Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper October 19, 2023

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 50 - No. 20—October 19, 2023 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Major upgrade makes Bamfield road safer Almost 300,000 cubic metres of gravel was taken from the region to build a safer road passage to Barkley Sound

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Anacla, BC - After three years of work, decades of lobbying and multiple traffic fatalities the Bamfield road has been upgraded, offering a newly surfaced, safer passage to the Barkley Sound community.

The 77-kilometre project was completed in early October, bringing a smoother, more reliable road from Port Alberni to Bamfield and the Huu-ay-aht village of Anacla that can now be used by normal cars. On Oct. 10 the Huu-ay-aht hosted a celebration marking the completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project, a major infrastructure upgrade that is expected to open up the coastal region to tourism, while giving the First Nation’s citizens more reason to move to their home territory.

“This is an amazing day,” said Chief Councillor John Jack. “A transformation, another step in really developing our community and our lands into something that diversifies us into things that aren’t just natural resource based. This is something that can form the basis of a new type of economy for the area.”

Bamfield main has long carried a washboard-style reputation, giving travellers suspension-busting potholes in the rainy winter and blinding dust in the dry summer months. Now the road is entirely chip-sealed, an alternative to paving that uses an asphalt emulsion, resulting in a durable surface that tires easily grip to – even during heavy rains that hit the road on the day of the celebration.

The road has also been built up for a safer route, using almost 300,000 cubic metres of gravel that was all mined from pits and stock piles in the region. This is enough to cover a CFL-sized football field, with the gravel piled up 126 feet high, said Project Manager Kevin Gordon of Parsons Corp.

All of the gravel was produced by a Huu-ay-aht-owned company.

“We realized that was an issue, no gravel, so they came on board early, they produced all the gravel with no profit,” said Gordon.

Over 300 culverts were replaced or repaired over the stretch of Bamfield Main, extensive work that proved to be the biggest surprise for Gordon over the course of the project.

“Just fixing the drainage made a significant difference to the road,” he said.

By May of this year the gravel had been placed, enabling crews to begin the chip sealing on July 22. Almost four million litres of emulsion was used for

Eric Plummer photo

Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack, left, cuts a cedar rope across the end of Bamfield Main with former Mid IslandPacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser and the Huu-ay-aht’s previous chief councillor Robert Dennis Sr. On Sept. 30 a celebration was held at the southern end of the road to mark the completion of a major upgrade that was decades in the making. the seal coats, which was first sprayed on the gravel surface, followed by 1.36 kilograms of rock chips spread over each cubic metre.

“They put on this thick layer of the emulsion, and then they lay the chip on it,” explained Gordon. “The emulsion actually draws the chips into it as it cools.”

The first layer was allowed 24 hours to dry before another was round of emulsion was sprayed on the road. The result is a chip seal surface approximately two inches thick, although more layers were put down in some parts.

“There’s three and four in some areas near the bridges,” said Gordon of the surface. “The bridges are an issue because it’s a transition.”

The road surfacing began halfway down at kilometre 36, as throughout the summer the upper half of Bamfield Main served as a detour route for Highway 4.

This major route suffered ongoing delays and closures by Cameron Lake from a forest fire that started in early June.

The province cautioned travellers to use the detour route for essential trips only, but the rough passage has been a part of everyday life for residents of Bamfield, Anacla and Nitinaht Lake, the Ditidaht First Nation’s main reserve that is reached by driving the first half of Bam-

Inside this issue...

Consultation needed for mineral claims.........................Page 3 Victoria prepares for emergancy shelter space...............Page 6 2023 Graduates photo spread...................................Pages 8&9 Nuu-chah-nulth scholarship winners............................Page 11 Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’les7et’h’ businesses awarded......Page 15

field Main before branching eastward.

Since it opened in the early 1970s at least nine Huu-ay-aht members have died on the road, including the late Tyee Ha’wilth Art Peters. Lobbying was ongoing, and in the 1990s the First Nation formed a tourism committee that identified the critical importance of upgrading the route.

Although the road was the Huu-ay-aht’s No. 1 priority for “many, many years,” recalled former chief councillor Robert Dennis Sr., the provincial government didn’t appear to give Bamfield Main serious consideration.

“The request for assistance and support did not gain much traction over the years,” said Bob Beckett, Bamfield’s director on the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

This all changed on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. That evening a bus was headed to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, carrying 45 students and two teaching assistants from the University of Victoria.

While driving in the dark on a wet night, the vehicle hit a soft shoulder, veering off the road to roll down an embankment.

Two 18-year-old students lost their lives in the crash.

By November former premier John Horgan travelled on the road to meet representatives in Anacla, giving a commit-

ment to improve the passage. Preliminary studies and surveys began the next year, followed by designs and geotechnical investigations in 2021. Then construction started in June 2022, raising the surface to prevent flooding, with metal barriers installed at certain locations and hydro poles moved if necessary for the road’s widening.

The project was originally budgeted at $30.7 million, with the province putting forth $25.7 million, and the Hu-ay-aht funding the rest. But costs went over budget, tasking the First Nation to find the necessary funds to complete construction.

“The project ended up costing a lot more than we budgeted for,” said Dennis.

He noted that the Huu-ay-aht began “knocking on doors” last May, and

by July it was clear that the necessary finances would be available. A final cost has not been announced, but in 2023 the province contributed another $10 million, according to a Huu-ay-aht press release.

“It was a difficult past of getting beyond why we can’t do it, and moving to a priority of how we’re going to do it,” explained Dennis. “We can’t have an unsafe road. We’re a major part of the British Columbia community.”

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

Continued on page 2.

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

Family urges cyclists to use helmets after fatal crash Grieving family spreads message after young father is lost in a fatal bicycle collision one night in Port Alberni

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – It was a quiet, ordinary Sunday evening on September 17, when Maverick Marshall, 33, of Ditidaht, hopped on his bicycle after visiting The Bread of Life on Third Avenue in Port Alberni. It was something the experienced cyclist had done many times before.

But something went wrong barely two blocks away as Marshall headed down the Third Avenue hill. According to a family member, he somehow lost control of his bike and careened over his handlebars. He struck a utility pole headfirst. He wasn’t wearing a safety helmet.

“Our cousin and his wife happened to be driving by right after it happened and they were able to stay with him the whole time,” Jodie Eaton told Ha-Shilth-Sa. She said her cousin was not conscious.

“The impact was so severe, the trauma, he died almost instantly,” she added.

Eaton shared that Marshall had been homeless for about four months and would access free services, like the food at Bread of Life and other services in the Third and Fourth Avenue neighborhood.

It was about 10:00 in the evening when he left the Bread of Life.

Eaton grew up with her cousins, learning to ride bicycles from a young age.

“We grew up always being told to wear our helmets, elbow and knee pads, we learned about safety, and so it was quite the shock when we found out what happened to him,” said Eaton.

As the family gathered to grieve their sudden loss, visitors poured in to offer support and condolences. Two of those visitors were from Haahuupayak, the Tseshaht school Maverick attended as a child.

Principal Nancy Logan and Nuu-chahnulth Studies Assistant Trevor Little vowed to the family that they would make bicycle safety a priority with Haahuupayak students.

According to Logan, the Marshall family wanted Haahuupayak to use their family name and to share the importance of safety and wearing bicycle helmets with the students.

“We shared the Marshall family message with all the Haahuupayak students and also with the families looking for donations of helmets for the students,” said Logan.

