INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 47 - No. 08—April 23, 2020 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Mom makes masks to order as coronavirus spreads Homemade facial protection is gaining in popularity after health officials shift recommendations on its benefits By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Campbell River, BC – A Campbell River mother of four has found a great way to fill her time while helping others during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic: she is making reusable masks. “I saw lots of posts from people wanting to buy homemade masks so I looked online for patterns,” said 35-year-old Anna Dick. She attempted a couple of patterns and settled on the third one she tried, which includes a metal strip that fits over the bridge of the nose. Anna and her family faced a difficult time last year when her toddler son Andre was diagnosed with cancer in February. The very sick but brave little boy went through months of grueling chemotherapy rounds at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. With adoring family by his side, Andre won his battle. “He has been in remission since last October and he is happy as ever,” said Dick. According to Anna, Andre’s immune system is in the normal range and still climbing after his cancer treatment, but still, she does not take chances with her children and keeps them away from the public. They are being home schooled with the local district delivering both learning materials and food for the kids. Anna began making masks last week with material she purchased from Walmart. She gave one to her mother and one to her uncle for his birthday and soon, orders started coming in. She made 15 masks, mostly for family, and now she’s working to fill an order of 13. Dick charges $10 -$12 for each mask, which is well worth the materials and the
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Although material is getting scarce, Anna Dick, left, has begun producing made-to-order masks to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. 90 minutes it takes to make each one. but I’m limited to the material I have,” erly, these masks can offer some protecBut the Walmart in Campbell River she said. tion when physical distancing is difficult quickly sold out of fabric. Although health authorities in Canada to maintain, e.g., in grocery stores or “I found out the Fabricland in Courtehave stated there is no evidence that on public transit. It’s important to note, nay is still open and I found some cheap homemade masks can protect a person however, that homemade masks have not bandannas at the dollar store,” said Dick, from becoming infected with the corobeen proven to protect the person wearing adding that she made several bandanna navirus, facial protection in public is the mask. They can offer some protection masks in different colours. becoming more popular. to others around you.” The busy mom has been taking requests “With the need to reserve medical masks To order a mask in the Campbell River through Facebook and is willing to do for health care workers, people are turnarea, contact Anna on Facebook by her custom orders. ing to home-made masks,” states the First user name, Chiihaich Anna Dick. “I’ll ask people what colour they want, Nations Health Authority. “Used prop-
Remote communities still closed, but recoveries grow By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Victoria, BC - Lockdowns are continuing to spread through remote Nuu-chahnulth communities, but provincial health authorities are hinting that restrictions imposed over the last month are working, and that some measures could be lifted in May. This week the Ehattesaht First Nation announced that a gate had been closed in their reserve next to Zeballos to anyone but local residents and essential services. This blocks road access to the Nuu-chahnulth communities of Ehatis, Oclujce and Kyuquot. This measure follows a
local state of emergency declared for the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations village of Houpsitas on Vancouver Island’s northwest coast, restricting access to residents only, while limiting trips outside to essential ventures. Meanwhile similar measures are in place in southern Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Anacla now has a checkpoint that only permits access to residents of the village. “If they’re not a resident they’re turned around,” said Robert Dennis Sr., chief councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. In nearby Bamfield, a general store owned by the Huu-ay-aht has introduced
Inside this issue... Turning the kitchen table into a classroom.................Page 3 Outsiders barred from Kyuquot..................................Page 5 Apartment fire leaves family homeless......................Page 7 Mental health supports for First Nations....................Page 9 Dead humpback whale found in crab traps..............Page 11
a self-checkout system, thereby eliminating direct contact with staff and following the provincial health officer’s directive to maintain a six-foot distance from others while out in public. “You don’t even get within 10 feet of the storekeeper,” said Dennis. For over a month now people across British Columbia have been opting to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the medically incurable respiratory disease that has gripped the world in a pandemic. On April 17 Dr. Bonny Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Minister of Health Adrian Dix presented models indicating that the public’s response to the coronavirus has avoided
disastrous scenarios playing out in Italy, Spain and New York City. As of April 21, there have been 1,724 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C., including 25 additional infections registered on Tuesday. Eighty-seven of these have ended in death. But 1,041 of cases have fully recovered, and the rate of infection has slowed to less than 50 a day since April 2. This aligns with models the province presented on March 27, showing B.C.’s rate of infection being close to that of South Korea, and under the severity of China’s Hubei province, where the new coronavirus first emerged in late 2019. Continues on Page 3.
