Ha-Shilth-Sa June 13, 2013

Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 40 - No. 8-June 13, 2013 haas^i>sa “Interesting News” Sales Agreement No. 40047776

15th annual disability access fair held at Maht Mahs

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni–People gathered at Maht Mahs on May 29 and May 30 to hear the latest in health information at the 15th Annual Disability Access Committee (DAC) fair.

It has been 15 years since DAC first started organizing the annual gathering, and they decided the theme for this year’s fair would be ‘Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.’

Organizers of the fair promised to take a look back and remember some people who helped lay the groundwork for DAC, and they would also look to the future in an effort to begin planning for healthcare needs of the people in years to come.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Cliff Atleo Sr. started with an opening prayer, first explaining in English what he would be asking for. We thank the Creator for the day, for life, for Tseshaht who allow us to gather here and to ask for guidance in our deliberations, he said.

“We ask for blessings for our relatives that are ailing or grieving and safe travels for those that need to travel,” Atleo continued.

Barney Williams announced he would once again be acting as emcee at the DAC fair and told the crowd they would be looking back on the last 15 years.

“And we will look ahead to see where we need to go and how to get there,” he added.

Eunice Joe welcomed the people to the home of the Tseshaht on behalf of Tseshaht chief and council. She expressed her appreciation to all that worked on the

“As we speak there are huge changes happening; changes in power,” he continued.

He went on to talk about the health governance agreement reached between British Columbia’s First Nations people and governments.

“We have a partnership with the provincial health authority; this means both governments can no longer plan and do things that affect our people without our input,” Atleo explained. “Now we have an opportunity to improve and Photo by Debora Steel we can think about Tyler Bob, age 5, was a little unsure of the free haircut he prevention instead of was getting at the DAC Health Ability Fair May 30. just treating sickness and we know we still have a lot of work DAC fair. to do,” Atleo said.

In his opening remarks, President Atleo “It’s not that long ago that we were said it was an honour to be welcomed by strong, healthy peoples up and down Tseshaht and an honour to have everythe Nuu-chah-nulth coast; only 55 short one there to share and learn about health years ago we didn’t need welfare and we issues faced by Nuu-chah-nulth people.

Of the DAC committee he said, “They’ve didn’t have diabetes,” said Atleo. Nuuchah-nulth are going to get that back, developed relationships with many serhe promised, adding this conference is a vice organizations that help our people access the health and safety services they very large part of that movement.

NTC Vice-President Ken Watts also need, but there’s more work to be done.” congratulated the DAC committee and “We need to help our people reach out in order that individuals in our communi- thanked them for all their hard work.

Continued on page 3. ties can be self-sustaining,” Atleo said.

Denise Titian

Cliff Atleo, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Denise Titian

Florence Wylie, executive director of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Hupacasath and Canada square off over FIPPA

By Wawmeesh G. Hamilton Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Vancouver—Final arguments wrapped up in the Hupacasath First Nation’s legal challenge to the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA).

Lawyers for Hupacasath and Canada made their cases before Chief Justice Paul Crampton in federal court in Vancouver June 5 through June 7.

The initiative was taken by Hupacasath to halt FIPPA. The tiny First Nation community is the last remaining obstacle Canada faces to the agreement.

On June 5, Hupacasath lawyer Mark Underhill said that Canada has a duty to consult with First Nations before it ratifies the Canada-China FIPPA. “This is about whether or not Canada has to consult with First Nations before entering into an international treaty,” Underhill said. “We think it will have an impact, and the law says that if there is an impact on rights, including treaty rights, then the government has to consult.”

Consultation with First Nations about international agreements isn’t an anomaly, Underhill said. Such arrangements can be found in modern treaties, such as the

Maa-nulth and the Tsawwassen treaties, he noted. Having said this, however, even those groups haven’t been consulted about the Canada-China FIPPA. “The federal position will be that there has been no consultation because there has been no change to domestic laws,” he said.

Modern land claim agreements must comply with Canada’s international obligations, Underhill said.

“Before you make us comply we have to know what you want us to comply with,” he said.

Canada does this from the premise that they know they can be sued by an investor nation through tribunal measures if a claim comes up later, said Underhill.

“Canada acts differently towards First Nations when it comes to accommodating rights,” Underhill said. “That new variable in the mix triggers a duty to consult.” He cited the Haida decision, which says government must consult with First Nations when rights are impacted.

Hupacasath’s participation in the treaty process is also a considerations, Underhill said. The Hupacasath have taken a break in negotiations, but left off at Stage Four.

Continued on page 14.

Photo by Wawmeesh G. Hamilton

Hupacasath Chief Steven Tatoosh stands in the middle of a rally June 5 held at the courthouse where the nation was challenging the federal government on the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. The nation argued Canada failed to consult them about the agreement.

If undeliverable, please return to: Ha-Shilth-Sa P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

RCMP congratulate DARE program graduates

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Ahousaht —Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived at Maaqtusiis School May 30 to celebrate with 12 Grade 5 students who successfully completed the DARE Program.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) is a program that was founded in Los Angeles in 1983. Aimed at schoolaged children, its purpose is to teach children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and gang violence. They also learn about resisting peer pressure.

After all the lessons are done, the children write essays about what they’ve learned and they sign a pledge not to use drugs or alcohol and not to join gangs.

Members of RCMP Ahousaht detachment hosted a barbecue lunch in celebration of the DARE grad. They invited the entire community to come to the RCMP building to share hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and cupcakes.

From there, everyone walked up the road to the multi-purpose room at the new high school.

Each of the graduating class were given DARE t-shirts before taking seats in front of their proud parents and community members.

Constable Matt Hartwig arrived at the celebration dressed in his red serge, something the RCMP does for special occasions.

“This is about building life skills, resistance skills and awareness,” said Hartwig, who came from Tofino to Ahousaht to teach 10 one-hour DARE lessons. He was proud of the students saying their essays were very well-written and all were returned to him in record

Photo by Denise Titian

On May 30 in Ahousaht, Grade 5 students from Maaqtusiis School graduated from the DARE Program (Drug Abuse Resistence Education) offered through the RCMP. Students pledge not to use drugs or alcohol or join gangs. time. there to support their children. smoke cigarettes. From yellow teeth to RCMP Sgt. Jim Anderson, in charge of “It’s important because we all know life-threatening diseases, she warned Tofino and Ahousaht, said he was proud (teaching prevention) starts at home,” he about the dangers of smoking before of the community, proud of the school said. making a personal pledge never to smoke and proud of the DARE graduates.

Ahousaht Chief Councillor Curtis Dick or do drugs.

Corporal Dave Cusson is a specially also congratulated the children, saying Qwammi Robinson wrote an essay trained RCMP officer from the Tofino he was proud of them. He thanked the about the dangers of marijuana while detachment. He is qualified to deliver RCMP for bringing the DARE program Hanna George wrote about alcohol abuse DARE classes to school-aged children. to the community. To the children, he and Germaine Bulwer wrote about not He said DARE is an international prosaid, “You now have the ability to teach caving into peer pressure. gram and is part of a national strategy your parents, brothers and sisters; you Following the readings each graduate to allow law enforcement to connect have a lot of good knowledge that you was called up to receive their certificates. with the youth and to work together on need to share and pass on.”

Graduates are: Giselle Titian, Juniprevention.

Four of the students were selected to per John, Mariela Hernandez, Hannah “I encourage you to take your certifiread their essays aloud; each essay foGeorge, Mark Frank-Perry, Sierra Frank cates home and frame it; put it somecused on one subject matter they studied Qwammi Robinson, Matthew Frank, where where you can see it every day during their DARE classes over the past Emma Dick, Jaa’deen Charlie, Germaine so you can always remember what you few weeks.

Bulwer and Shania Thomas. learned,” he told the graduates.

Sierra Frank wrote about the bad things Cusson thanked the parents for being that can happen to your body if you Constable Peter Batt of the Port Alberni RCMP Detachment donned red serge for the graduation of Haahuupayak students in Ms. Rose Doerksen’s Grade 5/6 class from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program June 5.

Justin Nookemus is happy to graduate from the DARE program.

Photos by Debora Steel

Haahuupayak students pledge to say ‘No’

By Debora Steel Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Fourteen students from Ms. Rose Doerksen’s Grade 5/6 class at Haahuupayak School have graduated from a 10-week RCMP program called DARE, designed to raise awareness about drug and alcohol prevention and provide skills to respond to peer pressure.

Attending the graduation ceremony to help celebrate June 5 were members from the Port Alberni RCMP detachment, including Staff Sgt. Mike Coady and Aboriginal policing officers Const. Mike

Bigg, Corp. Jay Donahue, and Const.

Peter Batt, who conducted the training.

Culture teacher Trevor Little led the students and their guests, who gathered in the foyer of the school, in a prayer.

Staff Sgt. Coady congratulated the students on their hard work and effort to complete the course.

“It’s about developing inner strength to resist choices,” he said of the program.

If the students choose to hang out with people who use drugs and alcohol, they would eventually succumb to the pressure to use drugs and alcohol, he told the students.

“Choose to hang with people who live a clean life,” he said.

Ms. Doerksen said Dare is not just a program for 10 weeks, but a tool for making future decisions.

She said each of the students had pledged to say no to drugs and alcohol use.

Const. Batt told the students they were like the carved wolves that adorn the pillars of the school. Young wolves are warriors and the students were going to face life with the strength of warriors.

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Challenges need to be indentified Continued from page 1.

He acknowledged NTC staff and the service organizations and participants for taking part in the fair.

“I like the theme,” he said. “I think it is important to acknowledge people that have worked so hard to improve the quality of life for our people.”

NTC Executive Director Florence Wylie pointed out that the work of DAC’s committee members is not glamorous.

“There are certain gaps in our programs and services that we need to address and there are some of our people living with disabilities that don’t have a voice,” Wylie said. Nuu-chah-nulth need to identify those challenges and collaborate on dialogue and working on solutions, she continued.

Wylie pointed out that DAC continues its work even in the face of severe financial cutbacks.

“Over 15 years our committee has struggled with lack of financial resources; today’s DAC budget is only a fraction of what it once was but we are committed to bringing these fairs to our people,” she said.

DAC Chair Helen Dick welcomed everyone before introducing the committee members who have dedicated years of service to Nuu-chah-nulth people.

(DAC includes Helen Dick, Ida Mills, Dolores Bayne, Pat Nicolaye, Gordon Taylor and Sheila John.)

Fighting her tears, Dick said she can’t help but think about those that were involved with DAC in the early years but have since passed on. They were later remembered as family members were called upon to receive portraits of former DAC members Eileen Charleson, Mabel Taylor and Bernice John.

The first presentation was led by Port Alberni RCMP Constable Theresa Thompson, who was there to talk about suicide.

Growing up in the Cowichan Valley during the 70s, Thompson was there when a wave of suicides swept through. When she lost friends to suicide she decided that she would become educated about the problem. After high school she went on become a psychiatric nurse.

Why do people turn to suicide?

