Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper February 8, 2024

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 51 - No. 03—February 8, 2024 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Melissa Bigmore photo

Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts speaks at the unveiling of a four-pillar strategy to combat the toxic drug crisis in the Alberni Valley. The event was hosted by the Tseshaht First Nation at Maht Mahs on Jan. 31.

Alberni Valley strategy pushes for detox centre Four-pillar plan includes ‘inclusive, innovative, timely, and barrier free’ facility for the region’s overdose crisis

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - On Jan. 31, Maht Mah’s filled with Alberni Valley organizations and community members for the unveiling of a four-pillar strategy to combat the toxic drug crisis in the region.

At the gathering the Tseshaht First Nation, in partnership with Port Alberni’s Community Action Team and Kuu-us Crisis Line Society, proposed their plan, which includes advocating for a fully funded, inclusive detox and recovery facility.

“This isn’t just an Indigenous issue, this isn’t just a Port Alberni issue, or a B.C. issue, or a Canadian issue; this is a human issue and it deserves all of our thoughts, our minds coming together,” said Ken Watts, Tseshaht’s elected chief councillor.

He added that this document provides a clear way forward among frontline workers, organizations, and governments, first starting with a coalition that will advocate and lobby for its implementation.

The strategy is infused with recommendations and concerns from organizations and community members gathered from

a two-day meeting held at Maht Mah’s in March of 2023. The strategy highlights 11 priority actions under four pillars: people, places, programs, and prevention.

“It doesn’t make sense to do one just for [Tseshaht], and doesn’t even make sense to do one just for Nuu-chah-nulth, it makes sense to do one here for the Alberni Valley for all of us and for all of our community members, for all those that are struggling, hopefully preventing those from struggling in the future,” said Watts.

The strategy includes advocacy for an “urgently needed” fully funded detox and recovery facility in the Alberni Valley, with aims for the facility to be “inclusive, innovative, timely, and barrier free”, including eliminating user fees.

This aligns with a call from the Nuuchah-nulth Tribal Council in April 2022 for an around-the-clock “rapid access addiction clinic” and certified detox centre somewhere in Nuu-chah-nulth territory.

That call came on the sixth anniversary of the public health emergency, in a year that Port Alberni saw double the fatalities by illicit drug use to the provincial average.

“I’d be really excited to know that’s a reality, because two years ago, it wasn’t,”

Inside this issue...

Deaths increase despite drug decriminalization.............Page 3 Fair displays jobs in Nitinaht........................ .................Page 5 Somass land represents a new chapter.....................Pages 8&9 Phil Mack steps into coaching role...............................Page 11 Artist sees opportunity in blank wall............................Page 15

said NTC Vice-president Les Doiron of the detox and treatment facility proposed the new four-pillar strategy.

Doiron noted that more funding is needed to create recovery avenues for people.

“The lineups to try and get into the facilities are very lengthy, that’s why you can’t get in right away,” he said. “They want to go to detox and [they] can’t, then they’re probably going to keep using.”

Doiron lost his nephew, Charles Leslie Alexander Doiron, to the toxic drug crisis two years ago.

“Charles is remembered as Charles,” said Doiron, adding that he will be remembered by his family and friends as more than a victim of overdose. “[He was] handsome, funny, brutally strong, quick witted, [and] sarcastic.”

Toxic drugs are now the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 59 in B.C., and the Alberni-Clayoquot region has some of the highest death rates in the province. In 2023 Alberni-Clayoquot saw 37 unregulated drug deaths, making the region’s death rate 102.8 per 100,000.

“If this whole strategy gets implemented, and we get the resources to do the things under people, places, programs

and prevention… I think it’ll reduce those numbers, we won’t be hopefully one of the worst in the province anymore, we’ll be one of the better ones,” said Watts, adding that it takes everybody to come together.

Watts shared a declaration for organizations to pledge support of the proposed strategy.

“Anytime we were having these engagements or working on the strategy, or even presenting today, I feel like I wear many of those members and those families on my shoulders,” said Watts. “They’re on my shoulders and carrying them into this work, and especially those that are no longer here.”

“But for our community if we can implement this I think it’ll eventually improve the quality of life for all of our people and address the heart of the issue as well,” he added. “I hope that our community is proud that we have a plan and strategy.”

“It means a lot watching the initiative that Tseshaht is taking,” said Doiron, who was at the two-day forum in March.

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

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024

Proposed Dontay Lucas park gets city council support A commi•ee is being planned, which includes the deceased child’s loved ones, to establish a park in his name

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni BC – A small group of Dontay Lucas’ family and friends attended a Port Alberni city council meeting on the evening of January 29th, some carrying framed photographs of the little boy who died at the hands of his mother and stepfather on March 13, 2018.

Dontay, known for his happy disposition and brilliant smile, had a difficult life, having grown up in the foster care system. Four months before his death he was returned to the care of his mother Rykel Charleson and stepfather, Mitchell Frank.

Crown counsel alleges he suffered abuse over those four months, culminating in a head injury that caused his death.

Charleson and Frank were arrested May 7, 2022 on first degree murder charges. In November 2022, they appeared in court to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. They will be sentenced in May 2024.

But a group of people, including Dontay’s natural father, Patrick Lucas, are hoping to make something positive from the tragic loss of the little six-year-old, who would have turned 12 on New Years Eve. Their idea is to create a space that not only memorializes Dontay, but also is a space where people can find joy – where they can laugh and play.

Patrick, his mother Florence and Karen Ruttan, a former foster mother of Dontay, each told Port Alberni city council about the imprint little Dontay left on their lives.

Patrick said his son was a happy little boy with a smile that lit up a room.

“He loved his culture – singing, dancing and hugs,” said Patrick, adding that he was loved by many.

Grandmother Florence Campbell noted that Dontay was a huge part of the community, having attended local schools and events.

“Every child matters,” she said, through her tears.

“He was resilient, despite what he was going through, he always had a smile,”

Denise Titian photo

Dontay Patrick Lucas died at the hands of his mother Rykel Charleson and stepfather Mitchell Frank on March 13, 2018. said Graham Hughes, who organized the called Justice for Dontay. He organized begin sharing ideas and planning for a meeting. the push for the park along with Dontay’s park.

Karen Ruttan, former foster mother biological father, Patrick Lucas.

The core vision, said Hughes, is to have of Dontay, spoke of her family’s long “We need to create a space where healthe community come together to create a history in the Alberni Valley and their ing can happen,” said Hughes. place for healing through happiness and long-standing admiration for the IndigThe group is looking for a place like a play. enous people there, how the two groups park, even an existing park, that can be In January 2024, BC Premier David of people learned from each other. named in Dontay’s memory. It would be Eby made this statement in regard to the “I really do believe that we as a coma place where people can laugh and play. death of Dontay Lucas, “We’ll ensure munity need to support these people,” The family of Dontay Lucas want a space British Columbians will get the answers she said in reference to the group that is that celebrates reconciliation, joy and they need, and in particular, that we have seeking a park in Dontay’s name. happiness. the information we need to prevent any “I will never forget Dontay,” said “In our British Columbia, one child dies similar deaths from taking place.”