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Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—April 23, 2020
Now is not the time to surf on the west coast Vancouver Island’s west coast communities urge visitors to stay away to discourage coronavirus transmission By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Tofino, BC - Spring is here and a brilliant sun is shining on the west coast of Vancouver Island, but communities from the popular tourist destination are telling visitors not to come. This message was delivered on the Thursday before the Easter long weekend in a joint statement from municipalities and First Nations in the Clayoquot Sound region in an effort to prevent further spread of the new coronavirus. COVID-19 has so far amassed 1,724 cases in B.C., including 25 new infections confirmed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonny Henry on April 21. Of the province’s cases, 596 are considered active, as 1,041 of those with confirmed infection have fully recovered. The joint statement, which also applies to home owners who have a second property in the region, was issued by the districts of Tofino, Ucluelet and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, as well as the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-oqui-aht and Toquaht First Nations and the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government. “In keeping with recommendations from every level of government and every public health official, now is not the time to travel for tourism or recreation purposes,” reads the statement. “Now is not the time to visit your second home or permit your friends to use your empty vacation rental. Now is not the time for a surfing, fishing or camping trip.” Outdoor options became more limited
Photo by Melissa Renwick
Curtis McGillivary works a shift monitoring the incoming and outgoing traffic in front of Ty-Histanis, on April 9. in April when all B.C. parks were closed provincial health officer, some are ignorday we can welcome people back to our on April 8. It’s a provincial measure to ing this order, making enforcement in the wonderful parks.” urge residents to avoid all non-essential wilderness “challenging”. The notice from Vancouver Island’s travel and any situations that might put “I understand and share the love people west coast communities noted that bars, them in close contact with others outside in British Columbia have for the outpubs and spas are closed – and the few their immediate family. As the spread of doors and the connection between health restaurants that are operating are serving the highly infectious respiratory disease and proximity to nature,” stated Heytake-out food for local residents, essential remains a threat, it’s best to stay at home, man. “We tried to provide safe space for workers and health care staff. said George Heyman, minister of Envipeople to get some exercise and fresh air “We look forward to welcoming you ronment and Climate Change Strategy. A in our beautiful parks. But it has proven later when it is safe for you, and safe for press release from his ministry stated that too challenging to maintain safe distance us - but that’s not this weekend,” said the while many are following the physical between visitors. This action is difficult April 9 statement. distancing requirements set out by B.C.’s but necessary. We look forward to the
April 23, 2020—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3
Home schooling in a COVID-19 world Infections With schools closed, parents have had to turn their kitchen tables into classrooms declining By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
Vancouver Island, BC – It has been more than a month since the province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency, effectively closing public schools and other educational institutions. The closures began coincidentally at the same time spring break would have happened, giving staff time to figure how to help their students complete the school year from home. Lelaina Jules is not only a mother of a school-age child, but she also teaches in the Comox Valley. “We love homeschooling during this scary time. I could not imagine having to send our son to school not knowing if he would be safe there from this virus,” Jules told Ha-Shilth-Sa. The family is making the best of all the time they have together. “Being home together as a family has been nurturing and just what we need right now,” said Jules. Lelaina and her husband Alex are raising their nine-year-old son Jackson, who does all his schoolwork at home under his father’s guidance. Jackson spends some time doing online learning and completes his school day with hard-copy assignments provided by his schoolteacher. In Ahousaht, school staff were busy building education packages for each of the students, taking care to sanitize each item before sending them out. In most cases, parents came to the school to pick up materials for their children. Pearl Campbell lives in Ahousaht with her four sons and one computer. “Three of them use the computer that was given to us by the high school; I let my youngest go first because he’s always the first to wake up,” she said. She works with her toddler at the same time before letting the boys have time with a tablet to work on educational programs. She works with her older boys in the afternoon and evening. Ina Seitcher, a retired nurse, has her daughter and six children living with her in Port Alberni. “My daughter has a craft time, scavenger hunts, native art, stories of COVID-19, math, and reading; we only let one on the computer at a time and the rest are pretty well working on what they need,” said Seitcher, adding that they had to come up with a way to allow the children to share the laptop. “We needed to do it
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Alex Jules helps his son Jackson with school work at their home in Comox. this way or go nuts trying to have them online assignments. Because he has a cell on the laptop.” phone, he does not qualify for assistance Danni Seitcher, a Nanaimo parent, has from the school to get a laptop. a new baby and was preparing to return The Jules family in the Comox Valley to work when the COVID-19 restrictions are making the best of their alone time came down on everyone. Now, she stays together. home with her children guiding them “We cook, clean, exercise and create through online lessons and paper assignspecial events together,” said Lelaina. ments provided by the school. They work online for 90 minutes in the “The teacher sent me an email with morning before sharing lunch, then they work sheets for math, and it actually is get back to schoolwork in the afternoon. Grade 8 math and he is Grade 9,” she They find time to get out to play basketshared. ball or do yard work. Her son uses an app called Google Jules says Jackson found a pen pal in the Classroom to complete online assignneighborhood, so he writes her letters and ments in a virtual classroom with his cel- delivers them to her mailbox. Following lular phone. He is also required to record dinner Jackson spends time online ‘visithis thoughts on a podcast. He has until ing’ with his cousins in Port Alberni. April 30 to complete his assignments. “Some evenings we do ‘movie night’; “It would be so much easier for us to we make tickets that go ‘on sale’ for the have a computer but I was just on materbig featured movie,” said Jules. “Sure, nity leave and was supposed to start work we miss visiting family regularly, but on the 13th, but this all happened so we we know we are protecting them just as can’t really afford it,” Seitcher shared. much as ourselves. We choose to look at Danni’s teenage son, like many others this time as a blessing, to be grounded his age, has a cell phone but the screen together, to learn together because we is small, making it difficult to do the know it’s not forever.”
Continued from Page 1. Overall, B.C. now has fewer cases per million people than the national rate, a trend close to that of Australia and South Korea, while falling far below Italy and the United States. “The difference between what could have been and what actually happened here in B.C. is because of the measures that we as people from B.C. took together, each of us individually and collectively,” said Henry. B.C.’s first coronavirus case was discovered on Jan. 26, affecting a person who recently returned from overseas. A few other cases linked to international travel emerged until early March, when the total caseload was still under 10. Then during the second week of March a steep climb in cases began, as infections with no direct connection to international travel spread through all B.C.’s health regions. This led to a succession of measures to slow the spread, including bans on all gatherings of over 50 people introduced March 16, school closures the next day and a provincial state of emergency on March 18. Multiple events that normally draw crowds of Nuu-chah-nulth-aht have been cancelled, such as the Junior All Native basketball tournament in March, Tribal Journeys and the North American Indigenous Games in July. An announcement is yet to be made for the B.C. Elders Gathering, which is currently scheduled for July 7-8 in Vancouver. While she stressed that restrictions can’t be lifted yet, Henry added that the need for more connection with others will grow in time. “We need to find ways to increase our social interactions as well, because we know that’s important for our mental health,” she said. Henry and Dix indicated that changes could be coming in May, possibly beginning with the current postponement of all scheduled surgeries. This was imposed by the province to clear space in hospitals for a possible surge in COVID-19 patients, but now just 46 per cent of critical care beds are occupied and coronavirus hospitalisations have declined to 109. If the current trend continues, Henry indicated that a “hybrid” situation could be introduced to get some sectors operating again, including public education. “It may mean smaller classes, it may mean some children going to school at certain times,” she suggested.
Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—April 23, 2020 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals. Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2. Telephone: (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 Web page: www.hashilthsa.com facebook: Hashilthsa Ntc
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Huu-ay-aht hopes for change to subsidy Wage program intended to help employers does not apply to some First Nations By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Anacla, BC – Officials from Huu-ay-aht First Nations are very concerned they are being excluded from a national wage subsidy program. But they are also optimistic changes will be on the horizon. Earlier this month the federal government introduced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). The program allows certain employers who have been affected by COVID-19 to receive a subsidy of 75 per cent of their employees’ wages for up to 12 weeks. The CEWS, which is retroactive back to Photo by Heather Thomson March 15, will continue until June 6. Craig Charleston works at the Huu-ay-aht’s Market & Café in Bamfield. The CEWS is intended to have businesses hire back workers that were laid Dennis said he believes federal officials include others. off because of COVID-19 closures or will need to make some changes to the Schmidt hopes the federal government concerns. The program aims to help preCEWS – or introduce another program will also make alterations to CEWS to invent additional job losses and hopefully in order to include Indigenous businesses clude those who currently do not qualify. have businesses quickly resume their that currently do not qualify. “It is a bit of a challenge but the issue operations once restrictions are lifted. “I’m very hopeful that we will qualify,” needs to be highlighted,” he said. But Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief he said. “This is something that we will Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council ViceCouncillor Robert Dennis Sr. said he was have to bring to our MP’s attention. President Mariah Charleson is among informed this past week that businesses Hopefully we can get some positive those also hoping the Canadian governoperating in his First Nation do not qualresponse.” ment steps up and makes some changes. ify for the CEWS. The Huu-ay-aht First Patrick Schmidt, Chief Executive Offi“A more flexible model that will accept Nations Group of Businesses, created in cer of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Group and support First Nations businesses 2011, is ineligible as it is an Indigenous of Businesses, said many others are in and partnerships with emergency wage community-owned enterprise operating the same situation as they are also not subsidy supports would be a great leap as a limited partnership. eligible for CEWS. That includes other in the right direction of reconciliation,” “We’re going to be severely impacted,” Nuu-chah-nulth nations and Indigenous she said. “When First Nation businesses Dennis said about the effect on businesses communities across the country. are falling through the cracks, we ask for from his First Nation if changes are not “It will apply to everyone,” he said. those cracks to be filled with solution and forthcoming to the CEWS. “That’s why we think it was just an over- to work in a collaborative way that leaves Huu-ay-aht’s tourism businesses and its sight on their part.” no business or person left out.” campground are currently closed. Schmidt praised the work some federal Charleson added in order to qualify now After CEWS details were announced the officials have been doing during these for the CEWS, employers from seasonal Canadian Taxpayers Federation released challenging times. He believes those businesses must be able to prove a 15 a feedback report. The report included officials are working as quickly as posper cent drop in their revenues during the information that some business structures sible to assist Canadians through various month of March and a 30 per cent reduccould have been inadvertently left out. financial programs. Schmidt is also hope- tion in following months. Charleson said These included Indigenous businesses ful changes will be made to the CEWS those who rely on seasonal and contract that are community-owned enterprises. to include Indigenous businesses who work would be unable to prove this. These businesses on First Nations are currently do not qualify. “As many of the businesses that opertax exempt under the Income Tax Act. As proof federal politicians are willing ate within Nuu-chah-nulth territories are But they don’t appear to be eligible for to listen, Schmidt points to the Canada seasonal, my worry is that they will not the CEWS since they are not a taxable Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), qualify for CEWS,” she said. “Special corporation. which provides temporary income supattention is required for seasonal operatAlso, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations port for those who have stopped working ing businesses to ensure they do not fall Group of Businesses appear to not be because of COVID-19. Once it became through the cracks and to ensure that COeligible since they operate as limited part- apparent some Canadians would be exVID-19 does not shut down a business nerships and thus under the CEWS are cluded from receiving CERB payments, that may make their entire income within not comprised of eligible employers. changes were made to the program to one particular season of operation.”
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April 23, 2020—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5
Small businesses suffering through pandemic The pandemic has thrown independent shops into uncertainty, forcing them to adapt through online means By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC – The timing could not have been much worse. Back in mid-March Joel Marriott and his wife Mary Mason opened the doors to their new Port Alberni-based business, The Owls Path Marketplace. “Day One was busy,” Marriott said. “We had 30-40 people come through and we had some excellent feedback.” That was on a Saturday. By Monday, however, COVID-19 restrictions forced the couple to close the doors on its latest venture. The Owls Path Marketplace features Indigenous art as well as Indigenous clothing and hand-crafted products. As a result of the pandemic Marriott, a member of White Bear First Nations in Saskatchewan and Mason, a native of Marshall Islands, had to move quickly and for now switch their business to an online-only venture, which can be viewed at www.theowlspathmarket.com As a result, their current sales are just a small fraction of what they would have anticipated had their store remained opened. “Pictures are great but you can’t really figure out the value of it,” Mason said, adding the couple does not anticipate making artwork sales. “If you’re going into a store you want to pick up that piece.” For now, Indigenous leggings are the best sellers online for the business. The majority of sales have been to Port Alberni residents. “We haven’t really started marketing our website,” Mason said. But that could change real soon. That’s because depending on how long restrictions last and their store remains closed to the public, the lone source of income for The Owls Path Marketplace for the foreseeable future could potentially just be online sales. “Joel and I can’t stop brainstorming and thinking of ideas,” she said.
