30 minute read
Healing practices pilot project
Pilot project launched in Tofi no to incorporate cultural cleansing practices as part of hospital care
By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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When Dr. Luke Williston fi rst heard about the Tla-o-qui-aht men’s group, his ears perked up. As one of Tofi no’s primary care and emergency room physicians, Williston often treats patients who struggle with alcoholism and substance abuse. When he started seeing the same three men returning to the hospital nearly every month, Williston was at a loss. He arranged for counselling and prescribed medication, but none of his methods seemed to help. Thinking back to the men’s group, Williston approached Chris Seitcher, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation cultural support worker, and asked about bringing a cultural healer into the hospital. They arranged for Dwayne Martin to perform a cleansing ceremony for the patients and the immediate benefi ts were “Hard to ignore,” said Williston. For the following year, Williston said he hardly saw those patients. “That’s the Western medicine in me,” he said. “I’m result-oriented and want to see people get better. If our way isn’t doing it, we have to be open to seeing what could work better and I know this does.” In February 2020, Williston and Seitcher organized a ceremony to introduce physicians, nurses along with x-ray and laboratory technicians to Nuu-chah-nulth traditional healing practices. “If we introduce our culture to the hospital and if the doctors and the staff are able to understand it, they’ll be more open to having it there,” said Seitcher. The ultimate goal is to regularly incorporate culturally appropriate ceremonies for First Nations as a method of healing within the hospital. “Some of the illness that we struggle with in the First Nations population is related to this loss of identity, this stripping of identity from the past,” said Williston. The hope is that it’ll be a step towards reclaiming that identity, he said. Led by Seitcher and Nora Martin, who has been working as a cultural healer since 1976 and facilitates the Tla-oqui-aht’s women’s group, hospital staff participated in a talking circle and breathing exercises that included drumming and singing led by Seitcher’s son, Hayden. The men and women were then separated to experience cold water cleansing in pools that were set up at Načiks, otherwise known as Monks Point. “We deal with a lot of trauma and quite often, we go home carrying that with us and don’t let it go,” said Martin. “When you do a ceremony, you’re cleansing yourself of that trauma so that you can move forward in a good way.” Williston said he was “vibrating” after the ceremony. Simply put, “You feel better,” he said. Sometimes our physical injuries can be connected to our story or trauma explained Seitcher. By addressing the
Photo by Melissa Renwick Chris Seitcher, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation cultural support worker, poses for a photo on Long Beach in front of Esowista, near Tofi no, on April 1, 2021. trauma through cultural healing, he hopes to instill First Nations with more connection to their culture and spirit. “Our elders would always say, ‘we are born with everything that we need – we are born with our gifts and we’re born with our ceremonies,’” said Seitcher. While Williston continues to push for healing ceremonies to be more widely incorporated into the hospital, the pilot project has been put on pause due to COVID-19. His goal is for it to extend to RCMP employees, fi re fi ghters, paramedics and the coast guard once physical distancing restrictions are lifted. “I believe our medicines, our culture and our traditions can take our people a long way in healing,” said Norah. “I know it works and that’s why I continue to do it. Our culture really makes a diff erence and really helps our people to heal.”