Ruttan, adding that now is the time to or is injured every day in the foster care Jennifer Charlesworth, BC’s represencelebrate his life. “We all need to work system,” said Hughes. tative for children and youth says her together to make this a better place – we Mayor Sharie Minions said she loved agency will be taking a look at multiple hope to have your support for a place of the concept of creating a park in Dontay’s stories like Dontay’s, seeking ways to healing for everyone.” memory or, perhaps, renaming a green make changes in the system that will Organizer Graham Hughes asked the space where he played. prevent further deaths of other children. It people and city council to build a legacy City council voted to move forward with is part of a systemic review, she said. for Dontay. A friend of the Lucas family, the idea and will establish a committee Hughes administers a social media group that will include Dontay’s loved ones to

Somass rises amid heavy rain, Tseshaht activates EOC

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - Days of heavy rain swelled the Somass River to a concerning level in late January, prompting the Tseshaht to activate an emergency response on Jan.30 to protect homes at risk of being flooded.

The relentless precipitation started Friday, Jan. 26, and the downpour continued through the weekend, hitting Vancouver Island particularly hard on Monday evening, Jan. 29 with strong wind. The risk of flooding rivers was elevated due to temperatures that were five to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal levels, causing the island’s snowpack to melt.

“Heavy rainfall combined with mountain snow melt will lead to enhanced responses in river systems and the potential for flooding,” stated an advisory from Environment Canada.

The federal agency also noted the risk of falling tree branches from strong wind that could cause power outages.

Along the Somass River, the Tseshaht warned its members of the strong current caused by the recent conditions.

“The recent heavy rainfall and snowmelt have attributed to the rising water

levels and the increased current,” stated the First Nation in an announcement for members. “This swift moving water can present a danger for both people and boats alike. We encourage all members to keep away from and off the water as well as the riverbanks at this time.”

On the afternoon of Jan. 30 the First Nation activated its Emergency Operations Centre, which enabled the reallocation of staff towards preparing sandbags to protect the most vulnerable homes on its reserve.

“It mostly entails the ability to move one crew from a land clearing situation to sandbagging,” said Kaitlin Minvielle, Tseshaht’s emergency program coordinator.

Supplies for sandbags were available for members at the Tseshaht Youth Centre at 6666 Saiyatchapis Road, where approximately 10 staff and five volunteers were at work on Jan. 30 preparing bags for elders in the community.

Minvielle was appreciative for the quick efforts of the team. By Wednesday morning (Jan. 31) the river had gone down.

“Even though it started raining again we’re in a better situation that yesterday,” said Minvielle. “No homes have been flooded from the river and we’ve sand-

Tseshaht First Nation photo

Tseshaht First Nation staff and volunteers responded to the rising water level on the Somass River by preparing sandbags for the community’s most vulnerable homes. ber 2017 that affected five homes and 17 bagged those homes that are potentially people. In 2014 flooding from the river at risk. The river has receded quite a bit damaged two homes on the First Nation’s since we did that yesterday.” reserve.

Approximately a dozen homes near A community meeting scheduled for the Somass River are closely monitored during periods of particularly heavy rain, Jan. 31 was postponed as a precautionary measure by the First Nation, due to especially those at the bottom of Watty’s limited staff availability during the emerHill and along Hector Road. During past gency response effort. storms the Tseshaht has had to evacuate some units, including an event in Novem-

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Deaths increase despite drug decriminalization Provincial health officer recommends expanding prescribed supply to include heroin, fentanyl and stimulants

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter January 31 marked the one-year anniversary for B.C.’s three-year decriminalization pilot project, where people using up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs would not face seizures, charges, or arrests.

But as 2023 saw a five per cent increase in death rates, experts are pushing for expanding the prescribed safer supply to help users on their recovery journey.

“When we’re looking at overdose deaths… one of the things we know very clearly is that people are dying because there’s an extremely toxic supply of drugs,” said Kora DeBeck, an associate professor at Simon Fraser University’s School of Public Policy.

With no health or safety regulations in place, shared DeBeck, the drugs that people have access to are produced by drug cartels and organized crime.

“People do not know what they’re taking,” she said. “We know from toxicology reports and monitoring the overdose deaths that the drug supply is getting more toxic and that is due to how drugs are being produced.”

In 2023, deaths due to unregulated and toxic drugs reached a high of 2,511 people in British Columbia, averaging 6.9 deaths per day, the largest number reported in one year.

With unregulated and toxic drugs as the leading cause of death for those aged 10 through to 59 in the province, the B.C. coroner confirms that “illicit fentanyl continues to drive the toxic drug crisis.”

“Fentanyl and its analogues were by far the most regularly detected substances, appearing in more than 85 per cent of test results conducted in 2023,” reads the coroner’s report on last year’s results.

While B.C.’s overdose death rate increased by five per cent since 2022, provinces that have not implemented decriminalization and harm reduction efforts as much as B.C. have seen an even steeper increase in fatalities, said Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns.

“We have the lowest increase of the four major provinces with the highest death rate in the country,” said Johns. “We need to be going the other direction and if we treat this like a health emergency and we filled those gaps, we would see those numbers drop significantly.” “[It’s] unequivocally clear and unanimous in that criminalizing people who use substances causes more harm, especially when people are using toxic, unregulated street drugs that are poisoned,” continued Johns, adding that upper levels

Alexanndra Mehl photo

People use Port Alberni’s Overdose Prevention Site on Third Avenue. All of those photographed have agreed to getting their picture taken.

4,331, less than four per cent, have acmodel to meet those needs or provide that cessed the province’s prescribed safer degree of care that we need.” supply program, said Alexis Crabtree, Prescribed safer supply can help reduce senior scientist and medical lead of harm the rate of drug poisoning events, conreduction and substance use at the B.C. nect people to wrap-around services and Centre for Disease Control. decrease reliance on unregulated drugs, One of the most significant limitations said Crabtree. of the current model of prescribed safe “If people have access to a regulated supply is that hydromorphone, an opiate supply of drugs, so that is… they have often prescribed, does not match up to the a known quantity and known purity of strength of fentanyl, said DeBeck. drugs, they are less likely to die of a fatal “People who are dependent on fentanyl, overdose,” said DeBeck. if they’re prescribed hydromorphone…

“When we talk with people who use generally they can’t really even get drugs, or who have used drugs, the term enough in their system to avoid withrecovery means something very different drawal,” she said, noting that this has for many of them,” said Henry. “It’s not Gord Johns been an “inadequate implementation” of a medical term, but it’s about being able of government need to move faster. something that could be promising. to live in safe housing, to care for their “There’s a lack of coordination, a lack of “We know from research, really across family, to have meaningful employment, integration to fill those gaps, and a lack of the spectrum, that it’s been very small the regardless of the use of… prescribed will to see this as the crisis that it is.” number of people who’ve been able to safer supply or use of [opioid agonist Johns stresses that the overdose crisis access it and the implementation of it has treatment].” needs a more available safer supply of But Henry also notes that throughout the substances, “treatment on demand,” more not been ideal,” said DeBeck.