Denise Titian photo

Maverick Marshall died in Port Alberni on the evening of Sept.17 after leaving the Bread of Life on his bicycle. On the Third Avenue hill he lost control and fatally hit a pole, according to his family.

At a recent Haahupayak open house the message was shared again and a table was set up for donated helmets.

“We were able to share about 15 helmets with students that needed them,” said Logan.

“We let students know that we value the safety of all our students,” she added.

“All students needed to be wearing a helmet on school grounds and [we] greatly encourage students to value their own safety and wear helmets when riding bikes, scooters or skateboards at all times.”

Trevor Little has connected with the local RCMP. The police will be coming to the school later in October for the Bike Rodeo program, according to Principal Logan. That is a bicycle safety program usually held ahead of Halloween.

According to ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), cyclists are required by law to wear helmets on BC highways.

“Wearing an approved bicycle helmet

that meets safety standards is the law in B.C. and you could be fined for not wearing one,” ICBC states on their website.

According to the RCMP, cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as other drivers.

The BC Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations state operators of cycles have the same rights and duties as a driver of a motor vehicle. In addition, cyclists must wear helmets or they can be fined $29.

Parents of minor children under the age of 16 may be fined the same amount for allowing their children to ride without helmets.

The RCMP say that the use of approved helmets Reduces the risk of serious head injury by 60 per cent Reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 53 per cent Reduces the risk of fatality or serious injury by 34 per cent Reduces the risk of facial injury by 23 per cent

“It’s not something everyone thinks of – I mean, we grew up riding bikes and I think we’re good at it, but we all think that it won’t happen to me,” said Eaton.

“Mav loved riding bikes, but just one small turn of the wheel and it can happen.”

Marshall’s aunts and cousins say they are still hurting and upset, according to Eaton.

“We want to raise awareness of safe bicycle use for all ages,” said Eaton. “And safe practices start young, so we are grateful Hhk (Haahuupayuk) is doing the helmet drive because what happened was preventable. A helmet would have made a difference.”

Maverick Marshall, age 33, leaves behind four children, ages 3 to 11 years.

Haahuupayak school is accepting donations of approved bicycle helmets at 6000 Santu Drive, Port Alberni, BC.

Speed limit remains at 60 to encourage safer driving Continued from page 1.

Bamfield Main has a fragmented ownership, with different sections owned by the provincial government, Mosaic Forest Services and C`awak ʔqin Forestry, a joint partnership between the Huu-ayaht and Western Forest Products. Annual maintenance costs will be shouldered by all these owners, although repairs are not expected to be as extensive now that the road has been chip sealed.

“My understanding is that the maintenance costs are likely to fall from where they’re currently at because the amount of grading that has to be done will be severely reduced,” said Jack.

“There shouldn’t be a lot of maintenance,” added Gordon. “We expect there will be the odd pothole or something where there’s a weak spot, and then it’s just addressed right away.”

In recent years the First Nation has taken a larger stake in the forestry industry, which accounts for at least 60 per cent of

annual revenue for the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses. But hopes are brewing for increased tourism, now that Bamfield Main can be travelled by smaller cars.

The First Nation also plans to have more of its citizens move home, a growth that could comprise over half of members by the end of the decade – although this will depend on building more homes in Anacla, said Jack.

“We are aiming for a significant part of our population choosing to live in our territory by about 2030,” he said. “It could be more than half; the limiting factor is going to be our ability to build housing.”

Despite the transformation of the road, Bamfield Main is still not a provincially recognized highway, and the speed limit will remain at 60 kilometres per hour.

“Speed will be a factor in any accidents that occur, I think,” said Jack, stressing that the upgrade is for better safety and reliability, not speed. “The safety is only maintained if all of our visitors and all

Eris Plummer photo

A celebration was held at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Oct.10, marking an infrastructure development that is expected to bring more Huu-ay-aht members home. at the House of Huu-ay-aht on Oct. 10, of our residents stick to the 60-kilometre those who lost their lives on the road speed limit to ensure that we minimize were recognized, with hopes that the any future accidents that may be happenfuture will bring less tragedy on Bamfield ing as a result of increased traffic.”

Main.

At the start of a celebratory gathering

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Court rules consultation needed for mineral claims First Nations, province and mining industry given 18 months to update the process of granting mineral rights

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Vancouver, BC - A major change is coming for B.C.’s system of granting mining rights, but the duty to consult First Nations before a claim is granted will not be in place for another year and a half, with current stakes remaining in place.

This decision came from the B.C. Supreme Court, after the Ehattesaht and Gitxaala First Nations asserted that the province’s current regime of granting mineral claims goes against their inherent rights. In his Sept. 26 ruling, Justice Alan Ross found that B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act breaches the obligation under Canada’s Constitution Act to consult with First Nations over development in their territories. The current system adversely impacts “areas of significant cultural and spiritual importance,” stated the decision.

Now First Nations, the province and the mining industry have a year and a half to develop a new process.

“The goal is to develop a mineral tenure system that recognizes the rights of B.C.’s Indigenous people,” wrote Ross in his decision. “My hope is that goal can be achieved in the 18 months I have set aside for that purpose.”

“I really believe that it is a good decision,” said Ehattesaht Chief Councillor Simon John, who hopes that the court’s direction will lead to the First Nation having a greater role in the development and management of natural resources in its territory. “There’s a lot of practice in the area that needs to be more defined.

This presents opportunity to actually engage in that process.”

B.C.’s system of granting mineral rights remains the result of a process that started in 1859, when British Columbia was a colony amid the rapidly expanding influence of European settlement.

Claims were issued by the colony to “free miners”, who could explore their stake in hopes of hitting upon lucrative minerals.

Now an online system grants a mineral claim to any Canadian over 18 for a fee of $25, certifying them as a free miner under B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act. Cells can be selected by free miners from a map of British Columbia at $1.75 a hectare, entitling them to any minerals therein.

The Ehattesaht’s concerns mounted in 2018, a year when the First Nation alleges that Forest Crystals was overstepping its permits near Zeballos. The company did not heed the First Nation’s requests to cease this activity, which led the Mineral Tenure Branch to issuing a cease-and-desist letter to the company.

Mineral exploration has continued under the nose of the First Nation, as 32 new claims were registered from January 2020 to April 2022, according to court evidence. The Ehattesaht petitioned the court to cancel these recent claims, as the system under which they were issued contravenes the First Nation’s responsibility of territorial stewardship.

John hopes that the change in how mineral claims are granted will give more consideration to the Nuu-chah-nulth concept of hišuk ma c̕awak, everything is one.

“From the rugged mountains out to the deep ocean, there’s life that’s intertwined,” he said.

“The Ehattesaht have resided in their traditional territory for millennia,” stated the court decision. “The people, land, water, air, plants and living creatures therein constitute an inseparable and

Eric Plummer photo

As many as 100 mineral claims are in place in Ehattesaht territory, which includes the Village of Zeballos and its river.

Simon John interdependent whole known as the ‘HaHahoulthee’. This term expresses the spiritual and cultural connection to the land that informs the legal and political systems as well as concepts of ownership and stewardship.”

The Village of Zeballos was founded by gold mining in the 1930s, but the Ehattesaht describe an interest in the region’s minerals that predate European settlement. A report conducted for the trial references the diaries of Captain Cook in 1778, who “collected many artifacts from the Ehattesaht, including a carved quartz crystal,” stated the court decision.

“The oversight of the territory includes spiritual practices, which include reverence for crystals that are found within the territory,” continued Ross.

