Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper June 1, 2023

FourthAvenue, claiming the life a man from the Huu-ay-aht First

Apartment fire claims life of Nuu-chah-nulth man

Fourth Avenue fire displaces 14 other tenants, as area’s trailer residents await opening of the tiny home village

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

PortAlberni, BC – The PortAlberni RCMP are investigating a late-night fire that swept through the notorious WintergreenApartment building, claiming the life of a Nuu-chah-nulth man.

In a statement released May 19, 2023, the RCMP say they were called to a residential building in the 3600 block of FourthAvenue on May 18, at approximately 11:12 pm.

“Officers assisted PortAlberni Fire Department to ensure residents were out of the units while the fire was extinguished. Abody was located in a unit of the building and the site is secured for investigation,” reads the statement.

The police say that family of the deceased has been notified and have been provided local supports.Afamily member confirms that the man was from Huu-ay-aht, and asked for privacy as they deal with their loss.

Signs posted in the vicinity of the now boarded up building ask that anyone affected by the fire come to the Bread of Life for support services.

The PortAlberni RCMP General Investigation Section, RCMP fire investigator and frontline officers are investigating

alongside the BC Coroner Service, Port Alberni Fire Department and the Office of the Fire Commissioner. They are investigating the cause of the fire and the fatality.

In July 2013, the first of the two Wintergreen apartment buildings was demolished after a fire in one of the units, displacing seven tenants. Everyone escaped that fire without injury.

When the debris was cleared away from the first building, owner Randy Brown parked several old trailers on the now vacant lot, providing cheap, low barrier, albeit unsafe housing for people that would otherwise be on the streets.

Brown told Ha-Shilth-Sa that 14 tenants were displaced in the May 18th fire and that those living in the trailers were able to remain in their homes.

“The PortAlberni Fire Department did an absolutely incredible job of containing the fire to the one suite and stopping the fire from spreading through the rafters,” said Brown, adding that the fire fighters are absolutely fantastic.

“It was very unfortunate that there was a loss of life, and my total condolences go out to the family and friends,” said Brown.

In a message to Ha-Shilth-Sa, Brown said that he had hoped to retire soon and

has a signed agreement with the City of PortAlberni to have his trailers removed within 60 days of the opening of the tiny shelter village that is being developed on a lot adjacent to his FourthAvenue property.

Walyaqil, the tiny shelter village being developed by the PortAlberni Friendship Center in partnership with BC Housing, CMHC, and the City of PortAlberni, will offer up to 30 small homes. The project has hit several delays and the PAFC could not be reached for a new residency date. When it opens, Walyaqil, meaning ‘to be at home’in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, will offer 20 units measuring eight by 12 feet. Each unit will be insulated and powered, with a nearby trailer for showers and bathrooms.

Brown has noticed a positive change in the support system around PortAlberni. “It seems like there’s a new attitude at the shelter and they’re taking a lot of people they never took before, and also the other shelters are now open 24 hours a day, not like before where they had to close down at 9:00 in the morning till (sic) 5:00 in the afternoon, and people didn’t know if they had a place to stay until 5:00 that night and had to wander the streets during the day,” he said. Brown says there will be demand for his

trailers, but he is moving on.

“That is why, in good faith, I already moved three trailers off the property and told the city as I move them out, I would not be replacing them with others,” he added. “I’m thinking that there’s going to be at least $100,000 damage. It was uninsured but we will be working diligently to get it back and get everybody housed.”

He is hoping to have at least some of his tenants move back in pending inspections and repairs.

“Although the fire was contained it did get into the trusses, so the trusses have been compromised and so it looks like the two suites on the back east side and the suite below will be shut down for a little while. I will be meeting with the electrical inspector along with my electrical contractor to discuss powering up the other suites,” Brown stated in a message. According to the RCMP statement, the Bread of Life is assisting the residents displaced by this incident with immediate resources and will be working with partner agencies to support them.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the PortAlberni RCMP at 250-723-2424.

Denise Titian photo

On May 18th a fire broke out in the WintergreenApartments on PortAlberni’s

Nations.

‘There’s a lot more to be done’ for decriminalization

With an increasingly toxic drug supply, experts say that decriminalization alone will not reduce the death toll

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an attempt to combat stigmas and barriers associated with substance-use, the province has set out on a three-year project to decriminalize the personal use of drugs, allowing the small possession of certain illicit substances.

But with a death toll that has now amassed over 11,000 in the last seven years - with one thousand of those deaths reported as First Nations - some experts say decriminalization alone is not enough.

Jade Boyd is an assistant professor in the department of medicine at the University of British Columbia and a research scientist with the BC Center on Substance Use. He said it’s a common agreement among drug policy experts across the globe that criminalization paired with “harsh drug laws and policing under drug prohibition” causes a negative impact on health outcomes, disproportionately affecting poor and marginalized people.

“Punitive and prohibitive drug laws and policies; they create a lethal environment where an illegal drug market can exist,” said Boyd. “It also creates stigma, violence, and human rights violations, including… extreme barriers to health and social services.”

When considering stigma and criminalization associated with drug-use, Boyd said it keeps drug-users from seeking support while also decreasing their access to jobs, housing, and education.

“What it does produce is social inequality,” said Boyd.

She explains that the deaths related to the opioid crisis and toxic drug supply are preventable and are a “direct consequence of prohibition and punitive drug laws, and our very poisoned drug supply.”

“We want to reduce rather than exacerbate health and social outcomes,” she continued.

Boyd explained that the reform in drug policy is an important step forward, though criminalization may continue for its lack of consideration of the realities of drug-users.

“I think we need to do so much more, because as it is, it’s not going to stop overdose deaths, unfortunately,” she said. “That’s because a big portion of people who use drugs in British Columbia will remain criminalized with our current model of decriminalization.”

The original amount the province requested for decriminalization was 4.5 grams, though many advocates and some committee’s believed this to be too low for those that use drugs at a higher tolerance, shared Boyd. Currently the limit is 2.5 grams, but Boyd expects that many users could still carry more.

“It doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual realities of some people’s drug use and purchase practices,” she said of the new legal limit.

Additionally, she notes that under decriminalization the province includes particular drugs, but because of the unpredictable nature of the street market, people often don’t know the combination of substances that they’re using.

Included in the current decriminalization policy is 2.5 grams of opioids (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), as well as MDMA(ecstasy).

For example, benzodiazepine is not included as a drug in decriminalization, though a number of adulterated drugs

include benzodiazepine, said Boyd. Decriminalization encourages drug checking

The Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project is a confidential service across the region where people can get drug samples checked to identify “main active ingredients, fillers or cutting agents, any unexpected drugs, and the presence of fentanyl.”

“It’s more than data, it’s trying to basically provide people with more drug information to be able to navigate some of the current risk associated with overdose [and] in drug supplies,” shared Bruce Wallace, co-lead, alongside Dennis Hore, with the Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project and a professor in the school of social work at the University of Victoria.

“[Decriminalization] doesn’t change the illicit drug supply that currently is linked to overdose,” said Wallace. “What that means is that there’s a real value to having drug checking.”

“With decriminalization in place, it really removes barriers for people to be able to access drug checking,” said Wallace.

The Vancouver Island Drug Checking project currently operates from Victoria on Cook Street. Their distributed model sites are located in PortAlberni, Campbell River, the Comox Valley, and Duncan.

Boyd said that to reduce deaths due to the opioid crisis and toxic drug supply,

decriminalization should be paired with access to “legal non-adulterated pharmaceutical-grade drugs, further expansion of harm reduction services and treatment services, as well as education rolled out across the province.”