But a recently published report from medical community, the term ‘recovery’ stabilization beds and detox facilities that Provincial Health Officer Bonny Henry and its affiliation with abstinence, needs are accessible to people in their commurecommends an expansion of prescribed to shift. nities. substances that are available to meet the “Many in the recovery communities Since 2020, when the federal governneeds of people who use drugs, including also equate recovery with abstinence and ment first launched the safer supply pilot heroin, fentanyl, and stimulants. many homes, for example, won’t accept project, people have been able to access “This policy, in its intent, is an imporpeople even on therapy like [opioid agoprescribed alternatives at a total of 10 tant part of the spectrum of medical care nist therapy],” said Henry. locations, but DeBeck shared that these that we are providing and that we need “It’s certainly not surprising to see that projects are on a small scale. to continue to provide for people who overdose deaths are as high as they are, Of the estimated 115,000 people in the use drugs in this province,” said Henry at because we have not meaningfully adprovince who have opioid-use disorder, press conference for the report’s release. dressed the production and the supply of “The program as it is right now does not drugs,” said DeBeck. go far enough in terms of the medical

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Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

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Urban language programing takes a hit Victoria friendship centre cites ‘immense’ funding disparity amid federal cutbacks

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Victoria, BC – Changes to federal funding distribution for language revitalization programs has raised concern for the survival of programming at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC).

The VNFC offers language classes to meet the needs of its diverse Indigenous community, including Nuučaan̓uɫ, Nihiyaw (Cree - Y dialect and TH dialect), Nedut’en Carrier, Dene, Dakota, and Anishinaabe.

“Since 2018, the Indigenous Language Hub has had over 2,000 participants and produced many language resources while supporting both speakers and new learners in revitalizing their languages,” said a VNFC press release dated Feb. 5.

But a major source of their funding comes from Canadian Heritage, who, in January 2024, announced that they would not be funding VNFC language programs.

The press release goes on to say that funding approval for Indigenous languages will now flow through the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, which has no language plan for Urban Indigenous people, and a limited funding model for multi-language programs.

In 2018 the Canadian Government had committed to fully implementing the Indigenous Languages Act in order to preserve, promote and revitalize Aboriginal dialects in Canada, with long-term predictable and sufficient funding to support the implementation of the legislation.

Budget 2019 provided $333.7 million over five years and $115.7 million ongoing annually to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance, and strengthening of Indigenous languages and the implementation of the act.

But, according to VNFC Executive Director Ron Rice, Wush’q, “The loss of this contract is in stark contrast to recent government statements and promises around reconciliation.”

“Urban Indigenous people have not been included or considered in language revitalization, despite being the majority of the Indigenous population in B.C.,” Rice stated. “One third of existing Indigenous languages are found in B.C. The

Submitted photo

“Urban Indigenous people have not been included or considered in language revitalization, despite being the majority of the Indigenous population in B.C.,” says Ron Rice, executive director of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. disparity between on-reserve funding, province or territory in the country, with and the funding that serves the major35 distinct languages and more than 90 ity of our Indigenous community here is dialects,” said Johns in his statement. immense.”

He reminded the House that language In a statement made in the House of revitalization is essential to reconciliation Commons on Jan. 30, Courtenay-Alberni and requires “fair, predictable, sustained MP Gord Johns noted that the Nuu-chah- and long-term funding.” nulth people have suffered enormous The VNFC are appealing to the provloss throughout their 200-year history of ince, Heritage Canada, and the Office of colonization. the Commissioner of Indigenous Lan“Not the least of which has been the guages to provide support for the VNFC devastating loss of language and culture,” Urban Indigenous Language Hub, in he said. alignment with the Truth and ReconciliJohns praised Nuu-chah-nulth elders, ation Commission of Canada’s Calls to educators and learners, who he said are Action. making tremendous progress towards “Our Indigenous communities lose revitalizing their Indigenous language, in fluent speakers each year, and funding spite of the uncertainty of federal funding delays and changes actively undermine from one year to the next. language revitalization efforts,” said Rice.

“Now their language program funding The Victoria Native Friendship Centre may be cut by up to 57 per cent because is a charitable non-profit Indigenous-led of a newly proposed federal heritage organization mandated to promote the funding formula. The formula fails to well-being of urban Aboriginal people by recognize that British Columbia has strengthening individuals, families, and the highest concentration of Indigenous community for over 52 years. language and cultural diversity of any

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February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

COVID study: Researchers use collaborative methods The project incorporates community input for an approach that takes lessons from the past ‘bad blood’ study

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An ongoing study is looking back on how COVID-19 affected Nuu-chah-nulth people, with attention to the effectiveness of the vaccine, people’s immune response and how communities were impacted by the pandemic.

The project is driven by the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council (NTC), in partnership with Simon Fraser University and National Microbiology Lab. The COVID-19 Vaccine Study looks into Nuuchah-nulth’s immune response, vaccine effectiveness, and safety, aiming to help future planning of health services and programs while researchers hope their collaborative approach will lay a foundation for how research is conducted with Indigenous people.

“It was a totally co-creative outreach model of research, which is totally unique in research, it doesn’t usually happen,” said Dr. Roger Boyer II, director of research for the project. “It was really good to see the leadership support that and actually expect that from the Public Health Agency of Canada.”

“This project [was] from our Nuu-chahnulth people, by our Nuu-chah-nulth people and for our Nuu-chah-nulth people,” said Guanghong Han, lead scientist on the project. “[It] was important that we did it in a co-creative, co-driven way,” added Boyer. “Nuu-chah-nulth people took their rightful place and their responsibility within this research.”

In this unique approach, researchers spent six to nine months building relationships with each of the 14 Nuuchah-nulth communities involved in the project, by helping establish working groups in each First Nation.

A total of 43 “co-creation meetings” were held, and 12 of the 14 Nuu-chahnulth nations entered collaborative agreements, which would define how research activities would be conducted within each community, said Boyer.

Among the major agreement’s developed was the blood sampling protocol, which would appoint a biospecimen guardian to oversee samples. The specimens were collected to measure antibodies, processed, stored, shipped, and repatriated appropriately, shared Boyd.

Throughout the project a total of 50 data collection events were held, shared Boyer. Thirteen of these took place in Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Campbell River, Victoria, and Vancouver, while the remaining 37 meetings were held in Nuu-

Submitted photo

The NTC’s project team includes community-based researchers, support workers, project coordinators, and a data manager. chah-nulth communities.

Their quality team, who facilitated talking circles, their blood sampling team, and their survey team were present at each intake event, Boyer added.

“For us, it took a lot longer because we wanted to build trust, we wanted to make sure that we did things right the first time,” said Boyer. “On the wake of the bad blood study, we made intentional changes to our research protocol and our methodology.”

According to a series of 2013 Ha-ShilthSa articles, the bad blood study was originally a “beacon of hope” for Nuuchah-nulth members suffering from rheumatic disease, when Dr. Richard Ward was conducting research for its cure in the 1980s. With 883 samples provided for the study of rheumatic diseases, Ward left town to work internationally, using the Denise Titian photo Nuu-chah-nulth blood for other genetic Molly Lucas provides a blood sample for an ongoing research project into the efanthropology studies. fects of COVID-19 and its vaccine on Nuu-chah-nulth people.

For Boyer, it is important to note public health measures, including the can help communities move forward that this research is a truth and reconcilia- with more knowledge to better respond COVID-19 vaccine. tion project.