COVID-19 all Indigenous adults eligible for vaccine
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
A spike in COVID-19 cases in the province has health offi cials taking preemptive action in order to protect people. “Rising case levels, variants of concern, increased transmission and an increase in more severe cases are huge concerns,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “B.C. public health offi cials are making the tough choices now to break the chain and protect our communities.” The latest eff orts by the province to reduce the spread of the virus is being referred to as a circuit-breaker – a set of tight restrictions designed to break the chain of transmission of the deadly corona virus. The restrictions include a three-week closure of restaurants, bars and pubs with the exception of service at outdoor patios. In addition, all indoor public gyms and fi tness centres, indoor worship centres and other such indoor gathering places were ordered closed from Mar. 31, 2021 to Apr. 19, 2021. Public schools are open with students down to grade 4 being asked to wear masks. All workers are encouraged to work from home where possible and travel is limited to essential, work or medical reasons only. But that didn’t stop Easter long weekend travel on the Island. There were long lines at the BC Ferry terminals and outof-province license plates were seen in several island tourist destinations including Tofi no. On Vancouver Island as of Apr. 6, there are 463 confi rmed active cases of COVID-19 including 73 new cases. There are thirteen people in hospital, two that are in ICU. Twenty-nine Vancouver Islanders have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year. In British Columbia there are 1,068 new cases bringing the province’s active case count to 8,671. There are 328 British Columbians in hospital with 96 of those in critical care. Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 1,463 confi rmed COVID-19 deaths in BC. Over time, viruses can mutate. The mutations are known as variants. There are several known variants of the COVID-19 virus. Three variants of concern in the province are B.1.1.7, P.1 and B.1.351. The P.1 variant, fi rst reported in Japan but later identifi ed in Brazil, may be able to re-infect people who have had COVID-19. Some current treatments and vaccines may not work as well on cases of this variant. Because of this and the ongoing spread of the virus, people are asking to continue to practice safety precautions like avoiding crowds, wearing masks and washing hands frequently, even if they are vaccinated. The province is ahead of schedule on vaccinating people, announcing that they are in phase three of a four phase immunization process. To date it has administered 912,056 doses of vaccine; 87,474 of those are second doses. The highly contagious variants are exacerbating the spread of the virus especially among the younger age groups, like those ages 20-39. For this reason, the province is in a race to get the adult population vaccinated as soon as possible. “Community (herd) immunity could be reached when a large majority of people in B.C. are immunized against COVID-19,” states the provincial website. “When you choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, you are helping save lives by protecting your household and your entire community from the virus,” it continued. They go on to say that the lifting of current restrictions will be based on many factors, including the number of people immunized and level of community immunity, the number of COVID-19 cases in the province and health care capacity. Beginning Apr. 6 those 71 years and over, born 1950 or earlier may register for a vaccination appointment. Indigenous people age 18 and over may now book an appointment any time, no matter where in the province they live. Visit https://www.getvaccinated.gov. bc.ca/s/ to book online 24 hours a day or call 1-833-838-2323 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to book an appointment. First Nations Health Authority states that as of early March 2021 all Nuuchah-nulth Nations (communities) have received fi rst dose vaccine. Second dose clinics were held for a number of communities that received vaccine in early January. Remaining community clinics will be aligned to the new schedule released by the Provincial Health Offi cer, which extended the timeline between fi rst and second dose from 42 days to 16 weeks. VI FNHA has been focusing on advocacy for whole of community approach (18 years+) for all Indigenous community members who reside outside of the confi nes of reservations/ treaty settlement lands. “We continue to work in partnership to plan for Indigenous away-from-home clinics and support the broader mass immunization clinics to promote culturally safe access to vaccine,” said FNHA in an email. The PAFC is hosting a vaccination clinic on April 8 – 9 and April 12, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register, for the PAFC vaccination clinic, call Darlene Leonew, Michelle Hnennyj or Jackie Wells at 1-250-7238281. This clinic is open to all people 71 and older and to Indigenous people over the age of 18. Bring your Care Card, a mask and wear a short-sleeved shirt to your appointment. Children are back in school, but parents are asked to keep their child home from school if they feel sick or have any sign of illness. Get tested immediately if you or anyone in your family feels sick. The provincial health authorities assure people that there is strong evidence that the vaccine is safe and works for all adults–including seniors/Elders – and that it is highly eff ective across age, sex, race and ethnicity. FNHA advises that it is important that everyone, including Indigenous people, continue to follow safety guidelines as set by the BC Ministry of Health, even after they have received a vaccination.
Correction: The Ha-Shilth-Sa published a story in the Februaury 25th newspaper, page 10 tled Nuu-chah-nulth Cultural Centre Proposed for Port Alberni that stated the Tseshaht First Na on provided their support to the group of individuals proposing plans for the cultural and interpre ve centre. This informa on is incorrect. The Tseshaht First Na on is not working closely with the developers of the project and have not off ered outright support. The Tseshaht First Na on only supported the group’s applica on for exploratory funding and have made it clear that their consulta on, partnership, collabora on and consent are required as the project develops.
