Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper June 29, 2023

First Bachelor of Ed for Nuu-chah-nulth language

Five Nuu-chah-nulth-aht graduate with Bachelor of Education degrees specializing in Indigenous Language

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Victoria, BC –Agroup of five Nuuchah-nulth-aht have earned the first ever Bachelor of Education degree specializing in Indigenous Language Revitalization, offered by the University of Victoria. The community-based Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization (BEDILR) seeks to support communities to retain their language, through educational programming.

The five graduates, Linsey Haggard of Tseshaht, Tim Masso of Tla-o-qui-aht, Chrissie John of ʔiiḥatis, Jeneva Touchie of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and Beverly Martin of Tla-o-qui-aht received their diplomas in a ceremony at UVic’First People’s House in June 2023.

“This was the first accredited degree program for Nuu-chah-nulth language,” said Chrissie John, adding that they studied for five years in the pilot project uniquely designed to train them to teach Nuu-chah-nulth language in the classroom.

For Victoria Wells of the Quuquustsa Language Society, the whole process took six years. “(it) was a passion project for everyone involved along the way,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa in an email.

To make the project a success, many Nuu-chah-nulth agencies, nations and fluent speakers collaborated over those years. Participation came from advocates and education managers from Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Nuchatlaht, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, the Quuquustsa Language Society, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council as well as the Indigenous education departments at UVic and North Island College.

According toAliki Marinakis, UVic’s Indigenous Language Program manager, there were a total of 13 graduates from the pilot program. Other graduates came from Campbell River, Chase and Victoria.All are now certified to teach any subject in schools with students enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Marinakis stated that the BEDILR program was in development at UVic for more than a decade. It’s designed to support the language revitalization work being undertaken across B.C. and Canada.

At 20, Tim Masso is youngest graduate, and was still in elementary school when the idea behind BEDILR was formed. He recalled a time in high school when he was about 14 that he signed up for a Nuu-chah-nulth language program being offered.

“Unfortunately, the resources weren’t

there, the school didn’t have a language teacher,” Masso remembers.

What would have been the language block in the schedule became a support period to allow students to catch up with work in other classes. The young Masso, who had been taking language classes

offered at Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation, approached the supervising teacher with a unique offer. He asked if he could teach language during that block.

“It was very simple lessons, Nuu-chahnulth alphabet at first,” said the studentturned-teacher.

But it lit his desire to both learn and teach the language. Masso was 15 when he started the BEDILR program.

The five Nuu-chah-nulth graduates made a choice in the second year at UVic to focus on language teaching while completing the four-year Bachelor of Education program, making them certified school teachers with the ability to teach Nuu-chah-nulth language.

“It was like every student did a double major: studying their respective languages while studying in a Western system how to be effective educators,” said Wells.

For the Nuu-chah-nulth portion of the degree, students were sometimes paired with fluent speakers, working in the communities to pass the language on. During the pandemic most took their language lessons remotely, connecting with their fluent Nuu-chah-nulth-speaking elder over the internet.

Masso said he relies on a few fluent speakers to teach him.

“There were so many fluent elders five years ago…in that time Tla-o-qui-aht lost maybe four speakers,” he noted.

Masso estimates that there may be 30 or 40 fluent Nuu-chah-nulth speakers left.

“But there are a lot of silent speakers (people that understand the language but don’t speak it) and partially fluent speakers – and there’s so many new language learners, the number has grown significantly in the past five years,” said Masso.

He went on say that he’s not sure where he will be in September, but his degree and teaching certificate will open doors for him. He could sub-teach in Tofino and Ucluelet’s three regional schools, Wickaninnish Community School, Ucluelet Elementary School and Ucluelet Secondary School.

“I did my final practicum at Wickaninnish Community School and rather than teach language as a class, I taught the curriculum with a Nuu-chah-nulth focus,” said Masso, adding that so many kids are willing to learn.

An added benefit to the Indigenous lan-

guage and culture programs in schools is thatAboriginal children are more comfortable at school because they are being reflected there, Masso noted.

According to the provincial government, a First Nations Language Teaching Certificate is required to work in B.C. schools as an Indigenous language and culture teacher.

For independent schools, like those on reserve in Nuu-chah-nulth territories, a Letter of Permission to teach Indigenous language and culture is required.

ALetter of Permission is a special permit that allows someone to teach without a certificate in a particular school district, independent school authority or for a First Nations council for up to one school year. It is only to be used when a certified teacher is not available to fill a vacant position.

Arecognized First Nations language authority is required to approve a First Nations Language Teacher Certificate that can be recognized by the BC Teachers’Council.

While the cohorts spent five years working on their degrees, Marinakis notes that they completed a four-year Bachelor of Education program with first year Nuuchah-nulth language courses, placing them at category four on the pay scale according to the Teacher Qualification Service.

While the BEDILR graduates argue that their certification amounts to a specialty skill that should raise their pay category, they are being told that they need to do more work to level up.According to Marinakis, the BEDILR degrees are buildable, meaning that they can go back to university and take the required number of third- or fourth-year courses

to upgrade their pay category. They can upgrade to level six if they earn a master’s degree.

Currently, there are no third- or fourthyear Nuu-chah-nulth language courses available at UVic.

Marinakis is proud of the first graduating class of UVic’s BEDILR.

“They are so talented, so brilliant, very important knowledge holders for the community,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa.

In March 2023, Chrissie John stated that she was grateful to her mentors for the gift of language they gave her on her education journey.

“There are very few fluent Nuu-chahnulth speakers,” she noted, adding that she will pay it forward.

Masso credits Richard Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and Tommy Curley of Tla-o-qui-aht for teaching him Nuu-chahnulth language. He hopes that he can help local schools develop language programs, not only for the students, but also for the teachers.

“There is a huge lack of (Indigenous) language in schools and it’s definitely needed,” he noted, reflecting on how things were when he was 15. “The school has changed. Back then, the idea of teaching Nuu-chah-nulth language was a far away idea, but now both students and teachers want language.”

“I want to keep learning (Nuu-chahnulth language) and it will probably be for the rest of my life,” said ḥakaƛ (Chrissie John).

“All the graduates are incredibly dedicated and devoted to living and teaching Nuu-chah-nulth language, and I cannot wait to see what they do next,” said Wells.

Tim Masso, Chrissie John and Linsey Haggard are among the recent Nuu-chahnulth graduates from a new Bachelor of Education program in Victoria.

It’s time to bring Lisa home, say supporters

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nanaimo, BC - It’s been 21 years since Lisa Marie Young went missing, precisely the age she was when she was last seen in the early morning of June 30, 2002 in Nanaimo.

Since 2003, Lisa Marie Young’s family, friends, and community members have gathered for an annual walk to honour her memory as they search for answers.

On the morning of Sunday, June 25, they gathered, once again, meeting outside of the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.

As the crowd walked together, Lisa Marie Young signs were held above, walking to Maffeo Sutton Park to meet at Nanaimo’s Lion Pavilion. Red dresses danced in the wind, as Lisa’s family, friends, and community members spoke in honour of the Tla-o-qui-aht woman and in search of answers.

Inspired by Lisa Marie Young’s love for music, local artists performed songs throughout the day.

“Every year we do a walk and a gathering in honour of Lisa, and her mom, so nobody will forget,” said Carol Frank, Lisa Marie Young’s aunt. “People that don’t know her story will learn something today too. It’s really important.”

“It’s really uplifting and brings us strength,” said Frank when seeing the community gather. “There’s a lot of people that I’ve gotten to know over the years and so each year they come in support of Lisa.”

“We all just want answers and to bring Lisa home,” she added.

According to the Native Women’sAssociation of Canada, Lisa Marie Young was last seen getting into a vehicle with a man who drove a burgundy Jaguar car who offered her a ride to get food and agreed to return her.

The last text message Lisa sent read, “Come get me. They won’t let me leave.”

Lisa Marie Young’s disappearance continues to be investigated and is being treated as a homicide, reads a Nanaimo RCMP statement.

Cyndy Hall, friend of Lisa Marie Young,

started advocating for Lisa when her mom, Marlene Joanne Martin Young, passed away.

“It makes me so happy because there’s such a huge turnout,” said Hall. “It just shows that it’s not just Lisa’s loved ones that want her to come home, it’s the community.”

Hall said it would mean the world to her, Lisa’s family, and friends if they found her.

“Of course we want justice, but first off, we want Lisa to come home because Lisa is all alone and she died alone. So now it’s time we bring her home,” said Hall.

At the event, Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog read a proclamation that declared June 25th, 2023 Justice for Lisa Marie Young Day and June 30, 2023 Lights on for Lisa.

Lights on for Lisa encourages people to “leave their patio lights on in support of the day she was reported missing,” shared Krog.

“The longer without Lisa, the harder it is,” said Hall.

“Since the night Lisa disappeared, 21 years looks like 252 months, 7,665 days, 183,960 hours, or 11,037,600 minutes,” said Carolann Bora, sister of Lisa Marie Young. “All of these separately are equivalent to 21 years and show how long Lisa’s loved ones have been in a state of grief and loss.”

“Without the support there’s a real possibility that Lisa’s case would fade, making it less likely for loved ones [to have] closure and/or justice,” said Bora.

“Over the years, investigators have received hundreds of tips, have interviewed as many people, conducted numerous searches, and have diligently followed up on old and new information,” said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a statement.

“If you have information that you have never shared with police, now is the time to do so. It’s never too late,” said O’Brian.

Information can be reported with Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

On June 25, Lisa Marie Young’s family, friends and supporters walked in honor of her and in search of answers 21 years after her disappearance

Photo by Alexandra Mehl

The Lisa Marie Young March for Justice was held on June 25, from the Nanaimo RCMPdetachment to Maffeo Sutton Park.

inland resources

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Vancouver, BC - The Nuchatlaht are heading into the summer celebrating a court ruling on theirAboriginal title over northern Nootka Island, while knowing that work lies ahead to satisfy a requirement to prove where exactly their territory lies.