“[Additionally] housing and a living wage, and mental health support; all of those things are really important to have alongside decriminalization if we want to reduce deaths,” added Boyd.

“It’s helping create a safer situation for people that are using,” said Les Doiron, vice-president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, when reflecting on decriminalization.

“It’s devastating our young people at a very nasty rate,” he said.

Doiron noted that within Nuu-chahnulth territory, there is a gap in access to detox and treatment services, a shortcoming that was identified at a forum held by Tseshaht in late March to address the opioid crisis.

“There seems to be a big void for the number of people that are out there that are struggling with it,” said Doiron. “This is everywhere, this isn’t just in PortAlberni. This is in every community.”

“We need to come up with some type of land-based healing,” he added. “Where we can keep our young people tied more to our land and culture.”

Developing relationships with drug users

Similar to Nuu-chah-nulth, for the Penticton Indian Band the opioid crisis has

been devastating for their young people. Recently they created a Mental Health and Substance-use team that members can go to for treatment options.

“Whatever people are needing to get out of drugs,” said Jackie McPherson, the Penticton Indian Band’s health manager.

“The people who need the services, they always feel safer and more comfortable in our community, in our offices.”

The Integrated Community Outreach Team consists of the Mental Health and Substance-use team, an Interior Health paramedic and RCMP. They frequent the community, weekly, where there is known drug-use, with aims to provide resources, information, and build relationships.

“[It’s] opening up that relationship so that they do feel safe,” continued McPherson. “It’s made a huge impact.”

The Mental Health and Substance-use team offers referrals and sets up counseling, detox, and treatment for community members.

McPherson notes that amid a lack of capacity to deliver the services needed throughout communities, it’s important to collaborate with Interior Health and the RCMP to deliver the services and resources that are available.

“Supporting community groups that support people who use drugs is really important, because they know best what is needed for their communities, and they’re not getting the resources,” said Boyd. “I think there’s a lot more that needs to be done.”

Eric Plummer photo

Acrowd gathers in front of the safe injection site on Victoria’s PandoraAvenue, a downtown street known for drug use.

“Punitive and prohibitive drug laws and policies; they create a lethal environment where an illegal drug market can exist”

~ Jade Boyd, Department of medicine at UBC

Sweeps throughout the unhoused communities

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For years, the unhoused community have been setting up tents in various locations throughout municipalities in B.C., with the city, bylaw, and police enforcing street and traffic regulations displacing the homeless with a lack of sustainable housing options available.

According to Nikki Otteson, founder of the Backpack Project, Victoria’s Princess Avenue, in front of Rock Bay shelter, and PandoraAvenue are places that are swept regularly.

“We get a lot of text messages and messages on social media, asking for tents and sleeping bags and clothing again,” said Otteson when reflecting on the aftermath of a sweep. “We hear lots of stories about what bylaw has taken and what they’ve thrown in the garbage.Alot of it is sentimental.”

When the spaces that unhoused people gathered in are swept, Otteson said “the first [thing] it does is it breaks up community and it breaks up safety.”

“When you’re scattered, you’re on your own again,” she said. “We’re not only isolating them from the housed community, we’re isolating them from their own communities.”

QomQem Coastal Connections is an Indigenous-led outreach program that supports Victoria’s unhoused, substance users, or those who have insecure and temporary housing.

“The folks that we are supporting are often displaced or disconnected from family and community,” shared Lacey Jones, an outreach worker with QomQem Coastal Connections. “I think being able to offer Indigenous-led services that are grounded in culture and offering that reconnection back to our relatives on the street is really imperative for their wellness.”

Jones shared that a few years ago, when the encampments had been prominent throughout Victoria, QomQem Coastal started to bring drumming to the unhoused.

“There was a Nuu-chah-nulth women’s dance group that came, and they brought their shawls and paddles,” she said.

Guy and Calvin Louie, alongside Pete Charlie, drummed Nuu-chah-nulth songs, inviting Indigenous folks from the encampment to dance with them.

Jones reflected on the experience of an individual she had been working closely

with. She shared with Jones that after having danced, she had the “best sleep she’d had in years,” even though she was outside in a tent.

“That was the first time she got up and danced in years,” said Jones.

“Along time ago our laws always stated that we always had a home in our community, we always had enough to eat,” shared Jones. “Looking at the sweeps and all these other things that are happening to Indigenous folks especially, goes directly against our inherent rights as Indigenous people to have a place to call home to have food to eat.”

She notes that bylaw enforcement of the homeless has “underpinnings of colonial society always telling us how to live and what we can keep…when they take down your tent, they’ll decide what they’ll throw away.”

“We have to go back to the idea of land being used as a way to generate wealth for some people, some individuals, and at the expense of others,” saidAngela MacDougall, executive director at Battered Women’s Support Services. “One of the major problems is that there’s been an absolute divestment from this idea of housing being a necessity for people.”

Additionally, MacDougall notes that the lack of mental health services and substance-use treatment centers are significant issues when it comes to homelessness.

“Here we are now where we have encampments and we have encampments with people that can’t access housing, that are struggling with substance-use as a result of trauma… [and] are being poisoned by the drug supply,” she said. “People are congregating as a result of all these things.”

Due to ‘safety concerns,’in earlyApril, the City of Vancouver, and Vancouver Police Department (VPD) worked to shut down an illegal encampment on East Hastings, enforcing the Streets and Traffic Bylaw alongside the Vancouver Fire chief order to remove tent structures. Their primary concerns were for public

safety and fire hazards, with more than 400 fires occurring in the eight months prior.

Though they worked to close the encampment in earlyApril, some tents remain, said MacDougall.

“There’s tents still here because there’s nowhere for people to go,” she said. She explains that shelters are an emergency response and shouldn’t be positioned as “the housing option” for unhoused people.

“I would hope that we could, as a society, want to build options that don’t involve people living on the street, in a tent,” said MacDougall.

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As Victoria and Vancouver enforce bylaws, British Columbia’s homeless continue to be displaced

Lisa Barnes photos

Ahomeless encampment stretches down a street in downtown Victoria.

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Aerial spraying targets spongy moths

Health Canada says the chemical doesn’t harm people, but residents urged inside

By Konnor Oliver Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberni, BC - Over the last few weeks, the provincial government has been spraying for spongy moths across a number of island communities that have been the hit the hardest by the invasive species.

The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth until February of 2022, was first brought to NorthAmerica from it’s native habitat in Europe in 1868. In 1911, there were confirmed sightings of the insects in British Columbia.And by the 1970s and 1980s, the numbers of them were growing rapidly.

According to the Invasive Species Centre, the moth is at its most dangerous in its larval, caterpillar stage. In this time, they can strip away a large amount of foliage from a variety of trees. They are known to host on over 300 species of plants.As well, the hair-like bristles that appear on the caterpillars are known to cause skin irritation to humans who come into contact with the creatures.

Some residents of the areas affected by the spraying, however, have concerns about the actions being taken by the government. Tim Sutherland Sr. lives at the Tsawaayuus – Rainbow Gardens in Port Alberni, and says that he and his community been impacted by the spraying of chemicals in the past.

“They used to do pest spraying on the roadside forest to the shrubs,” he said. “And years ago we quit picking berries because of that.”

Sutherland says that he would not have been aware the spraying was even happening if not for a man walking by the morning it took place.

“I sit on my little front porch every morning faithfully.And this plane was flying around over back and forth.And I was lucky, there was a man walking by doing his walk,” he explained. “And [I asked] what’s with that plane? He says, ‘Well, apparently they’re doing a spray over the area for spongy moths’.”

Sutherland also worries that there could be more side effects caused by the spraying.