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New Indigenous-owned kelp company
Keltsmaht Kelp looks to bring sustainable business opportunities to Clayoquot Sound
By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofi no, BC - Stevie Dennis and Jordan White live in their respective boats that are moored across from each other on Strawberry Island, in the Tofi no inlet. For the business partners and friends, the ocean is their very lifeline. Recently, they further cemented their ties to the sea by launching their new business, Keltsmaht Kelp. Their aim is to integrate the natural benefi ts of kelp into the every day, while conducting ecologically-minded business. As they work towards establishing a kelp farm in Ritchie Bay, the duo recently released its fi rst product, kelp probiotic. “It’s plant food,” said Dennis. “That’s the easiest way to think about it.” Using wild bull and giant kelp foraged within traditional Ahousaht territory, Dennis and White tested over 60 variations of the kelp probiotic before releasing it to market. Now, it lives on the shelves at eight diff erent garden stores across Vancouver Island, including Borden Mercantile Co. Ltd. in Victoria, Buckerfi eld’s in Langford and Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre in Nanaimo. The business endeavor was a natural progression for Dennis, who grew up on boats helping his parents run one of the fi rst whale watching companies in Tofi no by guiding. As he grew older, the Ahousaht man transitioned into working on a packing boat and commercial fi shing boat, before returning to work as a guide for the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort around fi ve years ago. It was there he fi rst met White, who was paired as his roommate. Bonding over their love of all things oceanic, they became fast-friends. When White moved on to study business at The University of Victoria and discovered his passion for kelp through an elective course, seaweed quickly became the subject of their conversations. Before long, the old roommates started dreaming of ways to morph their mutual interest in kelp with creating sustainable business opportunities in Clayoquot Sound. “I’m a product of my environment,” said Dennis. “Working with kelp was something that I saw as an opportunity to give back. We’ve taken, we’ve taken, we’ve taken almost every day of our lives and we rarely ever give back to the environment.” During his fourth year of university, White returned to Tofi no in 2019 while working as a co-op student researching kelp in partnership with North Island College. Dennis, who was working for the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, was his boat driver. They spent the day dropping kelp test lines for Cermaq, before asking themselves, “What are we doing working for other people doing what we love?” recalled White. It was a tipping point for the kelp enthusiasts, who became determined to bring Keltsmaht Kelp to life. Named after Dennis’ mother’s side of the family, who were from Kelsmaht Nation, it is meant to serve as a reminder of his family’s teachings. “My grandpa always said, ‘know who you are and don’t forget it,’” recounted Dennis. Seaweed aquaculture is not only the fastest-growing sector of global food production, but off ers opportunities to mitigate climate change by sucking carbon from the atmosphere. “When you think kelp, you think green,” said Dennis. Their ultimate goal is to become a carbon-negative company. “The possibilities are limitless,” said Dennis. “You could turn it into food, you could turn it into fuel, you could turn it into a bioplastic, you could even grow it and let people pay for carbon [off set] credits.” For Dennis, kelp presents an alternative opportunity for work within the region. “If we can create kelp farms here in Clayoquot Sound and give that opportunity to community members, it’s a win for everybody,” said Dennis. “It’s a win for the people and it’s a win for the ecosystem.”
Stevie Dennis holds up wild giant kelp found near Tofi no.
Photo by Melissa Renwick
~ Stevie Dennis
Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born. A community newspaper cannot exist without community involvement. If you have any great pictures you’ve taken, stories or poems you’ve written, or artwork you have done, please let us know so we can include it in your newspaper. E-mail holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org. This year is Ha-Shilth-Sa’s 47th year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. We look forward to your continued input and support. Kleco! Kleco!
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Recreational anglers and MPs push for 2021 adoption
By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
West Coast Vancouver Island , BC – A DFO decision whether to allow recreational fi sheries for fi n-clipped hatchery chinook could come within weeks amid strong objections from First Nations including Nuu-chah-nulth-aht. Mark selective fi sheries (MSF) — used in the Salish Sea recreational coho fi shery and U.S. waters — permit retention of hatchery-produced salmon marked with a clipped adipose fi n. Unmarked wild fi sh must be returned to the water. The recreational fi shing sector has vigorously supported MSF as a chance for coastal communities to recover from twin blows, the economic fallout from COVID-19 and strict conservation measures in place to protect Fraser River chinook salmon. “It is a potential lifeline,” said Pat Ahern, president of the West Coast Fishing Guides Association. “It is clear that the fi shery management measures required to rebuild Fraser stream-type chinook will result in the collapse of the recreational fi shery infrastructure unless mark selective fi shery management for chinook is applied more broadly in the years ahead,” the Sport Fish Advisory Board stated in a proposal to DFO in April 2020. Political pressure has increased since then. SFAB petitioned Parliament in December 2020, imploring Jordan to direct DFO to “purchase and begin operations of adipose fi n-clipping machinery for the existing production of chinook hatcheries in the Pacifi c region; and as soon as the adipose fi n-clipped chinook salmon reach the minimum legal size for retention, implement a mark-selective fi shery for hatchery marked chinook salmon.” While Nuu-chah-nulth nations are not opposed to mark-selective fi sheries, they have raised concerns about DFO’s process for considering the proposal as well as numerous technical issues, said Eric Angel, NTC fi sheries program manager. “The big one is priority access,” said Jim Lane, Uu-a-thluk’s southern region biologist. “Rights-based fi sheries are a priority for First Nations.” As the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) contends in a preliminary list of concerns: “Opening a recreational fi shery during a closure where First Nations have been instructed to not harvest fi sh under Section 35.1 and by Supreme Court decision (e.g. Ahousaht Indian Band and Nation v. Canada); confl icts with priority rights and court decisions.”
