Yuquot Summerfest photo spread......................Pages 10

Photos by Eric Plummer Marge Amos (left) dances aboard the MV Uchuck III on Aug. 6, as the ship lands in Friendly Cove, where the ancient Mowachaht village site of Yuquot is located. During the fi rst week of August members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation continued their annual tradition of camping for a week at Yuquot.

On Aug. 6 visitors aboard the Uchuck watched children enjoy the summer waters at the dock (below).

This year’s annual Yuquot Summerfest included several developments for the First Nation. Renovations to the community church at the Nootka Island location are almost complete, and plaques commemorating Chief Maquinna and the history of Yuquot for Indigenous and European peoples are almost entirely installed. The plaques are mounted on carvings by Sanford Williams (right).

Photo by Eric Plummer Sanford Williams sits in his new carving shed in Yuquot at the southern shore of Nootka Island. The workshop is almost complete, giving the carver more room to undertake large projects each summer. Carver hones his craft in a new workshop at Yuquot

Sanford Williams returns home each summer to work by the waves, benefi Å ing from an established reputation

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Yuquot, BC - When Sanford Williams returns to his home at the south edge of Nootka Island each summer, there is little time to waste. The carver has made a practice to starting work at 6 in the morning, usually fi nishing by 7 or 8 in the evening. With more than 40 years of experience of crafting with the knife, Williams knows just what lies before him when he returns to Yuquot each June. The period usually lasts three months before he returns to his wife Marlana in Hope. “As soon as I get out here I have a pole project,” said Williams, who strengthens his hands and forearms with dumbbells to sustain the long summer days of carving at the Nootka Sound summer home. “I normally start it right away in June so I can have it done by the time I leave.” Next to him over a dozen hand tools are strategically laid, each one made by the artist to suit his personal preferences. “It’s better if you make your own, then you know exactly what you’re getting,” said Williams. As over 200 people converged in Yuquot to enjoy the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation’s annual Summerfest celebration on Aug. 6, Williams worked in the relative quiet of his large carving shed on three poles for a fi shing lodge in Mowachaht Bay. He estimates the project will take three years – encompassing nine months of carving time in his new workshop. He works from drawings that specifi cally plan out the fi nished product. “I normally draw and scale drawings of my design, what I’m going to put on the log fi rst and I go by that, do all the measurements from the drawing,” explained Williams. The place of his upbringing - an ancient village site where archaeological excavations show First Nations have lived for over 4,300 years – provides a drastic change of scenery than where Williams creates for the rest of the year. “The view for one is a big diff erence for me,” he said, comparing Yuquot to Hope. “If I go over there I see mountains all the time. It feels kind of closed in there, here it’s open – plus I can feel our ancestors around here at one time.” For years Williams worked feet from the shore in a carving shed just below the home of his parents, Ray and Terri Williams. A thick lawyer of cedar shavings collected on the fl oor, where the carver worked to the rhythm of the nearby waves. But as the years went by the need for a larger, more stable shed that could accommodate bigger projects became apparent. “The waves were starting to reach up in the wintertime against the windows,” said Williams, who now works in a nearly completed 20-by-32-foot structure right next to where his father Ray still lives year-round. “It feels more roomy, more brighter for me.” Much of the construction took place over the summer last year, with major help from the Strathcona Lodge’s head carpenter and his crew. Williams gave them a carved paddle to express his gratitude. “He was interested in doing it for free, but that was a lot of work for him,” he said of the carpenter’s help. “I really appreciate that, getting this shop up for me, so I did a carving for him, a nice paddle.” Along the ceiling of the carving workshop lies a fi r log Williams found on Yuquot’s beach, selected for its length and straightness. Measuring over 30 feet, Williams pulled the log up to the workshop location inch by inch with a hand-operated winch. “I rounded it over with my chainsaw, skimmed across it, it took me about four days to clean it up, and a couple more days to pull it up the hill with a come along,” he said.