But Han shared that an analysis is still to COVID-19 or another public health “We wanted [each nation] to be able to emergencies, while understanding the being conducted and hopes to see the be a part of the project,” said Boyer. “We impacts of the pandemic “as a whole”, he preliminary findings by the end of the needed them to drive the project.” continued. month, while working with the communiTypically, scientific research is absent of “From this project, we will know from ties on knowledge translation. community feedback and input, said Han. different people, different communities…

“I hope for this project we’re putBut for this research project, using a two- how this pandemic affected our commuting some kind of foundation for future eyed seeing approach, they combined nity, [including] mental health, physical research,” said Han. “Particularly how to both science-based research and input health, spiritual health, and cultural well- collaborate with the community, not just from the communities. ness,” said Han, noting that this research for the Nuu-chah-nulth community…

The results of this research, said Han, also includes how people responded to with all the Indigenous communities.”

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024

Stokes Falls trails closed as Mosaic harvests in area Popular hiking destination expected to reopen later in February after five hectares of private forest is logged

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - A popular series of hiking trails just east of Port Alberni will remain closed until later in February, as Mosaic undergoes logging in the area.

“Harvesting is active in the Stokes Falls area, with operations occurring Monday to Friday, weather dependent,” stated Mosaic Forest Management in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “The harvest area is less than five hectares and includes five harvest units.”

Currently access to the Stokes Falls trails, which run just south of Highway 4 by Port Alberni, are blocked due to the fallen timber. Since November Mosaic has advised of the harvesting activity in the area, which is near the Hole in the Wall waterfall, a popular hiking destination for Alberni Valley residents and visitors.

A notice at the Stokes Falls trailhead states that the logging will affect secondgrowth trees, and that foresters, engineers and planners “designed the area taking into consideration safety, recreation, water quality, fish, wildlife, visual quality, biodiversity and other values.”

“Our best estimate is that the trail will reopen to the public in mid-to-late February,” wrote the forestry company. “We will clear the trail of debris once activities are completed.”

Mosaic manages the private forest lands of Island Timberlands and TimberWest, comprising almost 600,000 hectares across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Sunshine Coast. On Vancouver Island, most of this property has been transferred through various forestry companies over the years, dating back to the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway land grants from over a century ago. These land transfers entailed selling about one quarter of Vancouver Island’s land area including unceded First Nations’ territory – to the Canadian Pacific Railway

Lisa Barnes photo

Active harvesting has temporarily cut off access to hiking trails outside of Port Alberni, south of Highway 4.

“Mosaic actively shares information Company. Over the last century this land on its website. about our forestry activities with the was sold to various timber companies and As part of a territorial recognition, the Hupacasath First Nation, and we have private landowners.

First Nation has been informed of the shared the plans about this area with the Mosaic operates under the province’s harvesting areas near Stokes Falls, says nation,” wrote the company.

Private Managed Forest Lands Act. Althe forestry company. though it is privately owned land, Mosaic does make much of this forest available to the public. In 2022 the company opened a campground at Loon Lake with the Hupacasath First Nation. Named ʕaʔuk ʔaama k̓anis, which means ‘Lake Loon camp and rest area’, the site is close to the Alberni Summit, east of the areas currently being harvested.

“Mosaic supports recreational access opportunities that encourage safe and responsible use of the privately owned timberlands we manage,” stated company

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Ditidaht job fair encourages employment in village With employment in the First Nation down, Ditidaht hopes to spark interest among Nitinaht’s young people

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nitinaht Lake, BC - On Jan. 25, Ditidaht hosted a Health and Job Fair, organized

by Grace Marshall and Esther Edgar, to showcase the employment available in the community, training and funding opportunities, as well as health services that are available.

At first Marshall wanted to bring in a dietician to teach the youth, who were taking a cooking class, about diabetes.

But then she began thinking of the young adults in the community and jobs that are available to them.

Ditidaht has over 770 members, and almost 200 people live in the First Nation’s on-reserve village at Nitinaht Lake.

Since 2013 employment with the band has decreased by over half, said Marshall.

At a recent meeting, Marshall counted less than 25 employees attending. This was what inspired her to include the job opportunities at the event.

“There [were] a few of [the students] talking about the upcoming jobs in the community,” said Marshall.

“The spark is there, they just need to get pushed,” said Esther Edgar, a Community Services receptionist.

Some students at the high school were interested in a career in health care.

Ditidaht’s administration table was filled with job postings, training and workshop opportunities, as well as post-secondary funding applications.

“I think it’s important to make our members aware [of] what we have to offer, what is available, what type of applications we can help with, and the jobs from the departments,” said Karen Mack, Ditidaht’s administration office manager.

“If [students] have a career goal, we can assist [and] direct them to NTC funding

Alexandra Mehl photos

Duncan Booth, a community-based researcher, presents to Ditidaht’s high school students information from the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council COVID-19 Vaccine Study on Jan. 25. for post-secondary.” three or four organizations would table at Services, and Teechuktl Mental Health, In an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa, Mack the event, but 10 groups were in attenas well as the First Nations Health Aushared that employment in the commudance, making the function much larger thority’s Children’s Oral Health Initiative, nity is always available, but often specific than they anticipated.

Island Health, RCMP, and two private training and qualifications are required.

Among organizations in attendance vendors.

For Mack, it’s important that members were Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Marshall and Edgar are already hoping and students can see what the First Na(NTC) nurses, dietician, Child and Youth to host another fair in the spring. tion has to offer and it can help them get to the next steps.

“Our doors open to guide them,” said Mack.

Edgar and Marshall had only thought

Lani McClellan of NTC’s child and youth services brings out skipping ropes for Ditidaht members to enjoy.

Students gather around NTC dietician Jen Cody, as she shares her presentation about medicinal and traditional foods, healthy food options, the sugar content in staple coffee drinks, and healthy alternatives.

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024

Somass land represents a new chapter for Port Alberni’s w

The end of the Alberni Inlet has seen momentous changes in waterfront ownership over the past 250 years – including before Euro

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - An opaque fog fills the Alberni Inlet on a chilly February morning, the milky hue spread through the surrounding city streets. By the water’s edge the beeping of excavators and trucks pierce the morning’s silence, the grumbling hum of their engines heard from an expanse of concrete running along the edge of the inlet.

Rusted, skeletal remains of a long unused sawmill operation are scattered across the 43-acre site, an area that has progressively been cleared by the city’s machinery over the preceding months. It’s the unfolding demolition of the Somass sawmill, an operation that a quarter century ago employed over 600 people, processing 500 long logs each day.

From the southern extent of the city to the mouth of the Somass River, the Somass mill was once among the major manufacturing facilities that lined Port Alberni’s waterfront, powering the city’s forestrydriven economy. But as the sawmill buildings are torn down, the future of the city’s waterfront appears to be headed in a different direction – one that municipal and First Nation leaders hope will honour both the community’s needs and the area’s history dating back before European settlement.

‘A fundamental shift for the city’ Since it purchased the Somass sawmill property in 2021, the city has pledged that the future of the land will be an entirely different chapter than its use over the past century. The City of Port Alberni bought the site for $5.3 million in 2021 from Western Forest Products, after the company had left the waterfront mill unused for years. This was clearly a case of the municipality forcing Western’s hand, as the sale occurred after the city gave an expropriation notice to the forestry company earlier that year.

“Acquiring the Somass Lands and adjacent parking lot has been a primary focus of city council since shortly after being elected in 2018,” said Mayor Sharie Minions in a press release at the time of the sale. “Remediating and repurposing these lands in a way that recognizes the shifting nature of our vibrant community represents a fundamental shift for the City of Port Alberni.”

