Ha-Shilth-Sa January 12, 2006

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Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product haas^i>sa “ Interesting News” Vol. 33 - No. 1 - January 12, 2006 Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Tseshaht Pole Project

VOTE TO CONTINUE

benefits from BMO Donation

PROGRESS SAY NTC LEADERS

Tseshaht Chief Councilor Les Sam was on hand to accept the cheque from BMO officials Doug Forbes-King, Doug Bourque and Sharon Powell. Forbes-King. Accompanied by Tim Paul, Gordon Dick, Jane Jones and Deb Foxcroft . By Denise August, Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni - The Bank of Montreal donated $2000 to the Tseshaht First Nation’s totem pole project. The donation will go toward the construction of a concrete foundation, landscaping and signage for the two poles. Designed by Hesquiaht artist Tim Paul, the poles lie finished under a tent at Tseshaht Market. Tseshaht Chief Councilor Les Sam was on hand to accept the cheque from BMO officials Doug Forbes-King, Doug Bourque and Sharon Powell. ForbesKing said BMO was happy to contribute to the pole project. “As a neighbor and partner to Tseshaht Market I feel we have an obligation to do our part,” said Forbes-King, “I hope this project will assist the business here by attracting more people to view these beautiful pieces of work.” Jane Jones, Assistant Manager at Tseshaht Market says the poles will not be raised until early spring but BMO’s donation will be used to prepare a site and cement foundation. The finished site will serve as a rest area for tourists. “It will be a quiet, serene area for the tourists to enjoy,” Jones explained. The project started June 20, 2005 and was finished November 4 at a cost of nearly $50,000. The 27’ and 25’ poles were donated by Gordon Atkinson of

Coast Forest Management and were harvested at Sardis Island, Tseshaht traditional territory. Cost Forest Management, Jones explained, works in partnership with Tseshaht First Nation.

“As a neighbor and partner to Tseshaht Market I feel we have an obligation to do our part,” said Forbes-King, “I hope this project will assist the business here by attracting more people to view these beautiful pieces of work.” Hesquiaht artist Tim Paul was contracted to create the works of art with the assistance of three Tseshaht apprentices; Gordon Dick, Tobias Watts and Willard Gallic II. The apprenticeships will allow younger generations to learn the art of carving poles so that they may also pass their skills on to more Nuu-chah-nulth artists. There will be a formal Pole-raising ceremony early this year that will involve Hesquiaht and Tseshaht culture. Watch for the story along with more details about the poles in a future issue of the Ha-Shilth-Sa. Funding for the project came from Human Resource Development Canada through the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Board. Tseshaht Market spearheaded the project.

Seminar in West Africa ....... ................................... Page 2 Crab closure ............................................................. Page 3 Tofino Radio Station hires Ahousaht member..... Page 4 Federal Election Candidates 2006 ......................... Page 6 Headlines 2005 - the year in review ..................... Page 10 NEDC Business News ........................................... Page 20

NTC leaders discussed the federal election at a meeting on January 10 and agreed that the number one priority is for the commitments made by the last government to be followed through. These include the commitments made in Kelowna immediately before the election was called. On November 24-25 First Ministers from across Canada committed to strengthening relationships on a government to government basis and focussing efforts to close the gap in the areas of education, health, housing and economic opportunities for First Nations. A commitment of $5 billion was made. On November 25 the Government of Canada, Government of BC, and the Leadership Council representing the First Nations of British Columbia signed a Transformative Change Accord to implement the national commitment in British Columbia. The Liberal Party and New Democratic Party have committed to implement these agreements if elected. An article in the January 11th Times Colonist quotes the Conservative Party finance critic, Monte Solberg, as saying “We’re not going to honour that.” “This confirms our worst fears,” says NTC President Francis Frank, “Solberg’s comments confirm our concern that a Conservative government would bring progress to a screeching halt.”

“This confirms our worst fears,” says NTC President Francis Frank, “Solberg’s comments confirm our concern that a Conservative government would bring progress to a screeching halt.” NTC leaders also want to ensure the recent commitment to compensate residential school survivors is followed through quickly, and that Treaty negotiations move forward. There are enough Nuu-chah-nulth voters to have a significant impact in three ridings on Vancouver Island, including Vancouver Island North, NanaimoAlberni, and Nanaimo-Cowichan. NTC leaders encourage everyone to get out and use your vote strategically on January 23rd to make sure the First Nations commitments of the last government are followed through.

NTC leaders encourage everyone to get out and use your vote strategically on January 23rd to make sure the First Nations commitments of the last government are followed through.

Mission Road in Port Alberni was hit by two mudslides January 5th after several days of heavy rain. If undeliverable, please return to: Ha-Shilth-Sa P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2

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ISSN 0715-4143


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Ha-Shilth-Sa January 12, 2006 by Hashilthsa - Issuu