The decision came from the B.C. Supreme Court earlier this spring, on May 11, as Justice Elliot Myers found that the small First Nation satisfies the legal test to be granted title over their territory on Nootka Island.

The ruling heavily relied on the Tsilhqot’in decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in 2014, which set out the need for a First Nation to prove exclusive and continued occupation of an area to be recognized withAboriginal title. The Nuchatlaht case hinged on proving this occupation from 1846, the date that the British Crown assumed sovereignty over the First Nation’s territory.

“In my opinion the plaintiff has demonstrated an intention and capacity to control the land I found it occupied in 1846,” stated Myers in his recent ruling.

As the first court decision to apply the Tsilhqot’in case - and the firstAboriginal title decision since British Columbia adopted the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2019 –the case is expected to lead the way for other First Nations seeking recognition of their territory under Canadian law.

“With this victory Nuchatlaht hope to clear a path for others to follow,” said Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael in a press release issued from the First Nation after the ruling was released.

The case analyzed a collection of local groups who used northern Nootka Island in 1846. Evidence presented by the Crown’s expert witness Dorothy Kennedy lists five groups that occupied the area at the time, all of which Myers determined had amalgamated with the Nuchatlaht to form a ceremonial confederacy.

The province argued that one group, the Shuma’athat, was separate from this confederacy at the time, but this was not an issue for Myers in his decision.

“If the Shuma’athat (or any other group for that matter) merged with the Nuchatlaht after 1846, the Nuchatlaht are the proper claimant group for that territory,” stated the judge.

First submitted to the court in January 2017, the title claim encompasses 20,000 hectares on the northern half of Nootka Island off Vancouver Island’s west coast. But Myers declined to grantAboriginal title to this whole area, noting “too many gaps” to prove that all of this area should belong to the Nuchatlaht.

Myers quoted Philip Drucker, whose 1951 study of Indigenous people of Vancouver Island’s northwest coast was frequently cited in the court decision.

During his time with Nuu-chah-nulth-aht in the 1930s and 1940s Drucker observed how coastal people heavily relied on ocean resources, rather than venturing far inland.

“It is scarcely to be wondered at, what with the ruggedness of the mountainous terrain and the dense tangle of vegetation, that the native population for the most part frequented the woods but little,” wrote Drucker.

But, like other Nuu-chah-nulth, the Nuchatlaht’s use of cedar was historically foundational to its culture. The trees’ bark provided material for clothing, cedar planks were used for homes, and sections

Culturally modified trees – or CMTs –within the claim area composed a large portion of the Nuchatlaht’s evidence for the court, including the identification of 8,386 CMTs by archaeologist Jacob Earnshaw. This evidence lies an average of 845 metres from Nootka Island’s coast, but the largest cluster of CMTs, numbering 2,358 examples, sit approximately 1.5 kilometres inland. These trees were harvested from 1541 to 1969, according to the archaeologist’s findings. In his testimony Earnshaw said that CMTs would be found anywhere in the claim area.

“[I]f these deep, inland areas were to be consistently surveyed, large cedar harvesting areas would continue to be identified,” he said. This didn’t appear to satisfy the judge, who determined that the only “direct evidence” of occupation specific to Nuchatlaht in the claim area were village sites, including Lūpȧtcsis, where the Nuchatlaht confederacy congregated in the summer.

“With respect to the interior, there is almost no evidence of use by the Nuchatlaht,” wrote Myers in his decision. “Further, Dr. Drucker said that the Nuu-chahnulth treated the interior and coastal areas differently in terms of ownership and had far less knowledge of the interior.”

After over 50 days in court and six years since the title claim was first filed, the case has proven to be a significant drain on resources for the Nuchatlaht, which has less than 170 members. But the First Nation intends to continue in its battle for title over the territory that members have considered home for countless generations.

“We need to take this victory and continue fighting for recognition of our rights,” said Councillor Mellissa Jack.

“We’re not going anywhere, we know what’s ours,” said Nuchatlaht Councillor Erick Michael. “This isn’t just about Nuchatlaht, but about every First Nation.”

The Nuchatlaht plan to apply to the B.C. Court ofAppeal over Myers’decision to decline awarding the entire claim area.

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A bi ersweet ruling comes from B.C. Supreme Court, which questions First Nation’s use of

Eric Plummer photo

Nuchatlaht House SpeakerArchie Little takes the microphone next to Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael in front of the B.C. Supreme Court on the first day of the First Nation’s trial forAboriginal title on March 21, 2022. or the entirety of trunks were made into canoes.

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Ruling leaves Nuchatlaht with 2 options

First Nation can return to judge for partial title, or appeal the decision altogether

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

In their fight to gain territorial rights, a recent court ruling has left the Nuchatlaht with two options: return to the judge to argue for smaller sections of the area, or appeal the decision altogether.

The deadline for their decision has been extended until the end of July by Justice Elliot Myers, who on May 11 delivered a decision from the B.C. Supreme Court. Myers recognized that the Nuchatlaht are the rightful owners of portions of the northern part of Nootka Island – but not all of the 20,000 hectares identified in the First Nation’sAboriginal title claim for the area.

Over six years since the small Vancouver Island First Nation first filed its title claim to the court, Myers’decision was met with a combination of celebration and disappointment.

Archie Little, a Nuchatlaht councillor and house speaker, summed up his response with a quote from Thomas King, who wrote The Inconvenient Indian.

“He said, ‘Law and justice are not the same.’And it was proven in the Nuchatlaht case,” said Little.

Although Myers found that the Nuchatlaht are the proper rights holders since 1846, when the British Crown asserted sovereignty over the area, he wasn’t satisfied enough evidence was presented showing that the First Nation used the entire claim area. Myers noted that the only “direct evidence” of occupation was in the vicinity of the shore.

“I’m surprised by the decision and disappointed. I think that the Nuchatlaht have a very strong territorial claim, this is what we put before the judge,” said Owen Stewart, who represents the Nuchatlaht as part of their legal team. “At the same time, there’s a lot to celebrate within the decision. The Nuchatlaht were successful in basically every issue of substance.”

The court decision heavily relies on the Tsilhqot’in case as a precedent, which set out exclusivity in an area and continued occupation as the legal test for granting Aboriginal title. In his decision Myers noted inherent difficulties a coastal First Nation could have in applying these factors.

“It may be that this case demonstrates

the peculiar difficulties of a coastal Aboriginal group meeting the current test forAboriginal title, given the marine orientation of the culture,” he wrote. “For example, there will probably not be trails between one coastal location and another, given that the means of transport was primarily by canoe.”

This lends to an element of the provincial government’s argument against the Nuchatlaht, which stated that much of Nootka Island’s interior is rugged, steep terrain, heavily forested and uninhabitable.

“If you’re Switzerland, and you’re going to try and prove title, how are you going to prove the tops of the mountains?” reflected Stewart. “No one goes up there. It’s the tops of the alps.And so, would Switzerland only get the valley bottoms?...I think the obvious answer is, no, Switzerland would get the whole thing.”

“We used every square inch of our Ḥahahuułi,” said Little, who lived in the territory as a child. “We hunted, we trapped, we went to the mountains to pray, to be alone to prepare for things that we had to do.”

“When huge canoes were to be built, it was easier to build the canoe on site, instead of moving a tree down a hill,” added Little. “There’s evidence all over that we did that.”

The Nuchatlaht are confident that more evidence can be presented proving usage throughout the territory, and Stewart said that another archaeological survey can be done if needed.

“I’ve spoken to a number of experts

who are confident there is lots to find,” he said. “They’ve said to me you can’t hit a golf ball in Nuchatlaht without hitting an archaeological site.”

With under 170 members, the cost of fighting for title in court has forced the small First Nation to make sacrifices, said Little. But at this point, there is no turning back.

“We can’t afford to quit, and we have friends that support us,” he said. “With no doubt we’ve made huge sacrifices. We’ve done that because we believe in what we’re doing.”

Those who were involved in the Tsilhqot’in case have said that in the realm of anAboriginal title claim in British Columbia, the Nuchatlaht are already far ahead. In his recent judgement Myers dismissed the province’s argument that in 1846 an ununified collection of local groups occupied the claim area. The decision recognizes the Nuchatlaht confederacy at the time, and even includes the Shuma’athat in this, even though this group probably didn’t join until after the time of British sovereignty.

“I would doubt that there is a single modern First Nation in B.C. that isn’t the product of the fusion of historically independent groups,” said Stewart. “The court is saying that you don’t have to have a perfect tracing of this history, they’re all in front of me now.”

“It’s frustrating, but we have to keep the course and move forward,” said Little, looking to the province’s arguments.

“They just have to stop pretending we’re not here - that the land they squatted on belongs to somebody: a First Nation’s.”

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‘They just have to stop pretending we’re not here,’says Nuchatlaht Councillor and House SpeakerArchie Little in reference to the ongoing title case.

‘Smooth’ sockeye run for First Nations on the Somass

Tseshaht and Hupacasath benefit from a new Alberni buyer when Highway 4 closure challenges local industry

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

PortAlberni, BC - Despite a warm spring and transportation difficulties with the prolonged closure of Highway 4, the sockeye season has so far gone smoothly for the First Nations that subsist off the Somass River.

The volume of sockeye salmon returning to the Somass River system is forecast to be 550,000 - 1.1 million, according to a bulletin issued June 22 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. So far at least 33,000 have passed into Sproat Lake, while over 17,000 have made it through the fish ladder facility at Stamp Falls. This puts the 2023 sockeye return slightly ahead of the average run tracked over the last 20 years, according to the DFO update.

“It hasn’t been a huge influx wave or anything, but the numbers have been consistent,” said Tseshaht Fisheries Manager James Laflamme, who is optimistic for the First Nation as members look ahead to the chinook, or spring, run late in the summer. “We’re pretty much right on target. I think everybody will have a nice, smooth efficient fishery and get ready for springs.”

“It’s coming along pretty good,” said Hupacasath Fisheries Manager Graham Murrell. “I think the fish are smart this year, they’re sticking to the bank, but we’re getting good escapement.”