Processing at Somass ceased in early 2017, leaving approximately 70 people out of work. At the time the mill specialized in cutting old growth Western red cedar, a tree that represents a fundamental part of the

In 1989 the Somass sawmill (above) processed 500 long logs a day, employing 620 people over three daily shifts. The sawmill shut down in 2017, and bought by the City of Port Alberni in 2021. All but two buildings on the property are currently being demolished (top right). heritage of region’s Nuu-chah-nulth people, who relied on the stands for their homes, textiles and tools for countless generations before the introduction of industrial-age materials. As voiced in the province’s Old Growth Strategic Review in 2020, a generational shift had occurred in British Columbia, leading many to view these old growth stands a something to be protected rather a resource to be profited from.

At the time of the mill’s shutdown WFP cited a lack of available timber as well as the need to cut costs amid a shrinking forestry industry. Then when the province released its budget the following February a 12 per cent decrease in harvesting over the following three years was forecasted, a production decline expected to result in 4,500 lost jobs out of the 50,000 that were employed in the forestry industry.

From mudflats to three daily shifts Pictures of the Somass site from a generation ago illustrate an altogether different scenario, when neatly stacked piles of lumber filled the waterfront site, as the mill’s buildings churned out product around the clock over three daily shifts. According to

MacMillan Bloedel’s figures, in 1989 the facility produced 114 million board feet, selling $64 million of wood product, with 70 per cent going to the United States, and another 25 per cent of the lumber headed to Canadian markets. At the time 620 people were on the Somass payroll.

The mill was originally opened in 1935 by the Great Central Lumber Company, which had already been operating a sawmill facility on Great Central Lake. Initially specializing in hemlock and fir logs, the Somass mill took over the existing tidal mud flats, which were dredged in 1934 to prepare the ground for the new facility. The operation benefitted from the nearby railway’s transportation capacity, as well as the deep waters of the Alberni Inlet that could serve large vessels.

This all transformed the pre-existing landscape, which was part of where the Alberni Inlet transitions into the Somass River.

“That was all part of the Somass estuary,” said Sandy McRuer, president of the Alberni Valley Nature Club, of the pre-existing mud flats, which were once “all flowing into this great flat area at the end of the inlet.”

The railroad and the later dredging of the mudflats also affected Dry Creek, which used to run directly into the Alberni Inlet over a century ago. Now the creek takes two sharp turns before reaching the inlet.

McCruer believes that the mudflats were once used by deer, bears, mink, otter, coon, heron and ducks, as the marshy land extended past to where the railway was built in 1911.

“The mud flats probably extended east of the tracks,” said McCruer. “A lot of that has been filled in.”

The location of a sacred ceremony Very little is documented about the portion of the estuary where the Somass mill was built, but on either side of the site sat two important villages for the Tseshaht First Nation. Directly north, where the sprawling Catalyst paper mill now sits, was nuupc̕ikapis. Meaning ‘one tree on the beach’ and also known as Lupsi Cupsi Point, this site served as an important winter home for the Tseshaht.

According to archaeological and ethnographic investigations by Alan McMillan and Dennis St. Claire, in the 1800s the

Joseph Clegg/Alberni Valley Museum Photograph Collection PN 00162 (colourized photo)

Two figures walk down the railway tracks in 1917, next to where the Somass sawmill would be built 18 years later. In the distance is the growing townsite of Port Alberni.

Leonard Frank/Alberni Valley Museum Photograph Collection

First Avenue runs north in 1907, with mud flats on the left that would be dredged in 1934 to make land f

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

lberni’s waterfront

s – including before European se•lement

Eric Plummer photo

MacMillan Bloedel photo

The sawmill shut down in 2017, and the property was d (top right).

Tseshaht lived at nuupc̕ikapis as they migrated down the Alberni Inlet annually.

“By the end of November the main spawning runs were over and the Tseshaht congregated at nuupc̕ikapis, the present site of the pulp and paper mill, at the mouth of the Somass River,” wrote McMillan and St. Claire in Alberni Prehistory, which was published in 1982. “Margaret Shewish described a large complex of fish weirs and harbour seal traps adjacent to this village. Weir remnants are still visible at lowest tides along the Somass River near its mouth.” nuupc̕ikapis is referred to as the main Tseshaht winter village at the time of European settlement in the late 1800s, but all important ceremonies done during the colder months were performed at ƛuukʷatquuʔis, or Wolf Ritual Beach, which was on the other side of the mud flats where Port Alberni’s Harbour Quay is presently. This village was where the ƛuukʷaana, or Wolf Ritual Ceremony, was held over 14 days. In June 2022 the historical importance of this village and the ceremonies it hosted were formally recognised at the Harbour Quay when

artwork by Tseshaht member Willard Gallic Jr. was unveiled on a municipal landmark.

What was formally the Clocktower became known as the ‘Wolf Tower’.

“Our ƛuukʷaana was a deeply sacred ceremony rarely spoken of and was organized by a person of high rank, usually it was a Ḥawił (head chief) who held this rank,” stated the Tseshaht First Nation in a document describing ƛuukʷatquuʔis.

At the time ownership of Tseshaht territory was governed by tutuupata, “a complex set of hereditary privileges or prerogatives,” according to the First Nation. This determined the use of economic resources, like fish trap sites, rivers and plant gathering locations, as well as intellectual property, such as names, songs, dances and regalia.

“The ƛuukʷaana was a deeply spiritual practice that helped prepare c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) for their roles and responsibilities as a community member along with the way tutuupata (ceremonial rights) were communicated and shared to c̓išaaʔatḥ members,” stated the Tseshaht.

The result of expanded territory The Tseshaht’s habitation at ƛuukʷatquuʔis and nuupc̕ikapis was the result of a period of great change for tribes in Barkley Sound. The First Nation estimates this to be between 1780 and 1815, a time marked by intertribal marriage and alliances, warfare and the incorporation of affiliated groups.

“The c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) absorbed the maktlɁiiɁatḥ (maktl-ee-ahtah), našɁasɁatḥ (Nash-as-ahtah), hach`aaɁatḥ (Haa-chaaahtah), and hikwuulhɁatḥ (Hee-qulthahtah) who brought their nism̓a (lands) and c̓̌ aʔak (waters) with them, as well as the once independent ḥaḥuułi (territories) of the original c̓išaaʔatḥ,” stated the Tseshaht on the First Nation’s website.

This greatly enlarged Tseshaht territory beyond the First Nation’s origins in the Broken Group Islands of Barkley Sound.

The absorption of other tribes allowed the Tseshaht to migrate up the Alberni Inlet to benefit from the expanded territorial

resources.

“Also in the late 18th century, the hikwuulhɁatḥ and hach`aaɁatḥ, today subgroups of the Tseshaht, jointly took control of the lower Somass River and its rich salmon runs at the head of the Alberni Inlet, displacing the unidentified inhabitants,” wrote McMillan and St. Claire.

“The Tseshaht migration to the head of the Alberni Inlet did not result in the abandonment of their Barkley Sound sites, as these continued to be occupied for more than half of each year. Rather, it meant an expansion of their territory in order to exploit an even wider range of resource locations.”

By the late 1800s these territorial benefits were disturbed with the arrival of European settlements in the area. In the 1860s the Tseshaht were removed from ƛuukʷatquuʔis when the Alberni Valley’s first sawmill was established by Anderson and Company of London.