After the Second World War, industrialscale mining in the Zeballos area expanded to include large underground mines extracting iron ore and gold. Much of this activity ceased in the late 1960s when more stringent environmental regulations came into place, but the aftermath remained.

“Ehattesaht territory has a number of long abandoned workings which include tailing ponds, tailing mounds and exposed mine shafts that produce run off water,” stated a press release from the First Nation.

“We have a great big aquafer in our valley that needs more attention,” noted John. “There’s a lot of clean up in the valley that needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, the provincial government has called the assertion of the Gitxaala and Ehattesaht “an attack on the whole system of mineral claims acquisition,” according to court records.

“The province says that if I grant a declaration that the province was required to consult with the petitioners about mineral claims within their territories, then the practical result would be an obligation that it (currently) lacks the capacity to fulfill,” wrote Ross.

A central consideration in the ruling is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Passed by the province in 2019, this legislation tasks the government to align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, but courts have yet to use DRIPA, or its guiding UN declaration, as a determining legal factor.

“It remains to be seen whether the passage of UNDRIP legislation is simply

vacuous political bromide or whether it heralds a substantive change in the common law respecting Aboriginal rights, including Aboriginal title,” wrote Justice Nigel Kent in a B.C. Supreme Court ruling from last year.

In his recent decision Ross determined that the province’s legislation from 2019 “does not implement UNDRIP into the domestic law of B.C.” nor “create justiciable rights”. Instead, DRIPA works as an interpretive aid, setting out a commitment to reconciliation with First Nations - but not the establishment of rights, determined the judge.

In the court records the Ehattesaht First Nation identified 94,336 hectares of territory, 10 per cent of which is affected by existing mineral claims, which totaled 100 as of May 2023. The ruling determined that all of these claims will remain in place.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

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Decriminalization faces more restriction Indigenous outreach organization worries for the lives of clients amid legislation

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Victoria, BC - On Oct. 5 the B.C. government announced its proposed amendments drug-use regulations, which would put illicit use more in alignment with the limits of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis in public places.

On Jan. 31 of this year, the province decriminalized personal possession of opioids (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and MDMA (ecstasy) in amounts of 2.5 grams and under.

The three-year decriminalization project was an effort to reduce the stigma and barriers associated with drug-use, while addressing the toxic crisis throughout the province where over 11,000 people have died from illicit use in the last seven years.

Initially, prohibited spaces for drug-use included the premises of primary and secondary schools or childcare facilities, spray pools and wading pools, playgrounds, skateparks, airports, and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. Additionally, drug-use remained prohibited in public settings, such as shopping malls, bars, and cafes.

The newest legislation proposed this month includes more prohibitions to public areas. These possible restrictions include a six-metre radius from building entrances (residential buildings and businesses), within six metres of bus stops, within 15 metres from playgrounds, spray and wading pools, skate parks, parks, beaches, and sports fields. These pending limitations to illicit drug use would closer align with public-use regulations of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use.

Karen Mills, co-founder and lead coordinator for the Peer2Peer Indigenous Society in Victoria, predicts that the proposed prohibitions will bring an increase to bylaw and police enforcement, thereby driving homeless people to use drugs in secluded areas.

“I think the excuse is going to be, ‘Hey, you can’t sit there, we have this law’,” said Mills. “People are going to start going into secluded areas where they can’t be seen, and that is dangerous.”

“We can’t respond to an overdose because we’re not visible on the street,”

Eric Plummer photo

A crowd gathers in front of a safe consumption site on Pandora Avenue in Victoria. Proposed legislation would ban drug use in public parks. added Mills. “They’re going to be dying supervised consumption site,” the govalone.” ernment press release reads. “If a person Mills was a drug user for 26 years and refuses this direction, the police officer was homeless for eight. may choose to proceed with enforcement “I consumed all my substances on the measures, if appropriate.” street,” said Mills. “It was embarrassing, According to the province, the proposed I felt stigma, [and] people staring at me.” legislation “will encourage people who “I was constantly harassed by bylaw and use drugs to use safely at local overdose the police,” she added. prevention sites.”

Mills shared that because of this she But Mills said there are not enough safe would hide when using and had two consumption sites in Victoria, and the overdoses; both times occurred behind a ones that are there are not big enough and dumpster. condensed in one spot.

“Thankfully, the apartment building Victoria has four safe consumption sites, adjacent to that, somebody was taking with two located on Pandora Avenue, one out their garbage and found me, the first on Johnson Street, and the last at Rock time,” said Mills. “The second time, it Bay Landing Shelter. was outreach workers that were looking “I would have no problem with this if for [me]; the same thing that we are gothey were to open up this massive safe ing to be doing.” consumption site where people can go,” “If passed, the legislation will allow said Mills. police officers to ask a person using drugs “I feel like we’re going backwards,” she in any of these places to cease the activity added. “When you’re homeless you have and leave the area for another appropriate no safe place to consume substances, and area, such as an overdose prevention or so you’re going to be out in the public.”

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October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

Victoria agencies prepare for emergency shelter space As winter approaches, shelter services are concerned about options available and the inconsistency of funding

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Victoria, BC - As colder and wetter weather arrives for the winter, Victoria’s emergency shelter providers are concerned about their ability to increase the number of beds available.

“Folks find themselves in situations that [at] the last minute they need somewhere to go to that’s safe,” said Leah Young, director of Housing and Shelter for Our Place Society. “We also find folks, especially going into the colder months, they might be camping outdoors, and once the weather turns wet and cold that they need that indoor shelter setting.”

“Staying in a tent is not ideal and so when the weather gets cold or they have snowfall, tents aren’t really set up to withstand the cold, and the wetness and the snow,” she added.

Our Place Society offers a variety of programs to help shelter the unhoused population in Victoria, including a nightly emergency facility with 34 beds that operates from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Pandora Street.

Once individuals secure a bed at the nightly emergency shelter, they are guaranteed that spot as long as they arrive each night by a certain time, shared Young, who said this gives people consistency.

“They know where they can stay, and it’s safe,” said Young, adding that individuals are then able to fill out a referral form for Our Place Transitional home, located on Yates Street.

Young is currently working on an additional 20 mats that would operate during the winter season, from the end of October through to the end of March, though she is unsure if these mats will be used throughout this season.

“We’ve added a lot of housing units over the last few years, which has been amazing, but we really do still need those shelter spaces when folks are experiencing the weather or…[are] newly homeless,” said Young. “Those spaces are super important as a stepping stone into getting support in place.”

“I think there’s been a really good emphasis on more supportive housing units, but I think we also have to really continue to look at shelter spaces,” she added. “There really isn’t enough shelter spaces.”

When it comes to winter response, Young said providers and funders are often starting the conversation last-minute in September or October as the colder weather is arriving.

Alexandra Mehl photo

During a rally in March, claims surfaced of City of Victoria staff taking essential items from the unhoused, but the city’s bylaw enforcement contended it was carefully upholding regulations.

“We know the cold weather is going to be there, so I’m really pushing [to] start the conversations earlier, in April,” said Young. “That allows us to communicate more and [be] transparent with the folks that we are trying to serve.”

It’s critical for the society to be prepared for when emergency space is needed, and this this information is communicated to Victoria’s homeless population.

“It’s hard enough for us to get staffing [and] making sure that there’s a space,” said Young. “But the folks that are unhoused, they don’t know what’s going on, so they don’t know where to turn to.”