“They do it when they’ve run out of resources… it’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem is what I tell them,” said Thompson.

Often time family members and service providers become frustrated when dealing with a suicidal person and Thompson admits there are gaps in the system.

Thompson explained that when the RCMP responds to a suicide call they will take the person to the hospital if they determine the risk is real. But often the suicidal person will deny suicidal thoughts by the time they get to the hospital in order to get released.

“It’s frustrating,” said Thompson, adding there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Suicidal thoughts and attempts often come after great emotional stress, like the break-up of a relationship. Most often, the person wants help rather than death.

Thompson told of a case where a woman attempted suicide a few times after a break-up.

“She eventually completed suicide but before she died she told the hospital staff that she didn’t really want to die,” Thompson said.

And that is usually the case; that suicidal people don’t want to die, but want help coping with their pain.

The crisis line number is in the phone book or you can call the operator who

Jackie Watts of the Nuu-chah-nulth Infant Development Program.

Photos by Debora Steel

Andy Callicum, supervisor of the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program, addresses the gathering of the Disability Access Committee (DAC) fair. has all that information. It is important to try to connect suicidal people with the resources that are out there.

Later that morning a Health Services Panel presented information and took questions.

Mary Guimont, Aboriginal Health, VIHA, talked about VIHA’s strategic goals and how they are responding to the needs of the people.

For example, there’s Telehealth in Ahousaht now. Telehealth is a video conferencing tool that allows patients to consult with health professionals without ever having to leave the village. The service is also available in Tahsis, Gold River and at the West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni.

Dale Hunt, Aboriginal Coordinator, Returning Home Demonstration Project, VIHA, is working on a pilot project. The Returning Home Demonstration Project is intended to improve the discharge planning process for children being released from the hospital and returning to their home communities.

“It’s about integration of services and ensuring that aboriginal families need all the support they need when they return home,” Hunt said.

Marion Ambrose, a Hesquiaht woman, shared her personal health experiences.

In 1983 she was diagnosed with a chronic and potentially life-threatening medical condition. Since age 23 the young mother has struggled with her health as her arteries close up. She’s had several surgeries, both minor and major, and she survived a brain aneurism.

Ambrose said she has needed support for years, both in caring for herself and her children.

“It’s very important to listen to what your doctor says,” she told the crowd, as she remembered ignoring medical advice.

Now a grandmother, Ambrose has suffered from depression because of her medical issues. But she’s thankful for the help of family who are always there for her.

“Through all that I’ve come to realize that I’m here for a reason and I’m glad I’m still here even though there’s still so much wrong with me,” she said.

Pearl Dorward, First Nations Advocate, NTC Nursing Program, works at Port Alberni’s West Coast General Hospital in her role as an advocate nurse. She works with aboriginal patients advocating on their behalf and assisting

with discharge planning. She also acts as a liaison between hospital and community.

“Families may want to do a cultural ceremony at the hospital and I can assists with that,” she added. Dorward connects patients and their families with community resources and can assist clients with health care complaints.

Robert Cluett, NTC Non-Insured Health Benefits Coordinator talks about NonInsured Health Benefits which pays for medical, dental and pharmacist services.

Vision care services, medical equipment and supplies, pharmaceutical products, medical patient travel are examples of some services supported at least in part

by Health Canada. Health Canada will not cover the cost of some medication, but in cases of emergency, Health Canada may pay for up to four days the cost of your prescribed medication whether it’s covered or not.

Cluett reminds new parents about the importance of getting newborns registered as soon as possible in order to receive medical coverage. New parents are given brown envelopes containing registration applications at the hospital when the baby is born. It is important to complete and submit the documents as soon as possible. Failure to do so will mean the child will not have medical coverage after six months of age and new parents could face staggering medical bills.

John Charley, NexGen Hearing Loss, talked about the importance of getting hearing tests.

Many people are at risk of hearing loss including those that have suffered untreated ear infections, have had

trauma to the ear or head, have diabetes, are working in noisy places, and those that are growing older are all predisposed to hearing loss.

“I’d like to see everyone have their hearing tested around the age of 40 to 50,” he said, adding the sooner hearing problems are diagnosed and treated the better the outcome.

According to Charley, the medical professionals are doing wonderful things with ear drum patching.

NIHB, social services or veteran’s affairs may cover the cost of hearing health tests and treatments. Hearing loss is a disability and there is no need to be ashamed of it, said Charley.

Hearing tests take about an hour and it is painless.

The final presentation of the day was called Healing through Humour with aboriginal comedian Fred Anderson. “If you laugh you will last,” he said.

Anderson talked about the power of positive thinking and the use of humour to help heal and to live a more fulfilling life.

He talked about the importance of living in the present; about how individuals change over the years and the need for people to let go of past relationships and move forward.

“Everyone changes. We just don’t do it all at the same speed,” he said.

He also believes that it is not drugs and alcohol that are the real problems in our communities.

“It’s what happened in the past, the secrets that we hold onto that are holding us back,” he said.

Joseph Tom, Central Region Coordinator/Supervisor with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Mental Health department discusses acknowledging the past, and leaving it behind as people make the choice for a better, healthier future.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

SD70 in the Alberni Valley hosts a day at the Track

Maquinna Elementary represents.

Facing the competition with a smile.

A last minute challenger for the finish, but Gill School takes the race.

Run, stop, throw... that’s the shot put.

Fan support and encouragement for Haahuupayak

Haahuupayak School runner puts some bounce in his step at Bob Dailey on June 7.

Photos by Debora Steel

School District 70 8th Ave. School girls relay squad perform the hand off at the first corner on their way once around the track at Bob Dailey Stadium in Port Alberni on June. 7 during Sports Day.

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

People rally to help those in need after SA cuts

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter As if there wasn’t enough poverty in Canada’s aboriginal communities. Now, federal cutbacks have further impoverished the most vulnerable of First Nations citizens, who must deal with up to 50 per cent less in their social assistance benefits.

Ahousaht Councillor Greg Louie was acting chief at the time of this interview.

He said, according to Ahousaht’s Social Development worker Robert Atleo, the cutbacks in the band’s social assistance program originated with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

The biggest hit the program took was to the isolation allowance. Ahousaht is a remote island village accessible only by boat or float plane, so now people face the additional expense of water taxi fares (a minimum $50 return trip for one adult) in order to get to the nearest bank and grocery store.

A single person, for example, would receive $191 in a monthly isolation benefit.

“That amount would cover their return water taxi, fuel expenses to Port Alberni, one night’s accommodation and meals in order to take care of their shopping and bill paying needs, and all of that has been taken away.”

Without the isolation benefit, the monthly social assistance benefit for a single person is nearly cut in half. Prior to the cutbacks, typically, a single person received a monthly benefit of about $400.

Now that same person must get by on $235 a month. Minus water taxi fares needed to get to Tofino just to cash the cheque, the single person is left with

$185.

In addition to the isolation benefit cuts, social assistance recipients no longer have the option of supplementing their monthly cheque by working incentive hours. Prior to April 2013, people on Social Assistance could work in the community up to 10 hours per month to earn an additional $100. The program will no longer pay incentive work hours unless the recipient is disabled, but even that portion of the benefit has been slashed.

According to Louie, a disabled person on social assistance could work up to 50 hours a month and be paid $500 in incentive hours.

“Disabled people can still do incentive hours, but it’s been reduced to 10 hours per month, meaning they can only top up their benefit by $100,” said Louie.

While the cuts have created hardship, Louie says the people, for the most part, have been respectful to band staff and chief and council.

“This is the doing of AANDC, the federal government,” Louie said. “We wouldn’t do this to our own to make poor poorer,” he added.

Ahousaht chief and council is working with other Nuu-chah-nulth chiefs and with the Leadership Council of BC and the Assembly of First Nation to find solutions.

Louie said nobody was prepared for the cutbacks because they came unannounced.

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she didn’t find out about the cutbacks until April 25, the day she was to receive her cheque. Her family of three lives with extended family. There are two small children and an elder in the home, along with other adults.

“I was kind of mad,” she said. “We’re barely able to make it on the previous amount of about $700 a month and then it was cut down to $400.”

Splitting expenses with other adults in the house, the family got by, but now with one employed adult being laid off they’ve had to disconnect their television and internet services and do without a lot of other things.

“My child is growing fast,” said the woman. “We used to be able to get her a couple of outfits a month, before April, but now it’s hard; they grow out of clothes so fast,” she added.

The family is grateful for the Free Store set up by Marceline Jack; they’ve been able to find clothes for their child there.

“They set up a food bank here and we were able to use it; it was helpful. I’m glad they got it started,” said the woman.

“It’s something we didn’t have... It just seems like we’re constantly borrowing,” she added.

The woman has skills that make her employable, but there are no local jobs for her skill set. The local college has been closed for years, so they can’t upgrade their educations.

“We’re thinking of moving to town where I can work and he can get his upgrading,” she added.

While the cutbacks have caused a lot of stress for everybody, it brought out the best in many people. Everybody started to come up with ways to help, including the fishermen who freely give some of their daily catch, Louie said.

Another initiative set up by grassroots people is the food bank. Genny John, an Ahousaht mother and grandmother, started the food bank. Together with Donna Thomas, the pair organizes food

drives and distributes food in the community to those in need.

According to Louie, Genny and Donna are concerned mothers from the community who worry that children are going hungry as parents on income assistance struggle to meet the basic needs of their families.

“It is our children who are suffering the most,” said Donna Thomas, who goes from her job at the elementary school to volunteer at the food bank.

In a recent post on their Facebook food drive they wrote, “We have a food shortage here in Ahousaht; we have zero food security and difficulty in access. Recent cuts to social assistance by half have made it hard for our families here.”

That weekend, several Tofino businesses stepped up and donated food to the Ahousaht food bank.

In an effort to help out, Joe and Sacheen Rampanen have started up a community garden called Maaqtusiis Muuschim Garden and they run a community composting program.

Every week Joe makes his rounds in the community gathering compost buckets.

Every now and then the couple puts a call out for help in the community garden, where they grow fruits and vegetables to share with anyone who needs it.

In Oclucje, another remote community just outside of Zeballos, the people are struggling with social assistance cutbacks. It affects about half the village, anywhere from 15 to 20 members, along with the transient population.

“Living where we are, far from amenities, puts us at more of a disadvantage,” said Ida Mills, Nuchatlaht First Nation administrator.

Continued on page 6.

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2.

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Family mourns one brother; rallies around another accused in his death

By Wawmeesh G. Hamilton Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Port Alberni resident Arron Thompson was a high school graduate who loved poetry and had goals and aspirations he was about to pursue.

Thompson, 21, was doing everything right with his young life, and that was a victory considering early difficulties he had to overcome.

But Thompson’s hopes of a future were dashed in a matter of minutes in the early morning of May 6, as he lay bleeding from a stab wound across the road from where he lived. He’d die in West Coast General Hospital a few hours later.

His parents and seven siblings were left to mourn the loss of one brother, and coping with the fact that one of their own family is accused of killing him.