“Apparently it’s not harmful to people, so why do we have to have our doors and windows closed then?” he asked.

According to the province, however, the reasoning for keeping doors and windows closed has more to do with an impact on the senses than anything else.

“We do recommend during implementation of the program that residents stay indoors during the spray, and for up to one or two hours following the spray” said Provincial Forest Entomologist Babita Bains in a virtual open house session held in January. “One of the reasons that we recommend people and their pets do stay indoors is that it does not smell great.”

Bains also detailed that there was a very small, but still present, risk that the spray could cause adverse effects in people suffering from asthma.

The chemical used by the province to control spongy moths is known as Foray 48B, and uses a bacterium known as Btk for the active ingredient. Foray 48B has been used across the United States and Canada for over 30 years, and in British Columbia for nearly 25. In that time and through its testing by the Pest Management RegulatoryAgency of Health Canada, there have been no documented toxic effects on any species other than the spongy moth, and the spraying poses no risk to groundwater contamination, ac-

cording to the agency.

Spraying for the spongy moth has been completed throughout most municipalities. One more round was set to occur in Campbell River, Dove Creek, and Courtenay.All were scheduled to be finished by June 1.

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Province of BC photo

Formerly known as the gypsy moth, the spongy moth was first brought to North America from Europe in 1868. By the 1970s there were spreading rapidly.

Eha esaht await judge’s decisions on mineral rights

Mining claims continue in territory around Zeballos without consent, despite

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Vancouver, BC – Lisa Glowacki and officials from the Ehattesaht First Nation find themselves in a state of limbo.

Glowacki, a lawyer for Vancouver-based Ratcliff LLP, an Indigenous and community law firm, is representing the Nuuchah-nulth First Nation in its ongoing legal battles concerning mineral rights claims on its land.

Ehattesaht reps are keen to bring an immediate stop to individuals and companies who are making claims on their land without consultation.

Provincial government officials are allowing claims to continue, in their opinions, rightfully so.

The battle has made it to the B.C. Supreme Court.

Besides Ehattesaht, the Gitxaala Nation is also part of the court case against the B.C. government.

Following 14 days of hearings in Vancouver, which concluded on May 19, the parties involved are awaiting a judge’s decisions.

Glowacki said both Ehattesaht and herself are awaiting word on two verdicts.

For starters, they are asking the court to put a stop into any new mineral rights claims on the First Nation.

“That could be a matter of weeks,” Glowacki said on when a possible decision will be made public.

And then they are seeking a pause on all claims that have been thus far.

“I don’t have any sense when the decisions will be made,” Glowacki said. “It’s more likely the full decision will be in the months category (before it is announced).”

What Glowacki does know is that she believes the current method of making mineral rights claims on any Indigenous land in the province is outdated.

“It is a fairly deregulated process which makes it easy for anybody to make a claim,” she said.

As things stand now, it is relatively easy for any individual or company to make a claim on Indigenous land through the online mineral tenure system that is run by the B.C. government.

Individuals only have to pay a $25 registration fee while companies are required to spend $500 to obtain a miner certificate.Afterwards, they can make a claim for a mere $1.75 per hectare of land.

opposition

Recent years have brought a renewed interest in mining around Zeballos, with a regulatory claim system designed “to provide an efficient but cost-effective means of allocating mineral rights.”

mation System (GIS), makes it easier for miners to find, acquire, explore, and develop properties.”

The court case was launched last June.

“Ongoing development, including mining, threatens and interferes with (Ehattesaht) priorities and our rights and title,”

Simon John, the Ehattesaht First Nation’s chief councillor, wrote in an affidavit.

“Privateer Gold Ltd. continues to register claims in our territory despite our opposition to their current mining activities and Crown knowledge of our position.”

That’s without any sort of consultation with the First Nation on which they are making their claim.

“To me the process is outdated and out of sync with all First Nation interests,” Glowacki said.

Glowacki added the three lawyers that are representing the province in the case obviously have different views than her.

She said provincial reps are defending their cases so there are no impacts resulting from individuals and companies making mineral rights claims on First Nation land.

Glowacki added provincial officials in-

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sist that they are engaging in discussions to bring forward legislative reforms. But she is uncertain this is occurring.

“We haven’t seen anything that there is any change on the horizon,” she said. The B.C. government launched its Mineral Titles Online system in January of 2005.

On the website it states one of the objectives of the system is “designed to meet industry’s needs for secure tenure, and meet government’s need to provide an efficient but cost-effective means of allocating mineral rights. New technology, such as e-commerce, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Geographic Infor-

Glowacki said companies and individuals have continued to register mineral rights claims on Ehattesaht since the court was launched.

“There are at least 100 active claims at any given time,” she said.

Glowacki also said the number of claims changes on a weekly basis.

The case, which has made it to the B.C. Supreme Court, is a significant one indeed.

First Nations are suing the province and its Mineral TenuresAct, arguing the process of claiming mineral rights violates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which B.C. adopted in 2019.

That declaration from four years ago stipulated governments were required to obtain free, prior and informed consent on any actions that would impact Indigenous people and their territories.

Eric Plummer photo

Lisa Glowacki

“To me the process is outdated and out of sync with all First Nation interests”

~ Lisa Glowacki, lawyer for Ratcliff LLP

Gold River hosts student cultural sharing event

On May 18th students from School District 84 gathered to share songs and dances after a year of preparations

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Gold River, BC - It’s been three years since the students of School District 84 have been able to meet for their regional potlatch. So on May 18th, Gold River Secondary School was buzzing with anticipation as students gathered outside while guests from all over Vancouver Island took to their seats.

The chatter throughout the gymnasium grew silent as the sound of the drums began. From outside the students of Gold River Secondary School (GRSS) and Ray Watkins Elementary school (RWES) sang their welcome song.

In rows of two drummers entered.

The sound of their voices were strong, commanding the gymnasium’s attention as the Maquinna paddle song filled the room. Dancers followed with paddles in hand.

After four songs, students faced the audience and recited a prayer chant in Nuu-chah-nulth. The prayer was created by Violet Johnson, elder in residence at RWES, with her husband, said Marsha Maquinna, a Nuu-chah-nulth education worker at RWES.

“I was so emotional...It was just amazing to see it all come together,” said Maquinna. “I’m very proud of them.”

The morning was filled with performances from students of all ages, sharing Nuu-chah-nulth songs and dances, among others, as each school took to the floor.

Peter John of Ehatis, a Grade 11 student at Zeballos Elementary Secondary School (ZESS), led the singing and drumming circle for four songs with his classmates and explained the origins of each song in between.

“Singing, to me, it really helps me

because it’s part of my culture,” said John. “It brings me back to somewhere I haven’t been able to find for a while.”

John has been attending potlatches since he was five years old and began leading songs at age 10.

“I’m still getting the hang of singing, even though I started at a young age,” said John. “The people that are teaching me right now [are] trying to tell me to sing from my core.”

Brandon Smith recently started leading the students of Kyuquot Elementary Secondary School (KESS) through songs and dances. He said that the dance for the third song by KESS was created by the

students, a piece called ‘We are Strong’ and composed byAaron Watts.

“They worked so hard to get to where they’re at [and] to land three flawless performances,” said Smith.

Smith said the students’confidence grew from practice to when they took the floor.

“It just tells me culture’s alive, and they have a passion for it,” he said. “And they’re ready to keep shining with it.”

Among the students was Summer Sutherland of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’, a Grade 12 student at KESS.

“I was just very proud of all my people,” said Sutherland. “They were very quiet at first, but now it showed who they really are.”

After lunch Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School (CMESS) took to the floor. For the remainder of the afternoon RWES and GRSS followed.