Displacement also occurred at nuupc̕ikapis, and by the 1880s a new federal system confined the Tseshaht to Indian reserves, as ordered under Canadian law.

An account from Indian Agent Harry Guillod reported in 1884 that Tseshaht people “were much dissatisfied at not being able to get a reserve near the mouth of the river at Alberni. They are still on the mill company’s land, but have promised to move this fall.”

A ‘mixed-use’ site with public waterfront access Now a new chapter lies ahead for Port Alberni’s waterfront and the land that was once between two Tseshaht winter village sites. In December the municipal government announced it had selected Matthews West to lead the development of a “mixed use site” with public access. For the last decade the development company has been working in Squamish, at the end of another inlet in Howe Sound. Currently under construction, Oceanfront Squamish encompasses 100 acres on the town’s waterfront, with space for a park, a campus, stores and 2,800 homes, enough for an estimated 6,500 people.

“Their proven track record and commitment to community input align perfectly with council’s vision for this waterfront property,” said Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions in a press release. “Together, we will create a mixed-use site that provides public access to the waterfront, generating a vibrant waterfront community for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Another benefit to Matthews West is their close work with the Squamish Nation in the oceanfront development and the Cheekye Fan project, which is designed to bring over 1,200 homes to the First Nation’s land, with accompanying trails and commercial space.

The company aims to do similar work at the end of the Alberni Inlet.

“We see tremendous opportunity for growth in Port Alberni due to its attractiveness as a recreational centre that offers natural beauty, lifestyle and a strong sense of community,” said Matthews West President John Matthews in the city’s press release.

“We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the Tseshaht and the Hupacasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity.”

Amid the carnage of yesteryear’s industrial giant, 90 per cent of the Somass sawmill’s structures have been diverted from the landfill by being recycled, reused or sold, according to Scott Smith, Port Alberni’s director of development services.

But the extent of ground contamination from over 80 years of operations has yet to be disclosed.

“The property was a former industrial site for many years,” said Smith in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “The city has received grant funding to begin remediation of the property and further remediation will continue in partnership with Matthews West.”

Not all structures from the mill site will be disposed.

“Two buildings are currently being kept in order for Matthews West to assess the feasibility to repurpose them as part of the future development of the property,” said Smith.

City of Port Alberni illustration alley Museum Photograph Collection PN01226 (colourized photo)

ld be dredged in 1934 to make land for the Somass sawmill.

The city has described the future of the Somass lands as a “mixed use” site, with homes, stores, light industry and public access to the waterfront.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024

Scenes from Nanaimo Indian Hospital comes to stage Play focuses on three girls from Vancouver Island’s different linguistic groups, with undercurrents of abuse

By Denise Titian Ha-Shlth-Sa Reporter Nanaimo, BC – A new play is shining light on the little-known history of Nanaimo Indian Hospital, with attention to the abuse and experiments conducted on its Indigenous patients, some of whom were small children.

Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital was written by Dr. Laura Cranmer of Namgis and Haida descent. A residential school survivor, the play is based on her three-year stay at Nanaimo Indian Hospital as a young child.

According to Canadian Encyclopedia, there were 29 Indian hospitals (what they were called in their day) across Canada.

They were racially segregated facilities, originally serving as tuberculosis sanatoria but later operating as general hospitals for Canada’s Indigenous peoples. The hospitals were originally used to isolate Indigenous tuberculosis patients from the general population because of a fear among health officials that “Indian TB” posed a danger to the non-Indigenous population.

There were three Indian hospitals operating in British Columbia: Coqualeetz Indian Hospital in Sardis, Miller Bay Indian Hospital in Prince Rupert, and Nanaimo Indian Hospital on Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo Indian Hospital was a former military hospital with 210 beds, located near the present-day Vancouver Island University. It operated from 1946 to 1966.

First Nations with TB or other illnesses were forced to submit to medical care and/or hospitalization by law. The Indian Act was amended in 1953 to include the Indian Health Regulations that made it a crime for Indigenous people to refuse to see a doctor, disobey an order to go to a hospital, or leave a health facility before discharge.

Nanaimo Indian Hospital saw First Nations patients of all ages from all over Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital follows the story of three little girls thrust together at the hospital, each speaking the languages of the Hul’q’umin’um’, Nuu-chah-nulth and

Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital, written by Dr. Laura Cranmer of Namgis and Haida descent, depicts the experiences of three young girls from Vancouver Island’s different linguistic groups, with undercurrents of experimentation and abuse.

Hospital survivors, the local and surKwak’wala, and all not knowing how While the lack of interpretation can rounding First Nations, and any pato speak English. The girls find ways to leave the viewer frustrated, it also serves trons who need this gift. Please use the communicate and to cope in the cold, as a reminder of what the sick little code ‘VIPGuest’ online or call the theatre unfamiliar setting without their families. children, isolated from their families and ticket centres to speak with someone “The Nanaimo Indian Hospital is reeverything they know, must have gone directly. imagined to be the confluence of the Isthrough as they struggled to understand The play can be seen at: land’s great linguistic diversity embodied the hospital staff and each other.

The Port Theatre (Nanaimo, BC) by the three young girls—Dorothy Myth The play is not all dark. It shares Wednesday, January 31, 2:00 pm & 7:30 representing Kwak’wala, Esther Williams the playfulness of the little girls and pm, ($28.50 adults/$13.50 students); representing Hul’q’umin’um’, and Mary is sprinkled with First Nations huTicket Office: 250-754-8550 Robins representing Nuu-chah-nulth— mor. It also celebrates the reawakenSid Williams Theatre (Courtenay, BC) whose growing friendship in Ward B ing Hul’q’umin’um’, Nuu-chah-nulth and Friday, February 16, 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm, consists of delight in language compariKwak’wala Languages. ($35 adults/$15 youth & students); Ticket sons while sinister medical undercurrents The play was made with backing from are revealed in the dialogue and action Vancouver Island University, whose man- Office: 250-338-2430 Tidemark Theatre (Campbell River, between the medical staff,” according to date includes support for Indigenous-led Discovery Theatre. research projects within the framework of BC) Friday, March 1, 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm ($30 adults/$15 youth & stuThe play, which runs about two hours, truth and reconciliation. features First Nations actors speaking Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospi- dents); Ticket Office: 250-287-7465 Malaspina Theatre (Nanaimo, BC ) languages they are in the process of tal will tour Vancouver Island and comes Thursday, March 28, 1:00 pm & 6:30 learning from mentors. Most times, the with a mature content warning. Mental pm (all tickets complimentary) Indigenous language parts are followed health support workers will be available with an English interpretation, but somefor survivors and audience members. times not.

Free tickets are available for Indian

Phrase of the week: Wikqmis%uš%a> wiwiiquk%a+quu mi+aa >iwaa@ak maa>a,takši+ Pronounced ‘Weak mis ish alth wik it alth koo hoo palth tlah waa har k mii tla dock hoo palth’, it means ‘We miss the sunshine when we just see clouds and rain, all day’. Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Tianna Morgan

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Toquaht Nation’s Phil Mack steps into coaching role Champion rugby player aims to return Canada to the Rugby World Cup after the team didn’t qualify last year

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Phil Mack is the new attack coach for the Canadian rugby 15s senior men’s team.