Karen Mills, co-founder and lead coordinator for the Peer2Peer Indigenous Society in Victoria, expressed similar concerns as Young and hopes conversations of seasonal shelters can begin earlier in the year.

“Last year we were discussing it and it snowed,” said Mills.

The Point-in-Time homelessness survey conducted on March 7, 2023 identified 1,665 people experiencing homelessness that night in Victoria, with 33 per cent identifying as Indigenous.

Jonathan Hopkins, executive director of the city’s Salvation Army Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, said that although there has been a rise in the Point-in-Time Count since the 2020 survey, the numbers

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are lower than they were suspected to be.

The Salvation Army Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, they operates an emergency weather shelter for both males and females, which includes 30 mats on nights with extreme weather alerts.

“One of the challenges with emergency weather is that it is called… when the weather gets cold during the months of November through March,” said Hopkins. “We’d like to see more stability and consistency because it enables us to have more staff on hand and available to assist people when they come in.”

“It’d be nicer to have a longer consistent funding arrangement, where we don’t just kind of jump into action whenever the weather gets cold, but we have a consistency throughout those months

where people know, okay, there’s shelter services every single night, regardless of a few degrees in temperature,” he added.

Hopkins suggested that services such as case management for those experiencing crisis, including health care responders to treat wounds and sores, would be a beneficial addition.

“There just needs to be more coordination and effort between agencies and our government partners about making sure that we cover all of those areas that the people need when they come in to receive help,” said Hopkins. “We do need more federal and provincial government support, we need more funding.”

“We want to make sure that everybody gets inside and gets connected to services,” said Young.

Les Sam Construction Residential . Commercial & Architectural Structures Construction Management & Consulting Forming & Framing Ph/Txt: 250.720.7334

les sam@shaw.ca

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

30 per cent increase in Port Alberni’s homeless count Count shows 66 per cent identified as Indigenous, compared to 15 per cent of the small city’s census population

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC - Data from the 2023 province-wide point-in-time homeless counts has been released, showing Port Alberni as having a 30 per cent increase over the past two years.

Port Alberni’s point-in-time homeless count was conducted on May 1, 2023 over a 24-hour period. The count was led by an independent consultation in collaboration with the Homelessness Services Association of BC. The count showed 163 individuals who identified as homeless, compared to 125 in 2021. For the purpose of the count, an individual was defined as experiencing homelessness if they did not have a place of their own where they paid rent and could expect to stay for at least 30 days.

Thirty-eight per cent of respondents identified as sheltered and 62 per cent as unsheltered. Of the unsheltered individuals, 39 per cent said they slept outside the night of the count, 26 per cent at someone else’s place and 13 per cent in a vehicle.

Nineteen per cent of respondents were youth (under 25), 65 per cent were adults (25-54) and 16 per cent seniors (55 +).

Sixty-one per cent identified as male, 36 per cent as female and three per cent as another gender identity.

Data from the 2023 count showed 66 per cent of respondents identified as Indigenous compared to 15 per cent of the census population. Of the Indigenous respondents, 84 per cent reported having been to residential school or being the descendants of former students.

Reasons for housing loss among respondents showed 35 per cent as not having enough income, 24 per cent due to substance use issues and 22 per cent as unfit/ unsafe housing.

Ninety-six per cent of respondents reported having an income source. The most common sources were income assistance and disability benefit. Around 10 per cent reported a full or part-time job.

Ninety-three per cent of respondents have been living in Port Alberni for more than one year and 39 per cent have always lived in the community.

All 20 communities included in the province-wide count saw an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness since the last count.

“The results of these counts reinforce our belief that more needs to be done to help the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of Housing, in a press release.

“Because of global inflation cities across North America are seeing an increase in vulnerable populations. Through our new Belonging in BC homelessness plan, we’re creating the kinds of safe, secure homes and supports that are necessary to break the cycle of homelessness.”

Belonging in B.C. is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the province has developed nearly 77,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 7,000 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

This year’s count for the Greater Vancouver area showed a 32 per cent increase to those experiencing homelessness compared to 2020. The point-in-time count conducted on March 7 counted 4,821 people who identified as homeless, 49 per cent of which were unsheltered and 64 per cent were sheltered.

Thirty-three per cent of those respondents identified as Indigenous, compared

Eric Plummer photo

Point-in-time counts conducted in March suggest homelessness could be dramatically increasing in B.C.’s cities, including Port Alberni. with two per cent of the Census population of Vancouver. The age breakdown for the Greater Vancouver area respondents show eight per cent as under 25, 70 per cent aged 25-54 and 22 per cent age 55 and older.

Reasons for housing loss among respondents included not enough income (35 per cent), substance use issue (24 per cent) and mental health issues (16 per cent). Fifteen per cent of respondents said their housing was lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During a question period in the provincial legislature this month, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano, Karin Kirkpatrick, questioned minister Kahlon and the NDP government on why homelessness is now at its worst.

“The 2023 homeless count in Greater Vancouver is in and it’s damning. The highest level of homelessness ever, up a staggering 34 per cent since 2017,” Kirkpatrick said. “The evidence is on our streets for all to see. The NDP has failed.

Despite racking up the largest deficit in B.C.s history, homelessness has skyrocketed under this NDP government. It’s the NDP’s new normal.”

The provincial government released their 2022 Poverty Reduction Strategy annual report this month, which details actions in priority areas, such as housing, education, child care and employment supports.

Key actions in the report to help reduce poverty in 2022 included doubling the number of community integration specialists working with those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and providing complex-care housing to address the needs of people who have overlapping mental-health challenges, substance-use issues, trauma and acquired brain injuries.

In addition, the province released the Declaration Act Action Plan, which includes the mandate to incorporate

Indigenous experiences and knowledge of poverty and well-being into ongoing poverty-reduction efforts.

“We are committed to delivering results that everyone in B.C. can see and feel.

The Declaration Act Action Plan will help get us there,” said Murray Rankin,

minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, in a press release. “The plan, which contains 89 actions, commits the province to listen, learn and incorporate Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives into all services and supports that are meant to lift people up and out of poverty.”

‘Busiest fire season’ for the Coastal Fire Centre in the last 10 years As rainfall events lower drought and fire ratings, 20 active wildfires remain burning throughout the region.

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter According to Julia Caranci, a fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, 20 active wildfires remain burning throughout Vancouver Island while, after a summer of extreme drought, the fire danger rating has dropped to “very low”.

Throughout the summer, Vancouver Island remained in an “extreme fire rating”, meaning high risks of wildfires due to dry forest fuels. Campfire, backyard, and industrial fire prohibitions were put in place early in the season to minimize the possibility of human-caused fires.

“When we look at the overall picture of this year… we had 190 fires reported on Vancouver Island so far in the 2023 fire season, compared to 106 by this time last year,” said Caranci.

“It’s been overall, in terms of number of fires, the busiest fire season [the Coastal Fire Centre] has seen in the last 10 years,” she added.

But with recent rainfall, drought conditions and wildfire risks have been alleviated, though conditions indicate that

adverse impacts remain possible.

“We’ve really moved into a more falllike weather pattern and we have seen some more significant rainfall over the last couple of weeks,” said Caranci.

“That has lowered the fire danger rating on Vancouver Island quite significantly from where it was just two or three weeks ago.”

For the Strathcona region, a number of wildfires remain, though they are considered under control as they continue to be monitored. These include two of the Wolf Creek fires, 0.009 hectares, and Mount Con Reid, which encompasses 2,320 hectares.