Photo by Karly Blats
The Owls Path continues through online sales, and hopes to reopen its storefront. Pictured are Aaron Prest, Penelope Lucas, Mary Mason and Joel Marriott. Mason said since it is unknown when letter Johns and Julian propose ideas and restrictions will be lifted and those busitell Morneau that many small businesses nesses that are currently closed will be across the country need financial help to allowed to open again, alternatives could pay their rent. be necessary. “Too many small businesses are falling “Businesses need to rethink,” she said. through the cracks of the policies an“They need to have a backup plan and chored by the Canada Emergency Wage see if they can do things online.” Supplement, federally-backed credit, and Mason is hoping The Owls Path Market- deferred income and sales tax remittancplace survives the current crisis and it can es,” wrote Johns and Julian in their letter. reopen again one day. “Entrepreneurs don’t benefit from the “I believe we will,” she said. “I’m a Canada Emergency Relief Benefit or the pretty positive person.” Canada Emergency Business Account. Mason and her husband were able to Many businesses either don’t qualify for cover April’s rent. But they are not sure these supports, or the programs aren’t about paying rent for upcoming months. meeting their needs.” “We asked our landlord for a deferral of According to information from a survey our rent but we haven’t heard anything conducted by the Canadian Federation of yet,” she said. Independent Businesses, four out of 10 Gord Johns, the MP for Courtenay-Albusinesses did not pay their full rent for berni, is doing what he can to help small the month of April. In the same survey 42 business owners like Mason and Marriott. per cent of small businesses are conEarlier this month Johns, who is the cerned they might have to permanently NDP critic for Economic Development close. and Small Business, teamed up with Peter “With no guiding policy to support Julian, the MP for New Westminstercommercial rent, landlords with mortgage Burnaby who is also the NDP’s critic for obligations will respond variably to tenFinance, to co-write a letter to Bill Morants who need support,” Johns and Julian neau, Canada’s Finance Minister. In their added in their letter. “It is not enough to
appeal to the goodwill of landlords to do the right thing. There must be a policy response to support those businesses concerned about their rent payments in the coming months.” Johns and Julian also suggested various possible details so that tenants, landlords and the federal government could make a rent abatement program work. Their letter added: “Businesses across Canada need more assurances from the federal government that support is on its way. Countries like Denmark, Australia, and France have introduced commercial rent relief programs for small businesses to make sure that evictions are stopped. We must support Canadian businesses the same way. They need solutions that don’t require them going into unmanageable debt. The long-term cost of not helping businesses now is far too costly to fail to act.” Like Mason, another individual trying to remain positive is Tseshaht First Nation member Naomi Nicholson. Earlier this month Nicholson told HaShilth-Sa how dire her situation appeared to be and that she feared losing both of her Indigenous businesses. She even made a video detailing her struggles with no income coming in. Nicholson has operated the Secluded Wellness Centre, which specializes in massages, for more than eight years. And for almost two years now she’s run the Chims Guest House, which offers visitors an Indigenous-themed experience. Since she owns the building housing both of her businesses, Nicholson does not have rent concerns. Instead she has to worry about making her mortgage payments on the building. But Nicholson was able to secure a $10,000 loan, which will assist with her mortgage payments for a few months. She’s also hoping to take advantage of other municipal, provincial and federal assistance programs for business owners. “I definitely feel more hopeful than I did a few weeks ago,” Nicholson said.
State of emergency bars outsiders from Kyuquot By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Kyuquot, BC - Strict measures to protect from coronavirus transmission are being enforced on the far reaches of northwest Vancouver Island. On Thursday, April 9 a state of local emergency was declared for the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, barring non-residents from visiting the village of Houpsitas. As signed by Legislative Chief Richard Leo, the declaration orders that only Houpsitas residents are permitted on the First Nation’s treaty settlement lands that surround Kyuquot Sound. This also applies to Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ members who don’t live in the village. The First Nation has over 550 citizens. “Citizens not ordinarily resident in Houpsitas should not return to Houpsitas but should instead remain where they normally reside and follow the Province of British Columbia’s COVID-19 safety guidelines,” states the declaration. Only outsiders providing essential services will be permitted to enter the village upon a screening and approval from the First Nation’s Pandemic Response Team “with minimal contact with Houpsitas residents,” according to the orders. The same restrictions apply to the
delivery of goods to the community. “Non-essential travellers and nonresidents will be asked to turn around and not enter KCFN treaty settlement lands,” states the emergency declaration. An addendum to the state of emergency expanded measures for residents: “You are prohibited from social gatherings of any kind; including parties.” Houpsitas residents are also restricted from leaving except for essential travel. The village is only accessible by boat or float plane, and spread of the highly infectious disease presents a concerning possibility for the remote community. According to Island Health’s website, the local health clinic provides “no overnight admittance; we will arrange a transfer to a larger centre if needed.” The closest city to Kyuquot is Campbell River, where Houpsitas residents normally venture for needed supplies or medical travel. In late March at least one case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the city, detected at the Berwick by the Sea seniors’ residence. The state of local emergency will remain in place until April 24, and is subject to extension. This is the second state of local emergency declared for Houpsitas in recent weeks. On March 15 the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations issue an-
Photo by Eric Plummer
On Thursday, April 9 a state of local emergency was declared for the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations village of Houpsitas. other state of emergency after more than ed to community concerns by issuing an order to Kyuquot Power Limited, a utility a week of continued power outages. Local facilities without generators often had owned by Synex International. This order requires the utility to amend the issues no electricity in early March, including causing power outages in Houpsitas, and the school, which was forced to cancel provide daily updates on work to improve classes. The B.C. Utilities Commission respond- service to the remote community.
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Huu-ay-aht looks for forestry to restart near Alberni Deal between union and 100 workers allows production to resume after a strike that spanned most of a year By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - With a strike behind them that extends back to early July, the Huu-ay-aht are looking to a new era in forestry where First Nations could play leading role in the industry. In March the First Nation announced the majority ownership interest of Tree Farm Licence 44, part of a $36.2-million transaction with Western Forest Products that also includes a partial stake in the Alberni Pacific Division, WFP’s only remaining sawmill in Port Alberni. Then on April 7 the Huu-ay-aht’s TFL 44 Limited Partnership announced the end to a strike affecting over 100 workers that has held up harvesting activity on the 232,000-hectare section of Crown land since early summer of 2019. Largely coinciding with the labour dispute between Western and its employees that was resolved in February, the TFL 44 strike involved United Steelworkers members employed by three contractors operating in the region south of Port Alberni: Island Forest Company, Big Lake Logging and Mount Sicker Timber. TFL 44 board member Shannon Janzen, who is also chief forester and vicepresident of Western Forest Products, said some of the contractors were able to resume work after the Easter weekend. “They’re having a slow start up to ensure that they have all of their safety plans in place; some contractors started as early as the beginning of this week,” she said on April 14, adding that operations will continue as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted many other sections of B.C.’s economy. “The forest industry has been declared an essential service, so across B.C. there’s been a lot of focus on ensuring that there’s been standards following health authority guidelines, that communities are safe and workers are safe.” According to the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, the new labour agreement “generally mirrors” the deal signed by USW and Western in February, gaining back concessions made in 2017 during an extensive layoff for workers. Travel times will return to a more manageable standard, and alternative shifts during non-conventional working hours are reduced, which has been expressed as a safety concern for the union. “The new agreement returns to industry-standard travel time instead of the two-tiered system in place and also a twelve-month reduction in the term of a substandard alternate shift,” reads a USW statement. “I’m hoping that over the next five years we’re able to get the maximum benefits from this agreement,” said Robert Dennis Sr., chief councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nation. “The workers are working longer periods of time, this is critical to have labour peace so that we can have more work for people in the industry.” The Huu-ay-aht’s majority stake in TFL 44 represents a shift in the history of the section of Crown land. Under various forest management licences and divisions, the land was held by MacMillan & Bloedel from 1955 to 1999. Forestry activity in the area helped to fuel generations of prosperity in the Alberni Valley – but logging took its toll on the territory of multiple First Nations that now call parts of TFL 44 their home. By 1997, near the end of M & B’s tenure, most of the Sarita Watershed was logged, leaving
Photo by Eric Plummer
Fibre supply to the Alberni Pacific Division mill, of which the Huu-ay-aht First Nations now have a minority ownership, is expected to increase with a new labour agreement between workers and three contractors operating in TFL 44 south of Port Alberni. involvement in the section of forest land. “I think that it brings a strong sense of ownership when a First Nation person can work in their own territory - there’s more pride attached to that, there’s more consideration for other values other than economics,” said Dennis. “We always have to find that happy balance between environmental, cultural, economic. When you start doing that juggling act it becomes really difficult, but it’s better that the First Nations are the jugglers.” As part of plans to create more work opportunity in their home territory, the Huu-ay-aht have set aside funds to train
its members for forestry professions, education that Dennis hopes can expand to other First Nations as more partnership develop to manage TFL 44. “That’s our goal, is to get our people back into the industry with sustainable jobs,” he said, recalling a time when many First Nations were employed in forestry – representation that has dwindled over the last generation or so. “One time I remember you could go down to the Sproat Lake booming ground and it would be primarily First Nations people down there.”
REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS Robert Dennis Sr. impacts on salmon populations that the Huu-ay-aht still see today. Now the Sarita is within Huu-ay-aht treaty settlement lands, allowing the First Nation to contribute $5 for every cubic metre of timber they harvest towards the watershed’s renewal. In TFL 44 a similar approach is planned, as future harvesting will help to fund reparation initiatives, explained Janzen, including $350,000 committed over the next three years for watershed restoration work. “We gratefully accept any contribution and appreciate Western stepping forward with this once we all start working together to tackle this issue,” said Dennis of the watershed renewal work. “We wait now for the province and the feds to participate with the same approach that Western has taken.” According to TFL 44 management plans, one sixth of the area’s 232,000 hectares is “productive forest land” that could be harvested. Twenty-six per cent of the land base for harvest consists of trees over 250 years old, with much of the remainder consisting of stands 80 years or younger. Thirteen other First Nations have territory in TFL 44, and the Huu-ay-aht have already begun meetings with some of these groups to increase Indigenous
PORT DIRECTOR In accordance with Section 14(1)(d of the Canada Marine Act (CMA) and the Letters Patent of the Port Alberni Port Authority, a Nominating to recruit and recommend candidates to the Board of Directors has been formed. The Port Alberni Port Authority has two vacancies for the user group category for which nominations are being accepted. Section 16 of the CMA provides details of those individuals who may not be directors of a Port Authority. In particular, section 16(e) of CMA precludes an individual who is a director, officer or employee of a person who is a user of the port. The Director appointment approach supports an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process that will result in the recommendation of high-quality candidates who achieve gender parity and truly reflect Canada’s diversity. Nominations will be received until 4:00 p.m., April 29th, 2020. Please email your request for nomination forms, criteria for eligibility, and copies of the pertinent sections for the Canada Marine Act to panc@alberniport.ca, or online at www.alberniport.ca. Please submit your completed nomination package including the nomination form, resume and cover letter to: Port Advisory Nominating Committee c\o Port Alberni Port Authority 2750 Harbour Road, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7X2 Or: panc@alberniport.ca
April 23, 2020—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7
Family suddenly homeless after apartment fire Campbell River family loses everything in blaze, struggles to care for elder as COVID-19 restrictions continue By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Campbell River, BC – An early morning fire tore through the Pacific West apartment building in Campbell River on Wednesday, April 8 leaving more then 86 people suddenly homeless. Greta Andrew and her husband Wilfred of Ahousaht have lived in the building for eight out of the last ten years. It’s an older, dilapidated building that was home to low income people. In the shape an ‘L’, the building sits at the corner of Dogwood and 9th Avenue with the handicap access at the back. The Andrews lived on the second floor closer to the front of the building with Greta’s 80 year-old handicapped mother. “She was diagnosed with dementia in 2012 and she broke her hip awhile back so she can’t walk anymore,” said Greta. Shirley John is in the late stages of dementia and is confined to a wheelchair. The Andrews care for her with special equipment they’ve collected over time; a hospital bed and lift, and a special wheelchair that allows Shirley to sit up and eat. Greta says that false fire alarms are common at the building. “We got used to it being pulled once or twice a month; firemen come up here for nothing and people got tired of waiting out in the cold so nobody wants to go outside anymore when they hear it,” she said. On Wednesday, April 8, John said she woke to the fire alarm at about 4:00 a.m. “F*** sakes, somebody pulled the alarm again!” she recalled saying. She told her husband she would get up to check. “I opened our door and seen the smoke coming in the hallway,” said John, noting the smoke was grey, like campfire smoke, and it filled the hallway. “I got all panicked and said ‘Wilfred! Cassidy! Get up! There’s a fire in the building!’.” Greta’s 18-year-old daughter Cassidy was staying over for two weeks of selfisolation during the COVID-19 crisis. Greta estimates it took only five minutes for her husband to get dressed and get Shirley into her smaller wheel chair. They would have had to go down the long hallway and turn left down another hallway to get to the handicap ramp. But by the time they opened the door again, the hall was filled with thick, black smoke. “The smoke was so thick and black that we couldn’t even see or even push my mother out to the exit in back, so we had to exit the side entrance, which only had stairs,” Greta shared. Wilfred was forced to carry Shirley down the stairs then re-enter the burning building to retrieve her wheelchair. “This isn’t something I could do (on my own) and I am forever grateful to my husband,” said Greta. The family went to wait it out in their vehicle and that is when Greta realized she left her phone and wallet in the apartment and there was no way anyone could go back for it. Greta said that some people were forced to jump from their balconies to escape the fire because not everyone took the fire alarm seriously. The building was destroyed by the fire, which started on the second floor on the same side as the wheelchair ramp. The family waited outside for about 90 minutes, then went to the home of a relative. They were eventually put up in
Submitted photos
Greta Andrew and her daughter Cassidy (below) shop for necessities after losing their home. The family is now homeless after their apartment caught fire on April 8. “It’s sad some people wished this building would burn down, but then people didn’t think of how many people would become homeless,” says Greta Andrew.