Arron’s brother, Archibald Thompson, 25, is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with the alleged killing. Crown counsel in Port Alberni is reviewing the matter and charges may yet change.

A deep reservoir of love and a strong familial bond are allowing the family to try and forgive their brother Archibald.

“We love each other unconditionally, all of us,” eldest sister Caroline said. “I’d say that to Archibald if he walked through the door.”

SA cuts

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Continued from page 5.

The cost for community members to travel to Campbell River or Port McNeil is high.

“Our quality of life will be totally compromised even more; the more hardy will cope, but our children and elders will bear the brunt,” said Mills.

Job creation dollars are hard to come by for the tiny community and so jobs are scarce.

“Intense socio-economic development meetings must occur in our northern regions to have some meaningful, longterm permanent employment positions for our people,” she said.

Mills went on to say that emphasis needs to be on community development, and programs need to occur simultaneously to have a lasting and enduring impact, including solid plans for sustainability in all areas.

“The concept of merely providing funds for administration needs to be enhanced immensely to avoid merely administering our own misery,” said Mills.

According to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the 2010/2011 on reserve Income Assistance dependency rate was about 34 per cent compared to some five per cent for the rest of the Canadian population.

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The siblings don’t know what Arron and Archibald argued about May 6, but the seeds of any discontent may have been sown much earlier and through no control of their own, Caroline said.

The siblings all grew up in foster care, were mostly separated, and the homes were exclusively non-aboriginal, she said.

The lack of aboriginal culture created a unique form of loneliness that influenced Arron’s life in the end, Caroline said.

Archibald was the first son and third child born to mother Marcia and her first husband Archie. Arron was born four years later; his father Marcia’s second partner.

The boys were inseparable. They played with the same toys and often dressed in similar clothes, Caroline said.

Continued page 8.

Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born. A community newspaper cannot exist without community involvement. If you have any great pictures you’ve taken, stories or poems you’ve written, or artwork you have done, please let us know so we can include it in your newspaper. E-mail hashilthsa@nuuchahnulth.org. This year is Ha-Shilth-Sa’s 39th year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

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June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Naomi Qwi-na Horbatch was a presenter at the 1st Indigenous Women’s Leadership Conference held May 24 to May 26 at the University of Victoria.

Photo by Sonja Drinkwater

Fir Park Village residents Dorothy Louis and Judy Joseph enjoyed a tasty pancake breakfast at Echo Centre on June 2 courtesy of the Lions Club of Port Alberni.

UCHUCKLESAHT TRIBE PEOPLES ASSEMBLY & Referendum on the Uchucklesaht Tribe Constitution Date: Friday JUNE 28, 2013 Location: Port Alberni Lawn Bowling Hall 4255 Wallace St. Port Alberni, BC Meeting Time: 9:30am to 1:00pm (snacks and lunch provided) Voting Time: 8:00am to 6:00pm Facilitator: Scott Coulson Who: Uchucklesaht Tribe Citizens and Enrollees

Building confidence through wellness From a bloodline of medicine women, Naomi Qwi-na Horbatch of the Ahousaht First Nation, owner of Secluded Wellness, is proud to continue the tradition of bringing wellness to the people.

Horbatch was selected from multiple submissions to present at the 1st Indigenous Women’s Leadership Conference at the University of Victoria held May 24 to May 26.

Horbatch delivered two workshops at the even—Understanding Aboriginal Health and Empowerment Leadership.

The workshops were delivered twice throughout the conference, bringing her messages of empowerment and wellness to crowds of 35 or more women at each session.

“Her empowerment workshop re-ignited my passion for visualization of my personal goals,” said Kathy Waddell, a conference participant and director of Human Services at Huu-ay-aht First Nation. “Her health workshop helped me to understand the interconnectedness of my body’s systems and to understand the importance of eating for health.”

Horbatch has facilitated workshops for the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program, including her Empowerment session, over the past few years that have been very well received.

“I thought that through my business, Secluded Wellness, I had experiences and expertise to offer First Nations women.”

With indigenous women being increasingly elected into leadership roles, the conference and the kinds of messages that Horbatch had to offer participants were both timely and necessary.

“I see the increase of First Nations

women in management positions and they are often struggling with limited resources to support them. I want to bring the women of our community opportunities to build confidence and find spaces for mentorship,” said Horbatch.

“I want to give people information that applies to them. So I ask them what they need and to participate, so that they feel heard and get value for their time. They are giving me an hour or more of their life.”

Horbatch’s own healing journey has led her to a path of exploring empowerment and training in wellness therapies when western medicine approaches left her disappointed.

“I see that western medicine alone is not adequately meeting the needs of our people,” she said. “I consider the bigger picture and what is really the root cause of people’s problems and not just treating symptoms.”

During the wellness workshop, participants were provided with their own health questionnaire and some of them for the first time were able to identify and verbalize their health concerns and issues.

“I have been able to provide support and insight to individuals of all walks of life that compliment other approaches and western medicine.” said Horbatch.

“I am so proud and so honored to have the opportunity to do what I love, and share information in a way that everyone can understand” For More information about Naomi Horbatch, opportunities for workshops and her services through Secluded Wellness please contact: 250-724-6998 secludedwellness@shaw.ca

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Long, hard road ahead to accept tragedy of two sons Continued from page 6.

The family, some with children of their “They were really close and Archibald own, celebrate birthdays and holidays always looked out for (Arron),” she said. together, and frequently visit one another.

“He always took his role as the older “Arron got the Army Cadet Hall for us brother seriously, even after they grew once so we could all have Christmas dinup.” ner together,” Caroline said. “He and ArThe brothers went into foster care when chibald cooked the dinner. Arron wasn’t they were under age 10, she said. The much of a cook but he did his part.” other siblings soon followed and were After they became adults, both boys fanned out across the Alberni Valley. moved in with their mother —Archibald Once, the boys hitchhiked from their first, then Arron eight months ago. It’s rural foster home to their mother’s apartlike they were children again, Caroline ment in town but were later returned by said; they’d hang out, walk, talk and play the police, Catherine said. video games late into the night.

“Archibald was bounced around in If there were issues between the two care a lot. He took it harder and always brothers, then it was exacerbated by the wanted to be with our mom,” sister Cath- grinding effect of the poverty that they erine said. lived in, Caroline surmised.

The boys later lived in separate homes.

Both brothers worked seasonally at a Arfish plant. chibald They didn’t lived always with qualify for Cathemployment erine, assistance and Arand had to reron with sort to social Caroline. assistance for “I an income. didn’t “There prepare was tension with because of courses finances. the way Living in my sister that kind of Late Arron Thompson’s three sisters and mother (Caropoverty made grieve for their son and cope with the fact brother things diffiline) did Archibald has been accused in Arron’s death. but I cult,” Caroline still took said.

(Archibald) in. He’s my brother and I Archibald started wrestling with alcohol took him in to help,” Catherine said. issues, and he recently spent time at a According to Caroline, Arron didn’t treatment facility in Comox, she said. want to be in the last foster home he was The family doesn’t know the particulars assigned to so she, in her mid-20s with of what happened between the two boys children of her own, took him in.

May 6. All they know for sure is Arron “All he said was that he couldn’t wait to staggered out of the residence and across get out of there,” she said. the road, bleeding profusely from a stab Arron constantly struggled with cultural wound. isolation while living in a non-aboriginal “I was at work when I found out. I went foster home, Caroline said. Before his to get my sister, then I texted my mother death he talked to his family about one and we went to the hospital,” Caroline day becoming a social worker. said. “We weren’t sure yet if Archibald “He realized how much he missed out was involved.” on culture while he was in foster care. It The two sisters and mother waited anxwas a missing piece of his life.” iously in the waiting room of West Coast Archibald meanwhile rarely spoke about General Hospital. At 10:30 a.m., doctors his time in care, said Catherine. told the three that Arron had died.

He applied himself to school, graduating “Archibald called mom on her cell and from the VAST alternate education proshe told him ‘Arron is dead,’” Caroline gram in 2008-09. He gave an aboriginal said. drum to school staff. He travelled during On the afternoon of the same day, an that time as well, something he often RCMP dog team flushed Archibald out of reflected back on, Catherine said.

Dry Creek Park and arrested him after a The brothers sometimes had disagreeshort foot chase. He remains in custody. ments, but nothing that hinted at vioThe police investigation is ongoing and lence, Catherine said. “They’d wrestle a special unit of officers from Victoria is around...but that was it.” assisting, RCMP said.

The siblings, seven with the same At the end of Arron’s funeral May 11, mother, and an eighth with a father in family and friends gathered for a luncommon, most of whom are adults now, cheon at the Port Alberni Friendship Cenforged a close bond after they left foster tre, the place the family’s lives orbited care, trying to make up for lost time around while growing up.

Afterward, as tables and chairs were put away, the family walked out of the centre and on to picking up the pieces of their lives.

The family is both grieving for their dead brother, but also trying to support the brother who is accused of killing him.

The best way to change your future is by respecting your past.

Tommy Happynook Jr., Indigenous Studies Instructor

Start thinking about YOUR future. camosun.ca/aboriginal Elementary camp(ages 9-11)

July 9-13 $160 Jr. High camp(age 12-14)

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“Archibald is our brother and we would never turn our back on him,” Caroline said. “They are our brothers and we unconditionally love both of them.

“It’s going to be a long hard road for us to accept this but we have the strength to get through it.”

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

Where is Lisa Marie? After more than a decade, a family still doesn’t know.

Walk to remember Lisa Marie Young Nanaimo – The family of missing Lisa Marie Young invites everyone to join them in a walk June 30 to remember the missing young woman.

Lisa went missing from Nanaimo in the early morning hours of June 30, 2002.

After a night out at a local club Lisa and her friends accepted a ride from someone they had just met in the parking lot of the club. The group left one party together and went to another party in the Cathers Lake area.

At the second party Lisa said she was hungry and the man who drove the friends to the party offered to take her to a nearby sandwich restaurant. Lisa accepted the ride and was never seen again by friends and family. She did, however, manage to send a text message from her cell phone at about 4:30 a.m. to one of her friends. In the message to her friend she expressed concern about her situation.

The last signals from Lisa’s cell phone

were traced to the Departure Bay area of Nanaimo. The driver of the car was found and questioned, but the case remains unsolved.

Each year the Young family does something to honour the memory of Lisa and to keep her in the minds and hearts of people.

“We do these walks to remember Lisa and also for other people who have missing or murdered loved ones,” said Joanne Young, mother of Lisa.

The family has invited members of the RCMP and Nanaimo City Council to join in the walk. She hopes representatives from Aboriginal organizations will also take part in the walk.

The walk to remember Lisa Marie Young will begin at 11 a.m. at Maffao Sutton Park on the Nanaimo waterfront.

Walkers will head toward the ferry terminal and Nanaimo Yacht Club before returning for a candlelight vigil starting at noon.