RWES and GRSS had been preparing for a full year leading up to the regional event. The two schools, based in Gold River, were initially expected to host the annual event three years prior, but because of the pandemic, this was postponed.

“It hurt our spirit,” said Marsha Maquinna. “This is who we are. We’re people who love to gather, who love to celebrate.”

“To see everybody coming back and connecting with each other was breathtaking,” added Maquinna.

Alexandra Mehl photos

Gold River Secondary School and Ray Watkins Elementary School open at Cultural Sharing Event, SD84’s regional potlatch held for the first time in three years.

SD70 celebrates Indigenous cultures in schools

Spring Fest returns after four years, showing the growing recognition of the region’s Nuu-chah-nulth heritage

By Denise Titian Ha-Sjilth-Sa Reporter

PortAlberni, BC – For the first time since 2019, SD70 celebrated Springfest 2023 as they opened the doors toADSS following the pandemic lockdown. There was excitement in the air a children donned regalia, waiting with excitement for their turn to sing and dance on stage.

Springfest is a celebration of Indigenous culture being learned in regional public schools, which includes schools in Port Alberni, Bamfield, Tofino and Ucluelet.

Tables were set up in theADSS foyer and adjacent hallways showcasing the work that the schools are doing bringing Indigenous cultures into the classroom. Nuu-chah-nulth Education Workers (NEW) play an important role bringing teachings to the students and the schools.

The works on display were made by students of SD70 schools and showed what they are learning not only about Nuuchah-nulth culture but also language, crafts, songs and dance.

Amix of traditional and contemporary food was dished up as NEW staff led dinner songs, with students of all cultures joining in to sing.

Following dinner, everyone was invited to the auditorium where they were introduced to emcee and NEW Jean Thomas who was joined by student emcee, Madi Lucas.

In keeping with Nuu-chah-nulth culture, Peggy Tatoosh and Jean Thomas welcomed everyone to the territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht. Tatoosh, a teacher who said she is part of the Indigenous Education Team, said that the festival is all about the young people and their futures.

SD70 Trustee Pam Craig spoke of this

Elementary students perform at theAlberni District Secondary School theatre as part of Spring Fest, a celebration of Nuuchah-nulth content in the region’s schools. year’s Springfest theme, the rising sun. “I am learning, we all are learning,” she told the crowd. “Springfest is a celebration of learning…and now they’re (students) sharing what they’ve learned with you,” she added.

The audience saw performances or video presentations from the schools starting with a song and dance by students of Bamfield Community School. They were followed by presentations fromAlberni Elementary, School, Wickaninnish Com-

munity School, Tsuma-a Elementary School, John Howitt School, Maquinna School, EJ Dunn Elementary School and ADSS.

Denise Titian photo

Family comes out of grieving to host łaakt’uuła

On May 20th family and friends gathered for the late Wilson Haiyupis of Ahousaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

PortAlberni, BC - On Saturday, May 20th at theAlberniAthletic Hall family and friends came out of grieving for late-Wilson Haiyupis ofAhousaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht.

“He was a really nice guy,” said Sam Haiyupis, Wilson’s father and host of the łaakt’uuła. “He was outgoing and friendly and had a great sense of humor.”

Wilson was initiated into Hamatsa, a sacred dance that required lengthy training, said his uncle, Jerry Jack Jr, a hereditary chief of Mowachaht/Muchalaht.Adam

Dick, an elder, trained Wilson extensively when he was younger, he continued.

“He was so proud to carry [Hamatsa] for his grandpa Jerry,” shared Wilsons’ mother Beverly Jack of the Jack and Little family.

Wilson passed from asthma-related complications over two years ago. He was living at Nitinaht Lake at the time with his spouse and young daughter. He was an active member, working a variety of jobs throughout the community.

For Haiyupis, it was difficult to have his son pass away during the pandemic when the restrictions were still in place.

“It’s so unlike our people,” said Haiyupis. “It was really different; the whole approach to everything was different.”

Haiyupis said he knew he had to get to work when Jack mentioned the łaakt’uuła.As soon as the restrictions were lifted they began to organize.

Ałaakt’uuła is a type of a memorial potlatch, which allows family and loved ones to conclude their grieving period in honour the person who is gone.

In preparing for the łaakt’uuła, Haiyupis knew it would help him and his family.

The łaakt’uuła began just before noon.

CliffAtleo spoke in Nuu-chah-nulth on behalf of the family, explaining the purpose of the łaakt’uuła alongside doing the curtain acknowledgement. Following this, those who had recently lost family members were acknowledged.

Throughout the łaakt’uuła Robert Scott Watts was the speaker on behalf of the host.

The sound of the drums started from Sam Haiyupis and his family. Once they completed their first song, another drumming circle emerged from the crowd.

Two others started from various spaces throughout the hall.

After lunch was served, the floor was cleansed. The host’s family danced a paddle song and acknowledged Wally and Donna Samuel “for all their work they do within our community,” said Haiyupis. The two were presented with paddles made by the host.

“They’re always there, just to help people, basically with anything,” said Haiyupis.

Next was the Robin Dance, by young performers.

The floor then opened up. Between songs and dances, presentations continued throughout the day. The Edgar family, whom Wilson’s daughter Emily and spouse Melony belong to, were

presented with paddles made by the host to express his gratitude for taking care of his son while he was living at Nitinat and to acknowledge the connection between their families, shared Haiyupis.

In an interview with Ha-Shilth-Sa Haiyupis said that the paddles depict a hummingbird, inspired by his late-son. When Ditidaht took to the floor they danced with those very paddles.

For Haiyupis it was very important traditionally acknowledge the Ha’wiih of Nitinat, at the łaakt’uuła, to thank them for having his son be laid to rest in their territory. In another presentation, the host acknowledged, thanked, and introduced Monica Shelley Tom and Wilsons’two children who live in Victoria.

For Haiyupis, this is his first time hosting a łaakt’uuła. He said that he is thankful for the cultural teachings that were passed down to him from his elders, his father, and late-uncle.

“It was all for my son. I did everything I could for my son because I know his spirit is with us and it was with us on that day,” said Haiyupis. “It’s always with us.”

Haiyupis summarized the emotions he experienced at the łaakt’uuła as “extreme happiness, love, and respect.”

The łaakt’uuła ended at 6 a.m. and concluded with Jack’s family song, called Hingeetz.

When there were a few people remaining at the hall, Beverly Jack presented Haiyupis with a vest, which formerly belonged to Wilson. The design on the back of the vest was made for her late-father Jerry Jack Sr.’s memorial potlatch, said Jack in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa.

She acknowledged him for the work that he had done over the last couple years, said Haiyupis.

“[It] was pretty amazing,” said Haiyupis.

Alexandra Mehl photos

Ditidaht takes to the floor with paddles gifted from host Sam Haiyupis to honour the connection between their families. The paddles depict a hummingbird, inspired by his late-son, Wilson Haiyupis.

Sam Haiyupis and family drum and sing together at łaakt’uuła held atAlberniAthletic Hall on May 20 (above left). Robert Scott Watts, speaker on behalf of the host, Sam Haiyupis, makes announcements to guests as the łaakt’uuła begins (right).

Maaqtusiis School Feast draws hundreds of guests

After 10 months of work, event showcases cultural education at Ahousaht’s elementary and secondary schools

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Ahousaht, BC – Guests, some from as far away as Victoria, arrived in droves at the Maaqtusiis School gymnasium, for the annual ƛiicuu (school feast) on May 25th. They were warmly greeted by school staff and took seats in the gym, waiting to see cultural entertainment provided by the students and their teachers. Launched in 2017, the Maaqtusiis School feast was an idea that came from the elders in 2016 who were taking part in a language preservation program and the development of a culture guide.According to Pam Frank-Perry, who worked at the school at the time, the school feast would be a hands-on cultural learning experience for the entire school.