“People are sending me $20 here or $50 there, telling me to get whatever my mother needs” ~ Greta Andrew a hotel with other residents and given a week to stay there by an emergency response team. Greta went back to the building later that morning and asked a fireman to see if he could retrieve her phone and wallet from her unit. “He returned with it and told me he was sorry for all our belonging (that) may not be salvaged,” she said. “That is when it became a reality that we lost a lot of our stuff that my husband worked for and all my pictures of my children and my late son.” It was then that she broke down and cried. “Now we are in a hotel and have no idea where we’ll go after this,” Greta added. While grateful for the hotel, Greta says it is hard to care for her mother without her equipment and supplies. “We lost all her bedding stuff, she has no more soaker pads, liners or adult diapers,” said Greta, who had just struggled to lift her mother out of the tub in a cramped hotel bathroom. Through tears Greta said she is grateful for the little bit of support she’s been getting from friends and family.
“People are sending me $20 here or $50 there, telling me to get whatever my mother needs,” she shared. Shirley needs mostly pajamas, leggings, slippers along with bedding supplies. Her bigger, better wheelchair that allows her to sit up during the day was lost in the fire, so she is even more limited in what she can do. The Andrews don’t know what the future holds for them but they hope they
will be able to find a place to call home very soon. They have nowhere to store donations so they ask people to hold off for now, “but we sure can use it later on,” said Greta. The family is accepting cash donations to help them through this time. E-transfers can be sent to hakum_99@hotmail. com. The Andrews say they are grateful for the help they have gotten so far.
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New guidelines introduced for overdose prevention With a dual public health emergency, COVID-19 has brought new hazards for those responding to overdoses By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC - The provincial government has rolled out new clinical guidance for health-care providers to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and respond to the ongoing overdose emergency. The province states the dual public health emergencies present unprecedented risks for vulnerable and at-risk people. New hazards have arisen in responding to overdoses related to the increasingly toxic drug supply and withdrawal for those who must self-isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We’re dealing with one public health emergency on top of another, and the challenges are unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” said Judy Darcy, minister of Mental Health and Addictions in a press release. “Physical distancing is not easy when you are living in poverty, visiting a clinic every day to get your medicine and relying on an unpredictable, illegal drug supply. This guidance will make it easier for at-risk people to meet the requirements of distancing while avoiding other serious risks to their health and to the health of the community.” The guidance supports people who are at risk of COVID-19 infection, people who have a confirmed infection or a suspected case pending diagnosis and people who have a history of substance use, including opioids, stimulants, alcohol, benzodiazepines or tobacco. To reduce the risk of transmission, the guidance outlines steps for prescribers, pharmacists and care teams on providing safe alternatives to the illegal drug supply and delivering prescriptions directly to patients, along with telemedicine for clinical assessments. “As the effects of the pandemic continue to unfold, the illicit drug supply is likely to become significantly more adulterated and toxic,” said Cheyenne Johnson, co-interim executive director of the BC Centre on Substance Use in a press release. “Coupled with directions to self-isolate or quarantine and risk potentially dangerous withdrawal as a result, people who use substances are especially vulnerable to the harms of these dual
Photo by Eric Plummer
Despite provincial guidance to stay home, traffic at Port Alberni’s safe injection site on 3rd Avenue has remained stable. New guidelines are in place for front-line workers with the added risk of coronavirus transmission. health emergencies.” The shelter society’s Sobering Site, health are of course great challenges in April marks the fourth anniversary of the overdose prevention site on Fourth our society at the best of times. COthe declaration of the overdose crisis Avenue and their substantial food disVID-19 has heightened that situation and as a public health emergency in British tribution programs are still operating at is one more threat,” Douglas said. “Due Columbia, and the COVID-19 pandemic normal hours. to its airborne capacity, COVID makes is adding greater challenges. “Ongoing programs to educate and over- those people in this sector particularly Locally, the Port Alberni Shelter Society see safer practices are in place,” Douglas vulnerable. Education is one key to help(PASS) is taking measures to educate said. “We have formed a relationship ing prevent more harm and the provision clients and shelter staff of the risks of with a group of community members of personal protective equipment is also COVID-19, methods of prevention, who are very kindly sewing fabric masks very important.” proper hand washing techniques and which we then provide to clients.” Douglas added the delivery of a safe social distancing. Douglas said the number of people supply for people with addictions is “one “We are basically expanding our harm using the overdose prevention site has more step which would prevent people reduction programs around opioid use to remained the same since the COVID-19 with addictions having to go out to obtain embrace the more recent COVID conoutbreak. He said due to distancing proto- their currently illegal drugs.” cerns,” said John Douglas, special projcols, there is a limit of clients allowed in Should further isolation requirements ects coordinator with PASS. to access the site at one time. Safe disoccur, Douglas said discussions and planThe shelter, located on Eighth Avenue, tancing is required and staff are constant- ning measures have taken place between has closed the main shelter to public ly washing and bleaching surfaces and the City of Port Alberni, the Albernivisitors in order to keep numbers down. handing out masks as they are available. Clayoquot Regional District, health Twenty-seven additional beds have The province has deemed overdose authorities, BC Housing and other combeen added for homeless individuals but prevention sites essential services as they munity partners who will work together Douglas said the shelter has yet to reach are clinical spaces. to plan accordingly. capacity. “Homelessness, addictions and mental
Phrase of the week - +uup’iic^i+%iš +’a%iih %uu%uuqukši+ hišuk%a+ +’aaq’aa Pronounced ‘tlu pii chal ish tla ich this hish suuk ish tla qaa’, this means ‘It’s getting warm now, it’s spring time, it’s a beautiful day’. Supplied by čiisma.