Photo by Mike Youds
Robertson Creek hatchery staff taking chinook milt. Last month, 25 B.C. Opposition MPs, Sayers wrote in a March 19 letter to including Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord DFO’s fi sheries management branch. Johns, the NDP fi sheries critic, endorsed When Uu-a-thluk and Ha’oom reprethe MSF proposal in a letter to Fisheries sentatives met with DFO in early 2020 Minister Bernadette Jordan. Johns later to discuss the potential of MSF on the clarifi ed his conditional support for the west coast of Vancouver Island, they concept after hearing from NTC, Angel concluded signifi cant work was needed to said. address the technical issues. “A mark selective chinook fi shery can “The considered value of mark selective only be implemented in a manner that fi sheries has never really been assessed supports restoration and conservation of nor has it been shown to work that well,” Pacifi c salmon,” Johns wrote. “Further, said Jim Lane, Uu-a-thluk’s southern there must be assurances that the Crown region biologist. is committed to fulfi lling its duty and its Adipose clips are used to indicate potenresponsibility to meaningfully consult tial presence of coded wire tags, a stock and achieve consent from Coastal and assessment tool used by Canada and the Interior First Nations impacted prior to U.S. since the 1970s, guiding chinook making a decision on moving forward and coho management decisions on the with mark selective fi sheries.” West Coast. Recreational fi sheries targetNuu-chah-nulth nations together with ing clipped chinook would render inefHa’oom Fisheries Society (formerly fective coded wire tagging as a measure known as T’aaq-wiihak Fisheries) and of exploitation rates, FNFC stated in its FNFC have made their position clear. submission. “Nuu-chah-nulth nations have serious “Implementation of chinook MSFs concerns about the SFAB’s MSF for would require modifi cation of sampling Nuu-chah-nulth waters and are demand- programs, protocols, and reporting ing DFO engage in meaningful consulta- systems and revision of management tions on this issue with Nuu-chah-nulth planning and post-season evaluation tools Nations before DFO authorizes this proposed fi shery,” NTC President Judith to represent fi shery impacts under MSF regulations,” FNFC noted. “In short, DFO doesn’t have the data systems in place to manage the essentials of mark-selective fi sheries,” Lane said. In her response to the SFAB petition, Jordan said DFO is still considering pilot recreational MSFs to selectively target hatchery chinook subject to monitoring and consultation with First Nations. A limited number were approved as pilot projects in 2020. Opposition MPs have criticized the Liberal government for stalling as communities struggle. Critics of the MSF chinook proposal generally feel a lot more work is required. There is also a sense among First Nations that the recreational sector is shown preferential treatment when they have made sacrifi ces for wild chinook conservation. “It’s been presented that this is generically good, but there’s no evidence to support that,” Lane said, listing various concerns with MSF, not the least of which is incidental mortality among wild chinook. “You’re looking at open mixed-stock fi sheries as opposed to terminal fi sheries,” he said, citing terminal fi sheries in Alberni Inlet as examples specifi cally targeted at Robertson Creek hatchery production. “Even in a terminal area, it would still be a challenge,” Lane added. “When you’ve got other stocks moving through, it’s way more complicated.” Ahern feels the recreational fi shery is monitored well enough to ensure MSFs could work. “I think part of the problem is people may not be familiar with how the fi shery is monitored,” he said, outlining a variety of tools already used and potential of a new app, FishingBC. Ahern pointed to the intertwined economies of smaller coastal communities and Indigenous business interests in the recreational fi shery. He also emphasized a desire for more direct dialogue with First Nations, citing the example set by west coast salmon roundtables. “I do think, from the public fi shery perspective, many folks in our community are not sure how to reach out and have deeper engagement with First Nation communities,” Ahern said. “We all live and work together in a broader community and it would help to start a conversation around how we can appropriately connect.”
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Thanks to provincial funding, a solar energy project is expected to commence at the Hesquiaht Place of Learning this summer.