For teacher and Cultural Team Leaders member Terri Robinson, prep for the feast began on day one of the school year.

“For the first two weeks of school my students picked the last of the black berries,” she said, adding that the berries were used to make jam to give to guests at the feast.

Robinson is part of a team that are not onlyAhousaht members, but also teachers of culture. They are hands-on teachers, showing the children how and when to harvest and preserve wild foods.

“This year Luke Robinson from the high school helped the kids gather seafood and cedar bark used to make regalia for the dances,” said Terri.

Over the past 10 months children have been learning how to gather and prepare fish, herring eggs and prawns. They smoked one seal with teachers Connie Manual and Luke Robinson. In addition, intermediate grades baked hundreds of homemade cookies and served up some bannock.

When it comes to cultural teachings, students are selected based on their strengths and trained for certain cultural roles. In class, with the help of culture teachers, they learn theAhousaht language, the names of the Ha’wiih (chiefs), as well as protocols like spiritually cleansing the floor and welcoming the guests. They learn how to prepare and preserve seafood, how to make regalia that they will wear during their performances, and they learn songs and dances. They make gifts to give to their guests. Most importantly, students learn how to be respectful hosts.

“It’s a lot of really hard work,” said Terri Robinson. “The kids worked really hard and they’re learning more and more every year,” she added.

Because they had cedar bark this year, some of the students learned how to prepare the material to make the regalia that

was used in one of the dances.

“More kids are coming to regalia-making classes, they are so willing to learn,” said Terri, adding that students designed the logo that went on the school t-shirts.

While the school feast is meant to be an annual event, it had been curtailed a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the May 2023 Maaqtusiis School Feast came back strong with the entire community supporting it. Some came from their homes in cities to take part and students from schools in neighboring communities honoured the invitation.

There were school students from Hot Springs Cove, Tla-o-qui-aht and Yuu>u%i>%ath as well as visiting Ha’wiih. In addition, there was a large group from St. Michael’s University in Victoria. Robinson explained that Maaqtusiis High School is involved in a student exchange program, and that is how the group from St. Michael’s came to be inAhousaht for the feast.

Goal is to showcases students’Ahousaht pride

Guests began arriving on the morning of May 25th and were greeted in the gym by smiling teaching staff wearing red t-shirts with a Maaqtusiis School design on the front. Zakariyah Thomas, Grade 9, did the school proud with a powerful prayer chant to start the event in a good way.

With eagle down clenched in their fists, young boys performed a spiritual cleansing ceremony of the floor, ensuring

the safety of the people that were there. Then, they offered taʔałma, a token of comfort, to those that lost loved ones in the past year.

Tyee Ha’wilth Lewis Maquinna George stood before the curtain with other Ahousaht chiefs or their representatives. Through his speaker he told the students that he was proud to support what they did, and he welcomed guests to his territory.

The Ha’wiih then stood two young men up, Louie Thomas anArnie Thomas, to praise them as students who are developing into powerful cultural leaders. To honor them,Ahousaht Ha’wiih gave Louie a name that translates to ‘great leader’.

The dance performances started with the Kindergarten class joined by older students doingAhousaht’s welcome dance as the boys led the singing circle, joined by cultural education teachers guiding them.

First graders followed with a paddle dance and the second-grade class performed a lively warrior dance.

Asoup and sandwich lunch was handed out to guests by students and school staff. Following lunch, the Grade 3 class performed the Swan family dance known as Song of the Waves.

When the Song of the Waves perfor-

mance ended, Luke Swan Jr. stood in front of the curtain to say he was proud of the students. He announced that the school has his family’s permission to use their songs any time they are learning culture.

During a break, a representative from Usma, the NTC’s family protection service program, introduced several children under their care. She stated that all the children had roots inAhousaht and they wanted to show them not only their culture by being at the feast, but also their large extended families.

After introductions were made, the children in care were gifted hand-made shawls or vests which were made with funding fromAhousaht’s Chah chum hiiyup (holistic healing) program.

More school dances followed by dinner, where guests were served the fruits of the children’s labor.

“Whenever there was excess fruit at the school, the kids would can them, so we had canned peaches and pears to give as gifts,” said Terri Robinson

The evening ended sometime after 10 p.m. according to Robinson, with a tired but happy bunch of students.

“The whole goal is for the kids to feel the pride of beingAhousaht, and to be proud of showing who they are,” she said.

Denise Titian photos Maaqtusiis School’s Grade 3 class performs the Swan family’s Song of the Waves dance in cedar regalia they made with help from teachers.

Youth Warrior Family restores seafood gardens Province says funding for things like clam beds will give First Nations a foothold in the agriculture industry

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Opitsaht, BC - The Nuu-chah-nulth

Youth Warrior Family is bringing renewed energy to traditional seafood gardens along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Youth Warriors from eight nations, aged 12 to 25, are being supported by their elders, community mentors and external experts to restore, manage and celebrate clam gardens. This traditional practice used by Indigenous communities along the coast will help enhance the habitat of intertidal species and support the food sovereignty and security goals of many communities.

The Warriors received $80,000 in funding through the Indigenous Food Systems andAgriculture Partnership Program (IFSAP). The program supports Indigenous governments, communities and businesses with agriculture, food processing and food-systems planning. Training and skills development is also part of the program, integrating the use of technol-

ogy to scale up productivity and profits while adapting to climate change factors.

Members of the Youth Warriors were in Opitsaht in Tla-o-qui-aht territory during the May long weekend restoring a clam bed at the bottom of the Big Tree Trail.

“We made a rock wall which helps the spawning of the clams, it kind of contains them in one area…and their whole ecosystem thrives and they build off of each other,” said Hughie Watts, Youth Warrior Family executive director. “It helps everything in that little ecosystem. They all thrive.”

Watts, who’s a member of the Tseshaht First Nation, said it’s important to protect and renew seafood gardens in order to give back to old Nuu-chah-nulth traditions.

“We were keepers of the land in the past and we did things like this and I feel like it’s a forgotten knowledge that not a lot of people work on anymore,” Watts said. “We can harvest our own traditional foods in our own traditional territories. We’re learning how to take care of our wealth every step of the way. Every bit of

knowledge that we pick up is something that we can use.”

Watts said the Warriors are planning their next project for Huu-ay-aht territory in the next couple months.

“To my knowledge we haven’t decided on the location, we just know it’s going to be in Huu-ay-aht territory,” said Watts. “Alot of their beds are doing pretty well, so I think we’re going to be looking at the maintenance side of things and learning how to read the water levels. Possibly even do some testing.”

In a B.C. government press release, Josie Osborne, MLAfor Mid IslandPacific Rim said the restoration of Indigenous food systems is fundamental to revitalizing physical, cultural and spiritual connections to the land.

“I’m so glad we can support inspiring projects like this one from the Nuu-chahnulth Youth Warrior Family, an initiative that will bring elders and knowledge keepers together with youth to rebuild and restore the ancient practice of clam gardens,” Osborne said in the release.

In addition to the Youth Warrior Family,

14 other projects across B.C. received more than $1.1 million collectively, to grow farming and food-processing operations in their communities.

The Pacheedaht First Nation in Port Renfrew received $68,790 in funding to expand the community garden, plant an orchard, cultivate medicine plants from the original village site and install a safe, secure, easily accessible community pantry for locally harvested in-season foods and medicines.