The Toquaht Nation citizen and champion rugby player says his aim is to lift the team back into the Rugby World Cup (RWC). Last year was the first time in the 37-year history of the quadrennial tournament that Team Canada did not qualify.

“It’s the crown jewel. When I was playing, we were ranked anywhere from 12 to 16 (in the world). Currently, we are at 21,” said Mack.

“Missing the World Cup is a really big blow,” he added. “It means they’re missing the biggest rugby tournament in the world; it’s just something that every rugby country aspires to. For it to be the first time we never made it, was a bit of a shock to everybody. I’m really excited to be part of positive change.”

The scrum half from Victoria, B.C. played 59 caps for Canada between 2009 and 2019, including competing at the 2015 and 2019 RWC. Mack also represented Canada in 52 international sevens tournaments, winning gold at the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games and competing at the 2009 and 2013 RWC Sevens.

Mack signed with the Seattle Seawolves in 2017, winning back-to-back Major League Rugby (MLR) championship titles as player-coach in 2018 and 2019. In September 2020, Mack joined Rugby Canada’s Pacific Pride Development Academy as an assistant coach, moving into the head coach position in 2021. Since Mack joined the program’s coaching staff, 20 Pacific Pride players have gone on to sign MLR contracts, with 13 players earning their first caps for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team and nine making their debuts with Canada’s men’s sevens team, reads a Rugby Canada media release.

“There wasn’t that development program five years ago. I think that’s a massive piece, just making sure those players are ready for the next level,” he said, noting that he will remain as technical lead of the Pacific Pride while working with the senior men’s national team.

Kingsley Jones, head coach of Canada’s men’s rugby team, is in full support of Mack.

“Phil is a standout individual with immense leadership qualities. He is a stu-

Rugby Canada photo

Team Canada rugby players are all eyes on their attack coach Phil Mack, who was named to the role this winter. dent of the game, has a huge work ethic, and genuinely cares about the players, and these are some of the key characteristics required to be an elite coach,” said Jones in a media release.

Indigenous culture and the sport of rugby Mack is likely the first Indigenous coach ever appointed by Rugby Canada.

“I feel really proud. It’s something I’ve wanted for a while and worked hard to achieve,” he said. “Being the first (Indigenous) coach comes with some sort of responsibility towards my community in the sense that I can set some sort of example for what is possible.”

In 2017, Mack captained Team Canada in an international match against the Maori All Blacks, a New Zealand rugby team made exclusively of Maori people.

“That was pretty special. The cultural ties are really close,” said Mack.

It’s been about 10 years since Mack helped launch Thunder Indigenous Rugby, an Aborginal youth rugby program based on Vancouver Island.

“We took 32 youth on a tour to New Zealand last summer and we are plan-

ning on doing the same in August 2025. I don’t think there were any of those types of opportunities when I was growing up,” said Mack, who learned to play rugby at Oak Bay High School in Victoria.

Thunder Rugby program manager John Lyall, of Kwakwaka’wakw descent, has known Mack for over 20 years. He wasn’t surprised to see Mack named to Team Canada’s coaching staff.

“It’s a testament to his ability. We’re just so proud of Phil and all he’s done for representing himself and his nation. He’s

an inspiration to us all,” said Lyall.

“Rugby is a fantastic game. It’s a game you can play for life and make lifelong friends,” he went on to note.

Mack couldn’t agree more.

“You’re gonna win, you’re gonna lose, but the one thing that is constant is you’re basically building a family within that team,” said Mack.

Indigenous youth can register for 2024 Thunder Rugby summer camps by visiting: thunderrugby.ca.

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

les sam@shaw.ca

CYPRESS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 250.724.7629

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—February 8, 2024 Non-Insured Health Benefits - NIHB Coverage – Travelling Out Side Of Country General Principles 1.

Prior approval is required.

2.

The client must: a.

Be eligible for the NIHB Program; and b.

Be currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a provincial or territorial health insurance plan and continue to meet residency requirements for provincial/territorial health coverage.

3.

For Transportation to Medical Services: For transportation to medical services outside of the country the client must be referred for provincially/territorially insured medical services by a provincial or territorial health care plan for treatment Shaganappi Plaza: wage change for Building Maintenance and Superintendent Windspeaker.com http://www.windspeaker.com/news/sweetgrass-news/building-maintenanceand-superintendent/ ammsa.com http://www.ammsa.com/content/careers/shaganappi-plaza-ltd-calgary outside of Canada.

4.

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: Full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution to study outside of Canada must provide a letter of confirmation that tuition, which is not an eligible benefit under the NIHB Program, has been paid.

Community&Beyond February 16

Nursing and Doula’s 250-724-3939.

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

Maht Mahs Gym

Girls Group

Hosted by Tseshaht First Nation. For tickets call Gail Gus at 250.731.6622

Every Tuesday

Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling

Port Alberni – Usma culture space Tseshaht Sober Dance

February 17 Maht Mahs Gym Everyone welcome! Neon/glow in the dark items on hand. At Maht mahs Gym.No drugs or alcohol. For more information call Gail Gus at 250.731.6622 Connect Your Mind Body Spirit

What is covered?

The cost of privately acquired health insurance premiums for approved students or migrant workers and their legal dependents will be reimbursed.

For Transportation to Medical Services: Transportation benefits when eligible clients are medically referred and approved for treatment outside of Canada by a provincial or territorial health care plan.

For further information on coverage outside of Country you are encouraged to call First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Vancouver BC toll free @ 1-800-317-7878 What You Should Know- “Before” Leaving British Columbia If you are leaving the province, you should be aware that your coverage may not pay all health care costs.

Health services provided outside Canada often cost more than the amount paid by the Ministry of Health Services. Sometimes the difference is substantial; for example, the amount we pay for emergency inpatient hospital care will not exceed $75 (Canadian) a day for United States of exceeds $1,000 (US) per day and can be as high as $10,000 a day for intensive care.

In addition, some items/services that may be a benefit in BC are not covered outside the province; for example, prescription drugs and optometric services. Further, the Ministry does not subsidize fees charged for ambulance service obtained outside BC. We advise you to buy additional health insurance to supplement your basic coverage before you leave the province, regardless of whether you’ll be in another part of Canada or outside the country – even if your company or travel agency can advise you about extra coverage to pay for any difference in fees and to provide benefits not covered by the Ministry. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must mention this when purchasing additional insurance as most policies will not cover treatment of that condition outside the province.

In some cases you may purchase an insurance policy where the insurance company has a signed agreement with the Ministry. This permits the company to pay physician and hospital claims and receive reimbursement on your behalf thus eliminating the need for you to handle your own claims.

NOTE: Ambulance – If you require ambulance service while in another province or outside Canada, you will need to obtain service from an ambulance company in that jurisdiction and will be charged the fee established by the-out-of-province service provider. Fees range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

When purchasing additional out-of-province health insurance you are advised to obtain insurance that will cover emergency transportation while you are away and, if necessary the cost of transportation back to BC. MSP Contact @ 1-250-386-7171 or fax 1-250-952-3427 – In case the number s have changed the web site is: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp

Port Alberni Friendship Center – Eating in Balance

Every Wednesday PAFC

February 26-29 Coast Bastion

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: -

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

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

Wellness and self care. Hair cuts, massage, nails, key note speaker and much more. Open to all PES and IAFNYS clients. Accomidation provided, onsite child care, meals provided each day. Connect with your case manager to sign up. Northern region 250-720-1362.