Photo submitted by Hesquiaht Place of Learning
Hesquiaht receives funding for solar panel project
Solar energy project will help eliminate use of diesel in Hesquiaht community
By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
Hot Springs Cove, BC – A Nuu-chahnulth First Nation will soon no longer have to rely on diesel at one of its main facilities. That’s because it was announced in late March that Hesquiaht First Nation will receive some substantial provincial funding which will allow it to proceed with a solar panel installation project at its community school located in Hot Springs Cove. Through its Renewable Energy for Remote Communities (RERC) program, the province will provide $419,000 to construct a 136-kilowatt solar panel installation at the Hesquiaht Place of Learning. The remote village of Hot Springs Cove, located north of Tofi no, is off -grid. It currently relies entirely on diesel fuel shipped in by barge to power its generators . “This announcement is part of our long journey towards sustainable energy production, which is key to preserving our rich biodiversity, clean air and pristine waters,” said Josh Charleson, the Chief Councillor for Hesquiaht First Nation. The RERC program is part of the province’s larger CleanBC project. “Our CleanBC goal is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation in remote communities by 80 per cent by 2030,” said Bruce Ralston, who is the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “By building partnerships and creating opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses, we can help remote communities get off diesel and benefi t from more effi cient, healthier and cleaner fuel sources.” The Hot Springs Cove project will cost $682,000, meaning the province will provide slightly more than 60 per cent of the Josh Charleson
funding through its RERC program. Funds are also being provided by the New Relationship Trust via the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative program as well as in-kind contributions from Hesquiaht First Nation. Hesquiaht offi cials are hoping the solar panel installations will commence around July of this year and be completed a few months later, hopefully by September. Planning for the project, however, took a few years. Pre-feasibility studies were completed in 2018 and the fi nal feasibility studies were done last year. Engineering work and the system design for the project were fi nalized last month. George Heyman, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, is pleased to see his government is providing funding for positive changes. “We’re working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to support clean energy to reduce pollution in remote communities and address climate change,” he said. “This investment in solar energy for Hesquiaht First Nation will improve local air quality and help build a better future for students and people at Hot Springs Cove.” On the day of the Hesquiaht funding announcement, provincial offi cials also revealed plans to assist two other First Nations. The province will give $875,000 to the Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation for its heat and power project and the Kwadacha Nation will receive $486,000 for its solar energy project at its community school. Norma Bird, tribal administrator, is among those thrilled to see her First Nation going ahead with its solar photovoltaic (PV) system. “Once installed, the solar PV system will require little to no maintenance on an annual basis,” she said. The Hesquiaht Place of Learning opened in 2007. At one time it off ered both pre-school classes through its Headstart Program as well as elementary education for those starting in Kindergarten and going up to Grade 7. At its peak, the school had about two dozen students in its combined programs. But the Headstart Program has since been discontinued. And the school, which can now off er classes up to Grade 9, has just three students this year. The facility, however, has many other uses, including a room which has been turned into a computer lab where Hesquiaht adults are off ered various educational classes and online courses. Other rooms in the facility also serve various purposes. “Presently the community uses the gymnasium mainly for community basketball nights,” Bird said. “But the gym is also used for videoconferences, cultural gatherings and other community events.” For example, the gym was recently utilized as the operations staging center to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to community members. “The community also frequently uses the school’s kitchen and foyer to prepare and host meals,” Bird said. “The library has also been used for various workshops that support the community.” Bird added the school is also utilized as a meeting place for members of the community whenever there are tsunami alerts. The Hesquiaht project was included in the second intake of the RERC program. This initiative was created to assist remote B.C. communities that are not connected to the provincial electrical grid and thus rely on diesel power generation stations. In 2019 the provincial government had pledged up to $16.5 million for its CleanBC program. This funding was to help cover the capital expenses of projects ready for construction. Four projects were the initial recipients of funding in March of 2020. They collectively received $13.8 million in funding.