Silverado Creek, 425 hectares, and Jacklah River, 122 hectares, are under control and continue to be monitored as well.

There are currently 13 fires that are under control throughout Strathcona Provincial Park.

Beginning on Sept. 27, campfire, backyard, and industrial burning prohibitions were lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre region, shared Caranci. But the Coastal Fire Centre asks that residents continue to use caution.

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Heavier rainfall brings potential highway closures Downpour increases risk of another shutdown at Cameron Lake, but a recovery project has reduced hazards

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As Vancouver Island’s west coast sees heavier rainfall, Highway 4 could face possible road closures, though “anticipated to be much less” after the Cameron Lake Recovery Project safety measures were implemented through the summer, says the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

In early June the Cameron Bluffs wildfire sparked, leading to the closure of Highway 4 as the Cameron Lake Recovery Project began work towards slope stability to ensure safety for vehicles traveling along the highway.

With a full re-opening to two-way traffic at the end of August, community members remain concerned of the slope stability of the bluffs as the rainy season arrives and Highway 4 remains the only road passageay in and out of many west coast communities.

During the recovery project, roughly 250 dangerous trees and 1,000 tonnes of rock material were removed from the bluffs, while 15 rock bolts, roadside barriers, rock catchment fencing and a weather station were installed.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, although it’s possible Highway 4could be closed this fall and winter due to debris fall, the work from the recovery project has reduced the “risk, frequency, and unpredictability”.

“We understand people’s concerns about the potential challenges with this route

during unfavorable weather,” wrote the Ministry of Transportation in an email to HaShilth-Sa. “The ministry has developed an operational plan for the highway [in] the fall/ winter which includes enhanced monitoring with forecasted weather, advanced communications ahead of major weather events and alerting travelers and the surrounding communities of planned or potential unplanned closures to help people prepare.”

“The safety work completed this summer, in addition to reducing the immediate risk of rock fall in the wake of the fire, has also served to reduce Judith Sayers She reflected on the medical, economic the risk of rock and debris fall when the and social impacts the closure and singleweather transitions into fall and winter lane-alternating traffic had on the west conditions,” the Ministry wrote. coast communities.

On a slope that has recently been rock “I know they’ve done a lot of work,” scaled, it is common to see small debris and rockfall, wrote the ministry. They ex- said Sayers. “Of course, you just can’t say that there won’t be more debris fallpect this to occur in the first few rainfall ing down.” events.

Sayers explained that throughout the “The new roadside barrier with rock summer the Ministry of Transportation catchment fencing acts as a safety meaand Infrastructure and Mid Island-Pacific sure to address this,” the ministry wrote.

Rim MLA Josie Osborne kept local lead“The ministry may need to close the ers informed on the recovery project, inhighway for a short duration for monicluding addressing concerns and providtoring if staff see significant materials ing photos of the work they were doing. coming down.”

“They are carefully monitoring,” said Judith Sayers, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Sayers. “They have staff out there in case Council president, hopes that if a road closure occurs this winter, that it won’t be they have to shut down the highway and it could be done really quickly so that no as long as the initial shut down in June.

one gets hurt.”

In a board meeting on June 14, shortly after the initial closure of the highway, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), alongside First Nations and member municipalities, came together to discuss options amid the impacts of the Cameron Bluff wildfire, directing the ACRD staff to establish a Transportation Advisory Committee.

In the ACRD Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 11, a resolution was passed to request the “Provincial government declare an emergency route through Horne Lake and that the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Transportation Committee review all access routes for the long term,” wrote Wendy Thomson, general manager of Administrative Services for the ACRD, in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. Though community members of Port Alberni have long advocated for an alternative highway route in and out of the west coast, in 2016 the Ministry of Transportation announced it was “not financially feasible” to build an alternate passage after reviewing the Horne Lake Connector Business Case.

“We definitely need an alternate route in case there is a natural disaster and we need to get people out,” said Sayers.

“This is really critical to Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino,” she added. “The livelihoods, food sources, water sources, gas, medical, you name it.”

“We can’t just leave it to chance that things will be okay on Highway 4 when we know that it’s a possibility it may not be,” said Sayers.

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

Nuu-chah-nulth secondary and post-s

Noah Thomas

Synaizjah Swan

Mazzari Tate

Shawna Charleson

Ed Newman

Ariel Campbell

Randall Tate

Ashley Mickey

Sequoia Lindsay

Peggy Hewa Marambage

Ralph Lucas

Talita George

Dan Mack

Troy Sutherland

Anthony Robinson

Davina George

Braelene Leo

Summer Sutherland

Neve Watts

Kashus Dick

Abby Little

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

and post-secondary graduates of 2023

Talita George

Brian Lucas Jr

Aliya Mack

Anthony Robinson

Alanda Atleo

Maxine Thomas

Michelle James

Ivy Tate

h=aka+ Chrissie John

Rebecca Jack

Cheyenne Tate

Joan Hubert

Mellissa Jack

Natalie Clappis

Curtis Tom

Danielle Tom

Sierra Martin

MacKenzie Mack

Victoria White

Saranda Watts

Frisco Lucas

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

Nuu-chah-nulth language resurges at NTC scholarship All speeches include phrases in Nuu-chah-nulth, as event was postponed from the summer due to a forest fire

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – Attendance was low at the delayed 2023 Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Scholarship Ceremony, but the event made it evident that there are more language learners than ever.

Held at the Alberni District Secondary School on Friday, Oct. 13, almost every speaker, including SD70 Superintendent Tim Davie, used the Nuu-chah-nulth language as part of their speeches.

Normally held in June, the 2023 NTC Scholarship Ceremony was delayed due to the Cameron Bluff Wildfire that made Port Alberni difficult to access from other parts of Vancouver Island for most of the summer. Still, the NTC education staff went all out to honor those who worked hard to achieve higher education.

They hosted a dinner and beautifully decorated the ADSS auditorium stage for the event.

“Education gives you a better quality of life and less chance of addiction,” NTC Vice-President Les Doiron told the crowd.

He went on to say that he raises his hands to the scholars.

“When I was a kid, we didn’t have this opportunity,” he told them as he encouraged them to keep building on their education.

Emcee Tyson Touchie kept things moving along with humor. He also showed his language ability, inviting correction for any mispronunciation. He honored

Denise Titian photo

Richard Webster Jr., left, and Troy Atleo were among the scholarship winners from the past school year. The NTC Scholarship Ceremony was held on Oct. 13 at the Alberni District Secondary School. each and every scholarship winner by calling out their names, all 155 of them.

Eighteen winners were in attendance and were invited to take seats on the stage.

It seemed every guest speaker gave a portion of their speech in the Nuu-chahnulth language, from the emcee and the First Nations representatives to the school

superintendent.

SD70 Superintendent Tim Davie congratulated the scholars in the Nuuchah-nulth language, telling the crowd that he was enrolled in a Nuu-chah-nulth language program at the local college.

It was clear that more people of all ages are taking on the challenge of learning

the language. One of the speakers noted that it is far more difficult for adult learners to pick up a new language, so many are trying and that is encouraging.

The evening ended with acknowledgments to all that gave scholarships and those that supported the event.