“Our government is supporting Indigenous communities with their food security, food sovereignty and economic development goals and it is important we work together to build strong, self-sustaining food systems that respect Indigenous Peoples’rights and cultures,” said PamAlexis, minister ofAgriculture and Food in a press release. “This program is creating more food and agriculture opportunities for Indigenous communities, and taking an important step toward the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the B.C. agriculture sector.”

Phrase†of†the†week:†ʔayiičiłʔišʔał saasin ʔuḥʔiš ƛiḥcip ƛuupicšaaʔałʔiš

Pronounced ‘aa yii cha ish alth saw sin ohr ish cle h peach ish’, it means ‘Summertime is time for wild flowers and hummingbird’Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Ivy Cargill-Martin

Submitted photo

Members of the Youth Warriors were in Opitsaht in Tla-o-qui-aht territory during the May long weekend restoring a clam bed at the bottom of the Big Tree Trail.

Sugsaw hatchery releases fry after weather setbacks

After weeks of drought and freezing weather, hatchery releases salmon into Sugsaw Creek and Pachena River

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Anacla, BC - After seeing weather setbacks, including weeks of extreme drought and freezing winter temperatures, the Sugsaw Hatchery recently saw the release of chum salmon into Sugsaw Creek and coho salmon into Pachena River this spring.

Throughout autumn, droughts among the coast impacted the spawning season. For Sugsaw hatchery, all of their systems were affected.

“Our fish weren’t able to swim upstream at all,” saidAmelia Vos, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manager for Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

Due to lack of rainfall and low water levels, salmon were held in estuaries or in other areas in the marine environment, such as in Sugsaw Creek, said Vos.

“[They] were extremely delayed in maturation for spawning because of those conditions,” she said.

When rain arrived, the spawning occurred all within one week, said Vos. The salmon were fragile due to the stress incurred from environmental conditions caused by the drought.

“For hatchery operations, it was really tough to be capturing the fish effectively,” she explained.

Due to the stressful conditions of the drought, Vos said the hatchery saw a lower productivity from the eggs and sperm of the salmon.

“We had lower survival rates in our eggs than we typically do,” she said. Almost immediately after, at the end of November and throughout December, a

Salmon

released

freshwater

cold spell hit which would also impact the hatchery.

Vos explained that cooler conditions can be healthy for egg development, slowing down their embryonic process which allows the fish to grow more effectively. However, on Christmas Eve and Day the hatchery was dealing with frozen pipes and compromised water flow.

“The fish eggs weren’t receiving fresh water and some of their water was freezing,” said Vos.

The team worked promptly to repair the water flow and temperatures and were successful in their efforts, but they were concerned that the cold would impact survival.

The eggs hatched into alevin and grew into fry that they recently released into

Sugsaw Creek and Pachena River, said Vos.

“The fish were super healthy and happy and fat,” said Vos, giving credit to a veteran fisheries technician, Cliff Nookemus.

“The Huu-ay-aht Nation, when they started the Sugsaw creek hatchery, we’re very proud and motivated to bring back abundant healthy salmon stocks to their land,” said Vos.

Vos said that the hatchery takes a conservation approach. However, in Sugsaw Creek, since they’ve seen significant improvement in “at sea survival,” they’ve transitioned to a “harvest target” approach which gives Huu-ay-aht citizens the fishing opportunities.

For the Pachena River, the hatchery has been focused on conservation goals that

restore the coho return.

In partnership with Nitinat River Hatchery, the team also released chinook from Sarita River.

“We are seeking to make the Sarita River an indicator stream, and we manage that stock in a really intensive way,” said Vos. “The bigger facility with more scientific opportunity was the right choice for us there.”

“We currently have found a really neat approach to fisheries management…that allows for the citizens to have an annual economic opportunity on that river - as well as we’re rewilding the river,” continued Vos. “That’s really where hatcheries, to me, embed in [Huu-ay-aht] ancient spirit, modern mind, and back into our sacred principles.”

New Search and Rescue vessel arrives in Kyuquot

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kyuquot, BC –After months of eagerly awaiting resources to respond to mariner emergencies, members of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’First Nation were excited to spot the new Search and Rescue vessel’s arrival on May 18th.

Since 2021 Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’and the Coastal Nations Coast GuardAuxiliary (CNCCA) have been working together to get a SAR vessel in their community. In January construction began on the vessel in Sidney, B.C.

Elizabeth Jack, the Emergency Preparedness coordinator for Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’, received photo updates of the boat throughout its construction, observing that, “it’s so awesome to see the shape of the boat coming out of sheet metal.”

“I think it’s a really good vessel to have considering how remote we are and due to lack of resources that we have in and around our community,” said Jack.

The closest coast guard station to Kyuquot is based in Tofino, said Jack. She estimates it would take four to seven hours, depending on weather, to respond in Kyuquot Sound.

“With us having this vessel in our community, we’re there for all distress calls that are within the Kyuquot Sound,” said Jack.

Throughout the preparation period, a number of volunteers have been trained with Canadian Coast Guard’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator Training and Coxswain training level one, making them

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’

stand with a Search and Rescue vessel

Eight days later it was in action, towing a broken-down boat back to shore. there in probably less than an hour,” said Jack.

equipped to respond to emergencies. Jack said that the team holds a diverse skill set important for emergencies on the water.

“In the event of an emergency, we’ll be

Only eight days after the arrival of their SAR vessel, would they be on the water responding to their first call when

“I

Huu-ay-aht First Nations photo

fry are

into

in Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory, after being reared at the Sugsaw Hatchery.

Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary/Instagram photo

members

that came to their community on May 18th.

a locals’boat broke down. Jack and her husband towed the broken-down boat back with the SAR vessel.

can’t believe it’s here,” said Jack.

Non-Insured Health Benefits - NIHB Coverage – Travelling Out Side Of Country General Principles

1. Prior approval is required.

2. The client must:

a. Be eligible for the NIHB Program; and

b. Be currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a provincial or territorial health insurance plan and continue to meet residency requirements for provincial/territorial health coverage.

3. For Transportation to Medical Services: For transportation to medical services outside of the country the client must be referred for provincially/territorially insured medical services by a provincial or territorial health care plan for treatment Shaganappi Plaza: wage change for Building Maintenance and Superintendent Windspeaker.com

http://www.windspeaker.com/news/sweetgrass-news/building-maintenanceand-superintendent/ ammsa.com

http://www.ammsa.com/content/careers/shaganappi-plaza-ltd-calgary outside of Canada.

4. For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: Full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution to study outside of Canada must provide a letter of confirmation that tuition, which is not an eligible benefit under the NIHB Program, has been paid.

What is covered?

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: -

The cost of privately acquired health insurance premiums for approved students or migrant workers and their legal dependents will be reimbursed.

For Transportation to Medical Services: -

Transportation benefits when eligible clients are medically referred and approved for treatment outside of Canada by a provincial or territorial health care plan.

For further information on coverage outside of Country you are encouraged to call First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Vancouver BC toll free @ 1-800-317-7878

What You Should Know- “Before” Leaving British

Columbia

If you are leaving the province, you should be aware that your coverage may not pay all health care costs.

Health services provided outside Canada often cost more than the amount paid by the Ministry of Health Services. Sometimes the difference is substantial; for example, the amount we pay for emergency inpatient hospital care will not exceed $75 (Canadian) a day for United States of exceeds $1,000 (US) per day and can be as high as $10,000 a day for intensive care.

In addition, some items/services that may be a benefit in BC are not covered outside the province; for example, prescription drugs and optometric services. Further, the Ministry does not subsidize fees charged for ambulance service obtained outside BC.