BC provides $10 million grant to bring high-speed Internet to remote community of Zeballos
By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
Zeballos, BC – Some people might have simply glanced over the recent news that the provincial government will be providing funding for some remote communities in British Columbia to improve their Internet capabilities. But for Julie Colborne, the mayor of the village of Zeballos, located within the traditional territories of the Ehattesaht First Nation, the news is rather signifi cant. “Economically it’s a game changer,” Colborne said. “It puts us on an equitable and more equal playing fi eld with everyone else.” Currently those in Zeballos, which has a population of slightly more than 100 residents, must rely on a satellite uplink to connect to the Internet. “Sometimes it is weather dependent,” Colborne said of the ability to access the Internet in her village. And storms have the ability to wipe out Internet access, perhaps for many hours at a time. But that will change with the announcement that the provincial government remains committed to major connectivity investments. Bringing more reliable Internet access is part of the StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. Last September provincial offi cials announced they would provide $90 million in grant money to support broadband and cellular infrastructure to assist those in Indigenous and rural communities throughout B.C. That funding announcement was an expansion of the Connecting British Columbia initiative. Those from Ehattesaht First Nation and Zeballos will benefi t from Internet upgrades that are part of a $10 million project that will be spearheaded by CityWest. This project, which will enhance connectivity for more than 2,800 households in four First Nations villages and the communities within their territories. Besides Ehattesaht, the others included in this project are Haida Nation, Klahoose First Nation and Nuxalk Nation. Lisa Beare, the Minister of Citizens’ Services, is pleased to see the provincial
Submitted photo More than 100 Zeballos residents along with their Ehattesaht neighbors will have high speed fi bre optic Internet service by the end of 2021 thanks to funding from a provincial grant. government doing its part to upgrade Internet capabilities for some B.C. residents. “We’re rolling up our sleeves and joining with communities, First Nations and service providers to usher in a new age of connectivity along B.C.’s stunning coastline,” Beare said. “Improvements to Internet access will begin to arrive this year, unlocking opportunities for people, families and workplaces in coastal areas. Connectivity brings the world to our doorsteps. Together, we can ensure people in coastal communities have the internet access they need.” Michelle Babchuk, the MLA for North Island, is another politician that is happy with the coming changes. “I’m pleased to see we are approaching a day when everyone on our coast has the internet access they need,” she said. “Our region is in the midst of signifi cant economic shifts, and connecting communities to high-speed internet brings opportunities for more diverse economies with good, stable jobs well into the future.” Ehattesaht First Nation and Zeballos residents will benefi t as they will be able to hook up with the Connected Coast project. This venture, managed by CityWest and the Strathcona Regional District, utilizes fi bre-optic cables installed in waters. Colborne said local residents will eventually be connected to these cables and have access to high-speed reliable Internet and cell service. “Any Internet upgrade is a good news story,” she said. Colborne said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of reliable Internet since many people are now working from home and online learning has become the norm for many students. Colborne said locals will no longer have to feel as if they are at a disadvantage once the Internet changes have been made. “Businesses are easier able to connect with people purchasing their services,” she added. Stefan Woloszyn, who is the CEO of CityWest, is glad his telecommunications company will be able to provide increased capabilities for many. “We have heard from community leaders about how connectivity is critical to foster growth in the digital economy and navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Woloszyn said. “The Strathcona Regional District and communities have worked tirelessly with us to improve connectivity for people on the coast.” Despite the funding announcement to improve Internet capabilities in various communities, Colborne said those changes will not happen overnight. “I believe it’s a three-year start up to fi nish,” she said of the project, expected to commence at some point in 2021.
Chantel Moore’s birthday celebrated by family
By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofi no, BC - On the evening of March 31, close family members in Tofi no gathered on the First Street dock to celebrate what would have been Chantel Moore’s 27th birthday. It was a way to “keep her memory alive,” said Grace Frank, Moore’s grandmother. Moore, of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, was fatally shot in her New Brunswick apartment during a wellness check by an Edmundston police offi cer on June 4, 2020. Quebec’s police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), has completed its investigation into the shooting, but her family says they have yet to receive any answers. Alongside her husband, sister, three sons and nephew, Frank released red and yellow-coloured balloons into the air while singing, “happy birthday.” The colour yellow was meant to embody Moore’s signature phrase, “stay golden, peeps,” said Frank. “Yellow was her colour,” she said. With Meares Island standing watch in the background, the family laid down yellow roses and candles on the dock. Once home, they shared a meal of burgers and poutine. It was Moore’s meal-of-choice for her 25th birthday – the last birthday Frank got celebrate with her granddaughter before she moved to the east coast. Over cake, they took turns sharing stories about Moore through weepy eyes. The day was “really, really hard,” for Moore’s mother, Martha. “It’s hard to want to do anything,” she said from her New Brunswick home. “It’s still so fresh. I spent most of the day in tears.” With no answers about the death of her daughter, “you can’t move forward,” she said. “It’s every parent’s nightmare.”