Congratulations to this year’s post secondary scholarship winners David Edgar Deborah Jeffrey Cheyenne Mackeil Chantell Patterson Amanda Proulx Cynthia Sieber

McGorman & McClean Business Scholarship Daisy Haiyupis Scholarship NTC Nursing Scholarship BMO Scholarship Budget Car & Truck Rental Scholarship NTC General Academic Scholarship

Tamara Billy

NTC Education General Scholarship

Jayden Corbeil Kimberley Erickson Sarah Gregory Layla (chuutsqa) Rorick

General Scholarship Renate Shearer Memorial Scholarship MLG Law Corporation Scholarship John Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Rustee Watts Stephen Wonnacott

BMO Academic Scholarship NTC Nursing Scholarship

Monica Amos Michelle (Dawn) James Kayla Klawitter

General Scholarship Wawmeesh Memorial Scholarship BMO Scholarship

Martina (aka Annie) Dupuis

NTC Education General Scholarship

Che Spetter Elly Wilson

NTC Journalism Scholarship BMO Scholarship

Lainey L’Heureux Edward Fred Jackelyn Williams

Tommy Jack Memorial Scholarship NTC General Academic Scholarship NTC General Academic Scholarship

Nuu-chah-nulth Employment Training Program Shebastion Fred Magnus Charleson Ian McPhee Simone Johnson Cody Nielsen-Robinson Jill George

Create Your Success Scholarship Create Your Success Scholarship Waide Ian Marshall Education Fund Award Waide Ian Marshall Education Fund Award Waide Ian Marshall Education Fund Award Origin Leadership Consulting Award

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Congratulations to this year’s NTC scholarship winners Ahousaht K Liberty Mack K Cleo Thomas 1 Zedekiah Frank-Hunter 1 Nikko Hunter 2 Grayson Amos 2 Keon Frank III 2 Richard Webster Jr 2 Diane Williams 3 Troy Atleo 3 Troy Hernandez 4 Alicia Frank 4 Kira Hartley-Frank 4 Pedro Hernandez 4 Amanda Webster 4 Nancy Williams 5 Nevaeh Atleo 5 Jemima Frank 5 Max Hansen 5 Heidi Swan 6 Kenny Lucas III 6 Gloria Jean Webster 7 Kaidence Frank 7 Jacob Frank 7 TJ Hernandez 8 Michael George 8 Carson John 8 Matthew Paul 8 Jalil Swan 8 Janeece Thomas 10 Jessie Swan 11 Charmayne Charlie

Kyuquot K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Athletic K-3 Athletic Academic & Cultural Cultural Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Athletic Academic & Artistic Cultural Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic

Ditidaht 8 Rolando Antuna 9 Dakota Knighton 9 Destiny Peltier 10 Kate Edgar 10 Daniel George 10 Barry Samuel

Academic & Artistic Academic Academic Academic & Artistic Academic Academic

Ehattesaht K Jaxon Hanson K Jack John 1 Tawni John 1 Payton Martin 2 Bryan John 3 James John 5 Amalee Hanson 6 Maria John 7 Keelahn Hanson 12 Aliya Mack 12 Danica Mack 12 Kyle Smith

K-3 Athletic K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Hahopchu K-3 Athletic K-3 Athletic K-3 Athletic Academic Academic Academic Academic & Athletic Academic & Artistic Academic

Hesquiaht 6 Michael Tom 9 Peyton Lucas 12 Brandi Lucas 12 Axel Roscovich

Academic Athletic Heechis Cultural

Hupacasath 7 Kymani Lauder 8 Danika Foster 8 Rory Tatoosh MacLeod 10 Mia Foster 12 Saphiah Lauder

Athletic Academic & Athletic Academic Athletic Academic & Cultural

Huu-ay-aht 7 Emma August 7 Sydney Nookemus 10 Olivia Peters 12 Natalie Clappis

Academic Academic & Athletic Academic & Artistic Athletic

2 Kassian Joseph 5 Ayana Leo 6 Nicolaye Arbeau-Henry 7 Jackson Jules 7 Naomi Vincent 9 Serina Blackstone 9 Blayke John 12 Summer Sutherland

K-3 Athletic Academic Academic Academic Academic & Cultural Academic & Cultural Academic Cultural

Mowachaht 1 Abigail Mark 5 Andrew Callicum 7 Linda Hopkins 8 Gracey Christiansen 8 Edward (Taylee) Jack 10 Gabe Callicum 12 Zander Corfield-Jack

K-3 Hahopchu Academic Athletic Academic Academic Academic Academic

Nuchatlaht K Tluupin John

K-3 Hahopchu

Tla-o-qui-aht K Rylee David 2 Tyrell Frank 4 Tracey Amos-Frank 5 Mason Frank 5 Helen Martin 7 Bode Amos 7 Jada Frank 7 Taylor Ray Frank 8 Chancellor Dick-Hayes 9 Wiinuk Martin 11 Vanessa Frank 11 Paige Mallette 12 Ryleigh Amos 12 Da’von Ekering 12 Elsa Wagner

K-3 Athletic K-3 Hahopchu Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic Academic & Cultural Academic Academic Academic & BMO Scholarship Academic & BMO Scholarship Academic

Toquaht 12 Michael Patterson

Heechis

Tseshaht K Emmett Rampanen K-3 Hahopchu 1 Keon Bush K-3 Athletic 1 Kiki (Kiana) Bush K-3 Athletic 3 Annika Anderson K-3 Athletic 3 Riley Hassall K-3 Athletic 3 Ander Lucas K-3 Hahopchu 3 Kessa Watts K-3 Hahopchu 3 Taiaha Watts K-3 Hahopchu 4 Dawson Bill Academic 5 Tessa Auerbach Academic 5 Desi Gomez-Charles Academic & Artistic 5 Gertrude Lucas Academic 5 River Poirier Cultural 5 Kailand Watts Academic 6 Odis Anderson Academic 6 Solomon Watts Academic 7 Emery Auerbach Academic 7 Nisma Marshall Academic 8 Kate Anderson Academic 8 Carmen Bill Academic & Artistic 8 Jailyn Little Academic 9 Alex Poirier Artistic 10 Matthew Fred Academic 10 Jaidin Knighton Athletic 10 Jolene Sam Academic 10 Tia-Page Watts Academic & Artistic 10 Noelani Watts Artistic 11 Kaylen Poirier Academic & Artistic 12 Oliver Anderson Academic 12 Sophia Bill Academic & Cultural 12 Quentin Chippeway-Thomas Academic 12 Hailey Gomez Academic 12 Mackenzie Mack Academic 12 Hannah Sam Academic & Cultural 12 Neve Watts Academic

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

Community&Beyond

Ha-Shilth-Sa archive photo

Florence Wylie and Vic Pearson attend a Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council meeting.

Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

Cultural Brushings with Quu asa

Every Monday

Every Friday

CYS - 4841 Redford Street

Administration Building

10am-12pm. We offer Prenatal and infant development information, special guests, snacks provide and $20.00 food voucher per family. Referrals when needed. NTC Nursing and Doula’s 250-724-3939.

Enter from 4th avenue side, building with orange stripe.

9:00am-12:00pm Cultural Brushings in support of the Tseshaht Community.

If you have any questions, please call Leanne Harding, Administrative Assistant 250-724-1225

Girls Group

October 25 - 26

Every Tuesday

Port Alberni - Athletic Hall

Port Alberni – Usma culture space

Start time 9 a.m. daily. We are looking forward to an interesting session that will include a workshop on each day with Don Burnstick (Laughter is Medicine, Living in Balance), as well as other guest speakers on topics of interest and benefit to the participants. We will also have several resource information tables, reflexology, haircuts, massage, cedar basket teaching, traditional brushings, etc. Meals & refreshments will be provided - breakfast, lunch & dinner on the 1st day, and breakfast & lunch on 2nd day.