Drought concerns arose after hotterthan-normal weather in May, but since then conditions have stabilized with some rain in June, resulting in average river temperatures this month.

“I was worried,” admitted Murrell. “If that early summer stuck around then we would have some early issues, but it’s been cooler for the last couple here.”

As of June 22 the province has rated west Vancouver Island with a drought level of 3, meaning adverse environmental and socioeconomic impacts are “possible”. This contrasts with the wet, cool June that the region saw last year, which brought a drought level of 0 at the end of the month with no adverse environmental impacts.

But these conditions threw off the Somass fisheries, when escapement forecasts went through wide variations over the season, resulting in openings not always aligning with when the fish were passing through, commented Laflamme. “Last year with the rains we had and the timing with DFO, they downgraded on the re-assessment and we had to slow down a bit,” he said. “That’s when all the

fish showed up, so they upgraded it and guys were out on the water for another four weeks trying to catch fish that had already gone by.”

“In typical years the sockeye fishing tends to ramp down at the end of July, but last year we had a prolonged return and they fished sockeye right up until chinook started in midAugust,” said Murrell. “I don’t think that will be the case this year, I think we’ll probably be a more typical year.”

Besides fishing for communal food, social and ceremonial purposes, both First Nations are again engaged in economic opportunity fisheries this year through an agreement with DFO. But with the usual commercial buyers coming from outside of theAlberni Valley, the closure of Highway 4 has brought challenges for the local industry. The highway closed on June 6 due to a wildfire by Cameron Lake, and is not scheduled to reopen until June 24.

This has forced distributors and buyers to use a detour route that adds an estimated four hours of travel time to reach PortAlberni.

“It is impacting the fisheries, for sure,” said Murrell of the highway closure. “It is a challenge for the buyers. You’ve got to be a little bit more on top of your logistics, make sure you have everything you

need when the fishery goes, because it’s no quick jump over the hump.”

Early season prices have also been lower, caused in part to the prolonged sockeye season from 2022.

“This year I think prices are a little depressed from a glut of salmon on the market from last year,” said Murrell.

“There’s a lot of leftover sockeye from last year still in freezers, so that has impacted the price that we’ve seen for these early fish.”

Parksville’s French Creek Seafood and Hub City Fisheries from Nanaimo have returned to purchase sockeye, but for the first time in over a decade a local com-

mercial buyer has a hand in the market, thanks to a new processing facility at the Harbour Quay. Canadian Seafood Processing operates out of the harbourfront space that was occupied years ago by Port Fish.

“They’re local, so they’re able to take it in and process there,” said Laflamme.

“It’s the first time that we’ve had a local processing facility since Port Fish.”

The involvement of a local buyer is welcome for PortAlberni’s First Nations, which see a large proportion of their members participate in the salmon fisheries.

With over 350 members, the Hupacasath have “a couple dozen” fishers on the water during the sockeye run, said Murrell.

The majority of Tseshaht’s population of nearly 1,300 play some sort of role in the fishery, whether it be on boats, in distribution to members or selling sockeye to buyers, said Laflamme.

“It’s a huge part of the community out here,” he commented. “Alarge proportion of the band benefits from this fishery. Not just fishermen, but the community for fish days, the fishers on the water.”

As of late June, both First Nations were assigned a combined total allowable catch of almost 80,000 sockeye. Nations that are part of the Maa-nulth treaty have been allotted 21,364, while 51,844 are going to theArea D commercial gillnet fleet and 76,714 sockeye are set forArea B seine boats. The sports fishery has been assigned 58,500 total allowable catch in theAlberni Inlet and Barkley Sound.

Eric Plummer photos

Members of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations were on the Somass River in mid June catching sockeye salmon.

Should Canada ban Styrofoam in ocean industries?

Polystyrene comprises up to 80 per cent of coastal pollution, but remains a staple of packaging and construction

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

It’s light, buoyant, versatile, inexpensive to make and is used in dozens of products in the seafood harvesting industry. But expanded polystyrene, often called by a brand name, Styrofoam. is toxic and a leading cause of plastic pollution in the marine environment.

For that reason, Rachel Blaney, NDP MP for North Island-Powell River, has introduced a private members’motion, M-80, to ban foam from aquatic environments. She noted in her letter that there are several petitions urging the government to take action on foam in Canada’s waters.

“How is it possible that we are still intentionally putting toxic substances in our waters, given that there are safer, less toxic alternatives available?” Blaney asked.

“Why does the Liberal party care so little about protecting Canada’s waters, even as it claims to care about the environment?”

According to a Global SeafoodAlliance article, EPS (expanded polystyrene) is a form of plastic that, when inflated with air, becomes lightweight, buoyant, waterproof and makes great insulation. It is popular in the seafood industry, commonly used as packing material and in marine equipment that requires buoyancy, like buoys, pontoons and floating marine platforms.

But EPS is soft and easily breaks down into little pieces, adding to the problem of microplastic marine pollution. Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size.

Nonbiodegradable EPS simply breaks down into smaller pieces in the ocean and in landfills. It contains the toxic substances, Styrene and Benzene.After being ingested by birds, fish and other wildlife, these toxins make their way up the food chain.

According to Surfrider Foundation Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the ocean, beaches and waves, Polysty-

rene makes up 50 to 80 per cent of trash cleaned up by shoreline cleaning groups in British Columbia.

“It is nearly impossible to fully remove from the environment, is highly toxic, and extremely difficult to recycle,”

Surfrider Foundation Canada wrote in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “Since manufacturers and the Canadian state governments skirt accountability for this crisis, the responsibility falls on First Nations, municipalities and cleanup groups to deal with.”

They went on to say that in recent weeks, a dock with polystyrene floats washed up on a Vargas Island beach at Kelsmaht inAhousaht First Nation territory. The group planned to remove the dock in late May.

Several US states have banned EPS, but Canada has yet to do anything about the use of Styrofoam in its docking platforms. More recently, Washington State passed a bill to ban use of EPS in their waters, effective June 2024.

Canada has banned some plastics that are a threat to the marine environment.

According to the federal government’s website, there is a ban on single-use plastics that are deemed a serious threat to the marine environment.

Effective December 20, 2022, the government of Canada has banned plastic cutlery, including chop sticks, food packaging made of EPS, plastic drinking straws and plastic ring carriers used to bundle canned or bottled beverages. But Surfrider Foundation Canada says these types of plastics make up only three per cent of plastic waste in Canada. Polystyrene makes up 50 to 80 percent of pollution cleaned from the beaches of British Columbia.

The Government of Canada says its goal is to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030.

Blaney says Canada has failed to ban the sale, distribution and installation of foam docks and floats in Canadian waterways.

In a letter to Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s minister of Environment and Climate Change, Blaney pointed out that Wash-

Plane crash near Tahsis

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Tahsis, BC -An airplane crash in the Tahsis Inlet has claimed the lives of two aboard, according to early reports from the scene.

Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20 near the Village of Tahsis on northwest Vancouver Island. RCMP reported that the crash occurred near Mizona Point in the inlet that leads to the small village.

Four were aboard the small plane, which was headed from Masset on the northern coast of Haida Gwaii, to Tofino.

Tahsis Fire Chief Lisa Illes said that her crew was alerted to the incident in case it caused a forest fire that could encroach on the village.

“I got alerted about 2 o’clock yesterday [June 20] that there was smoke out in the inlet at Mazino Point,” said Illes, who coordinated with the Coastal Fire Centre and other agencies. “I just made my crew aware of it and they helped out with letting coastal gain access and the RCMP gain access to the forestry service roads.”

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the Canadian Coast Guard responded to the crash, as did the Nootka Sound RCMP with a police boat.

On June 21 a team of investigators from the Transportation Safety Board headed to the scene to determine the cause of the cras. The aircraft involved is a privately owned Quest Kodiak 100 that is not operated by an airline company, said the TSB. It crashed on the land.

“The RCMP is working alongside the Transportation Safety Board and the BC Coroners Service to determine the cause of this incident,” stated the police. “We are asking anyone with information to contact the Nootka Sound RCMP at 250283-2227.”

Lilly Woodbury photo

This spring a dock with polystyrene floats washed up on a Vargas Island beach at Kelsmaht inAhousaht First Nation territory. Surfrider removed the dock and its pieces in late May. ington State recently passed a bill to ban the use of foam in Washington waters.

“The House has recognized that [expanded polystyrene] can have harmful effects on the marine environment, and it is critical we stop pollution at its source,” Blaney wrote. “Our nearest neighbours have taken action on removing foam from their waters, which raises the ques-

tion of why Canada has not taken action and, further, has no intention of taking action.”

She went on to say that there are readily available Canadian products, including two sources in British Columbia, that could replace the foam-containing structures that are much safer for Canada’s waters.

Quest Kodiak 100

Food banks run smoothly despite Highway 4 closure

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberni, BC - Despite more than two weeks with only a detour route available for traffic coming to the west coast of Vancouver Island, theAlberni Valley SalvationArmy was doing just fine providing meals to those in need.

The local SalvationArmy branch operates the Bread of Life soup kitchen and provides food hampers through their food bank.

Although supplies are well-stocked now, Lisa George, director of community resources with the SalvationArmy, said there was a degree of worry during the first few days of the Highway 4 closure. Highway 4 was shut down between Koen Road and Cathedral Grove June 6-24 due to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. The stretch of highway reopened to single-lane alternating traffic by the June 24 weekend.

“SalvationArmy is the food bank as well as we feed at the Bread of Life, over 700 meals a day go out of there. With nothing coming in for the first few days… we really had to improvise and think ahead,” George said. “We weren’t getting the donations from the grocery stores either because people were mass buying at the beginning.”

George said in the first couple of days before the convoys were scheduled on the detour route into PortAlberni, the SalvationArmy was running low on supplies, but since then they’ve been pretty much back to normal.

