$216K grant given to the Kuu-us Crisis Line Society

Kuu-us, meaning ‘people’ in Nuu-chah-nulth, saw demand for their services increase during the pandemic

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

PortAlberni, BC - Kuu-us Crisis Line Society is one of 22 Indigenous-led nonprofits awarded $216, 000 over the course of three years from a provincial program.

Cindy McAnerin, associate director at Kuu-us Crisis Line Society, said a need that they have is to upgrade their vehicles for outreach.

“The vehicles we have now are fairly old, [and have] high kilometers. So we’ve been really in need of a new vehicle,” said McAnerin. “Without a dependable vehicle, it essentially prevents us from being able to do our outreach.” includes elements such as language and songs.

“One of the things that I really hope that they feel is that deep connection,” said Wisqii, in the podcast. “That they can feel like they’ve done, you know, maybe their small part in reconciliation.”

Another Nuu-chah-nulth travel company included in the episode is West Coast Expeditions, owned by Kyuquot/Cheklesaht since May of 2022. The kayaking company guides guests through the pristine marine life of Kyuquot sound while incorporating Indigenous culture on their tours.

“There’s no greater way to be intimate with the territory than being in a kayak on their waters, in their territory,” said Gary Wilson, a Kimsquit First Nation member and CEO of the KCFN Group of Business, in the podcast.

“It’s the person who comes from that land [who] is going to explain to you why that land is important,” said Leo to HaShilth-Sa. “I think that’s what’s so unique and valuable about this podcast is that you’re getting it from the source.”

The podcast highlights communities in hopes that Canadians and visitors from around the world listen and learn about the culture and history of particular Indigenous groups across Vancouver Island, said Leo.

“The importance is just really making these communities feel welcome, making them feel like they have a voice to really show the world what they’ve done, and to share it with people and to welcome them into their territory,” he said.

Their outreach team often drives out to remote communities on the West Coast delivering food hampers and hygiene kits. The vehicles also function as transportation for clients.

Five million dollars from the Indigenous Resilience and Recovery Grant Initiative is to be distributed among 23 Indigenousled non-profits throughout the country, part of a $34-million-dollar funding initiative. Twenty-two organizations have been selected to each receive $216, 000 over a period of three years and one has been selected to receive $150, 000 over two years. The administrators of the grant are the Vancouver Foundation, United Way B.C., and New Relationship Trust. During the pandemic the demand for services for Kuu-us Crisis Line Society increased, said McAnerin.

“I think it was a lot to do with people being isolated and not being able to access services as they normally would in the community,” she said.

“Indigenous non-profits work hard to empower people, advance reconciliation, and change lives, but they need resources in order to do that work,” said Josie Osborne, MLAfor Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “The Kuu-us Crisis Line Society is a critical service that supports people in PortAlberni, as well as Indigenous people across BC, and this grant will help ensure they can continue their operations and help people in need.”