Read more about this disturbing case at www.hashilthsa.com ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION FOR APPLYING FOR A STATUS CARD AS PER ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS POLICY: For those 16 years and older: If you have the following ID you only need to present One: Canadian or US passport, IF you don’t then you must provide one valid (not expired) Picture Identification or if it has expired, it cannot be expired for more than 6 months or it will not be accepted ie: Status card, B.C.I.D. Driver’s License, Firearms License or Student I.D. with digitized photo, Employee I.D, with digitized photo AND either birth certificate, care card, marriage or divorce certificate – so 2 pieces of I.D. For those 15 years and under: A birth certificate, care card or student I.D. AND 2 pieces of parents I.D (1 picture).

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Status cards cannot be issued without necessary Identification.

ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOCOPIED I.D. OR SIN CARDS ACCEPTED. (Nor certified photocopies). I.D. must be intact. ** REMINDER: PLEASE CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE OF YOUR STATUS CARD** ***Once we start taking applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status you will need your birth certificate, minors 15 and under will need the birth certificate with parental information ***along with the above requirements. We are hopeful this will happen sometime this year, so please be prepared with the necessary ID requirements.

Thank you for your cooperation, Rosie Marsden, Indian Registry Administrator

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Tla-o-qui-aht holds discussion on lateral violence

By Carla Moss Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino—Tla-o-qui-aht staff, council and Ha’wiih were given a glimpse of the healing that’s “in us” as Lisa Charleson and Anita Charleson Touchie led participants through a Lateral Violence Workshop.

Lateral Violence is the shaming, belittling or violent behaviour between members of the same culturally-oppressed group, said Lisa Charleson. It is the transfer of feelings of shame to those who are perceived as having equal or, most often, less power than the person doing the shaming, she explained.

The workshop took place in the heart of Tla-o-qui-aht territory looking out over the water towards the nation’s ancient capital of Opitsaht.

Statements came from the group about family, honesty, Iisaak (respect), and selfrespect, shared as each participant spoke of a value they would not live without.

“How does that make you feel to hear each other’s most important value?” asked Charleson. Replies included “strengthening” and “admiration”.

Chief Councillor Moses Martin explained that the 2012 election and a vote on a Treaty Agreement-in-Principle created division in the community.

“We thought we had to do something to pull our people together and begin to work together like we’re supposed to for the benefit of our people,” he said of the workshop.

Part of the healing journey is understanding who we are as Quu?as (native people) and understanding what happened to us in the last 200 years that brought us to where we are today, said Charleson. “In the universities they are calling it a cultural genocide now,” she said.

“Before our visitors came they lived in societies similar to ours; partnership societies,” Charleson said. “Before they came here many of their partnership societies lived under domination for maybe 500 years. The topic I’m talking about is not about non-native versus native, it’s about value systems.”

Charleson explained that in partnership societies people understood their roles and all had respect for the roles

Photo by Carla Moss

Tla-o-qui-aht Chief Councillor Moses Martin said the community had been divided over a treaty agreement-in-principle, so the workshop was held to encourage more harmony. each performed. There was respect for gender differences, reverence for all life and understanding of the mutual need for sharing and cooperation.

“We still have this in us, because it’s only been a couple hundred years that we’ve been living under a different system,” said Charleson.

“You will recognize some of the values of the dominant society seeping into ours,” she said. “You will also see they are alive in society today: competition, comparison, sameness. One of the most hidden values is that all members of this system must be more or less the same.

You will also see an acceptance of the belief ‘the end justifies the means’ and male dominance.”

“All the evidence is out there of what they tried to do,” Charleson said. “The Truth Commission shows all the things done to keep us down and those had consequences on us: residential school, legislation, there’s lots of examples. I’m going to focus on the cultural part. What was really interesting to me, when they looked at us aboriginal people, they had to make it look like we were inferior in order to continue on whatever they were going to do. Like they attacked our

language. How many here can speak the language.” Only two people raised their hands out of 46 participants.

Once the group becomes convinced they are intrinsically inferior, individuals feel shamed and traumatized by what evolves into cultural self-hate, Charleson explained.

“The underlying, seldom spoken message is that no matter what a person does it will never be enough to overcome the soul deep sense of inferiority The shame impacts a person’s ability to honor themselves, to form healthy relationships and is passed on to each succeeding generation.”

Cultural oppression impacts children most deeply because they don’t understand what is wrong with them, their family or their nation. It influences three vital questions we ask ourselves: Who am I? Where do I belong? And what do I have to offer the world?

“I knew what it was like to feel like I didn’t belong anywhere,” said Charleson. She noted that the modern tools of cultural oppression, include government policy, mass media (i.e. a hate letter published in Nanaimo Daily News), the legal system, educational system and health

care system.

“I wonder what our young people are thinking. Are they buying into that thinking,” ask Charleson.

“The path to healing conflict within our communities lies within our own culture,” she said. “I believe we have our own answers. The answer’s within our culture.”

How? Learn to recognize when we’re feeling shame and how it was triggered.

Learn about the brilliance and sophistication of our culture. Be grateful for all gifts from Nas (Creator).

“It’s not saying university is wrong, but our education is just as valuable… I was listening to this report from Harvard.

What they are finding now is related to a neurotransmitter that allows the baby in the womb to actually feel what the mother is going through. We knew that a long time ago.”

“If we’re mean to each other, we’re not going anywhere. This is a good beginning for us as staff and council to move forward,” said Nora Martin.

“Returning to who we are, to the traditional values of our partnership society is a step that can free us from the lateral violence we see in our communities today. Our elders can bring our values forward in their ha-hu-pa (teachings), in our ceremonies, our history.”

“We are bi-cultural,” added Anita Charleson Touchie. “We have many in universities, sports and we have to participate sometimes in competition.”

Then, if you look at the support a person gets from our traditional society, from each holding a person up in their unique role, it’s the foundation of our culture that gives strength.

Chief Councillor Martin concluded, “I always think we have the ability to live the best of both worlds. And I want to acknowledge all people who are here today for being part of the beginning of a healing journey. It gives us hope that yes, we can come together and work together, not for ourselves, but for the people that we represent, because there’s lots of people that we can help out there.

I’m always really proud of where I come from, Tla-o-qui-aht, and I always want to speak highly of our tribe and sometimes it’s hard. But if we help each other we can do that.”

Northern region Nations taking their health seriously Submitted by Renee Mitchell Community Health Development Worker Nuu-chah-nulth communities will be celebrating with various activities on Aboriginal Day, June 21.

Within the past month all communities have been focusing on “Nutrition” and healthy eating. The Food Security Dietician for Aboriginal Health from VIHA has done workshops in communities with a focus of “Nutrition”.

She has also done a workshop on “How to read food labels” with interested community members. The sugar display was a popular display at the health fairs, which were held in Tsaxana and Zeballos.

The “Diabetes” info table was popular as all the students were interested in getting their blood sugar tested.

Our “Biggest Winner’s” group is still on going and very well attended in Ehattesaht with weekly exercise classes and great team support for each participant!

Way to go Ehattesaht! They are all very conscious of the foods they eat and watching their sugar in take.

I must say I am very proud of one

Ehattesaht holds weekly exercise classes, called the “Biggest Winners group. They also work to support each other as they endeavor to meet their health goals.

Michelle Morfitt of VIHA and Renee Mitchell with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council provide information at a health fair.

person in particular, Darlene Smith who looks just amazing! Keep up the great work team Ehattesaht!

Kyuquot and Tsaxana have their walking group twice per week, as well as community members doing various activities to keep active and healthy, such as basketball, baseball, floor hockey, swimming and volleyball.

The communities have also shown an interest in a “Community Garden Project” for the first time.

Ehattesaht community garden is going

well with staff and community volunteers assisting with the garden work on a weekly basis.

All communities look forward to ongoing healthy activities throughout the calendar year.

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Women gather for a group photo on the steps of Seven Springs Retreat. They were participating in the women’s healing gathering hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Mental Health team.

Healing through laughter and tears

By Debora Steel Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Arlene, a women’s gathering participant turned model for an evening fashion show, displays a dress designed

by Joyce Little and a little handmade purse, crafted by Arlene herself, during the retreat held at Seven Springs in Parksville. About 30 women took part in workshops and activities hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Mental Health team.

Parksville—Ha-Shilth-Sa spent some time with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Quu?asa Mental Health team on June 6 as part of its three-day women’s healing retreat held at Seven Springs near Parksville.

The day was filled with laughter, good company and a few healing tears as the ladies took part in activities and workshop sessions.

On this day in the morning, women took part in a sharing session with counsel-

lor Tooie Casavant who encouraged the women to open up to accept the positive in the world and release the negative, their worries and fears, past trauma and grief.

At the end of the session, the women each wrote out on a piece of paper all the things that make them feel shame or guilt and then the group walked through a wooded area to a clearing where the papers were set alight and offered up to the Creator.

Brushings were offered throughout the day, as were self-care activities, like cedar-bark weaving, and lessons on creat-

ing appliqued crests.

In the afternoon the ladies created their own lotions with essential oils. Wellness counsellors were on hand for private sessions, massage therapies. Haircuts, manicures and make up were done in preparation for the after-dinner activity, a fashion show where the participants became models of designs by Joyce Little.

The retreat continues today until noon.

A men’s gathering is planned in Esperanza. Call Quu?asa at 250-724-3939 for details.

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Education awards and scholarships Dear Parents / Guardians Please see the 2013 NTC Elementary / Secondary Scholarship application form.

Scholarships will be awarded to students in grades 4 – 12. Complete all necessary sections for your grade and category of award(s). In addition to the signed and completed application form, Academic Scholarship applications must include the following: A photocopy of report cards for 2012/2013 school year. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS as we are not able to return them to you.

For grade 12 students, a copy of report cards for their grade 11 and 12 school years. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS as we are not able to return them to you.

A letter of support from at least one teacher is required for all students with an Individual Education Plan.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic grades and effort. Student with incompletes or F’s on their final report card cannot be considered for these awards.

Consideration is also given to students who are on an adapted or modified program who have worked with an exceptional effort.

Please ensure the application package is submitted complete as incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered.

The complete application package must be submitted to the NTC office no later than July 3, 2013 noon. It can be: Mailed to: PO Box 1383, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7M2 Faxed to: (250) 723-0463 Dropped off: 5001 Mission Road, Port Alberni, BC As there are a large number of applications received each year, only those students who are awarded scholarships will be contacted. Those contacted will be given the scholarship celebration details. Congratulations to all Nuu Chah Nulth students for their strong effort and accomplishments.

Yuu>u%i>ath and Toquaht == FIRST NATION STUDENTS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRIBAL OFFICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBILITIES. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Angie Miller at 250-723-6251 or amiller@sd70.bc.ca

GRADE ONE – THREE DRAWS THE NUU-CHAH-NULTH TRIBAL COUNCIL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING 10 DRAWS FOR $50.00 EACH FOR NUU-CHAH-NULTH STUDENTS IN GRADES ONE – THREE WHO ARE DOING WELL IN SCHOOL. UCLUELET AND TOQUAHT STUDENTS DO NOT QUALIFY. IF YOUR CHILD IS DOING WELL ACADEMICALLY, HAS GOOD ATTENDANCE, PARTICIPATES IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND IS HELPFUL TO OTHERS PLEASE FILL IN THE FOLLOWING FORM AND MAIL IT TO THE N.T.C., P.O. BOX 1383, PORT ALBERNI OR DROP IT OFF AT THE OFFICE, 5001 MISSION RD. PORT ALBERNI

BY JULY 3, 2013 NOON.