We advise you to buy additional health insurance to supplement your basic coverage before you leave the province, regardless of whether you’ll be in another part of Canada or outside the country – even if your company or travel agency can advise you about extra coverage to pay for any difference in fees and to provide benefits not covered by the Ministry. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must mention this when purchasing additional insurance as most policies will not cover treatment of that condition outside the province.

In some cases you may purchase an insurance policy where the insurance company has a signed agreement with the Ministry. This permits the company to pay physician and hospital claims and receive reimbursement on your behalf thus eliminating the need for you to handle your own claims.

NOTE: Ambulance – If you require ambulance service while in another province or outside Canada, you will need to obtain service from an ambulance company in that jurisdiction and will be charged the fee established by the-out-of-province service provider. Fees range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

When purchasing additional out-of-province health insurance you are advised to obtain insurance that will cover emergency transportation while you are away and, if necessary the cost of transportation back to BC.

MSP Contact @ 1-250-386-7171 or fax 1-250-952-3427 – In case the number s have changed the web site is: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp

&Community Beyond

Tseshaht Girls Warriors Program

Friday June 2, 2023

PortAlberni –Athletic Hall

5:00 pm Learn to make Fry Bread! Tseshaht girls age 12-18. New program participants welcome. For more info and questions contact Robyn Samuel at robynsamuel@hotmail.com

Cedar Harvesting Teaching

June 5, 2023

Anacla

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon at shannon.z@huuayaht.org or 250-723-0100.

Tseshaht First Nation Conversations with Council

Tuesday June 6, 2023

PortAlberni – Great Room

10:00 am- 12:00 noon. Join members of council, drop in style for conversations, sweets and coffee.

Tseshaht First Nation Community Meeting

Tuesday June 13, 2023

PortAlberni – Great Room and

Zoom

6:30 – 9:30 pm. We hope you will join us! For those joining via Zoom please register in advance: https://tseshaht.zoom.us/.../ tZ0odumtpzopG9QGgwRNYSiDgFLa...

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

NTC’s 2022-2023Graduation and Scholarship Ceremony

June 9 - 11, 2023

PortAlberni –ADSS

Scholarship Ceremony—June 9th.Doors @ 4:00pm; Dinner @ 5:00pm; Ceremony @ 6:30pm. Graduation Ceremony—June 11th. Doors @ 3:00pm; Ceremony @ 3:00pm; Dinner @ 5:00pm. For more information, please contact Richard Samuel at (250) 724-5757 Or by e-mail: richard.samuel@nuuchahnulth.org

Marcy Keitlah Memorial Potlatch

September 23, 2023

PortAlberni, BC

Your hosts; Calvin Keitlah, Cory Frank, along with Grandparents Marilyn Watts and Rudy Watts Sr.

henna artist

By Aleesha Sharma

Book your henna session for community events, weddings, birthday parties, school events or any special event.

Phone: 250-730-1262 or 250-720-3096

E-mail: aleesha_sharma1@hotmail.com

Employment and Training

Port Alberni Friendship Centre Volunteers Needed

Need work experience? The Port Alberni Friendship Centre is looking for interested applicants for various positions. Call 250-723-8281

Ditidaht teen to represent BC at Indigenous games

Badminton player Kate Edgar joins 5,000 athletes to compete at this year’s NAIG, held July 15-23 in Nova Scotia

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberni, BC – Since British Columbia is so vast, officials with the badminton squad that will represent the province at this year’s NorthAmerican Indigenous Games (NAIG) were unable to stage any in-person tryouts.

Instead, those interested in being named to the club were simply asked to submit an online application detailing their accomplishments in the sport.

Kate Edgar, a 15-year-old Ditidaht First Nation member, did just that.

“I actually had no idea what would happen,” said Edgar, a Grade 10 student at Alberni District Secondary School.

As it turned out, Edgar’s parents (mother Kate and father Terry) were notified that their daughter had been selected to the provincial squad that will participate at the NAIG a couple of days before Mother’s Day in early May.

But they managed to keep it a secret for a bit.

“We were having dinner and suddenly on Mother’s Day my mom announced they had a bit of good news to share,” Edgar said. “That’s when she told me I had made the team.”

About 5,000 athletes are expected to participate at this year’s NAIG, which will be held July 15-23 in Nova Scotia. Atotal of 16 sports will be contested at the games. The majority of the events will be held in Halifax. Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation will also serve as competition venues.

For Edgar, who has been a member of the PortAlberni Junior Badminton Club for the past five years, the NAIG will signify the biggest event she has competed in.

Larry Spencer, the head coach of the local club, said he is not familiar with any

Submitted photo

nitely enjoy it as well.”

There will be Under-16 and Under-19 divisions at the games. Edgar might end up competing in both categories.

Taking part in a NorthAmerican competition is not too shabby for Edgar, who has primarily represented her local club in some fun tournaments.

“It kind of just started as a sport to do on my own time after school,” she said of her introduction to the sport. “It was like a safe haven almost.”

Edgar was also a member of her school’s badminton squad this year.

She competed in the girls’doubles event at the North Island championships, which were staged in Duncan inApril.

Edgar and her partner won four of the five matches they played at that event.

Christopher Sowden, who lives in Williams Lake, will serve as the head coach for the B.C. badminton squad.

Sowden explained how team participants, including Edgar, were named to the NAIG-bound club.

“She was selected after reviewing the information provided by all candidates and making my selections based on that info and who I thought would make for a good team player,” Sowden said.

Sowden said he is waiting for confirmation from NAIG organizers whether Edgar would be allowed to compete in Under-16 and Under-19 draws.

Kate Edgar, a 15-year-old Ditidaht First Nation member, is a student at theAlberni Distirct Secondary School, where she competes in badminton. of the other badminton athletes who will compete at the NAIG.

“I have no idea how she’ll do,” Spencer said. “But I think she performs well under pressure. She also listens well and picks up coaching tips all the time.”

Edgar is also uncertain about the quality of opponents she’ll face at the NAIG.

“For me it’s about the experience and playing against players from the other

provinces,” she said.

And what if she does indeed fare well and end up bringing home some hardware from Nova Scotia?

“That would be icing on the cake,” Edgar said.

Edgar believes she will participate in the girls’singles and doubles competitions at the NAIG. She might also take part in the mixed doubles category.

At this point she is uncertain of anybody who will be her doubles partner.

“I do enjoy playing singles,” she said. “But if I do play doubles I think I’ll defi-

Provincial and territorial squads from Canada take part in the NAIG.American athletes represent their state or regional clubs.

Atotal of 13 Canadian teams and nine American ones are expected to include badminton participants.

This will mark the 10th time the NAIG has been held. The first Games were held in Edmonton in 1990. The last Games took place in Toronto in 2017.

Nova Scotia was originally scheduled to host the upcoming games in 2020, but they were postponed a couple of times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MA MOOK ANNUAL GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING

BEST WESTERN TIN WINS RESORT-TOFINO WICKANINNISH CENTER

JUNE 21, 2023, FROM 10:00 AM TO 3:00PM

Ma Mook will be holding an annual shareholder meeting at the Best Western Tins Wins resort on June 21, 2023 and invite the public, stakeholders, First Nations and other interested parties to review and discuss Ma Mook’s operations, annual reports, plans, budgets and other business

Board of Directors of Ma Mook Development Corporation will be available to answer questions and Lunch will be provided. Written comments can be addressed to Ma Mook on forms provided at the meeting

For Further information please contact Zoltan Schafer, RPF Ma Mook Director at 250-720-1177 or by e mail Zoltan.schafer@ufn.ca or Jose Robinson Chairman at 250-797-1353 or by e-mail joserobinson1@gmail.com

Inquiry spreads Nuu-chah-nulth through schools

Expert team investigates how learning the Indigenous language will benefit all students in School District 70

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberni, BC - Over the past two years a group of School District 70 (SD70) educators and members of a professional learning community met through the year to collect resources, share ideas and spread knowledge of Nuu-chah-nulth language throughout schools.