Business owners look into short-term housing opportunities within their property on the Tseshaht reserve

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Port Alberni, BC - Showcasing what’s possible by Indigenous-owned businesses was the main message behind the second annual Cims Fest at Chims Guest House on Tseshaht territory. Naomi Nicholson and her husband Ed hosted the event for the second consecutive year at their property on Aug. 6. The couple, who own Chims Guest House at 6890 Pacifi c Rim Hwy., want to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together to build a relationship through a shared cultural experience. The festival showcased Indigenous artwork and vendors, a fashion show, traditional food, storytelling, song and dance. The event was also a fundraiser for Haahuupayak Elementary School for their food program and for the Namwayut Cultural Group, who performed at the event, to purchase new regalia. “I want to showcase what’s possible,” Naomi said. “I really am promoting reconciliation. My biological mother would have never been able to do this, so the fact that I get to do this is amazing. That’s why I share the constraints about being on the reserve because a lot of people have misconceptions about Indigenous People. Until you have a new experience to replace your old experience, you can’t change your mind.” Last year, Naomi and Ed expanded Chims Guest House from one studio suite and a one-bedroom guest house to include four serviced RV sites. This year, they’ve expanded again, adding one new tiny home to the property, with plans to add two more in the near future. The one-bedroom tiny home, that Naomi has named the ‘Hummingbird Home’, was built by Mint Tiny House Company out of Delta and will be available for professional short-term rentals and possibly personal long-term accommodation as well. “I could rent this short term to somebody who needed housing,” Naomi said. “I do have the ability with my permits that the Tseshaht First Nation has given me, I have that opportunity to do whatever I’d like…I don’t have the same rules as the ACRD where [someone] can only stay eight months.” The goal for Naomi and Ed is to add two more tiny homes on the site’s RV pads. Mint Tiny House Company are certifi ed builders and build under the RV and park model certifi cation, therefore anywhere that land is designated for an RV or a park model, a tiny home can legally be parked on it. In addition, because the company are certifi ed builders, people can legally get fi nancing to purchase a tiny home, which range from around $119,000 to $182,600, and they can be insured. In addition to touring the new tiny home, guests at Cims Fest were able to watch a fashion show that showcased Indigenous clothing from Naomi’s personal collection. “When you get an (Indigenous-made) item there’s always a story about it, so this is where you can change; when somebody asks you, ‘Well, are you allowed to wear that?’ you can say, ‘Yes, I can,’ and then you tell them the story,” Naomi said. Naomi plans to continue hosting Cims Fest each year to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in a safe setting that fosters reconciliation. She hopes to continue creating Indigenous

Photos by Karly Blats Naomi Nicholson stands by as Nuu-chah-nulth elder sings a prayer song at Cims Fest on Aug. 6. The second annual Cims Fest included cultural performances, food, storytelling and a fashion show (below).

experiences and a space for sharing. “I never imagined when we got together that we were going to grow all of this,” Ed said. “This is something [Naomi] was talking about when we fi rst met 10 years ago and she’s just never given up.”

Phrase†of†the†week:†c^iyix,†cusš†i+†kwa>kwa%ap†%uuqwin†up†>ath=@as†+uš†cap,†c^ic^itup†c^amus

Pronounced ‘Cha ii e yama cue gilt Kaalth ka up ooh ma sip laat ars ee clue sap geegilth mmm chumps’, it means, ‘In the old days, we would pick salal berries, clean, wash, mash it, lay fl at in a tray to dry, cut it up and store for winter treat . .’ Supplied by ciisma.