STUDENTS NAME:_________________________

HaHopchu, Athletic and Fine Arts Awards The NTC council awards 2 scholarships for students from grade 4 to 8 and grade 9 to 12 in the following categories: HaHopchu, Athletic and Fine Arts. In order to be eligible for these awards, the student will have good attendance (present, prepared and on time), attitude (respect, caring and positive), effort and work ethic (always put forward your best as you represent your school, parent, grandparents and community). In addition to the applying for an academic scholarship students can only apply for one the other three categories; Hahopchu, Athletic and Fine Arts awards.

Awards applications must include the following: Submit letter from the applicant explaining why they feel that they qualify.

Submit a letter from a teacher, coach, cultural support worker.

Submit a photocopy of report cards for 2012 / 2013 school year. A separate copy of the report card should be attached to each award application.

Submit copies of award, newspaper clipping, electronic submissions and works of art.

Please ensure the application package is submitted complete as incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered.

The complete application package must be submitted to the NTC office no later than July 3, 2013 noon. It can be: Mailed to: PO Box 1383, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7M2 Faxed to: (250) 723-0463 Dropped off: 5001 Mission Road, Port Alberni, BC As there are a large number of applications received each year, only those students who are awarded scholarships will be contacted. Those contacted will be given the scholarship celebration details. Congratulations to all Nuu Chah Nulth students for their strong effort and accomplishments.

Yuu>u%i>ath and Toquaht= FIRST NATIONS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRIBAL OFFICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBILITIES. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Angie Miller at (250) 723-6251 ext. 2417 or amiller@sd70.bc.ca Award you are applying for: Academic Scholarship Fine Arts Scholarship Ha Hohopchu Scholarship Athletic Scholarship Students are limited to applying for an academic scholarship plus one of the other three scholarships listed above.

PARENT/GAURDIAN _______________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER ________________

ALTERNATE PHONE NUMBER ______________________

SCHOOL_________________________________ GRADE______

TRIBE___________________________________

STATUS NUMBER ___________________

I give permission for this application, report cards and other documents attached to be released to other agencies providing awards.

X__________________________________________________ TEACHER’S SIGNATURE

0 Yes 0 No (Signature of Parent/Guardian)

(Date)

X__________________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

TEACHER’S SIGNATURE (MUST BE SIGNED OFF BY YOUR CHILDS CLASSROOM TEACHER) THE DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE AFTERNOON ON JULY 3, 2013. PARENTS/ GAURDIANS WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE DRAW.

(Print Parent/Guardian Name)

Scholarship applicants must have just completed grade 4 to 12. Only applicants who are registered members of Nuu Chah Nulth Tribal Council First Nations are eligible for these awards. (Yuu>u%i>ath and Toquaht= students are not eligible.

Please contact your office for further information.)

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

Days with the Arts

Gordon Dick of Ahtsik Gallery was busy carving on June 1 as part of the Days with the Arts. June 1 and June 2 were set aside in Port Alberni to celebrate art. The two day self-guided tour included more than 30 studio and public settings with the art work of more than 100 artists on display.

Photos by Sonja Drinkwater

Cecil Dawson did carving demonstrations on June 1 at the Maritime Museum on Saturday as part of Days with the Arts.

Ray Sim had a fan in Kashus Dick, 7, who watched intently as Sim painted this drum at the Ahtsik Gallery during Days with the Arts.

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Connie Watts had her work set up in her new home and had a descriptive video running for guests on Saturday June 1. As part of Days with the Arts, people toured a number of studios in Port Alberni and spent time with local artists.

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Does FIPPA trigger duty to consult, court asked Continued from page 1.

If the tribe resumes negotiations, the international treaty may alter discussions.

“All subnational governments are bound by this (Canada-China FIPPA),” Underhill said. That is a modification of selfgovernment and this triggers an impact, he argued.

Judgments favouring Chinese companies under FIPPA could not be overridden by either the Canadian courts or Canadian law. Canada will be on the hook for the award meted out, but the federal government in turn would claw back the money from the First Nation through some other means to recover if the First Nations’ decision resulted in the award, Underhill said.

Crampton asked if the tribe just couldn’t say no to a development in the CanadaChina FIPPA that compromised their rights.

“How would they be in a worse off position,” he asked.

Who the tribe said no to could file for damages and compensation through a panel set up to render judgement in such situations, Underhill said.

Underhill cited the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provision that allows a foreign company to file for damages in countries where it has assets if it feels it was treated in an unfair and discriminatory manner by domestic government legislation.

The Abitibibopwater case is an example, he said. In the decision, the company won a $130 million claim that the Canadian federal government had to pay for damages it incurred as the result of Newfoundland and Labrador’s expropriation of its assets there. The damages from similar fallouts under other arrangements have even been in the billions of dollars, he added.

Although the agreement had to do with NAFTA, other such agreements share the

reserve lands in Port Alberni, Hoffman said.

Crampton asked what would happen if a tribe imposed a law in the form of moratorium against something like a Tree Farm License. Federal lawyer Shane Spelliscy replied that it could be done as long as the investor was afforded due process and not denied access to the courts.

The investor would have the option of seeking redress through a FIPPA tribunal, and it would be Canada and not the Hupacasath that would be squaring off against the investor, Spelliscy said.

Hoffman pointed to NAFTA, saying that it and the Canada-China FIPPA shared similar language and dispute tribunal mechanisms. There has not been one NAFTA claim by a First Nation since its Photos by Wawmeesh G. Hamilton inception in 1994, Hoffman said. As well, Hupacasath’s Brenda Sayers took an early lead in the campaign against the tribunals don’t have the ability to affect Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and rights and title, nor can they force the the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, represented at the rally outside the courthouse June 5 by President Stewart Phillip, was quick to support her actions. Crown to relinquish power and control, she said. same language, Undehill said.

The Haida case set out that the duty to Hupacasath may be willing to be part of Crampton asked if there was broadconsult First Nations triggers when there a group that government would consult based consultation about the Canadais the potential for impact to Section 35 with to gain consent, but the idea is China FIPPA and if First Nations were a rights under the Canadian Constitution. impractical, Hoffman argued. Firstly, a part of those.

In Haida, the duty to consult was triggroup is not a rights holder; a tribe is.

“It’s clear that First Nations were not gered during a timber license and permit And secondly, there are 614 First Nations given the opportunity to set out their transfer that impacted aboriginal rights in Canada. Consulting with that many concerns,” Underhill said. and title. groups would be “unprecedented,” she Federal lawyers rebutted Hupacasath’s “This element isn’t present in (the Cansaid. challenge on June 7. ada-China In his The test isn’t met to trigger the federal FIPPA). closing government’s duty to consult First Na“No decistatements tions about an impact to Hupacasath’s sion has to the court, rights, federal lawyers said. been made Underhill “For a duty to consult to be established about (Huargued that in this case, there must be an actual pacasath’s) more than a causal link between the ratification of the reserves or treaty negoFIPPA and the alleged adverse effects on land base,” tiating posithe Hupacasath’s asserted rights,” federal Hoffman tion could lawyer Judith Hoffman said. “The applisaid. be comprocant has not established any causal link or FIPPA mised as any non-speculative adverse impacts.” doesn’t a result of change doFIPPA. mestic law, “It’s the Cliff Atleo, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Hoffman content of said. Instead, Council, leads singers at the courthouse rally. those negoFIPPA is an international agreement, and tiations. You’re restricting what can be the link between it and domestic law isn’t negotiated and that triggers a duty to strong enough to trigger a duty to consult, consult,” he said.

Hoffman said.

It is feasible that there will be a change to “The treaty does not represent a fetter what the Crown does in trying to regulate on the Crown to deal honourably with aboriginal rights and title, and FIPPA will Aboriginal people,” she said. “Canada re- be that change, Underhill said. tains the policy flexibility to meet public NAFTA hasn’t been as positive an expeand political objectives, including comrience for Canada as it has been painted plying with constitutional obligations.” to be. It’s dangerous to assume that there Arguments about impacts to Hupacasath won’t be any claims brought against lands and resources are speculative, Hoff- Canada, Underhill said. man said. There are no Chinese invest“Land claim agreements are still in their ments in Hupacasath territory at present infancy,” he said. and no planning going on for it.

Chinese investment in Canada increased Crampton asked if consultation would by 92 per cent from 2008 to 2011, Understart when a company commenced hill noted. The Canada-China FIPPA is development in the territory. Hoffman good for 15 years with obligations still in said it would depend on the facts, but force for another 15 years afterwards. the Canada-China FIPPA doesn’t “...set “It’s not difficult to appreciate the the stage for future decisions that impact amount of investment that will be here,” lands and resources,” she said. he said.

Crampton also asked if the agreement With so much at stake with FIPPA it’s changed the way developments are regunot out of the realm of possibility that lated. Hoffman replied no, that laws and lines will be blurred between the Crown’s policies would not be changed. obligations to aboriginal rights and title The Hupacasath are not actively negoand the international obligation it has tiating a treaty. There’s no Agreementtaken on, Underhill said.

In-Principle and no Final Agreement.

“It’s fair for you to conclude that this However, FIPPA doesn’t impact any obligation goes beyond Canadian domesnegotiations. tic law,” Underhill told the court. “As a “An impact on a negotiating position result, you can’t accept Canada’s position doesn’t trigger a duty to consult,” she that its obligation to FIPPA will remain in said. a silo apart from its obligation to aborigiThe tribe has select law-making ability nal peoples.” through the Indian Act, but those laws A final decision in the case is expected Hupacasath dancers helped bring attention to the court action by their nation by would only apply to its 55 hectares of to take one to three months. performing at a rally outside the courthouse June 5.

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Walter Thomas Tlaakt’uultha

Grandchildren received names.

The celebration begins.

A new shawl gifted.

On May 25, Walter Thomas hosted a Tlaakt’uultha to mark the end of his grief period. He was attacked by a grizzly bear in November 2008 and has endured tremendous physical, mental, emotional and spiritual suffering since the grizzly bear attack.

A helicopter rescued Thomas from thick brush near Smith Inlet after he suffered severe injuries in the attack. He wanted to potlatch to signify putting it all behind him and moving forward in his journey.

Ron Hamilton emceed the event. He talked about the red paint the family had put on their faces. It celebrates life, he said.

“This man has been through a terrible ordeal, a serious encounter, said Hamilton. Thomas had called the people together to witness some of what his family owns. To celebrate, have a good time and be content.

