaht, but most importantly, it makes people here feel safe and connected. It shows we can work with others and build trust.”

With Canadian Rangers and local youth also participating, the partnership is already inspiring future possibilities. “It opens doors,” said Plonka. “These are the opportunities that make us stronger, together.” As a self-governing treaty First Nation approaching 14 years since signing, Toquaht Nation is honoured to see their land meaningfully utilized. “It really makes us proud that we’re now supporting growth and connection with our land,” said Plonka.

Kirsten Johnsen, Toquaht Executive Council member, also emphasized the mutual value of the experience. “It’s a learning opportunity for both the CAF and Toquaht Nation citizens,” she said. “We see what you do, and you get to understand what it’s like to live here.” As such, Ex TF25 proved to be much more than a test of operational readiness—it was proof of what respectful collaboration can accomplish.