Planned for Aug. 20 and 21 in Bamfi eld, the open event is a fundraiser for forestry workers during hard times

By James Paracy Ha-Shith-Sa Contributor

Bamfi eld, BC - Huu-ay-aht First Nations is planning a Bamfi eld-based fi shing derby in support of Cawak ʔqin Forestry Workers. Cawak ʔqin Forestry is a partnership between the Huu-ay-aht-owned Huumiiss Ventures and Western Forest Products to manage Tree Farm Licence 44, a large section of Crown land south of Port Alberni and Great Central Lake. Chief Counsellor Robert Dennis and Huu-ayaht First Nations want to demonstrate their support with an event that forestry workers and their family can all enjoy. Scheduled for Aug. 20-21, Huu-ay-aht First Nations Events Coordinator Sheila Charles says the late summer event will be a perfect event for forestry workers and those in the community to get to know each other and recognize that we are all one. “Cawak ʔqin means we are all one, and so, Robert just wanted an opportunity to gather all of those citizens and workers to just have a fun weekend together,” said Charles. “That way we can all get to know each other and just come together as one and recognize that we are all one.” The support money raised by this fi shing derby will be allocated to an emergency fund for all Cawak ʔqin forestry workers and their families. Forestry can be a dangerous line of work and Dennis says one of Huu-ay-aht’s principles as a nation is to take care of each other. He adds that this is just one way they want to continue taking care of their workers in the best way they can. “We’re setting out a new ground here. And we’re hopeful that things like this will help kickstart the want to work together as a team and support each other,” outlined Dennis. “We want to take care of our workers and do whatever we can. One of the things that we certainly wanted to do as a new owner of a forestry company, or part owners, is to create a culture where we do get along, and where we try to work as a team to support each other.” “We can have a good, healthy working environment where we all get along and work together for the betterment of the company,” he added. “So, one of the things we decided to do, sometimes workers end up in crisis situations where maybe a family member gets sick, and they have to go stay in a hospital somewhere, or maybe even a passing in the family. So, we want to set up a fund where we can take care of our workers when it’s needed. So that’s the main purpose of raising money through this derby.” The event is the fi rst of its kind for Bamfi eld and Huu-ay-aht First Nations and, according to Charles, it all came together this year. Specifi cally, planning started in January. Charles says the event originally featured a traditional salmon barbecue, but a few changes had to be made. “Since we just got word that there’s a fi re ban, it will not be a traditional barbecue salmon feast like we had intended, but it will still be a salmon barbecue with burgers and hotdogs and more,” explained Charles. She adds that Gord Hawkins from Bamfi eld Breakers Marine was a major help in putting the event together. “He provided a lot of help, because he’s the one that planned the Bamfi eld Volunteer Fire Department Fishing Derby successfully for the past 20 years or so, and they have tons of sponsors,” said Charles. “And so, he had lots of advice for us.” Sheila Charles and Huu-ay-aht First Nations won’t have to look far back for an example of Hawkins’ work and experience. The Bamfi eld Volunteer Fire Department successfully ran their fi shing derby over the August long weekend. Rods will be in the water for the Huuay-aht First Nations Fishing Derby August 20 and 21, and the event features prizes for biggest fi sh, hidden weights and biggest Coho salmon caught. Weighin stations will be operated by volunteers and held at Bamfi eld’s Upnit Lodge and Marina, formerly known as the Kingfi sher Lodge. The event’s salmon barbecue is scheduled to take place at the Bamfi eld Volunteer Fire Department. Tickets to participate in the fi shing derby are now available at various locations in Port Alberni and Bamfi eld, including Gone Fishin’, Breakers Marine and Huuay-aht government offi ces.

Photo by Leah Paracy A recreational fi shing boat drives in Barkley Sound, near Bamfi eld, where a fi shing derby is planned Aug. 20 and 21.

Looking for......

Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services are looking for individual/s or families who are interested in caregiving for teens with high-risk behaviors. The Caregiver(s) would provide 24-hour care in a culturally safe and suppor! ve environment, responding eff ec! vely to challenging behaviours. Compensa! on would be built around the specifi c needs of the youth and the Caregiver, and could include both direct services and fi nancial support to allow Caregivers to meet the needs of the youth.

For more informa on, please call Joni or Julia at 250-724-3232.