Hamilton said the process of letting go of the terrible struggle with a grizzly took time to let go. Hamilton thanked all those who had honored Thomas’ invitation.

As part of the celebration, many of the Thomas grandchildren received traditional names that came from the house of Saayachapis.

Said Ralph Edgar of Ditidaht, “an Indian name is your life, your anchor.”

The Ditidaht dancers were the first to take to the floor during the party that went well into the early hours of the next day. They gifted Thomas with a song that he could use whenever he wanted.

Thomas Family Berry Picking Dance: See more photos at www.hashilthsa.com

Walter Thomas Saayachapis

Red paint is the sign of celebration of life.

Daughter/Mother dance: Mother says No need for making yourself up. You are beautiful as you are.

The Thomas Family shares their paddle dance at the opening of the party.

Photos by Debora Steel

Tristan Ginger helps Ron Hamilton who bestows a name on him for his hard work.

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Celebrate Aboriginal Day with us!

June 21st 11am – 4pm Traditional Salmon BBQ, Canoe rides & children’s entertainment We invite Aboriginal artists to showcase their work – no fee

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Cliff Braker of Tseshaht First Nation took People’s Choice for the second year in a row at the Westwind 17th Annual Show N’ Shine on June 2. It was for his 1931 Ford Tudor Victoria Sedan Street Rod and he also took best in modified.

Indian Horse is this year’s First Nations selection First Nation Communities Read has announce that Indian Horse is its 10th anniversary community reading selection. Written by Richard Wagamese and published by Douglas & McIntyre (Vancouver), Indian Horse is a novel that is uniquely Aboriginal in voice, spirit, and substance.

Indian Horse is the story of Saul Indian Horse. Readers meet Saul as an adult and travel with him back through his childhood, youth, and early adulthood as he seeks to come to terms with a past that threatens his present and future.

Saul’s story is riveting as it unspools through life on the land, family displacement, residential school isolation, affirmation/ self-preservation in sport (hockey), betrayal, abasement, and a wandering that leads, ultimately, to the beginnings of a restoration of spirit and self.

A jury of librarians from First Nation public libraries in Ontario, with coordination support from Southern Ontario Library Service, selected Indian Horse from more than 35 titles submitted by Canadian publishers. An announcement of five strong shortlist contenders preceded the selection decision.

In arriving at its decision, the jury stated, “We are delighted to add First Nation Communities Read endorsement to the significant recognition Indian Horse has already received. The book is strong, humane, and engaging. It is written with immense skill, grace, and power.”

The First Nation Communities Read

program, launched in 2003, is the contribution of the First Nation public library community in Ontario to the community reading movement.

Through the titles it promotes, First Nation Communities Read increases awareness of Aboriginal authors and illustrators, and encourages family literacy, intergenerational storytelling, and the publication, sharing, and understanding of Aboriginal voices and experiences. For its 2013-2014 year, the program focuses on adult and young adult literature.

First Nation Communities Read times its title selection announcement to support National Aboriginal History Month (June) and National Aboriginal Day (June 21) programming and awareness initiatives.

Supported by a provincial and territorial governments’ partnership initiative, public libraries in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories will promote First Nation Communities Read during 2013-2014 with a poster featuring Indian Horse and 21 other adult and young adult titles endorsed by the jury.

First Nation Communities Read encourages bookstores and libraries of all types across Canada to participate in its 10th anniversary celebrations by stocking and promoting Indian Horse and other 2013-2014 jury-endorsed titles.

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June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 17

Ruth Sam and Pierr Tylee were married June 1st in the longhouse at Tseshaht.

Photos by Sonja Drinkwater

Happy Aboriginal Day from the Board and Staff of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the west coast’s community foundation.

Stop by for a visit!

316 Main St. Tofino.

Page 18— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Survivors take part in reconciliation dialogue

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni – A group of residential school survivors and support workers met at the United Church in Port Alberni May 16 to share their vision of what reconciliation in Canada means to them and to offer ideas on how to achieve it.

Reconciliation Canada was launched by the Indian Residential School Survivor’s Society (IRSSS) and Tides Canada Initiatives Society (TCI). TCI is a national organization that supports charitable organizations.

Their mission is to build awareness and understanding of the impact of residential school experiences from several perspectives including the history of residential schools along with present day and future impacts.

According to Reconciliation Canada, it is an organization mandated to carry forward reconciliation dialogue activities in the Province of British Columbia by the executives of the First Nations Summit, the BC Assembly of First Nations and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph has long crusaded on behalf of Indian residential school survivors and serves as an elder on the Reconciliation Canada team. Of the Port Alberni workshop he said, “We are talking to community members about reconciliation and the initial journey to healing.”

The workshop and dialogue will allow the people to begin to learn about each other. Participants will work together; celebrating their differences and honour diversity, Joseph added.

The idea for Reconciliation Canada,

Bobby Joseph, Pamela Day and Richard Watts are deep in discussion on the residential school experience and the way forward toward reconciliation during a workshop at the United Church in Port Alberni on May 16.

Joseph said, arose out of deep despair of former residential school survivors.

He went on to say that this is an important initiative because they create safe places for all people to share their stories. “We ask them what their ideas of reconciliation are and we ask them what they can do to promote it,” he explained.

Participants are asked what they will do to promote reconciliation both personally and collectively.

“We talk about what reconciliation will look like in 25 years and we talk actual reconciliation plans,” said Chief Joseph.

“We need deep dialogue to promote better relationships and to move forward,” he added.

“We all have differences and our vision is to tear down the walls of racism and discrimination; we want to see a new way of moving forward based on acceptance of each other,” he continued.

The end goal is to create a new Canada with equal opportunities for all children and to move forward with real freedom and justice.

The Truth and Reconciliation process does not go on indefinitely and Reconciliation Canada is trying to keep the reconciliation process going.

“We take away messages from here – the desire to reconcile, that we are resilient, that we don’t surrender, and that we continue to dream about a better future,” said Chief Joseph.

He said their work is about planting a seed in the community, “to create reconciliation at home and it begins with you and me – us.”

Employees of Reconciliation Canada travel across Canada to do their work and they struggle for every penny to keep their work going. “This is a communitybased, community-driven ideal and we

(Reconciliation Canada) raise every penny,” Chief Joseph said.

The group is planning a major fundraising walk. “We need to promote this idea of reconciliation in all of our communities,” Chief Joseph explained. And they need to continue to raise funds to continue their work.

“We’re different from the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Canada); we started about seven months ago and we struggle financially to keep going,” he added.

The Walk for Reconciliation is expected to draw 50,000 people from all sectors of Canadian society. The event will start in downtown Vancouver on Sunday, September 22.

For information about other events and work that Reconciliation Canada is doing visit their website at www.reconcilation Canada.ca or call 1- 604-770-4434.

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June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 19

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Special Olympian Jolyn Watts took second in shot put and also participated in many of the other track and field events on June 2 at Bob Daily Stadium in Port Alberni.

Page 20— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 21

News from the North Submitted by Marg Amos Nuu-chah-nulth Education Worker

The year has been busy! Many new things have been done and students growing in different ways, making new changes in their lives.

We had a workshop on “Resiliency” and it was hosted by the John Howard Society on Residential School. Lots of information was shared and discussed. It was decided to provide areas of understanding and discover ways of building resiliency within yourself and promoting it to others so that it could be better understood as why there are so many issues within the school, and everyone can work together to help support each other.

We had Gloria Jean Frank as a guest and she does circle talk and meets one-on-one in some cases. Her work is very appreciated and the youth are drawn to her.

Some of her topics have been on Respect, Bullying and many other topics, which is a start for the youth.

On Monday mornings we have two elders, Younicum and Lenard Mark, who faithfully come to a language class to teach the Mowachaht/Mutchalaht language. It had been a slow start but it is happening.

This is the first time that we are able to have a class at least once a week but sometimes it isn’t enough and we are working on more and hopefully it will happen. They study from the book “Our World-Our Ways”. We also use a tape that was produced by elders of the past and it is very useful.

We started preparing for the District Potlatch before Christmas which was held in Zeballos on April 19, and invited Stanley Lucas to come help the youth with the songs/dances he gave to the school four years ago. He made two hinkeets for the dance, which Anthony Howard and Joey John did, and Anthony Howard finished off the head dress.

Colten Jack and Drake James Murphy made cedar skirts to use. Johnny Dick helped with the teaching of the hinkeets and Hiliary Savey taught the shawl dancing.

The song was explained by Stanley and he said there are students who come from high ranking chiefs in our school and he wanted to recognize the school as he had attended when he was a young man. The song means the people are very strong, powerful in all the teachings, culturally proud people and they walk with pride.

When it is passed down to every generation it will keep things alive and not forgotten. So this was why he had dedicated this song to our school and

we say “Kleco” for that. Our speaker was Thomas Zarelli and the youth who danced and sang did an awesome job.

Mr. Levering and his students were involved in building our own sweatlodge in the community. It began when a teacher asked if it would be possible to do, then it was off to a start. Thanks to all who helped make sure it was done properly.

They were Louie Frank, Steven Howard, Shelly Royendyk, Tammy, Dorothy George and many others who were involved. It will be used by the community on an ongoing bases for all ages and proudly.

One of the main events we had was the Cultural Week we do every year, which was in April, the “Flying Geese Month”, “huyaaquimt”. At the beginning of the week we invited elder Cecelia Savey, who is the best bannock maker in our community; she shared her recipe with two classes. They loved her bannock and she came with her daughter Sheila Savey.

That was exciting for everyone!

We had a game of lahel with two classes for the afternoon and the students won that game. Invited were Bruce Mark, Richard Mark, Bruce Mark Jr., Sammy Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Jack Johnson Sr., Lenora Johnson, Adrienne Amos and they played against Stanley Lucas/ students. It was so exciting that everyone had so much laughter, fun and hearing songs that haven’t been heard for so long.

We had an elder, Jack Johnson Sr., who came and shared his story on fishing. He told stories of his life as a fisherman and students were quiet and interested as to how much money he was getting for fish that he sold and the hours of fishing that he did.

Max Savey was also sharing his story on Ha’wiih, the roles and responsibility of being a chief. He shared his story on his family, where it came from and why it was so important to follow the protocol as a chief. It was interesting to the students as they all knew both elders and were amazed as to the stories that they told Members from the community came to share their art work, so that the students can visually see what we have to offer in our community and the talent that there is within our community. Francis Jack, Anthony Mark, Rudy Williams and Bruce Mark showed some of their work.

Matilda Atleo was here to share the display of seafood and foods that aren’t good for you, showing the salt and sugar intake as to what it can cause for young people to have a diet that isn’t good for you.

Continued on page 23.

Page 22— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Brady Boston of Mowachaht/ Muchalaht, 8, went fishing behind Tsaxana, near Gold River, for the first time with his new fishing rod and caught his first Sockeye salmon on June 5.

Attention Caterers The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Education Department is now accepting bids for the 2013 Nuu-chah-nulth Scholarship Awards to be held on July 12, 2013 at Maht Mahs.