Ivy Cargill-Martin Illustration
April 23, 2020—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9
Increased mental health supports for First Nations Nuu-chah-nulth practices are challenged during the pandemic, as funerals and cultural gatherings are held off By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor The Province of British Columbia has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services, launch new supports for British Columbians amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A press release from Premier John Horgan’s office states the enhanced virtual services are aimed to help British Columbians with mental health needs arising from the pandemic. The funding will also increase access for Indigenous communities and those living in rural and remote parts of the province. It will provide more options for people living with mental health challenges who are currently unable to access in-person supports. New and expanding services include expanding access to no-and-low-cost community counselling programs. There’s an emphasis on this being provided virtually, increasing access to online peer support and system navigation. Virtual supports have been set up for youth aged 12 to 24 by making Foundry services available around the province through voice, video and chat and providing more online tools and resources to help people assess and manage their own mental health. “I am glad that the BC government is recognizing the need to help with mental health programs and launch new services for use during this very unusual time in our lives. Five million (dollars) is a start but if staying at home lasts longer, they will need to invest more money into these new programs,” said Judith Sayers, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president. “One of those services is virtual mental health services where you can access a counsellor online. Everyone today is doing their counselling online and this makes the service a little easier to find. It of course won’t be as good as having a counsellor you see regularly, but if you need to talk to someone here is the opportunity.” The province states that the emphasis on virtual support and care will be offered in multiple languages, as well as connect people living in rural and remote communities and Indigenous peoples throughout the province. The province said it will continue to collaborate with Indigenous partners to ensure these services are culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Indigenous peoples in rural and urban areas. Sayers said when a professional is working with an Indigenous person there has to be an environment that is spiritually,
Province of BC photo
Premier John Horgan has announced new mental health supports to help British Columbians to deal with the social isolation requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. socially and emotionally safe, as well as physically safe. “There can be no denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need,” Sayers said. As self-isolating is being urged by health professionals, some First Nation people are being challenged to live in stark contrast to what they’re used to. “A lot of (First Nations) communities are remote and semi-remote. Your world is in visiting family and friends and going to public meetings about the community. Now we are asking them to be even more remote by staying in their home and keeping physical distance away from each other,” Sayers said. “This is a whole change of life. There have been several funerals over this isolation period, not COVID-19 related, and having been told to stay away from a funeral, where you can get some closure on losing a loved one, is an immense challenge.” Sayers added attending funerals and supporting family and friends in their homes is medicine for the family and not being able to do that takes a great toll on people. “We show our respect by going to funerals and supporting the family,” she said. Sayers said it’s very hard on families to
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put plans on hold indefinitely for things like ceremonies, memorials and community meetings that concern the business of First Nations. “This is very hard on families who have been practicing songs and dances and exercising protocols on how to invite people,” she said. “The uncertainty of when you can schedule your event is the worst of all. The not knowing wears on people.” Keeping children and youth occupied and happy is another challenge. It can be stressful on parents trying to make their children understand why they can’t go visit their friends or grandparents and why it could be them that could bring sickness into other homes, explained Sayers. “Supporting parents getting through this is important and counselling can help,” she said. “Also, trying to find ways to continue their children’s education. Some schools are doing lessons and tutoring over the internet. If you have no computers or internet in your house, your children can’t keep up to date on their lessons. There is stress and worry about this.” First Nations people are resilient, Sayers said, and she’s observed they are doing what they can to get through the pandemic, like set times to pray, or drum and sing together from separate porches. “They are sharing songs and dances on Facebook so others can feel uplifted and
empowered and enjoy our culture. They are communicating through social media with one another as long as they have access to the internet or using the phone,” Sayers said. “[Members] are becoming stronger and more united as they work towards one cause—that is to remain healthy and not lose anyone to this deadly virus.” Communities are also revising their emergency plans, which Sayers said has helped ease the fears of community members. “We are doing what we can, and the B.C. government has to do what they can to support us as well,” she said. “As we see more needs, we will work with B.C. and the First Nations Health Authority to find mental health supports. This is our first pandemic and we need to learn as we go along and respond quickly to provide the supports our members need.” To help combat mental health issues during this time of self-isolating and social distancing, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) suggests daily exercising and stretching. The FNHA says getting or staying motivated to be active, whether on the land or at home, is important for your mood, health, energy and even your sleep. Regular activity can improve your mood, keep you relaxed, lower your anxiety and enhance overall feelings of wellbeing. To find tips and resources on exercising and staying healthy visit fnha.ca.
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Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Legislative Chief’s Declaration of Emergency Of April 9, 2020 To: All Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) Members or Citizens Residing on KCFN Treaty Settlement Lands, for certainty Fair Harbour and Houpsitas WHEREAS: A. A communicable disease known as COVID-19 has emerged in British Columbia; B. An because of an outbreak of a serious illness known as COVID-19 among the public, and not exercising all precautions of Social Distance, or Self-isolation after travel; C. A person infected with Covid-19, not practicing as required by BC, Social Distancing, or Self-isolation after travel, can infect other people with whom the infected person is in contact; D. The parties being held and or gathering of large numbers of people, in close contact with one another can promote the transmission of Covid-19 and increase the number of people who develop COVID-19; E. For those reasons I believe that: (i) the risk of an outbreak of COVID-19 is high, amongst residents and constitutes a health hazard under KCFN’s Emergency Preparedness Act; (ii) and because of the risk of an outbreak on KCFN Treaty Settlement Lands a coordinated action from KCFN’s Pandemic Response Team is needed to protect the public from contracting COVID-19, it is in the interest of residents, for me to exercise the powers in sections 2.4(a)(b.l) of the KCFN Emergency Preparedness Act; TO ORDER as follows: 1. You are prohibited from the gathering of people for any reason, other than those residents, that normally reside at a place of which you are the owner, renter or occupier. 