The Collaborative Language Inquiry included 10 teachers, four Nuu-chahnulth education workers and one NTC supervisor in the 2021/2022 group and the 2022/2023 group involved 15 teachers, two education workers and one NTC supervisor. Each year included different participants except for a few who did both.

The groups worked together to identify common challenges, analyze relevant data and test instructional approaches.

“Our inquiry project each year involved a $5,000 grant from the BC Teacher’s Federation (BCTF), $2,500 from the Alberni District Teacher’s Union and $2,500 from SD70-Pacific Rim,” said Lisa Tremblay of the SD70 Indigenous education team. “The money paid for release time for teachers to meet five times during the year and to produce resources for the teachers to use.”

Tremblay said the inquiry group’s question they explored in 2021/2022 was, “how will the development of best practices in teaching the Nuu-chah-nulth language benefit all of our learners, and our school community.”

“This year we continued exploring last year’s question, but teachers worked on their own specific questions and goals as well,” Tremblay said. “We have represented 11 different schools, all grades and three different communities.”

The goal of the program is to introduce

students to the Nuu-chah-nulth language, creating an appreciation and respect for the language and culture. For Grades K-7, Nuu-chah-nulth language is added to classrooms as enrichment or as the second language requirement and is delivered through cross-curricular thematic units and formal lessons.

Lessons focus more on oral language rather than literacy skills, especially for Grades K-4, and include language teachers from the Nuu-chah-nulth community as much as possible.

Teachers involved in the inquiry asked for one location where students could go to study Nuu-chah-nulth on their own, which prompted the creation of Kid’s Place—an online interactive webpage where children can go to learn the language through games.

Developments that have come from the inquiry projects include having more Nuu-chah-nulth language taught in the classroom, in some cases as the chosen second language over French.

Other developments included connect-

ing families through language, creating resources for students that could easily be accessed at home and shared with family and more students choosing Nuu-chahnulth at the secondary level.

“Teachers reported that overall all students enjoyed learning the language and teachers reported hearing students using the language outside of class and on the playgrounds,” Tremblay said. “There were many testimonials from teachers of increased engagement in classroom activities from their Indigenous students and signs of greater confidence of sharing their language and culture with their classmates.”

Tremblay added that Nuu-chah-nulth education workers shared that they were being asked to teach language in more classrooms on a regular basis and were very positively received by all members of the classroom.

Moving forward, Tremblay said the Indigenous Education Team will be moving to the SD70 board office to work more closely with other district resource teachers and district leadership to help facilitate more language being included in all areas of learning. They also hope to have elders in every school.

“Teaching Nuu-chah-nulth in SD70 schools shows the diversity between cultures and their importance, promoting respect among them. Our goal is to introduce students to the Nuu-chah-nulth language creating an appreciation and respect for the language,” Tremblay said. “For our Nuu-chah-nulth students learning their language helps develop a strong identity and connection to the lands that they live on.”

Tremblay added that working and supporting ways to further embed Nuu-chahnulth culture and language is a priority for all administrators and teachers in SD70.

Additional supports for youth aging out of foster care

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

British Columbia – Young adults aging out of the foster care system in British Columbia now have a new set of supports to help them achieve success as they begin taking on adult responsibilities.

On May 30th Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean announced the development, saying it was important that youth in care transitioning to adulthood be supported so that they could fulfill their dreams, achieve their goals and reach their potential.

The Youth Transitions Program, she said, has been renamed to SAJE, StrengtheningAbilities and Journeys of Empowerment Program. The name was put forward by a youth advisory council, she noted.

Since 2022, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) began creating services to support youth aging out of care, including extending housing eligibility that allows them to stay in their homes past the age of 19. Eligible youth may receive government support to remain in their homes up to their 21st birthday while they pursue education and employment training.

SAJE programming also provides living support for young people with no exemption for earnings. This amounts to $1,250 per month of unconditional support for young people, up to age 20, transitioning out of care. In addition, eligible recipi-

ents can receive up to $600 per month to assist with rent for two years or up to the 27th birthday.

In February 2023 MCFD introduced SAJE navigators whose job it is to support youth in care from the age of 14 up to 25 as they access services provided through the program.

On May 30, Minister Dean announced a new suite of services added to the SAJE Program, such as the introduction of $600 every two years for eye care, including glasses and contact lenses. Dental coverage has increased to $1,000 per year.

Medical benefits to youth in care have been expanded to include enhanced access to counselling services and life skills programs. This is important, Dean noted, because children in care may be recovering from interrupted family lives or trauma.

“The new program (SAJE) will play a vital role in enhancing access to crucial tools such as education, life skills and financial assistance,” said Seb Habe, member of the Minister’s YouthAdvisory Council.

The minister announced that more housing supports will be introduced in the spring of 2024 that will enable the ministry to support all young adults from care up to the age of 27.

The SAJE program is being implemented over three years, beginning in 2022.

Later this summer, all former youth in care, regardless of age, will be eligible to have their post secondary education

tuition waived through the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. In September 2023 a new grant will be available, up to $3,500 to support additional expenses of students taking part in the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program to purchase supplies like textbooks and computers.

“Even more young people who were in government care can now pursue their education goals and set themselves up for a bright future as a result of the expansion of this tuition waiver program,” said Dean in a press release.

“[T]he tuition waiver program sounds to me like a love letter, from the university to potential students,” said Mallory Woods, a Vancouver Island University

student. “It says, ‘You have been through something impossibly hard, but you are welcome here, no explanation needed.’

It is an example of unconditional love, institutionalized.”

Over the past two decades the number of children and youth in B.C.’s foster care system has been cut in half, falling from 10,049 to 5,037 that were tracked by the Ministry of Children last year. The number ofAboriginal youngsters in care also dropped over this period from 4,273 to 3,425. But this trend was much less than the declining number of non-Indigenous children being taken into the foster system, meaning thatAboriginal youth now comprise 68 per cent of those in care.

Denise Titian photo Students venture to theAlberni District Secondary School in May for the Spring Fest, a celebration of Nuu-chah-nulth content on SD70 schools.

Province of B.C. photo

On May 30 Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean announced additional supports for young adults aging out of the foster care system.

Nuu-chah-nulthTribalCouncilEducationwithN.E.T.P.

2022-2023

Graduation and Scholarship Ceremony

Where: Alberni District Secondary School

4000RogerStreet,PortAlberni,BC

ScholarshipCeremony—June9th

Doors@4:00pm;Dinner@5:00pm;Ceremony@6:30pm

AndGraduationCeremony—June11th

Doors@3:00pm;Ceremony@3:00pm;Dinner@5:00pm

Nuu-chah-nulth nations participating in The K-12 + Post-Secondary Ceremony are:

AHOUSAHT HUPACASATH HESQUIAHT

DITIDAHT HUU-AY-AHT NUCHATLAHT

EHATTESAHT/CHINEHKINT TLA-O-QUI-AHT

KA:’YU:’K’T’H’/CHE:K:TLE7ET’H’ TSESHAHT

MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT TOQUAHT

Also, participating Nuu-chah-nulth Employment & Training Program

*All Trades and Vocational program graduates please contact the N.E.T.P. Office to confirm attendance: (250) 723-1331

For more information, please contact Richard Samuel at (250) 724-5757 Or by e-mail: richard.samuel@nuuchahnulth.org