We are anticipating up to 300 guests.

We will require a full hot meal including dessert and drinks. The caterer must have Food Safe Certification. Please provide a sample menu.

The caterer will also be responsible for clearing off the tables.

Please submit your bid by June 21, 2013 to: Angie Miller, Nuu Chah Nulth Tribal Council offices or directly to me at ADSS. Yours sincerely Angie Miller Nuu Chah Nulth Education Worker 250-723-6251 ext. 2417 Fax: 250-723-2126 amiller@sd70.bc.ca

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June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 23

Dr. Clutesi remembered

The Alberni District Secondary School’s 4th Annual Grade 9 First Nation Cultural Event was a success again. This was the first time it was held in our new school.

This year’s theme was honoring the late Dr. George Clutesi. A power-point presentation was created by Ms. Lisa Tremblay and was displayed on all of the televisions at our school.

A luncheon in keeping with our theme was held in our elders’ room with two of George Clutesi’s children present (Bonnie Clutesi and George Clutesi). The other elders there were Hugh and Colleen Watts.

Hugh was raised by George, Earl and Ann Tatoosh. Earl shared his stories and memories, and Tom Watts, who also fondly remembered George.

This year the Grade 9 PE students participated in canoeing at Sproat Lake with Hupacasath and Tseshaht tour guides.

Some of the Math classes made minibutton blankets and were introduced by the Math teachers.

The Social Studies classes were introduced to the use of Cedar, the Tree of

Life. Moy Sutherland was the expert for those classes. Foods classes had Matilda Atleo in to talk about nutrition.

The English Department introduce the works of the late Dr. George Clutesi to their students. The students and staff were treated to a lunch time treat of bannock, jam, blackberry cobbler and spring salmon.

The culminating event was the Biannual SD 70 Aboriginal Spring Festival where some of the students’ work was displayed.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the ADSS staff who participated and did the work that needed to be done to make our event the success it was.

I would also like to that the Vancouver Foundation whose generous support gave us room to breathe with the funding ($3,000) they provided for our event.

And last but not least, I would like to thank the Grade 9 students who took part in the activities.

Angie Miller ADSS Nuu-chah-nulth Education Worker

Port Alberni Friendship Center In Celebration of NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY Friday, June 21st, 2013 11:30am – 2:30pm

Activities include: Taditional feast, fashion show and musical entertainment.

For more information or to volunteer: Contact: Jeff Jeffries at 250-723-8281

Everyone Welcome!

As part of the Physical Education component, Grade 9 classes were out at Sproat Lake. The canoes and the students’ guides were from Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.

So much happening; so much to share from school Continued from page 21.

Everyone was just so amazed at the displays and they even got to taste some seafood. Kleco to Gloria Jean, she gave some quakmiss (herring roe) to share.

Barbara Whyte is from Comox. She brought samples of different medicine and explained about it to what they can be used for. She brought two students with her who talked in two classes on developing digital stories. This was very interesting to see where youth can go if that is their interest.

We had practice in the afternoon as we were still preparing for the District Potlatch. Ms. Watt/HE teacher invited a lady to teach to classes her Philippine food.

It was something different and everyone liked it.

At the end of the week a catering is provided and this year we had Eva Johnson

and her family provide a delicious lunch that everyone enjoyed. Kleco!

This is just some things that happens and there is many things that I couldn’t include as it involves the crafts, workshops, field trips, circle talk, hahoupa, elders, fishing count, school work, home visits, meetings with resources that can help, updates on where we are and where we can go. What can we change, what didn’t work and how can we work together.

It has been a learning year and next year it will be better as we all get older and new things come into our lives.

I would like to say “Kleco” to my coworkers for the times that you were there when needed and the gratitude that I have for everyone. I wish you all the best in your journey. Be safe and enjoy the summer. Kleco!

DR JAMES LUNNEY Member of Parliment NANAIMO - ALBERNI

On behalf of all citizens of Nanaimo Alberni - I salute all of our First Nations neighbours National Aboriginal Day - June 21

Nanaimo Office 6-6894 Island Hwy N Nanaimo, BC V9V 1P6 1-866-390-7550 nanaimo@jameslunneymp.ca

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Page 24— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

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Epic Photography Nickie Watts. Port Alberni B.C. TEL: 250-730-0898 Individual Portraits. Family Portraits Children. Engagement. Events Must schedule 48 hours in advance.

Call to book a session and price inquiry

Native Basket Weaving Grass and Cedar Bark easter baskets, ornaments, etc.

Kathy Edgar (250) 510-8013

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 25

Loving Daughter-Sister Jennylee: July 22, 1959 – May 8, 2013 I, Margaret and Rick, giving thanks to all the wonderful support we received in the time of our loss. The support Jennylee received.Thanks to the people who provided care and “comfort talk”. Well received by Jennylee. She loved you all. Could I say more? Her smile said it all.

Thanks Annabell Anderson for the bathes. Meant so much to her.

Thanks Cuz Charlotte Cote for your gentle support. Thanks Aunt Marlyn, Uncle Rudy Watts. Your love and comfort meant a lot. Your continuous road trips right to the final day. Thanks.

Thanks to Wylie family for providing care and comfort. Thanks again for the continued support to the final day.

Thanks Harley Wylie for the call. Your offering accepted.Thanks again for closing loose ends for us.

Thanks to Lucas family Hesquiaht for the family visit. Harry made Jenny laugh when he did his First Nations dance through doors of the hospital. Thanks Harry.

Thanks Mamie for bringing your family for a special visit.

Thanks to River Bend Store for love and kindness and treat donation. Your sister Jennylee never failed to stop for a sum-

mer sub. The best smile.

Thanks to all. There were so many calls and visitors. You are all remembered.

Sorry people of Victoria. I Margaret (Babe) did not make calls. I just could not navigate.

Thanks to all the people for making day road trip May 8, 2013. Thanks for the support to our family.

Thanks Tseshaht for always being there.

Thanks Andrea Stoney-Amos, Dorothy for doing the cleanse.

Thanks Margaret-Aunt Kathy Robinson and volunteers for feeding of the people.

Thanks Rick Lindholm—officiating.

Thanks Shirley Jones-Eulogy.

Thanks Escorts for song and final walk with Jennylee.

Farewell, all my relations Thanks for prayers.

Mom-Margaret.

Brother Rick Valenzuela and family

Jennylee with Love I am at Peace. I am Spirit. I am love. I am life growing into new life. I am the wind blowing gently over you. Lee, you will always be remembered with love.

Tom Gus (Jean) and all your anuts and uncles and family. Thanks for the support.

Loving Jennylee Saying goodbye to our loving aunt always in our hearts.

Thanks to Nana-Diana-Papa Gary Day and co-workers for being so supportive.

Your generous treats and donations.

Thanks to Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospice. All who were part of her care.

Thanks to Tive Guyardo (daughter Elaina), Aunt Janie Cruz for loving support.

Thanks Aunt Alica, Rest of Valenzuela family. With love we have handed Jennylee over to arms of the Creator.

All my relations Neice Melida-Chris Sons-Keegan Tarras and Brayden Day

Correction In the May issue of Ha-Shilth-Sa, we put the wrong picture with a caption about wrestler Michaela Dick receiving the Diva Award.

The photo was of Daley Forbes, who went to the University of Manitoba with a scholarship. She was recognized as alumnus. Also, David Wilson wasn’t mentioned in our story. He’s a grade 10 student at ADSS. Thank you Wilma Keitlah for brining this to our attention and we apologize for any embarrassment or confusion we may have caused.

Daley Forbes

Page 26— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013

Birthdays and Congratulations

We would like to introduce our son, Chase Jerry Crowley, born April 19, 2013. Proud parents are Sabrina and Andy Crowley. Grandparents are Phyllis and John Halvorsen, and Dianne and Jerry Crowley.

Congratulations Graduates!

On behalf of the Tate family, we would like to congratulate 5 Grandchildren of David and Frances Tate of Ditidaht.

Ryan Tate – son to Floyd Tate Crystal Charles – daughter to Steven Charles Gladys Tate – daughter to D. Darryl Tate Ashlee Johnston – daughter to Peggy Tate Brianna Tate – daughter to Wayne Tate These young students have reached another milestone in their lives, and we want to wish them success and good luck in what they will go on to in their next steps in life.

Way to go! You did it!

“Remember, education does NOT stop here. You each have it in you to continue on with so much more. Get out there in this big world and live and learn and grow. We are all here for you. Be strong, and don’t be shy to ask for a hand or support, because we’re all here!!”

Lots of love to you, from Papa & Nanny, Aunties and Uncles and all of your cousins. xoxoxoxo Greetings everyone! Ha’wilth Albert Clutesi, wife Bernice Clutesi and their children come to share the happiness that is bestowed upon their family. Despite the hardships of their extended families, there comes the reminders that life is happening all around them! With that, they express their greatest gratitude.

First off, Albert and Bernice were blessed with another great grandchild.

Granddaughter, Nikke (Isobel’s daughter) and her partner were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on May 22, 2013. Aiyanna Shayla Jakesta-Goodwill weighed in at 7 lbs and 4 oz. She has Nuu-chahnulth, Nisga’a and Dakota blood running through her. Welcome Aiyanna!

We want to acknowledge our grandson Josh Clutesi for being the recipient of the “Art Thompson Award” at Camosun College - “this award supports Nuuchah-nulth students who attend Camosun and who plan to use their education to lift up the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation and its people.”

Josh works very hard with his schooling

and we are honored that he received this scholarship. We believe that this is such a fitting award for Josh to receive, because one day he will be helping his Nation and his people.

Also, we have a few graduates in our family! Two high school graduates! Our grandsons Prince-Connery Clutesi (Isobel’s son) and Phillip Napoleon (Myrna’s son) are part of the Class of 2013! We are very proud of them both! Congratulations Prince and Phillip!

We want to send out the best wishes to all the graduates in the Charlie family!

There are many graduating this year – high school, adult education and various programs! We encourage you all to carry on with your education and careers!

Best wishes to everyone.

Love from the Clutesi Family ~ Ha’wilth Albert, Bernice, Isobel, Myrna and Rod, plus all the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Happy Father’s Day to the three special men in my life, Chief Wilson Jack and sons Kenneth Louis and Matt Jack.

Love always, Jackie.

Thanks for your support We would like to extend our heartfelt klecos to all of you who came to console us in the loss of our son, brother, dad, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, cousin, friend; Chief Wickaninnish George Edward Frank.

Special thanks go to John Williams Sr. for all that you have done for our family.

You went out of your way to assist us in every way possible. We all truly appreciate all that you do for us without hesitation.

Thank you to Auntie Precious for your wisdom in guiding our family through our most painful time.

Thank you to my other sons, Willy, Bruce, Snapper and Elmer for the strength and courage you all showed at the service; also for all that you do for every crisis that we face.

Thank you Rick Lindholm for your services.

This has been a devastating loss to our families as well to our communities. We send our deepest appreciation to you all who have walked us through our loss.