“Our supplies are coming back in. Sysco’s been able to make it over with a lot of our large amount stuff for Bread of Life,” George said before the highway reopened. “It’s starting to pick back up. We really have to thank everybody in the community that was willing to give what they had as well. We had a local farmer donate 15 dozen eggs one day.”

George said local supplier Circle Dairy

has been helpful with recommending where to find items that have run out and Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, a BC food bank supplier, sent a truck to Port Alberni on the first day of the convoy with a large delivery on non-perishable items.

“We worked together really strongly to figure out what we were going to do to keep going,” George said. “It was a little scary at the beginning but it’s just getting better and better.”

George added that thanks to public donations, the SalvationArmy could still provide individuals with food hampers and no one went without.

With the influx of donations and supplies from Loaves & Fishes, George was even able to travel to the west coast to

deliver extra food items to the Food Bank on the Edge that services the communities of Ucluelet, Tofino,Area C, Hitacu, Opitsaht, Esowista,Ahousaht, Hesquiaht and Toquaht.

“They brought us some supplies last Friday which was great because they got a bunch and needed space so that was much appreciated,” said Cris Martin, president

of Food Bank on the Edge.

Martin said the food bank, which provides clients with monthly food hampers, hasn’t had any major supply shortages since the detour has opened.

“We really didn’t lose anything in terms of supplies or our ability to get supplies,” Martin said. “We have a lot of food here.”

After an initial shortage during panic buying, services went undisrupted due to donations and detour convoys

Karly Blats photo

The Bread of Life was still able to serve their many clients daily meals thanks to a detour route and scheduled convoys into PortAlberni.

Bus offers $5 fares from Port Alberni to west coast

Highway closures stops service on June 6, but buses resumed with cheaper trips from PA to Tofino or Ucluelet

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

West Coast Vancouver Island – Islandlink has resumed bus service between PortAlberni and Tofino or Ucluelet following a short interruption due to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire, which forced the closure of Highway 4 since June 6.

“We were forced to suspend service on June 8 due to the Cameron Lake fire road closure, cutting off Nanaimo, but now realize the people on the Coast also require local services,” says Phillip Morgan, owner of Islandlink and TofinoExpressBus. “For them, the closure has gone on too long already, so today we have re-started those services.”

Bus service between PortAlberni and Tofino/Ucluelet resumed June 13. Service between PortAlberni and Nanaimo restarted when Highway 4 re-opened, which the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure allowed on the weekend of June 24.

Islandlink and TofinoExpressBus are now offering $5 fares for passengers.

“Effective June 14, we are slashing the bus fares between PortAlberni, Ucluelet and Tofino to $5 one way when booked online, on our website,” said Morgan. He cited many reasons for offering the special fare.

“We can see that west coast residents have been dealt a pretty bad hand with respect to satisfying their transportation needs over the past two to three years, first with COVID and now with a road closure 150 kilometres away,” said Morgan. “TofinoExpressBus.com intends to do something about it,”

The lower rate will enable more people to become familiar with TofinoExpressBus and to encourage more people to use the bus. In addition, Morgan says, with the lower rate, more people can affordably take day trips from PortAlberni to Ucluelet and Tofino.

Morgan says the online special rate will

For two and a half weeks the Cameron Bluffs wildfire isolated Vancouver Island communities west of Cameron Lake, but IslandLink encouraged travel in the region with cheaper fares. be in effect, daily, at least until October but could go longer.At this special rate, passengers are encouraged to reserve their seats online at least one day ahead of travel.

“Tofino Express Bus is committed to West Coast service long term,” Morgan stated.

Islandlink’s PortAlberni to Nanaimo route has been affected by the wildfire.

“Our PortAlberni - Nanaimo trips and our bus routes between Nanaimo and Ucluelet/Tofino will start again as soon as the road is re-opened at Cameron Lake,” said Morgan when the highway was still closed.

The bus departs PortAlberni daily at 7:30 a.m., arrives Ucluelet at 8:55 a.m. and is in Tofino by 9:45 a.m. The return bus departs Tofino at 3:30 p.m., Ucluelet

at 4:15pm and arrives back in PortAlberni at 5:50 p.m. TofinoExpressBus uses a 24-seat bus for this service.

For information on fares, schedules and availability, and to make or cancel bookings visit the TofinoExpressBus website at www.TofinoExpressBus.com or IslandLink website at www.IslandLinkBus.com Bookings can be made until midnight on the day before travel.

IslandLink photo

Businesses hope for tourism rebound as road reopens

The province has changed its language regarding the reopened Highway 4 being for essential transport only

By Eric Plummer HaShilth-Sa Editor

Tofino, BC -After years of travel delays from the Kennedy Hill project, Tofino businesses had just gotten accustomed to an uninterrupted highway passage to their west coast town this spring, when the Cameron Bluffs wildfire hindered tourism to the destination.

The cliffside straightening and widening of the section of Highway by Kennedy Lake went millions of dollars over budget, but was finally completed this spring after more than five years of construction and blasting. But as the resort town’s businesses were gearing up with staff and inventory for what was expected to be their recovery season, a forest fire emerged east on Vancouver Island by Cameron Lake, shutting off highway access to PortAlberni and Clayoquot Sound as of June 6.

“This is really our runway summer that we saw as being able to bring some of these businesses back into positives,” said Laura McDonald, president of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone is doing their best, but it’s a very difficult time.”

In June the Best Western Tin Wis Resort, which is owned by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, would normally have an 85 per cent occupancy rate, but this has dropped to less than 30 since Highway 4 was closed at Cameron Lake. General Manager Jared Beaton saw the change on the first day of the highway shutdown.

“We went from an evening that was scheduled to be 95 per cent occupancy, and we dropped down to 32 the day of the road closures. It’s been the same ever since,” he said, noting the tourism slowdown brought on during the pandemic when people were discouraged from travelling outside their community. “It’s COVID all over again.”

As the co-owner of the House of Himwitsa gallery, fish store and lodge, Cathy George has seen Tofino’s ups and downs over the business’33 years of operations. This latest slowdown also reminds her of the pandemic that local businesses are still recovering from.

“It’s extremely slow,” she said. “It reminds me a lot of when COVID hit, it just got really, really quiet. But we’re finding enough to keep our staff busy.”

As employees engage in maintenance duties to prepare the business for when things will pick up again, the lodge has faced a succession of cancellations in the month before municipal taxes are due.

“We lost all of our June bookings, that was quite an impact to us, especially with tax season coming up really quickly,” said George. “We depend on those dollars to make sure that we cover our taxes.”

Business was slow for Lewis and Cathy George, owners of the House

did continue to see customers from Europe and the United

during the slow time.

The day after Highway 4 was closed a detour route was set via logging roads from Lake Cowichan to PortAlberni, a bumpy and dusty passage expected to add an extra four hours of travel time from the usual highway. But this route is designated for essential travel only, a route intended for the movement fuel and provisions to PortAlberni and the region’s west coast communities.

McDonald has found the province to be unwilling to move from this stance during recent conversations.

“The government has deemed it for essential travel only,” she said. “We did try to discuss with them a possible change in that language, but they’re pretty adamant - and I think for good reason. We also want to be respectful of the road through our First Nation communities, there is also fire risk through there.”

Even so, some travelers have braved the detour route to proceed with their plans for Tofino and other west coast destinations.

“There’s the odd person that is coming through, they’ll take the highway,” said Beaton. “It depends on where they’re from, if they’re from out of province and they’re used to these types of roads, it’s no problem for them.”

“The challenge that we’re now facing is that the RCMP are allegedly starting to turn people away saying that it’s not deemed essential travel,” he added.

VANCOUVER ISLAND WESTSCHOOL DISTRICT 84 invites applications for:

DISTRICT CARPENTER and COMPUTER TECHNICIAN 2

These are full-time positions with full benefits and pro-d support. Carpenter - $38.05/hour; Computer Tech 2 - $29.31/hour For information, please visit https://sd84.bc.ca/about-sd84/employment-opportunities/ or contact Deane Johnson, Operations Supervisor, at djohnson@viw.sd84.bc.ca or 250-504-0614. Resumes to amcdowell@viw.sd84.bc.ca.

Applications are considered as soon as they are received.

This could not be confirmed with the RCMP, but McDonald notes that uncertainty continues on who exactly has the right to use the detour route.

“The language has been evolving as the situation has been evolving,” she said. “It sounds like prepared travelers are accessing the area.”

Others are flying into the nearby Long BeachAirport. HarbourAir and Pacific Coastal have increased their daily flights from one to two, three of four, said McDonald.

“I know that Central MountainAir is trying hard to get more aircrafts out this way to assist in accommodating, but it will never be anything close to what is needed,” added Beaton.

This is the first season forAhousAdventures, a tour operator recently bought by theAhousaht First Nation.Ahous opened on May 15, three weeks before the highway shut off most of Tofino’s tourist traffic, offering whale and bear watching tours in Clayorquot Sound, as well as day trips to Hot Springs Cove.

“We still have trips going out daily, we’re very fortunate to have strong walkin business right now,” said Brent Baker, the operation’s assistant general manager. “We are a new operation, so we’re taking it day by day.”

Like other Tofino businesses,Ahous Adventures has had cancellations due to the highway shutdown, but most customers are still arriving by road despite the difficulty of the detour route.

“We have experienced some cancellations, but at this point we still have a flow of people coming through the doors, and our staff are working extra hard to make the very most of every opportunity we have to show somebody the west coast,” said Baker.

After businesses prepared for maximum traffic at the beginning of the summer, the highway closure has resulted in layoffs.

Many people who are temporarily out of work during the slowdown are having difficulty getting assistance from employment insurance.

“We’re also struggling with layoffs, the EI program really doesn’t work for these types of situations,” said McDonald.

“The businesses were ready and looking for a strong tourist season. This is not how they wanted the season to kick off, but difficult choices do need to get made in these circumstances, and layoffs is unfortunately one of them.”

So far, the province has focused on providing resources to fight the Cameron Bluffs wildfire and making the highway along Cameron Lake safe to use again for its planned reopening June 24, while ensuring that essential supplies get through on the detour route. During a press conference on Tuesday, June 13 Rob Flemming, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, responded to questions about the highway shutdown’s effect on tourism.

