Canada’s Oldest First Nation’s Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 30 - No. 24 - December 4, 2003 haasi^ >sa “ Interesting News ” Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Nuu-chah-nulth protest health care cuts By Denise Ambrose Central Region Reporter Victoria – Hundreds of concerned citizens arrived at the Parliament Building on November 20th in an effort to save hospitals and health care services from the effects of Premier Campbell’s budget slashing. Port Alberni residents started the ‘SOS’ (Save our Services) Cavalcade at the West Coast General Hospital (WCGH); a new hospital that faces more bed closures and, according to some, complete closure. They drove in a kilometers long convoy, lights flashing, stopping in communities along the way to allow others to join.
Bev Hansen, an Ahousaht employee at Tofino hospital, said ten beds at Tofino General may close, meaning patients in Hesquiaht and Ahousaht face a minimum travel time of three to five hours to Port Alberni and an additional hour to Nanaimo. Protesters gathered on the front steps of the legislature shortly after 1:00 p.m. The Raging Grannies were on hand singing songs of health service woes. A ‘drunken’ effigy of Premier Campbell staggered through the crowds with his martini glass urging the crowd to heckle him. The Hupacasath canoe arrived by trailer carrying Ed ‘Tat’ Tatoosh and Port Alberni Mayor Ken McRae and 4000 letters of protest. MLA Gillian
Trumper emerged from the building, quickly accepted the letters then retreated back to the building past the booing crowd. She delivered the letters that afternoon in the legislature during question period. The two year-old WCGH has already ‘temporarily’ closed 19 beds due to Vancouver Island Health Authority Budget cuts. VIHA proposes cutting another nine acute care beds at WCGH sending jobs, services and patients to Nanaimo. The small Tofino General Hospital also faces cutbacks that would have deep impacts on the outlying communities of Hesquiaht, Hot Springs Cove and Ahousaht. Bev Hanson, an Ahousaht member, has been working at the hospital in the cooking and housekeeping department. She says she will lose her job on January 9 and her duties will be placed on the remaining employees whose hours have also been cutback. There will be no more hot breakfasts; patients instead will get continental breakfasts. Hansen said there would be more duties placed on a smaller number of staff working fewer hours. “Everyone will be running around like chickens with their heads cut off, ” said Hansen. There are about ten beds in the Tofino Hospital she said, and some are supposed to close. For patients in Hesquiaht to Ahousaht, this means a minimum travel time of three to five hours to Port Alberni and an additional hour to Nanaimo. Hansen say TGH is already sending maternity cases to Port
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The Hupacasath canoe arrived by trailer carrying Ed ‘Tat’ Tatoosh and Port Alberni Mayor Ken McRae and 4000 letters of protest.
Leaders discuss history and future of NTC............. Page 3 Treaty Negotiators examine process ........................ Page 5 Clayoquot Sound Science Symposium .....................Page 6 First Nations thank Eagle Rock supporters .............Page 9 Youth planning forum..................................................Page 10 NEDC Business News ................................................ Page 20
Ha-ho-payuk dancers perform for government officials in Victoria. See First Nation thank Eagle Rock story on page 9.
Atleo elected to AFN By David Wiwchar Southern Region Reporter Vancouver - The Nuu-chah-nulth song echoed through the lobby and corridors of the elegant Renaissance Hotel last week, as delegates celebrated the election of Shawn Atleo (A-in-chut) as Regional Vice-Chief for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Atleo eliminated four competitors over three ballots to win the election, and the position of AFN Vice Chief representing all BC First Nations at the national level for the next three years. “It’s pretty overwhelming to have received support from all over BC,” said Atleo, who topped each ballot, beating out Debra Hanuse on the first, Bill Wilson on the second, and Robert Shintah on the third ballot counted late in the afternoon on Tuesday, November 25th. “I really appreciate the support of the five Central Region First Nations who nominated me,” he said, adding he plans to work extremely hard for them as he continues in the role as NTC Central Region co-chair, and will also work extremely hard for all BC First Nations in his new role as Vice Chief. “I spoke a lot with Nuu-chah-nulth leaders about balancing the two roles, and I’m grateful for the support and encouragement, especially from the Central Region First Nations, and we’re
going to monitor that balancing extremely closely, inviting feedback and advice,” said Atleo. “Because the position doesn’t start until January, I have time to fully understand the scope of roles and responsibilities, and will be attending the AFN confederacy meeting in Ottawa in two weeks before the work really begins,” he said.
“I really appreciate the support of the five Central Region First Nations who nominated me,” he said, adding he plans to work extremely hard for them as he continues in the role as NTC Central Region co-chair, and will also work extremely hard for all BC First Nations in his new role as Vice Chief. “The Soowahlie proudly endorsed your candidacy because we believe that you carry the teachings, leadership skills, and experience required to represent us effectively within the AFN, BC and Canada,” Sto:lo Chief Doug Kelly wrote in an e-mail to Atleo. “We believe that you are a strong and diplomatic voice of reason that will help First Nations in BC to resolve political differences. Through your leadership, we will find a good way to advance our collective interests
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