We encourage everyone that attends to practice good health and safety protocols and respectfully ask that if you are not feeling well, to please stay home and take good care of yourself.

5:00pm-7:00pm Girls ages 13-18. Need a safe space? Want to express yourself?

Looking to learn to bake and cook? Do you enjoy doing crafts? Come join us for fun activities with food and refreshments every Tuesday!

Treaty manager Victor Pearson remembered by Every Thursday Nuu-chah-nulth-aht

Westcoast Community Resources Society Community Lunch

Westcoast Community Services hub – 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet

Former executive director born in England, worked in Arctic Quebec before se•ling on Vancouver Island

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – It has been more than 20 years since Vic Pearson, the affable man with the slight English accent, last occupied an office at the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council building, but his long service to Nuu-chah-nulth-aht back then and even years later is being remembered by those that fortunate enough to know him.

Vic Pearson was 84 when he passed away on September 1, 2023.

According to his online obituary, he was born in Birmingham, England.

“Vic arrived in Arctic Quebec in 1957 to work for the Hudson’s Bay Company, becoming fluent in the Inuktitut language,” reads the tribute.

It is not clear when, exactly, Pearson joined the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The records don’t go back that far. But former staff members recall he started as a financial advisor for the Nuu-chah-nulth nations before being appointed executive director.

In 1995, when the Nuu-chah-nulth nations initiated the treaty process, Vic was appointed to the role of NTC’s treaty manager, where he remained until 2001.

“Vic was a hardworking, intelligent, and dedicated person,” said NTC President Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers. “He worked closely with all 14 nations, working to build the capacity at the NTC. He also valued the rights, titles, and values of the Nuu-chah-nulth.”

His obituary says Vic avoided the limelight and worked tirelessly for the people.

“He was honoured to be part of the historic land claims agreement for the Nuu-chah-nulth nations,” said his obituary. “He enjoyed contract and consulting work while travelling abroad and enjoying life through the early 2000s.”

After retiring from the NTC, Pearson worked on contract for Nuu-chah-nulth nations negotiating treaties. He worked closely with the Maa-nulth treaty nations up until the final agreement was implemented in 2011.

“As treaty manager he ensured all the work was getting done to prepare for negotiations at the table with governments,” said Sayers. “He kept good relations with the federal and provincial governments to ensure negotiations would move forward.”

She went to say that Pearson stood with the Nuu-chah-nulth through hard times and losses, offering everything he could.

“He was also there to celebrate victories and progress over the many years,” said Sayers.

For Tseshaht Elected Chief Ken Watts, Vic was one of the kindest men he ever knew, “not just personally, but professionally,” he told Ha-Shilth-Sa. Watts first met Pearson decades ago when his father, late Wahmeesh, George Watts, would take him to work meetings.

“I always remember Vic busy running around getting things done for the NTC but also recall how much respect everyone had for Vic around the table,” he recalled.

But the connection between the Pearson and Watts family went beyond the work place.

“Vic was connected to my family through my late father, and we spent many great weekends together over the years at an annual campout my late father organized,” shared Watts.

Vic and his wife Judy would cook breakfast for everyone at the campout.

Watts recalls what a great cook Vic was and how people just enjoyed being in his company.

“Not only was Vic connected and respected by nations on the west coast, but he was a kind and caring individual who was also very intelligent. I can recall him and my father not only talking about work but issues around the world,” said Watts.

Married in 1966, Pearson leaves his wife Judy and their three children, Jeremy, Jennifer, and Eleanor (Dave), along with their six grandchildren.

“Vic played a major role in the tribal council for many years, and he is well remembered by many,” Sayers said.

11:30am – 1:00pm. 250-726-2343, admin@wccrs.ca, www.wccrs.ca

Dac Health Ability Fair

Have You Moved?

If you should be getting a copy of the Ha-Shilth-Sa paper delivered to your home, please contact: Holly Stocking at 250-724-5757

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

Employment and Training

Check out our new Facebook page Nuu-chah-nulth Jobs and Events Updated daily!

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

Great Central Lake petroglyph misinterpreted Past speculation pointed to Jewish visitors, but Hupacasath oral history tells of a ‘devil fish’ to warn paddlers

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reorter Port Alberni, BC – When one thinks of petroglyphs in the Alberni Valley, the etchings on a rock face at Sproat Lake Provincial Park might come to mind, but those are not the only local ones to have been ‘discovered’. There is another, lesser known petroglyph at nearby Great Central Lake with oral Hupacasath history to go with it.

Hupacasath Chief Councilor Brandy Lauder said there’s many petroglyphs in Hupacasath territory but some, like the one at Great Central Lake, are not as well known as the Sproat Lake petroglyphs.

They prefer to keep it that way in order to protect the petroglyphs from vandalism, which is what occurred at Sproat Lake Provincial Park.

A petroglyph is a rock carving, the term is usually used for ancient work. With its estimated 500 petroglyphs, British Columbia has the most in Canada. It is hard to determine the ages of petroglyphs, but some can be dated through forms of radio carbon dating. Some are several thousands of years old.

It was in 1896 when J.W. Laing, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London, went on a canoe trip to explore Great Central Lake northwest of Port Alberni, noticing markings on giant rock.

Laing stopped to take a closer look.

“The hieroglyphics forming the inscription were arranged in five parallel lines, somewhat similar to a musical staff, while above were figures apparently intended for a log of wood and a growing tree. A third figure placed at the right hand resembled nothing so much as a seven-branched candlestick,” read the Arkansas Daily Traveller in Feb 17, 1897.

Forty-two years later (Sept. 15, 1939) a

BC Archives photo

“The hieroglyphics forming the inscription were arranged in five parallel lines, somewhat similar to a musical staff, while above were figures apparently intended for a log of wood and a growing tree. A third figure placed at the right hand resembled nothing so much as a seven-branched candlestick,” read the Arkansas Daily Traveller in Feb 17, 1897. headline in the Daily Province screamed, depicts a devil fish. locals and visitors,” said Lauder.

“Plan To Seek Jewish Symbols On Great “Story is told that a very large devil The construction of a dam has raised Central Lake Rocks”. The article said (evil) fish would bump and tip over your the water level, keeping the petroglyph the discovery of the petroglyphs “excited canoe if you disturbed his resting place,” submerged and protected under water for considerable attention at that time in she told Ha-Shilth-Sa. “To have a smooth most of the year. scientific circles.” sailing past this point you must lift your But the water and other factors speed up Some scholars of the time speculated paddles and coast by so that you would erosion. Lauder notes that what degradathat some of the imagery had similarities not bother the devil fish.” tion has occurred has been mostly from to ancient Hebrew symbols. They thought To remind other travelers, an image of natural causes. maybe the petroglyphs could mean that the devil fish was carved into the rock As for the musings of early explorers, Jews from China could have gotten lost face to warn you to lift your paddles.

Lauder says they were not schooled in at sea and landed on Vancouver Island in “I visited the site a few years ago and Indigenous culture. the 13th century. there are other much smaller petroglyphs “Early explorers and settlers were only According to the Daily Province article, carved around the area, different fish and schooled in the knowledge of Asian, Euan expedition headed by an unnamed, fish hooks pecked into the rock face,” ropean and some African, so my assumpprominent, and well-qualified Port AlLauer shared. “The head of the devil fish tion is that is why they compared to what berni resident went out to search for the has fallen to the bottom of the lake, how- they knew,” she said. petroglyph. ever the majority of it remains.”