Donations of every kind have been acknowledged, and are greatly appreciated.

There is so many of you to mention and we are sure you all know who you are. Many, many thanks. May he rest in peace.

Community & Beyond Quu?asa Urban Healing Gathering

June 19 Nanaimo

“A New Way Forward” Event

Sept. 21 Vancouver

Cus^uks^i%a+ Naas; Nanaimo Gathering at St. Peter’s Church, 301 Machleary Street Wednesday June 19th, 2013 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Snacks & Coffee, Dinner, Singing & Drumming, Brushings, Info. Sharing, RHSW Update.

Quu?asa Urban Healing Gathering

June 20 Victoria Victoria Gathering, St. John the Divine Church, 1611 Quadra Street, Thursday June 20th, 2013 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Snacks & Coffee, Dinner, Singing & Drumming, Brushings, Info. Sharing, RHSW Update Aboriginal Day

June 21 Port Alberni Come and join the celebration at the Athletic Hall at 3727 Rodger St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

No admission charge. Event is hosted by Uchucklesaht Tribe Government.

People’s Assembly

June 28 Port Alberni The Uchucklesaht Tribe People’s Assembly and Referendum on the Uchucklesaht Tribe Constitution will be held at the Port Alberni Lawn Bowling Hall at 4255 Wallace St. Meeting time is 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Voting Time is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Uchucklesaht Tribe Citizens and Enrollees. Snacks and Lunch Provided.

All Nations Canoe Gathering

Sept. 17 Vancouver Come out to this free event and discover a significant piece of First Nations’ culture. Watch as beautiful cedar dugout canoes paddle into False Creek from Kits Point to Science World and are welcomed in a traditional ceremony to Coast Salish lands. This event opens the Truth and Reconciliation Commission British Columbia National Event slated for Sept. 18 to 21 at the PNE in Vancouver.

National Event TRC

Sept. 18 to 21 Vancouver The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will hold its British Columbia National Event at the PNE in Vancouver Sept. 18 to Sept. 21. This event is for survivors of the Indian residential schools to share their experiences by speaking their truth, by hearing from others, and by working towards healing. The national events will engage the Canadian public and provide education about the history of the residential schools system, the experience of former students and their families and the ongoing legacies of the institutions within communities. The national events will also be opportunities to celebrate regional diversity and honor those touched by residential schools.

This is an event not to be missed! Be welcomed into the Ceremonial House, explore Aboriginal culture and multicultural celebrations of song and dance. Listen to world peace leaders and residential school survivors share their personal stories of reconciliation and witness performances by talented Canadian artists.

This event will take place in downtown Vancouver. (Location tba) Walk for Reconciliation

Sept. 22 Vancouver Come together with people of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and cultures to walk for reconciliation. By joining the walk, you will be part of a shared commitment to create a new way forward in the relationship between aboriginal and nonaboriginal Canadians. You will be helping to bring awareness to shared histories as Canadians and demonstrate a shared understanding that will help to build resilient communities.

Memorial for Anthony Mickey

Now Oct. 12 Port Alberni All friends and family invited to come to the Maht Mahs at 12 noon. For more info please call Les Mickey at 250-2660148.

Coming of Age party

Oct. 16 Port Alberni Lareina Lucas, along with her parents Steven Lucas and April Gus, will be hosting an Aitstuthla (Coming-of-age) for her daughter Lakisha. The party will be held Oct. 26 starting at noon at Maht Mahs.

Lunch and dinner will be served. Everyone is welcome. For information, contact Lareina at 778-421-1411.

Basketball Tournament

Nov. 1 to 3 Ucluelet 6th Annual Evan Touchie Legacy~A Tournament Of Health. Men’s, Women’s & Juniors. Come get your healthy on!

Memorial Potlatch Nan Vi Johnson

Feb. 22, 2014 Tsaxana, Gold River, B.C. A memorial potlatch for late mom, grandmother, who everyone knew as Nana Violet Johnson set for Feb. 22, 2014 in Tsaxana at Wahmeesh gym. Time will be posted in future issue. For more info. please contact Shirlee Johnson.

250-283-2665 or Sam Johnson at 250283-9264.

June 13, 2013—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 27

Uchucklesaht Tribe Government and RCMP sign LOE Canada, BC, and the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government entered into a Community Tripartite Agreement May 21 at the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government Office in Port Alberni. In this agreement, all parties agreed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police would provide first nation community policing services to the first nations noted in the agreement. As part of the tripartite agreement, each of the first nations was to create a Letter of Expectation that would be intended to define and promote a positive and cooperative working relationship where first nation communities and the detachment can clarify the policing relationship and make it more responsive to the commuChief Councillor Charlie Cootes and Port Alberni Detachment Inspector Mac Richards nities’ expectations and priorities.

St. Claire earns national honors for his work

By Shayne Morrow Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Victoria—An adopted member of Tseshaht First Nation has received a prestigious award from the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) for his work in uncovering and recording Nuu-chahnulth history and culture.

Denis St. Claire received the Margaret and James F. Pendergast Award at the annual CAA convention, which took place May 15 through May 18 in Whistler, while long-time colleague Dr. Alan McMillan received the Smith-Wintemberg Award.

The award recognizes “extraordinary and exemplary” work by a Canadian avocational archaeologist, and had not been handed out since 2006.

“I’m just looking at it right now, and while it may be a bit over the top, it’s very pleasing,” St. Claire said this week from his home in Victoria.

The Port Alberni-born scientist graduated from what was still called Alberni District High School in 1965, and then attended the University of Victoria, where he pursued a dual career in teaching (high school) and archaeology.

“My father was born in what is now a ghost town, Eholt, in the B.C. Rockies in 1918, and his family moved to Port Alberni when he was six months old. He went fishing in dugout canoes with guys like George Clutesi. I went to school with Watts kids and Clutesi kids and Hamilton kids,” he said.

St. Claire worked in Salish territory for three years before launching his first dig at Shoemaker Bay in 1973, but his early years had already sensitized him to Nuuchah-nulth culture.

“I taught 37 years in the classroom, the last 24 years in the gifted student program,” St. Claire said, adding that he also initiated a native education program.

While maintaining a full-time teaching career to provide for a growing family, St. Claire applied equal passion to his pursuit of Nuu-chah-nulth history. As he recalls now, the life/work balance became pretty intense.

“As a rule of thumb, for every day you spend in the field, you do two days in the lab recording and interpreting. Two months in the summer (fieldwork) means six months to complete the job.”

In his acceptance speech in Whistler, St. Claire paid tribute to the many Nuu-chahnulth people who have contributed to his body of knowledge and paved the way for his 40 years of investigation into the culture and history, with special emphasis

Denis St. Claire, pictured with his wife Kim, is the recipient of the Margaret and James F. Pendergast Award that recognizes extraordinary and exemplary work by a Canadian avocational archaeologist. on the late Tseshaht Tyee Ha’wilth Adam Shewish, whom, along with Hupacasath elected chief Danny Watts, made the Shoemaker Bay Project possible.

“Adam Shewish was an icon. He died so very suddenly in 1990. He was taken away from us. There isn’t a week that goes by that his image doesn’t come to me. He was like a father to me. He was a father to me; he adopted me into Tseshaht.”

While St. Claire had grown up surrounded by Nuu-chah-nulth culture and friends, with the guidance of Adam Shewish, he was introduced to the leading chiefs and guardians of traditional knowledge including the “Five Pillars,” the five Tyee Ha’wiith of the Barkley Sound Nations.

“He opened the doors and suddenly I was welcomed into these other places.”

St. Claire said he was fortunate in that he was able to build on a strong foundation laid down by previous scientists, such as Edward Sapir, who, while he was actually an anthropologist working on the Nuuchah-nulth language, left behind a huge volume of published and unpublished work.

Sapir trained some exceptionally gifted local people like Frank Williams and Alec Thomas, who were fluent in both Nuu-chah-nulth and English, to perform the orthographic recording and translation of the language and all its intricacies into English.

Over the course of his career, St. Claire would co-author a number of books with

with Alan McMillan, starting with Alberni Prehistory, and most recently, Huu7ii: Household Archaeology at a Nuu-chahnulth Village Site in Barkley Sound.

Over the years, there has been, there was a subtle shift in the direction and goals of the work, he said.

“After Shoemaker Bay, I decided I needed to do more than just put holes in the ground. I began to do far more ethnographical work than archaeology of Nuu-chah-nulth culture.”

That meant digging into the human history: who lived there and when? What caused shifts in habitation? Place names.

“More to the point, was it a resource area? Who used the resources? How did things change? All the things that would affect the archaeology of the area.”

All these points are critical to establishing the how and why of Nuu-chah-nulth traditional territory, broken down into its component nations. There is a historical and scientific imperative to recording the life of a people, St. Claire said, but in the 21st century, there is also a legal and political imperative.

As B.C.’s First Nations go through the painstaking process of establishing their aboriginal rights and title as defined by the Canadian Constitution, they need the kind of ammunition that is recognized by the courts.

St. Claire said over the course of the years he realized that by establishing and documenting the social, cultural and economic history of Nuu-chah-nulth nations, he could help prevent them from being

steamrollered by the Canadian courts.

Thanks to the interest and efforts of all of those early scientists like Sapir and the early bureaucrats like Gilbert Malcolm Sproat, the process of documenting the social and economic history of the Nuuchah-nulth nations began almost at first contact, and has continued down through the generations.

As a consequence, when Ahousaht First Nation led an action in B.C. Supreme Court to address an infringement of their aboriginal right to sell fish, they were able to produce an immense multi-source body of knowledge to prove that Nuuchah-nulth nations engaged in organized commerce in seafood prior to contact with Europeans, and later adapted that commerce to include Europeans when they set up their first settlements in Nuuchah-nulth territory.

By contrast, the North Coast Tsimshian Nation, Lax Kw’alaams, had a much more sporadic contact with Europeans and few cultural champions to record their economic history. While the Ahousaht suit proved successful, in the November 2011 Lax Kw’alaams Decision, the judge ruled that the Lax Kw’alaams had failed to demonstrate a pre-contact commerce in fish other than a small trade in eulachon oil.

“The onus is on First Nations to prove an issue of rights and title. I don’t think that’s right, but that’s how it is,” St. Claire said.

The lesson is, if you haven’t done your homework to bring forward a bulletproof case, you can get blown out of court in short order.

During the course of his ethnographic study, St. Claire said he was fortunate to be able to work with many elders who could remember family members who had been able to live much closer to their land and culture and speaking only the language unique to their nation.

After 40 years, St. Claire has become an elder in his own right, and he is in the process of turning his mission over to a new generation. More and more, Nuuchah-nulth members are taking the reins in restoring the language and fighting for control of their birthright.

“There is a large group of Tseshaht young people who call me uncle,” he said. Recently, he recalled, a close Tseshaht friend visited, bringing along four children and four grandchildren.

“I have my own biological children, but having my own Tseshaht family in my house, I just sat back in my easy chair, watching and having a really good feeling about it.”

Page 28— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2013