2. You are prohibited from social gatherings of any kind; including parties. 3. Outside of your home, you are prohibited from being in gatherings where the two metre distance is not being maintained, other than those residents that normally reside at a place of which you are the owner, renter or occupier. 4. To be certain, there will be no exceptions to this Order. This Order expires on April 28, 2020 and is subject to revision, cancellation or extension by me. A copy of the Legislative Chief’s Declaration of Emergency April 9, 2020 and a copy of this Addendum to the Legislative Chief’s Declaration of Emergency April 14, 2020 will be filed with the Province of British Columbia, Canada. Copies of the Legislative Chief’s Declaration of Emergency April 9, 2020 and a copy of this Addendum to the Legislative Chief’s Declaration of Emergency April 14, 2020 will be filed Royal Canadian Mounted Police, for their enforcement of said declaration and order. You are required under section 4.2 of the KCFN Emergency Preparedness Act to comply with this Order. Failure to comply with this Order is an offence under section 4.2 (a) (b) of the KCFN Emergency Preparedness Act. If you fail to comply with this Order, enforcement action will be taken immediately against you under Section 4 of KCFN Emergency Preparedness Act. Thanks for your co-operation
Klecko’s - +ekoo Gratitude from the Joseph Family We, the Joseph Family of Ahousaht would like to express our gratitude to those that gave contribution to our family in our time of mourning. Our brother/uncle/grandfather Jimmy Joseph was very precious to us. His teachings will always be carried at heart. We would like to thank the following people personally. The Ahousaht first nation, Johnson Lucas, Anna Maasu, Patty Titian, Beatrice Sam, Allana Titian & Qelyn Titian, Andy Webster, Alice Sam, Rachel Titian, Linda & Ray Seitcher, Simon Marshall, Karen Lucas, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Rick Lindholm, Steve- Yates Funeral Home, Ian Caplette, and Tyrone Marshall. Your donations of cash, food, and your time does not go unnoticed. We know our brother/uncle/grandfather had touched many lives and his presence will be missed by all. Respectfully, Joseph Family
April 23, 2020—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11
Whale died ‘excruciating death,’ researcher says Humpback remains found near Kyuquot entangled with crab traps are deemed too decomposed for a necropsy By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Kyuquot, BC - A necropsy to learn more about a dead whale that washed ashore in Chekleset Bay has been ruled out, but the find may help increase understanding of a rebounding humpback population. The carcass of the juvenile whale was discovered by kayakers in late March, washed up on a beach in the Bunsby Islands northwest of Kyuquot. Water taxi operator Leo Jack learned of the find when he went to pick up the paddlers and he later reported the carcass to DFO. “I’d never seen a dead one before,” said Jack, who has been ferrying kayakers around Nootka Sound for decades. He has seen dead minke whales but not humpback remains. Commercial crab gear and rope were wrapped through the whale’s mouth and around its pectoral fin and tail, Jack said. The juvenile had obviously died some time ago and lay there for weeks or longer. Jack’s son posted a photo of the whale with the traps on Facebook, provoking an angry backlash and threats against him: “He got a lot of hate mail,” Leo said. DFO confirmed Tuesday that a necropsy would not be possible due to the animal’s advanced state of decomposition. A Coast Guard patrol vessel located the carcass, took measurements and collected the crab gear last week. A department spokeswoman said DFO’s marine mammal rescue unit will review that information, including an ID chip located in the buoy, to determine when and where the animal became entangled. In the meantime, the department said it would work with local Nuu-chah-nulth nations that have an interest in collecting baleen or bones for social or ceremonial purposes. Otherwise, the remains will be left to natural decay and to nourish the food web. A marine researcher based in Port McNeill said finding a dead whale is relatively rare, never mind finding one that might reveal how it died, which makes the discovery much more compelling. “Most often whales don’t wash up dead, they sink,” said Jackie Hildering of the non-profit Marine and Education Research Society (MERS), which has studied local populations of humpback and minke whales for the past decade. “It is extraordinarily rare to find a dead humpback that can testify how it died.” Hildering described the humpback’s death as “a morbid entanglement,” one of the more common threats to large marine mammals and particularly baleen whale species around the world. Humpback whales are more prone to entanglement in fishing gear and boat collisions because they lack “bio-sonar,” the biological adaptation that enables other whales to navigate through echo-location. Their giant pectoral fins, a familiar sight to west coast mariners, make them more susceptible to snagging a variety of hazards. Some die, some survive if they’re able to shed the gear. “We look for survivors to inform us through scarring,” Hildering said. “One half of humpbacks have scarring.” According to one analysis, there were 40 reports of entangled humpback whales in B.C. waters between 1987 and 2008, including four confirmed mortalities. Assorted fishing gear, gillnets and traps were to blame in the majority of those cases, but herring-bait pond, long line
Photos by Tracey Gosselin
Leo Jack of Voyager Water Taxi stands with a humpback carcass and crab traps on a beach in the Bunsby Islands. and aquaculture gear was also a factor, along with seine nets and anchor lines. Hildering believes the whale’s tragic death can play a positive role in raising awareness of humpback whales as their numbers increase along the coast. “Shifting of humpbacks into the coastal waters of B.C. has been so sudden that most people don’t even realize we have humpbacks,” she said. Among Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, humpback whales — “yayačim” — were commonly hunted, a rich and reliable source of food and oil. Prior to the 20th century when commercial whaling began, humpbacks numbered more than 4,000 off the west coast of Vancouver Island with about 15,000 to 20,000 in the North Pacific overall. Since whaling ceased a little more than 50 years ago, humpbacks have rebounded to about half their historic number. There are more than 2,000 on the coast although firm numbers are unknown. MERS has observed a major increase in humpbacks in North Island waters, Hildering said. The increase has been too significant to attribute to population growth alone. More than likely, whales from other areas of the North Pacific are migrating here in search of food. There is no estimate of how many may fall victim to human-related hazards. Though evidence is limited in this case by the whale’s advanced state of decay, lessons can be learned that may prevent entanglement deaths in future, Hildering said. “It would have been an excruciating death. This whale did not die right away. It wasn’t ghost gear,” she said, referring to the frequent hazard of lost or abandoned fishing gear adrift at sea. “Nobody wants to kill a whale. Nobody wants to lose their gear,” she said. Another important lesson the society hopes to convey to the general public: Don’t attempt to disentangle a whale unless you have training and expertise to do it safely. The task is best left to
professionals. First Nation guardians and watchmen are being trained to perform the task without getting in the water and possibly causing more harm than good to the whale, Hildering said. The public can help prevent entanglements by cutting packing material, banding, rope and other looped material and not dumping materials in the ocean, DFO said. People are encouraged to report any marine mammal in distress in Canadian
waters by calling the marine mammal incident report line at 1-800-465-4336. Leo Jack figures the kayakers who found the whale carcass may be the last he sees for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on travel. He will probably divert to other tasks this summer. “I haven’t had a break in 20 years,” he said.
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