“These petroglyphs spend time under It is not known what came of the The exact location of the site is being water since the dam was built up there expedition, but the Hupacasath hold the kept private in order to protect what is and the water level of the lake was raised oral history to the Great Central Lake left of the etchings. at least 12 feet,” said Cloy-e-iis, Nuupetroglyph. According to Brandy Lauder, “We do not advertise the site or talk chah-nulth Tribal Council President who also serves as Hupacasath’s Natural about the site much, as the Sproat Lake Judith Sayers. “Our oral history confirms Resources manager, the main carving petroglyphs are damaged every year by these are Hupacasath petroglyphs.”

Guardians ‘fostering that passion for our homeland’

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Victoria, BC - A memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday, Oct. 4 between Nanwakolas Council and Vancouver Island University (VIU) to offer a new Indigenous Guardianship program, an intensive Stewardship Technician Training Program, with funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

At the Campbell River campus, the cohort started their training this October, in a program that aims to empower young First Nation people “not only as Guardians, but to go on to additional education to become qualified scientific and technical professionals in forestry, biology, archaeology, environmental management, and other similar fields,” reads a VIU press release.

The program, according to the press release, will provide guardians with the skills and qualifications needed to protect their lands and waters.

“Investing in Indigenous-led skills training plays a critical role in reconciliation,” said Selina Robinson, minister of PostSecondary Education and Future Skills, in a press release. “Through significant investments and Indigenous-led partnerships, together we are creating a path forward towards economic opportunities and meaningful work where Indigenous people can gain new skills and serve their communities.”

For Tla-o-qui-aht, they train their Tribal

Alexandra Mehl photo

Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht resource manager, stands on the newly built Big Tree Trail on Meares Island after guardians spent 10 summers rebuilding it.

Park guardians while they are on the job land guardian programs across First Naas needs arise, shared Saya Masso, the tions. “And training is expensive.”

First Nation’s natural resource manager.

“Every time we host a group of 12 on “It’s more useful to us to do them in some type of training need, it’s fifteen little chunks,” said Masso. “It allows us grand for a cohort,” he added. “Someto keep working in the field and then do times twenty grand.” the training.”

These training needs range from wilThough Masso has had Tribal Park derness first aid, chainsaw safety, enviguardians who have gone through Guard- ronmental monitoring, stream keeping, ian technician programs too. salmon technician, small vessel operators “We all have a lot of the same needs and permit, to swift water rescue courses, training needs,” said Masso, reflecting on shared Masso.

“They’re all useful, helpful, and important,” said Masso.

In Tla-o-qui-aht there are four declared tribal parks: Wah-nuh-jus-Hilth-hoo-is (Meares Island), Tranquil Tribal Park, Ha`uukmin (Kennedy Lake Watershed), and Esowista Tribal Park.

Currently Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks are averaging four guardians throughout the year, said Masso. Each summer, through a partnership with the education department, they hire junior guardians at the high school level.

“We’re now fostering that passion for our homeland and stewardship and using it almost as a training ground, or exposing them to what the work is,” said Masso. “Hopefully as they get out of high school, they would want to apply to be a year-round full-time guardian.”

Guardians are fulfilling a traditional role in acting as watchmen on their territory as well as restoration work, said Masso.

“Our dream would be to have the right assets and funding to operate year-round with 10 full-time living-wage Guardians,” said Masso.

“It’s a good fit for First Nation people because we’re doing everything about healing the land, monitoring what’s going on in the land,” he added. “We’re there to try to care for our rivers and salmon and forests.”

“We love to expose as many of our members to it and impassion as many of our people to want to be a guardian,” said Masso.

October 19, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Award goes to Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’les7et’h’ businesses Tiičma Enterprises encompasses a marina, fishing lodge and hotel, plus fisheries, forestry and adventure tours

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Kyuquot, BC - The BC Achievement Foundation released its list of winners on Oct. 4, and among those awarded for business is Tiičma Enterprises, a group of businesses owned and operated by Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations.

According to the foundation, the 2023 BC Achievement Indigenous Business award program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises.

Tiičma Enterprises, a wholly owned economic development corporation of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’les7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN), won the award in the category of Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities. Tiičma is the Nuu-chah-nulth word for ‘heart’ and their company slogan is ‘Business with heart’.

Following the implementation of their treaty in 2011, KCFN launched Tiičma Enterprises and the KCFN Group of Businesses to manage and operate the First Nations’ businesses. The group is also intended to provide entrepreneurship support and resources for members of the First Nation interested in starting or growing a business venture.

Tiičma Enterprises has under its umbrella the Fair Harbour Marina and Campground, Houpsitas Village Suites, Tiičma Aggregate, Tiičma Fisheries, Tiičma Forestry, Tiičma Hospitality, Tiičma Management Services, Walter’s Cove Resort, West Coast Expeditions along with other business partnerships and joint ventures.

According to the BC Achievement

Eric Plummer photo

Walters Cove Resort offers fishing trips in Kyuquot Sound and is part of the First Nation-owned Tiičma Enterprises. their focus on professional development, ecosystem restoration, and new economic Foundation, Tiičma Enterprises has seen prospects, all aimed at bolstering Kyuimpressive growth by responding to mar- mentoring citizens into management roles and attracting distant community quot’s economies and resources.” ket demands through strategic planning, members with stable careers and supportTiičma Enterprises is set to its award at investments, and training since 2012. ing citizen entrepreneurship whether in a BC Achievement Foundation Gala Din“The Tiičma Hospitality LP is a prime partnership or via procurement,” stated ner on November 4, 2023. example, expanding its tourism offerings Ha-Shilth-Sa reached out to Tiičma by investing in upgraded facilities. These the BC Achievement Foundation website.

“The Group of Businesses also collaboEnterprises and KCFN Group of Busimoves solidify its market presence and rates through a roundtable, uniting First nesses for comment but did not receive a contribute to employment and training Nations, stakeholders, governments, and response by deadline. opportunities,” stated the foundation.

“KCFN’s commitment to capacity build- organizations to address key issues such as pandemic resilience, climate change, ing and succession planning is evident in

Phrase of the week: %ayap’u>%ukniš c^ims %uun’aah=%%iš%a> h=aa%um wikiitši+ p’iiš %usaah=i +’upaa n’aac^cumh=i Pronounced ‘Aye ya alth ugk nis jims, ooh nary haa um, wick ket shilt piss, ooh saw hir, tluth pa, naa chum hir e’, it means, ‘We have a lot of bears around, looking for food and with the drought, there is no fish. Be careful keep an eye out.’ Supplied by ciisma.

Carving by Gordon Dick

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 19, 2023

2023 NTC Scholarship and Graduation Ceremonies

Alberni District Secondary School Origin Leadership Consulting Linsey Haggard, Ted Haggard & Family MLG Law Corporation Budget Car & Truck Rentals McGorman, MacLean CPA Strategic Marketing Services Jan Green & Moy Sutherland, Roy & Daisy Haiyupis Awatin Gallery Occasions Photo Booth Lyle Marsh Joan Dick Catering Judith Sayers, NTC President Les Doiron, NTC Vice President NTC Finance Department NTC USMA Department NTC Health Department The Scholarship Committee Ha-Shilth-Sa Team Mike Watts Nuu-chah-nulth Employment Training Program Port Alberni Fire Department NTC Administration and your emcee Ian Caplette