“We’ll do our best, as we have doing, to get all of the goods and materials and suppliers and contractors to those communities to prepare a tourism season that still lies ahead of us - and to make sure that they have all the accurate information to plan for the reopening of the highway,” he said.

“The conversations have begun,” said McDonald about support from the province for west coast businesses.

When the highway reopening was first announced, the plan for a single-lane alternating passage along Cameron Lake was described as being for essential travel only, but this language has since been changed, noted McDonald.

“We were very excited to see the clarification around the non-essential travel not applying to the single-lane situation on Highway 4 on June 24,” she said. “It will be open to anyone on June 24.”

Melissa Renwick photo

of Himwitsa, during the highway shutdown, but they

States.AhousAdventures (below) did serve walk in customers

c^axtakakah†n`aas†%uyi†is the theme for Aboriginal day

Port Alberni celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with events at the friendship centre and Somass park

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

PortAlberni, BC – National Indigenous Peoples’festivities resumed in PortAlberni after an interruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic and people showed up in droves at both the Port Alberni Friendship Center and for a day of fun hosted by the people of Tseshaht at their park next to the cuumaʕas (Somass) River.

On June 21 the PortAlberni Friendship Center opened their doors to the public at 11 a.m., offering up music, face painting, cotton candy and a free lunch featuring sockeye salmon.

Indoors guests were treated to a dance and story-telling presentation by the Robinson family of Tseshaht. Narrated by Jessica Sault, the presentation featured Nuu-chah-nulth beliefs, culture and teachings that are still observed by many to this day.

Over by the cuumaʕas River, the Ts’ishaa7ath (Tseshaht) hosted an open event, offering fun and feasting in the sun. Their theme was čaxtakakah naas ʔuyi – meaning the day brings me joy.

They offered up barbecue salmon, fresh sockeye that had been caught in the river that morning. Lunch was served with salads, hot dogs and hamburgers.

Children played in the river and on the lawn as the adults socialized in the shade. Children were treated to free cotton candy and popcorn.

Denise Titian photos

Over by the cuumaʕas River, the Ts’ishaa7ath (Tseshaht) hosted an open event for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, offering fun and feasting in the sun.At the PortAlberni Friendship Center (below right) guests were treated to a dance and story-telling presentation by the Robinson family of Tseshaht.

Ahous Adventures marks first season with celebration

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tofino, BC - National Indigenous Peoples Day also marked the grand opening forAhousAdventures, an eco-cultural tour company that offers whale watching, bear watching, and the hot springs tour through the lens ofAhousaht nation.

On June 21 the day started early in Tofino, which is in the territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Before guests arrived, boats were blessed, shared Ahousaht Tyee Ḥaẁilth Maquinna Lewis George.After, at theAhousAdventures office, a ceremony was held where staff were brushed and when it was time to cleanse the floor, guests were asked to move outside.

Outside the office, the youngest Ahousaht child was tasked with cutting the cedar bark ribbon, and later, when the celebration moved to Industrial Way, elders were tasked with cutting the cedar bark ribbon.

“Right from the youngest person inAhousaht, to the oldest person in Ahousaht cutting that cedar bark,” said Maquinna.

Maquinna explained that it was important to cherish the children and elders of Ahousaht during the ceremony.

“Sooner or later, those children that are singing and… performing, are going to be grown up and they’re going to need jobs,” said Maquinna. “This is the idea of whatAhousAdventures is.”

Savannah George (Whʔaala) is front desk supervisor atAhousAdventures, and the granddaughter of the hereditary ha’wiih of Qwaatswiiaht. She found it uplifting to see the support of those who gathered to celebrate the official opening forAhousAdventures.

“It’s good to know that all of our people do stand behind us,” she said.

George shared thatAhousAdventures tours offer a perspective that is woven with stories ofAhousaht and Nuu-chahnulth language.

“Along the tours we talk about our traditional territory, we acknowledge the different namesake that the territories hold, [and] we’re able to offer the language,” she said. “When we’re showing whales and bears… we’re able to convert it into Nuu-chah-nulth for people.”

For example, rather than just taking note

On June 21Ahousaht members celebrated the grand opening ofAhousAdventures with performances on Industrial Way in Tofino.

of sea otters sightings,AhousAdventures tours share the significance of how these animals have affectedAhousaht, said George. Meanwhile stories from prior to contact with Europeans are shared, she added.

“The tourism sector in Tofino… our nation has been historically marginalized from,” said TysonAtleo (Ikaatius), hereditary representative ofAhousaht. “It’s important to celebrate our new venture as it’s going to create opportunities for our people to participate in that sector.”

“And not only participate, but to lead and to invite people into our territories and have them recognize who we are as theAhousaht Nation,” he continued.

Atleo is looking forward to seeing Ahousaht members fill the employment positions thatAhousAdventures creates.

“Whether that’s in marine mechanics, or in boat driving and guiding, or front of house/front office,” saidAtleo. “I have aspirations to help create these opportunities for our people to take on those

general manager or CEO roles in organizations like this.”

Eugene Stewart of Tla-o-qui-aht is a tour guide withAhousAdventures.A professional guide for 21 years, Stewart is living his dream job with the opportunity to be on the water everyday on his traditional territory.

“Just to see that reaction on the guest’s face,” he said. “It could be just a harbor seal in my world, but to somebody who came halfway around the world just to see that animal, [it] really uplifts your spirit.”

Stewart is currently training two Ahousaht members, David Frank and Marshall Richard Thomas.

“AhousAdventures means recognition of the rights and responsibility of our people,” saidAtleo. “It’s a historical right and responsibility that we’ve had, always, to invite people into our territories, to welcome them, to feed them, and show them who we are.”

After lunch was held along Industrial Way, the youth performed songs and dances to conclude the day’s festivities.

Venture pledges to set new path for Ahousaht members, after being ‘marginalized’ by Tofino’s surging tourism

Alexandra Mehl photos

Ucluelet Secondary celebrates seismic renovations

Three years after beginning construction, USS gathers June 21 with a school ‘adorned’ with Nuu-chah-nulth art

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ucluelet, BC - It has been a long time coming for students and community members along Vancouver Island’s west coast to see Ucluelet Secondary School renovations come to completion with a facility that is now seismically safe. With an overcast sky, and the smell of west coast air, a crowd mustered outside the newly constructed USS building in anticipation for their grand opening on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Ucluelet Secondary has been under construction since May 19, 2020. Students and staff now have access to a new music room, library, administration offices, classrooms with space for 250 students, and a neighborhood learning center, reads a statement from the Ministry of Education and Childcare.

The morning began when USS Principal Drew Ryan spoke to the crowd and welcomed to the stage Tim Davie, superintendent of schools for SD 70, who did a land acknowledgment.

Jeneva Touchie (Huḥtik), welcomed the day with a cheer for all of theAboriginal students on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Davie blanketed and acknowledged Nuu-chah-nulth families who had recently experienced losses.

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ teens were then invited up to sing their welcome song to their guests.

“To see this beautiful building here, and the art that adorns the walls is a constant reminder of our place as Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and First Nations within our territory,” said Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ President Charles McCarthy to the crowd. “I believe it’s an acknowledgement of whose territory you really are on.”

For Iris Frank (hakumʔaał), Tla-o-quiaht education manager, it was important to see the school be “Indigenized” to create a safe space for students and community to gather.

“For Tla-o-qui-aht, art is just a piece of who we are - it’s a piece of our culture,” said Frank in an interview with HaShilth-Sa. “Our language, our art, our dancing, our teachings, are all part of our culture so being able to see a piece of art, for me, it touches my heart.”

Frank notes that this is a beginning.

“One of the biggest messages I wanted to give [the students] first is that they

belong at this school, we belong here as Indigenous people, as Tla-o-qui-aht people,” said Frank as she spoke to the guests. “I’m really grateful that the elementary school came because they will belong here as well.”

Marika Swan, in collaboration with students, artists, and elders, led the installation of Nuu-chah-nulth artwork, as art continues to be installed throughout the school.

The first installation, detailed on the entrance of the school, was created by Yaaʔałʔat Jackelyn Williams of Tseshaht and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ in collaboration with Rose Wilson of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.

Tla-o-qui-aht singers and dancers took to the stage, which then followed speakers such as Toquaht Hereditary Chief Anne Mack, and Lisa Morgan, director of Community Services for Toquaht, Les Doiron, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council vice-president, and Pam Craig, chair of the Board of Education for SD 70.

The čiinuł (totem), carved by Cliff George with the help of previous students of USS, originally stood in front

of school gymnasium. The čiinuł was unveiled in its new location in front of the school.

Hjalmer Wenstob, a previous student of USS who had worked on carving the čiinuł in years prior, spoke on behalf of elder, Richard Mundy, who shared that the čiinuł was now in the right place. Wenstob, with others, then blessed the pole.

“The eagle on top reminds him of our mothers who wanted to give life [and] also the ones that wrapped their wings around us,” Wenstob shared. “Our bear who looks after its family - this is your

home; this is your family so look after each other while you’re here.”

“And the whale, when you travel, when you go to new schools, when you come to this school, when you leave home, it’s still here for you when you come back,” he added.

George shared that each figure has a handprint carved into it, which belongs to the student who carved it.

As Wickaninnish Elementary School sang and danced to Tim Masso’s language song, the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held.

Phrase†of†the†week:†+uupaa%a>%iš††+uupic^@aqkin†T’uuh=maaq’ak†%ink%i†+u>@h=ap%ic^†%inkqwah=s%i

Pronounced ‘Clu pa alt ish clu beach ugk kin Too ma ha k ink i clu ha up inkqwas’, it means ‘Our summer is so hot! Dangerous fires all over, please be careful around fires!’Supplied by ciisma.

Photos by Alexandra Mehl

The unveiling of čiinuł (totem), carved by Cliff George, which stood previously at the old Ucluelet Secondary School, was reinstalled at the new school to celebrate the grand opening.