Photo submitted by Arni Robinson Arni Robinson stands with a car he recently had to get fi xed up after a new vehicle purchase fell through due to fees that weren’t verbally discussed. Elder cautions to watch for hidden dealership fees

Nanaimo dealership tries to stick Arni Robinson with an additional $10K in fi nancing for a new electric car

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Chemainus, BC - The importance of reading the fi ne print became blatantly clear to Arni Robinson, after he was almost stuck with a payment he didn’t negotiate for while recently buying a new electric car. For years the retired commercial fi sherman and his wife have pondered getting an electric car, but it wasn’t until recently that prices became reasonable enough to make the transition viable. “We had been talking about it for years. We were thinking about the earth,” said the Ahousaht member who lives in Chemainus. “We kept being told to wait, the batteries are getting better, they’re going to be more environmentally friendly one day that they’ll be able to dispose of them safely.” In mid June Robinson stopped into a Nanaimo dealership to inquire about the possibility. He was presented with the option of buying a Nissan Leaf, one of the most aff ordable electric cars currently on the market. “They said, ‘Yeah, we ordered 10, and because we’re a dealer they come in a lot faster than if you order it’,” recalled Robinson of the dealer’s off er. The electric cars were expected in August, but a brand-new Nissan Leaf arrived at the dealership much sooner. “The next day they said, ‘A lady ordered one, her’s is coming on Monday on a truck and she cancelled. If you want it, it’s yours’,” said Robinson. The car was originally listed for $44,000, but a government grant lowered the cost and the dealer knocked approximately $2,000 off the price. Robinson also handed over the 20-year-old car he had been driving, cutting another $500 off the Leaf price to $32,300. The dealership encouraged Robinson to have $10,000 of the cost fi nanced, but he insisted on paying for the total price outright with a bank draft. He drove the fully-paid brand-new car for two days before getting the bill of sale, said Robinson. “I had to ask them, ‘Hey, I didn’t get a bill of sale,’” he said. “They gave it to me and I signed it.” After driving the car for two weeks Robinson said a phone call came from the dealership telling him he was still on the hook for the fi nancing. He then found this detail in the bill sale, although he verbally refused this option when discussing the terms of the purchase. “They slipped in there that I fi nanced $10,000, which I didn’t, we never talked fi nance,” said Robinson. According to the Motor Vehicle Act Regulation, a seller must provide a copy of the purchase agreement when a car is sold. The Code of Conduct under this act also states that any verbal promises made about the vehicle must be in the purchase agreement. “Under the legislation, all fees are to be itemized on the purchase agreement,” wrote the Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “We do receive some complaints about additional fees not being discussed but then showing up on the purchase agreement.” Although a dealer is required to mention signifi cant issues with a vehicle, such as extensive damage, there is no legal obligation in B.C. for a merchant to verbally discuss each term of the purchase agreement. “Generally, if all the terms of the agreement are on the purchase agreement when it is signed, it is an enforceable contract,” wrote the Vehicle Sales Authority. “If you look at the reverse of a vehicle purchase agreement you will see many terms that are not usually discussed.” Robinson said he was confronted by staff at the dealership, who told him he was required to pay the additional $10,000 in fi nancing. But he refused, and ended up getting his money back when the Nissan Leaf was returned. “I said, ‘I’m going to phone my tribal politicians, they have lawyers and I’m going to put this to the media if you don’t give me my money right now’,” said Robinson. “They did, they gave me a cheque. They took the car back, I signed the papers.” Although he got his money back, Robinson lost the old car he traded in for the Nissan Leaf. He’s now driving another vehicle that had to be fi xed up. “I had an old car, it was parked for 10 months, I had to spend money on it,” he said. “New tires, new alternator, new battery. I had to get it running, and it’s running barely.” He hopes that his experience cautions others to watch out for hidden fees when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership. “What hurts is when they take food off my kids’ table and give it to their kid,” said Robinson.