Central region 250-266-0275. Southern region 250-720-1132. IAFNYES 250735-1633

1:00pm – 3:00pm. Participants work together to make a meal, discuss health and food related topics. Participants who work (cook and clean) with the group will receive a $10.00 grocery coupon that can be used at either Quality Foods or Buy-Low Foods. Childminder on premises. A drop-in group, no registration required. For more information about our program, please call and ask for Amber – 250-735-6276 ext. 233. A part of the ASI Early Years program.

Cultural Brushings with Quu asa

Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

Every Monday

Every Friday Administration Building

CYS - 4841 Redford Street 10am-12pm. We offer Prenatal and infant development information, special guests, snacks provide and $20.00 food voucher per family. Referrals when needed. NTC

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

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

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

Employment and Training Port Alberni Friendship Centre Volunteers Needed Need work experience? The Port Alberni Friendship Centre is looking for interested applicants for various positions. Call 250-723-8281

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

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Wrestlers bring steel cage to Tseshaht’s Maht Mahs The Architects of Anarchy and the Legendary Moondog Manson face wrestlers from The Moment of Truth

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC - Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling is bringing a steel cage match to Maht Mahs Gym in Port Alberni on Feb. 16.

A steel cage match takes place in a caged enclosure that surrounds the ring.

Competitors can win by pinfall, submission or escaping the cage. Competing at the Port Alberni match will be pro wrestlers The Architects of Anarchy and the Legendary Moondog Manson vs. wrestlers from The Moment of Truth.

“All six men are in the ring and you have three guys on each team,” said the Legendary Moondog Manson. “You’re trying to get out of the cage to win. So when you see your opponents trying to get out of the cage, you try to stop them from getting out.”

“We’d have to see what the specific rules of this match are but traditionally that’s what it is,” added Manson.

Competing for the last 27 years, Manson is one of the longest running professional wrestlers in B.C. He said Port Alberni fans can expect a high-energy show with a lot of hard hits.

“You might see a high flying move here and there but it would typically be more of people battling it out trying to get out of the cage,” he said. “Fans should make sure they come down and check out the show because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s not often steel cage matches roll through town.”

Manson said since Covid restrictions have eased in the last year or so, he’s seen great turnouts at professional wrestling shows on the Island.

“People are really hungry for live entertainment again,” he said Gail Gus, crisis and wellness coordinator with the Tseshaht First Nation, purchased 150 tickets to the show from funding she had available to her for Tse-

Submitted photos

The Legendary Moondog Manson, greets his fans at a past pro wrestling event. The legend comes to Maht Mahs on Feb. 16. shaht members.

“I noticed a lot of people are enjoying [the wrestling events] so instead of just kids going I wanted people to do it as a family,” Gus said. “I opened up [the tickets] to Tseshaht First Nations and people that foster to Tseshaht children or their extended families.”

Gus said there’s been a lot of hype already and about 120 of the 150 tickets have already been spoken for.

“People are really excited,” she said.

“I’m even going to go.”

Visit viprowrestling.ca for more information or tickets.

February 8, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Ahousaht artist sees opportunity on bare church wall Mural made to recognize church for being ‘like a community centre’ with Ahousaht dance practice, Pride event

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – When you enter Port Alberni’s United Church you are greeted with a long foyer filled with gift items on shelves, a reception area, books and comfy armchairs. At the end of the foyer was a set of double doors, painted white.

“There was an event here and Geena seemed to have a problem with white walls and asked if we’d be interested in her doing something,” said Mary Heatherington with a smile, the Alberni Valley United Church worship assistant.

Ahousaht artist and Port Alberni resident Geena Haiyupis recalled attending a Pride event at the United Church called Bubbles and Chalk.

“I noticed that the church had already had a lot of Indigenous designs and pride designs,” Haiyupis noted. “There was a wall with a big white door, the entrance to the gym.”

“I said to Tam, gee, it’s such a shame that everything else is super colourful and that door is so white!” Geena shared.

According to Reverend Ed Lewis and Mary Heatherington, Geena takes part in activities at the church, including Ahousaht Dance Group nights and designed T-shirts for Pride week.

She approached the United Church with an offer to paint an Indigenous design on the white double doors. “[Haiyupis] submitted three designs, and we selected one,” said Heatherington.

The chosen design, Heatherington said, was selected for the vibrant colors and the symbolism in First Nations culture, which reflects the work the United Church is doing in terms of reconciliation.

“I really started watching the United Church for all of their events and activities that they’re doing and they appeared to be more like a community centre than a church to me,” said Geena. “I then started going to house of dance practice, and I couldn’t help watch this white door every single time I came in and it really bothered my brain.”

That was when Geena approached Heatherington about reconciliation groups.

“I really wanted to paint those doors to honour the commitment that the United Church had towards truth and reconciliation,” said Geena.

“Lots of people think that reconciliation is just an act, but the real part that means the most is recognizing people’s truth, and hearing the truth, and accepting their truths,” said Geena.

She said she wants to give back to this amazing community for their commitment and all of the hard work they are doing.

“To hear our people’s stories and the amount of work that they were putting into listening to our people’s stories,” said Geena.

The work the church is doing reminds Geena of her grandfather, Roy Haiyupis.

“He was a real magical man,” she said.

“It reminded me of all of the things that he really stood for, all of the impacts that he wanted to make from people’s experiences and residential school and healing that inner child. It made me realize that everything he stood for is not gone with him, but it is living inside of us.”

The new mural at the church features a rainbow, which Geena says symbolizes unity.

Reverend Ed Lewis noted that the rainbow colors represent LGBTQIA2-S pride, another marginalized segment of

Submitted photos

In January members of the United Church as well as friends and family of Geena Haiyupis helped to paint a mural she designed for the building’s foyer. the community.

Embracing the rainbow are brilliant sun rays, which symbolizes growth and warmth. There is an eagle for strength and to focus on goals. The bear, for Geena, symbolizes strength and the preparation that it takes to make sure that teachings get handed onto the next generation.

“These are commitments that have been handed down from mothers to their children, because we are matriarchal society,” said Geena.

The mural also features a salmon river.

“Salmon, no matter where they go in their lives, always find their way back home and I think that’s where our people are, Geena added. “We are just trying to find our way back home, and finding our way back home for me means healing.”

While Haiyupis gifted the mural, the church made a contribution to assist with paint supplies. Several people from the church community as well as Haiyupis’ friends and family assisted in the work.

“I really wanted to put a design on this wall because our Nuu-chah-nulth people access space at United Church for AA or dance practice or social events, and I just wanted to give back to this community to honour our people,” said Geena.

“I believe that if our people see Indigenous representation, they’ll feel more centred and more visible in the community and not be ashamed, because being Indigenous is something that we should be proud of,” she continued. “We should be using residential school, history and knowledge as a source of strength and courage for people because every single survivor has a courage story to be told.”

“We try to be part of the healing process,” said Heatherington, adding that there is nothing that can be done to undo the past. “But if we can assist in any way in healing, we will.”

“One of the beautiful things about this project was getting to know members of the community or church members and with art projects. and then given a few days to cure. After working alongside them,” said Geena.

The mural, for the most part, is comthat, the United Church plans to host a She praised her sons for always helping plete. It needs to be finished with varnish celebration of the completed mural.

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