Illustration by Ivy Cargill- Martin

From struggle to triumph in pursuing Indigenous law

Mercediese Dawson follows her heart through a 10-year academic journey to complete the new UVic program

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On June 15, Mercediese Dawson of Ditidaht walked the stage, marking the completion of her four years in the Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders joint degree program at the University of Victoria. The joint degree is the world’s first degree program to combine Canadian common law and Indigenous law. Her 10-year journey through academia was, as her mother Karen Mack said, a struggle through to triumph. Dawson is in the second class to complete the joint degree program at UVic.

Dawson grew up first in Campbell River then in PortAlberni, where she attended Haahuupayak elementary. She then moved to Nitinaht Lake, and graduated from the Ditidaht Community School in 2008.

In 2013 Dawson started at Camosun College in the Indigenous College Prep Certificate program, at a time in her life when she didn’t know what she wanted to do. She relocated to Victoria, moving in with her aunt who, at the time, she hardly knew.

“I don’t think I would be at this stage if I didn’t have that family to take me in and support me when I first started my journey,” she said.

Reflecting on the Indigenous College Prep certificate program, Dawson said it introduced her to Indigenous studies, delving into the history of First Nations people, residential schools, the sixties scoop, and the IndianAct.

“Everything started coming together for me in that program,” she said.

After completing the certificate program, she got a diploma in arts and science at Camosun. Dawson then found herself following in the footsteps of her father, heading into a Bachelor of Social Work Indigenous specialization program at UVic.

With UVic as her top choice, she applied to roughly five different schools, doubting that she would get in.

“I really didn’t believe that I was going to get in anywhere,” Dawson said. First hearing from UVic, all of the other schools followed suit sending their acceptances into programs.

“That program really helped with my healing journey,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to a lot of things that I needed to work on as an individual, and… I gained this confidence.”

She completed the Bachelor of Social Work, Indigenous specialization program in 2019. The next pieces of the puzzle would fall perfectly in place for Dawson when the first year of the joint law degree program started at UVic only one

On

prior to her finishing her BSW, she shared.

Coulten Boushie and Tina Michelle Fontaine were cases that pushed Dawson forward in her pursuit of her law degree.

“Those are the big cases that came out that same year and it kind of drove me harder to want to get into law,” she said.

As she applied for the law program, in her statement of intent she wrote that, because of the healing nature of her BSW, she dedicated it to her grandparents and all the elders that went through the residential school system. Upon getting into law, she would dedicate the joint degrees to future generations and “to be a part of the change that’s so desperately needed within the justice system and Indigenous people,” she shared.

In her first year of law, as part of the course her final rounds of negotiations were held at the Mungo Martin House in Victoria, and in recognition of her skills, she was selected for an Indigenous Woman’s Scholarship going into her second year, she said.

The final day of her negotiations would mark the last time she would be with her cohort before the pandemic forced students to their new classroom; within their own homes and on their computers.

“COVID was the majority of my time

in law school and it was very hard to navigate because everything was online through Zoom,” she said. “Just learning in a completely different fashion was one of the greatest challenges.”

Another significant challenge that Dawson had to overcome, she said, occurred at the beginning of her third year, when she had an abortion.

“That was the most difficult time of my life,” she said. “I was very grateful to have so many supporters [and] so many people [who] would just pick me up when I was down.”

“I struggled a lot in social work, but the struggle probably got 10-times worse within the last four years where I continuously wanted to quit,” she said. “I’m really proud of not giving up.”

As she moves forward, Dawson will be relocating to Whitehorse at the end of July, where she will be completing her mandatory articling for a period of 10 months.After that, she plans to return to Vancouver Island, where she will do the

Professional Legal Training Course and Bar exam.

For Dawson, she said that when she got into UVic, she “knew that [she] had what it takes to be in those spaces.”

“I think a lot of the time, especially during law school, you feel, as an Indigenous woman, that you don’t belong in those spaces [and] that you’re not meant to take that space up,” she said. “One of my messages would be that we absolutely do. We belong [and] we deserve to be taking up spaces in these institutions.”

In sharing her story, Dawson hopes to inspire others to follow their heart and dreams.

“I found my voice in social work, and then it became a challenge to use my voice again in law school,” said Dawson. “But I think following, again, my heart, [and] knowing that I have all my ancestors behind me, my communities, my family; I think the strength in that was what kept me going.”

Best wishes on your future endeavours.

Submitted photo

June 15 Mercediese Dawson of Ditidaht marked the completion of her four years in the Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders joint degree program at the University of Victoria. year

Ucluelet Secondary art boosts youth empowerment

On June 21 USS introduced an installation of Nuu-chah-nulth vinyl work dressing the school’s front entrance

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ucluelet, BC -As Ucluelet Secondary School held its grand opening on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the doors and windows at the front entrance of the school were dressed in a vinyl installation of Nuu-chah-nulth art. The work was created by Yaaʔałʔat Jackelyn Williams of Tseshaht and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, in collaboration with and ƛiiłumqa Rose Wilson of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.

In September of 2022, Marika Swan of Tla-o-qui-aht, began working with the Ucluelet Secondary School to install Nuu-chah-nulth art throughout the building, which has undergone extensive seismic renovations in recent years.

The project includes a number of installations such as a display unit for student art, local art, and cultural material, the vinyl installation by Williams and Wilson, as well as a tapestry of cyanotype prints. These prints showcase a variety of material created by the students such as photography, land-based prints, and a design by Bayja Morgan-Banke, shared Swan.

“In September we hope to share a collection of Rose Wilson’s weaving work to share more about the richness of the grass weaving tradition with the school community,” wrote Swan in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa in reference to the display unit.

It was important for Swan that the art installations would be something community members are familiar with. With a community-engaged approach, Swan facilitated conversations among students, community members, elders, and teachers.

“When the people would come into the school, they would have some sense of what was chosen, and why it was chosen and what did it mean and also for the community to have some input,” said Swan.

Swan worked with an advisory committee that consisted of teachers, students,

The project includes a number of installations, such as a display unit for student art, local art and cultural material, the vinyl installation, as well as a tapestry of cyanotype prints. the project, said Swan.

and community members: Drew Ryan, Shannon McWhinney, Jeneva Touchie, Iris Frank, Caitlin Sam, and Koyah Morgan-Banke.

“I’ve been taught about the traditional role of Nuu-chah-nulth art is that it speaks to relationship,” said Swan. “It represents something.”

“Being a part of creating some Nuuchah-nulth art installations in the school is a wonderful opportunity to nurture relationships between the school and the surrounding communities that it’s connected to through the students,” she added.

As part of the process in creating the vinyl installation, elders and community members from Hitacu were invited to an open house at Ucluelet Secondary School where they could provide their input on

“Marika and I just did our rounds, and made sure to touch base with the community members and elders to see if they have ideas [and] if anything’s coming to mind after seeing the school and being introduced to the space,” said Williams. She notes that it was suggested to include a thunderbird and wolf in the project.

“Different symbologies to represent who we are and the land as well,” said Williams, reflecting on the elders’suggestions.

Wilson was present at the open house, and it was a natural collaboration for the two of them, shared Williams. The two sat together, creating the geometric basketry design incorporated into the thunderbird’s lightning border and the wave border, based on Wilsons’basketry, she said.

“I just sat with her and digitally rendered it to her satisfaction,” said Williams.

For Williams, the project reflects youth

empowerment, “encouraging them to know who they are, know that they’re not alone.”

“Inherently, you are a part of the land and the land is a part of you,” said Williams in reference to the moon and the wolves.

“The thunderbird, that’s the mystical… higher being that looks after us all,” she shared, noting its importance to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.

The pride flags included are to encourage students to “be who they are and your community loves you, accepts you, and believes in you,” said Williams. Other important elements in the piece include serpents and the forest, noted Williams.

“I don’t want people to be held down by oppression or systemic violence or neglect or anything like that,” she said. “I really want them to shine because they’re our future.”

“They deserve so much respect and love and encouragement,” she added.

Marika Swan photo

Maaqtusiis Secondary celebrates 2023 grads

graduate

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Ahousaht, BC – It was a beautiful sunny afternoon as crowds gathered at Maaqtusiis School Gym to celebrateAhousaht’s latest set of grade twelve graduates.

The graduates, all wearing woven cedar bark graduation caps, were introduced as they were escorted into the gym to the cheers of proud friends and family on Thursday, June 22.

PrincipalAli Herron congratulated Maaqtusiis High School’s Class of 2023. She recited a poem called Don’t Quit, by EdgarA. Guest, reminding them that sometimes life gets tough, things go wrong, but it’s important to keep moving forward, and never give up.

RebeccaAtleo,Ahousaht’s education director, also congratulated the class, saying it was a proud day for them and for their families gathered there to celebrate their success. She too reminded them that there will be obstacles faced in life, and that is when determination is called for.

“We have a graduate that really wanted it. Life sometimes gets in the way. She had five kids, but she was able to do it,” saidAtleo as congratulatedAriel Campbell on achieving her goal.

“It is never too late, you are never too old (to go back to school),”Atleo told the crowd.

The Honor Stole, given to the student scoring highest grades, was presented to Samara Swan, along with an award previously named Tawiinism Scholarship.

After the students received their diplomas and graduation gifts from the Ahousaht EducationAuthority, Samara Swan stood to make the valedictorian speech. She congratulated her fellow classmates, praising them for “getting it done”. She thanked all the teachers that got them through their school years, especially those in the past couple of years, for ensuring that the work they needed to do, got done.

Following the candle ceremony, Wally and Diane Thomas, parents of late Patrick

Thomas, presented the graduating class with t-shirts featuring a photo of the group when they were much younger.

With the ceremony over, the graduating class stood on the stage to toss their caps together in celebration.

The Maaqtusiis Secondary School’s class of 2023 areAriel Campbell, Julia Campbell, Ivander Charlie, Jordyn Charlie, Paris Little, Romey Frank-Sam, Gladys Sam, Kenyon Sam, Samara Swan.Aspecial seat was set aside for Patrick Thomas who passed away years before.Ayoung Ahousaht man, Patrick was honoured by the class of 2023 in what would have been his graduating year.

Ahousaht community celebrates Grade 7 class

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Maaqtusiis, BC – It’s a short walk from Ahousaht’s Maaqtusiis Elementary to the high school a little way down a hill, but it’s a giant leap for 21 Grade 7 students finishing up the year and looking forward to secondary studies.

The school gym was packed on Monday June 19 with proud family members cheering on the class as they made their way into the gym on the arms of their escorts. They entered one-by-one in procession as their names were announced to the cheering crowd.

After the final graduate was seated, the school’s students recited a prayer in the Ahousaht language, led by the seventhgrade class.

Several students were given awards for things like citizenship, most improved and best attendance.Award winners were Louie Frank, Louie Thomas, Rajon Sam, Lyle Clarke, Darryl Campbell, Chael John, and Devonne John.

Awards for arts went to Joy Hwang and Delilah Titian. Culture and language awards went to Gerard John and Chael John. Joy Hwang and Chael John also

won awards for their achievements in the foods class.

For outstanding achievement and academic excellence awards, Joy Hwang proudly accepted.

Sheldon Mack won the award for perfect attendance.

“I would like to wish them all the best in their next steps in their educational journey. I want them to remember to be kind, respectful and work hard in everything they do,” said PrincipalAndrea Frank.

Principal Frank went on to say that this graduating class is about as big as last year’s bunch of Grade 7 graduates. In the 2022/23 school year, there are 140 children attendingAhousaht’s elementary schools and 100 registered at the high school.

The Maaqtusiis Elementary School graduating class are: Blake Campbell, Darryl Campbell, Lyle Clarke, Eve Frank, Jacob Frank, Kaidence Frank, Louie Frank, Joy Hwang, Chael John, Devonne John, Gerard John,Alexa-Jade Lucas, Sheldon Mack-Sutherland, Rajon Sam, Cheveyo Seitcham, Kassi Swan, Andrew Thomas, Louie Thomas, Delilah Titian, Walter Titian,Adrianna ZeladaCampbell.

‘It is never too late, you are never too old,’ was the message, as student with five children perseveres to

Denise Titian photos

Samara Swan stands with family atAhousaht’s high school graduation on June 22. Nine graduates were recognised at the ceremony.

Denise Titian photo

On June 19 theAhousaht community on Flores Island recognized 21 students as they move on from Maaqtusiis Elementary School.

&Community Beyond

Pole Raising at Loon Lake

Saturday July 1, 2023

Loon Lake, PortAlberni

10:30am Please join Hupacasath First Nation and Mosaic Forests for a poleraising event at Loon Lake. Lunch and water will be provided.

2023 Northern Region Games

Friday June 30 – Monday

July 3rd, 2023

Zeballos

Northern Nuu-chah-nulth nations gathering for a community event.

Celebrate Clam Gardens with Huu-ay-aht First Nation

John Howi Elementary unveils new logo

By Eric Plummer Ha-shilth-Sa Editor

PortAlberni, BC -As the school year comes to a close, John Howitt Elementary unveiled its new logo, with a design created by a local Nuu-chah-nulth artist.

The logo was presented at the Port Alberni school on June 27, a brightly coloured design appearing as a mural before students and staff. The logo was created by Geena Haiyupis, who formerly worked as a Nuu-chah-nulth education worker at the school.

During the unveiling Principal Steve Brown explained that it was in early 2022 that the school decided a new design was needed.

“We wanted our logo to better reflect our Indigenous students and the Indigenous communities that we live, learn and play on,” he said.

Hundreds of ideas were gathered from students and staff, leading Haiyupis to list them in a computer spreadsheet to determine the most common themes. These were sent to the principal, with a raven and eagle as popular concepts.

“He said that those would be the most identifiable for territory, because they get a lot of ravens and eagles up there,” said Haiyupis in reference to the school’s surroundings.

She then made three designs, which went to John Howitt’s faculty.

“There was positive feedback for all of her designs, but one stood out, and it was the one that provided the most positive feedback from our staff,” explained Brown.

The end product presents an eagle, a raven, two welcome figures and trees over a creek. This illustrates the environment around the school, said Brown.

“On a lucky day in the fall you can see salmon returning up the creek,” he said. Within the design also lies John Howitt’s shield, which is already included in the uniforms of the school’s sports teams.

The logo also bears the rainbow colours

of a pride flag in reference to the school’s aspiration to foster acceptance among its students and surrounding community.

Haiyupis hopes that in the future the logo will encourage those at the school “to bring in more inclusivity, to make space for everybody.” This is particularly relevant forAboriginal youngsters, said Haiyupis, who brought forward students T.J. and Pedro Hernandez to recognize them for their role in painting the mural, an activity that took place every Thursday over several weeks at the school’s gym.

“The more we hold up our Indigenous youth, the stronger they will be,” said Haiyupis. “This is the way we beat the streets, by giving them their culture, their language, their traditions, their songs and dances.”

The artist reflected on how the school environment has changed over her life.

“We fought really hard for our culture and our traditions, everything that we have here today,” she said. “When I was a kid it wasn’t okay for us to be singing and dancing and learning language in school. It was really shunned. I actually pretended to be Spanish because I was so embarrassed to be First Nations.”

Monday July 03 –Wednesday July 05, 2023

Sarita Bay

Join us to restore one of Huu-ay-aht’s clam gardens and celebrate coastal seafoods! Rock Moving Tuesday July 4th at 7:00am and Wednesday July 5th at 8:00am. Work with Tom Joe, Huu-ay-aht

First Nations, and the Nuu-chah-nulth

Youth Warrior Family. Bring Gumboots, work gloves, water and a camping tent. Contact danielzayonc@gmail.com or hfnwarriors@gmail.com

Marcy Keitlah Memorial Potlatch

September 23, 2023

PortAlberni, BC

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

New design selected to be er reflect the school’s Indigenous students, and Port Alberni’s First Nations

Eric Plummer photo Geena Haiyupis stands before a logo she designed, as it was presented at John Howitt Elementary School on June 27 in PortAlberni.

Geena Haiyupis

President’s Message

Hello everyone.

Hoping you are enjoying some summer weather and getting in your fish for the winter.

It’s graduation time and I really congratulate all our Nuu-chah-nulth that are graduating from all levels of education and certifications. Sadly we had to put off our NTC graduation and scholarships ceremony due to the closure of Highway 4 into PortAlberni as we wanted all our grads to be able to attend and hold all of you up together. We will do it in October and we can celebrate in style at that time. The fire of note, then out of control fire on Cameron Bluffs above Cameron Lake, occupied a fair amount of my time this past 19 days. I was constantly on calls about the status of the fire and the road conditions and detour. The communication with the various provincial departments was very good and leaders were able to learn important information as well as bring up concerns and have questions answered. It was well coordinated. Important issues were to ensure that our eight nations from PortAlberni to Ucluelet and Tofino had enough fuel, food and other necessary supplies. It was also important to ensure the detour route was safe and monitor when the road would be on open. Josie Osborne, MLAfor this area, had regular calls and got answers to any questions we might have.

The fire continues to smolder - not open flames - and has been downgraded to a controlled fire. So the highway opened up on Friday to one lane alternating traffic and closed down a few hours later due to high winds. It did open again until around 7 a.m. Saturday to traffic. They think it will be single-lane traffic for up to two weeks as they monitor the fire and any debris falling. They hope by mid-July it will be normal traffic.

Issues like this fire open up many questions that need to be answered. Like when will PortAlberni get an alternative road out of town. This has been an important question being asked for over 30 years and the federal and provincial governments have not wanted to put the kind of money we need into that road. In these days of climate emergency they need to do this.

Also, how prepared are we for emergencies with supplies and an evacuation plan if we ever needed it?

I also think a lot about the destruction of habitat for elk, deer, bears and other animals, medicinal plants and other things. How do we deal with that? It was devastating watching the smoke come over Kuthkachu (Mt.Arrowsmith) and into the valley.

It was a long 18 days not being able to leave the valley except via an up-to-fourhour detour on bumpy, dusty and windy roads. Of course, members of Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht use those roads all the time, so we understand the toll those roads have on vehicles.

Other than that, I have been involved in clean energy. There will be a call for power in the spring so this is an opportunity for First Nations to build clean energy projects.A$140-million-dollar fund has been established to help offset the costs of clean energy if it is more than other power. The province is looking for big projects as well for 2028 when they need more power. Initiatives for transmission grids owned by First Nation companies are also being pursued.

I also attended the First Nation Summit meetings virtually. There were many issues discussed, but one dealing with

Métis and their claim to rights that infringe on First Nations rights was a topic and motion passed for governments to relook at the issue. There were also calls to not have government consult Métis on certain subjects as they do not have land and resources, etc.

Of course Summer Solstice happened on the same day as National Indigenous Peoples Day, many celebrate in different ways and took the time to educate nonIndigenous people on our rights, history and issues.

The federal government tabled in Parliament an action plan for implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.As you know UNDRIP recognizes many rights of Indigenous people, including the right of self determination, the right to our territories and of making decisions over our territorial lands and resources.

This action plan was done over two years. Originally the government had proposed three years, but First Nations across the country asked for two years as it is way past time for the government to be recognizing and implementing our rights. It was a quick turn around, but the action plan is in and it has a lot of broad, general principles. We find it lacking in fisheries and other things.

Nuu-chah-nulth put in a comprehensive paper of what we wanted and so far it looks like not a lot was included. The minister says it has to apply to all 633 First Nations and can’t be too specific. ‘But how does that help us?’I asked him. He really didn’t have an answer. We had a group of Nuu-chah-nulth gather to help make recommendations to the government on health, education, children and families. There were great discussions on what we need in our communities.

I attended the ceremony for Martha Martin, releasing her children Chantel and Mike’s ashes into the Somass River. Martha finally felt able to do that. It has been a hard three years for her as she has tried to find justice for her daughter.

You remember she was shot five times by a police officer in Edmundston, New Brunswick. There were never any charges against the officer and the only thing that came out of it was recommendations from an inquiry. It is hard to see the justice system work against our people and we still see work in making changes.

There are always many issues to work on, our rights to advocate for, and I always honoured to represent the Nuuchah-nulth

Cloy-e-iis

Judith Sayers

Spill response base now fully operational in PA

Port

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contibutor

PortAlberni, BC -After three years of construction, Western Canada Marine Response’s (WCMRC) new spill response base in PortAlberni is now fully operational.

The PortAlberni response base is now the primary spill response centre for spills on the west side of Vancouver Island, home to a warehouse, office and nine response vessels docked at new purposebuilt moorage at the Water Street Dock on Harbour Road. The base has created 20 new full-time jobs in the area.

“Another two vessels are forward stationed in Ucluelet. The two locations provide initial rapid response for western Vancouver Island,” said Michael Lowry, senior manager of communications with WCMRC.

Lowry said the base is part of a larger spill response enhancement to meet the needs of the Trans Mountain expansion project. This larger expansion doubles WCMRC’s capacity and cuts mandated response times in half in South Coast waters.As part of the larger expansion, a number of new bases have been constructed, the majority of which are located on Vancouver Island.

“Along with the other bases, PortAlberni provides capacity to support the delivery of equipment for a 2,500-tonne spill in the shipping lanes within six hours and has the capacity to support the delivery of equipment for a 20,000-tonne spill within 36 hours of activation,” Lowry said.

Lowry said the PortAlberni base has been involved in a couple of recent responses, including the Hocking Point spill on July 11,2022. This spill was caused when a 34-foot gill-netter, the Robert Brian, sunk off Hocking Point

Island

near Nahmint Bay inAlberni Inlet with an estimated 500 litres of diesel fuel aboard.

According to WCMRC, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) was first to respond and deployed 250 feet of boom establishing initial containment.

The Western Canada Marine Response’s PortAlberni base also responded to the incident, marking their third marine oil spill since the base came online.

The base was tasked to tend to the boom already deployed by the CCG, line the boom with sorbents and recover soiled sorbents. Responding to the scene were the 38-foot landing craft Nootka Sentinel and three crew, the 26-foot workboat Sentinel 32 and three crew and a 30foot boom skiff with 2,000 feet of boom and anchor kits to standby and only be deployed if needed.

On July 18,2022, the Coast Guard requested WCMRC remove the containment boom and leave one marker buoy to the anchor line for reference, ending the incident response, according to the marine response agency.

Another recent incident that the WCMRC was tasked to respond to was a fuel oil spill seeping from a shipwreck in Nootka Sound near Bligh Island. The operation began in December 2020.

Lowry said when crew members aren’t responding to spills, they train with local contractors and field test protection strategies as part of WCMRC’s Coastal Response Program

“We are so happy to be here and hope to be a positive addition in your community,” said Erik Bowkett, PortAlberni base operations manager. “I would like to acknowledge and thank locals for their patience and understanding while the base was constructed.”

Alberni facility is now the primary response centre for spills on the west side of Vancouver

Submitted photo

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation vessels sit in theAlberni Inlet in front of the new response base on Harbour Road.

Port Alberni musician releases debut hip hop album

Phoenix Gates cites Juice WRLD, Post Malone and Nirvana as his major musical influences while growing up

By Konnor Oliver Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberni, BC - For many of us, June 16 was just another Friday. But for Port Alberni’s Phoenix Gates, it was the first step of a brand new career that many dream of.

Gates, who grew up in PortAlberni and is a member of the Ditidaht First Nation, released his debut album across all major music streaming platforms. Titled “INFINITE,” its release has been a goal many years in the making.

“I started playing guitar when I was about 13. Sports didn’t interest me. Nothing else really interested me, music always got a hold of me. So that was my, my number one hobby,” explained Gates. Formerly focusing on rock and roll, “INFINITE” marks a shift in genre for Gates, as he switched to hip-hop for its release, following a new appreciation for more modern artists of the genre.

“I’ve always liked some of the old school hip hop stuff. But I never really jelled with modern hip hop until about 2019, late 2019. I don’t know, I think I just kind of started actually hearing and appreciating some of the modern hip hop of today and it really, really struck a chord with me,” says Gates. “I think at that time I was also looking for something new to listen to in music.And I think that just came by at the perfect time.And I’ve loved modern hip hop since then.”

Going along with that, Gates cites two

major influences as Juice WRLD and Post Malone. But he has not entirely left the world of rock in his past.

“Kurt Cobain is the one who really got me into music and Nirvana was like the biggest, the first biggest band that I was obsessed with growing up. So I would say that those are my top three influ-

ences.”

For inspiration, Gates aspires to capture the same energy of the songs he loves, always building on his existing love of music.

“Some of my best writing sessions come from listening to such a good song that I love,” said Gates. “And my songs never

really reflect the song that I listen to, to get that spark, but I think the passion shines through because in that feeling, in that moment, I’m like, ‘Man, I gotta make something because I, wanna make something as good as this song that I’m listening to that moves me so much’.”

One such song is track five, “WAITING ON YOU,” which Gates says was inspired by and written after listening to “Die For Me” by Post Malone, featuring Future and Halsey.

In the week since its release, Gates says the feedback he’s been getting has been largely positive. He says that two songs in particular have been standing out to listeners. One of which is extra special for Gates.

“The biggest ones so far are the opening track and the closing track. The opening track because, you know, you can’t really listen to a big body of work without listening to the intro.And the closing track features my best friend Madi Duncan,” he said. “To be able to do that was just a whole special thing.And I think we kind of really captured that feeling, that moment, that camaraderie and that track really well. I think that that’s the reason why it’s been resonating with some people so much.”

Gates says that while this may be just his first real step into the music business, it will not be the last, and he plans to release much more in the future.

“INFINITE” can be listened to on Spotify,Apple Music, or wherever you listen to your music.

Tla-o-qui-aht sees more businesses in Allies Program

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Tofino, BC – In their annual report, Tlao-qui-aht Tribal Parks states that voluntary participation in their Tribal Parks Allies programs is steadily increasing and they hope to reach their $1 million contribution goal before March 2024.

Launched in 2018, the Tribal ParksAllies Program is a voluntary certification system set up to charge a fee to businesses that operate within or benefit from Tla-o-qui-aht territory.

The Tla-o-qui-aht argue that their ha-wiih (hereditary chiefs) have, for generations, stewarded the ecosystem and resources, and that the First Nation’s people remain committed protecting their old growth forests and estuaries.

“These lands and waters are not only important to Tla-o-qui-aht and other Nuuchah-nulth peoples, they are also enormously important to Canadians,” states the annual report.

Calling the Tribal Parks a biodiversity hotspot, the Tla-o-qui-aht say the ecosystems they care for provide clean drinking water to the communities. With the largest intact old-growth coastal temperate rainforest remaining on Vancouver Island, the region has the ability to sequester over one million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

But Tla-o-qui-aht is faced with a pressing need to support its Tribal Parks staff, infrastructure and equipment as tourism adds even more of a burden on community resources in the summer. Under the authority of TFN Ha’wiih, Tribal Parks Guardians work to protect the integrity of the ecosystems in the Tribal Parks with a vision of saving it for the future generations of Tla-o-qui-aht and their culture.

Tourism in the region was worth $230 million in direct revenue in 2018, according to Tourism Tofino. In Clayoquot Sound, First Nations have been sidelined by the lucrative tourism industry while visitors stay and play in their front yards.

But views are changing as the world begins to appreciate the value of places like the Tribal Parks and the people that have been caring for them. The Tla-oqui-aht say their leadership and administration are supportive of tourism that is respectful of Indigenous rights, title, and self-determination.

“We believe that restructuring the tourism industry by placing equity and Indigenous rights at its foundation will strengthen the resurgence of Tla-o-quiaht language, culture, community well being, and stewardship for abundance,” they wrote in their annual report.

Tla-o-qui-aht envisioned a way to partner with local business to support one another in a mutually beneficial way. They developed the Tribal ParksAllies as a tool to educate tourism operators about their responsibility to uphold Indigenous rights and to lead the way to a more respectful and ethical business practice.

The Tla-o-qui-aht say they have benefitsharing agreements with other commercial sectors operating in their territories, like the logging and fishing industries. But there was nothing for tourism.

Citing landmark cases like the Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, which affirmedAboriginal rights and title, along with recent federal and provincial legislation which also affirms the same, Tla-o-qui-aht is urging local businesses to join the Tribal ParksAllies program, to help them protect and restore their lands – the lands tourism businesses rely on to attract visitors.

In 2019 Tribal ParksAllies program was launched, with four businesses making a total contribution of $3,750. Every year the number ofAllies grew, adding anywhere from 22 to 42 each year. In 2022, theAllies contributed a total of $277,260 to the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks program.

After being featured in National Geographic Magazine in 2022 with respect to NorthAmerican Indigenous stewardship traditions, Tourism Tofino offered to feature Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in their destination marketing.

Other federal and provincial government organizations stepped up with funding for various endeavors of the Tribal Park Guardians. Funds were used to support

staffing, dock replacement, equipment, signage, and programs.

Funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada allowed Tla-o-qui-aht to introduce the naaʔuu interpretive dinner event series, which offered a dinner at Tin wis Best Western Resort followed by an interpretive performance telling history from the Tla-o-qui-aht perspective. This event raised $60,024 in gross ticket sales and $13,430 in art sales.

Tla-o-qui-aht is working to recruit new Tribal ParksAllies to join the 120 already participating. Today, ally contributions amount to $711,175 annually. Tla-o-quiaht hopes to hit their contribution target of $1 million before March 2024.

Lisa Duncan photo

Phoenix Gates of the Ditidaht First Nation has recently released INFINITE, an album available on streaming platforms.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation photo ATla-o-qui-aht First Nation dancer performs at Tin Wis in Tofino.