INTERESTING NEWS
Pacific grey whale washes up on Long Beach
Those at the site see signs of head trauma as parts are harvested, but results of a DFO necropsy are yet to come
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Long Beach, BC – Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardian Gisele Maria Martin spotted the whale floating out in rough seas in front of the Esowista Peninsula on Monday and by Wednesday the magnificent creature had found its final resting place just south of Lovekin Rock on Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
“The first thing we did was ceremony. We did a chant for the whale,” said Martin.
Then the Guardians secured a rope around the tail of the deceased juvenile gray whale to save him from the rising tide and with the help of Parks Canada, they drew lines in the sand to create a perimeter around the body.
“When I first arrived, people were quite close and poking the whale. We just don’t want to see the whale getting walked on for selfies,” she said.
In Nuu-chah-nulth culture, whales are represented in a lot of stories and have brought wealth to nations, says Martin. They also carry a strong connection to the supernatural.
“Seeing it up close made me think of the amazing strength and endurance that the whale hunters had,” she said. For many curious onlookers, the sight of the dead whale brought on a flood of emotions.
“There was one woman visiting from Alberta…She was in tears about it,” said Martin.
DFO to conduct full necropsy
Ph.D. biologist and Tofino resident Jim Darling has been researching whales since the 1970s. He told the Ha-Shilth-Sa that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will perform a full necropsy of the gray whale to determine the cause of death.
“To have a whale wash in dead at this time of year is not really unusual at all. It happens most years,” said Darling.
Gray whales spend their summers feeding in the northern latitudes, right up into theArctic and even into the Beaufort Sea, explained Darling. They feed all summer and then they migrate south to Mexico, where they feed “little to none.”
“This is when they are most vulnerable. They have been living off fat reserves from last summers’feeding,” he said.
“However, to complicate that though, the last couple of years and continuing this year for sure, there is something else going on,” Darling continued.
It has been widely reported that over 70 whales have died this year along
Mexico’s Baja California coast, where wintering females give birth and nurse their calves.
“That’s shocking. Those numbers are really high. Everyone is concerned,” said Darling. “I think the consensus is amongst most researchers is that the problem is in theArctic where the ecosystem has changed quite dramatically.
The feeling is that these gray whales just aren’t getting the food reserves that they need to make it through the migration and the winter-feeding season.”
There are roughly 200 local gray whales that live off the coast of Vancouver Island and around 15,000 grays that do the migration route, according to Darling. He said the migrating herd is overall “really stressed” while the local herd seems “stable”.
He said the results of the necropsy will determine whether the whale died from an empty stomach, which would indicate malnourishment.
“They store their fat reserves in their blubber. They can measure the thickness of that, and it gives and indication of the health of the whale,” Darling said, noting that the necropsy will also examine the whales’organs, blood and skin.
On May 10 Tla-o-qui-aht members carved into the animal, harvesting blubber, meat and bones. Some noticed signs of head trauma.
“Cutting into the blubber in that area, I noticed all these blood clots,” said Joe Martin, who was the first to cut, harvesting a piece from behind the head. maaʔak means ‘take a big bite’
In Tla-o-qui-aht language, the word for gray whale is maaʔak, which translates to ‘take a big bite’.
Tribal Parks Guardians harvested whale blubber, whale bones to carve traditional tools and some of the baleen for traditional regalia.
Tom Campbell, ofAhousaht First Nation, brought his grandkids to see the deceased whale on May 7.
“We had one wash up inAhousaht some years back. I got to taste it because they
started cutting it up. It was chewy.Alittle bit hard to chew. Years ago they used to put the blubber on a big fire to make oil and they had some pretty sharp tools to cut it up,” Campbell shared.
While commercial whaling decimated the species, putting an end to traditional whale hunting for Nuu-chah-nulth, the Makah Tribe located in Washington State at Neah Bay recently submitted an application for a permit to hunt a limited number of North Pacific gray whales for ceremonial and subsistence purposes in the summer of 2025 and 2027.
Public comments on the Makah Tribe’s application closed on May 5 and a decision is pending.
Nora O’Malley photos
Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians Gisele Maria Martin and Nate Currie watch over a deceased juvenile gray whale or maaʔak on May 7 at Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Healthcare model brings services to remote villages
The ʔuukʷinkpanač West Coast Primary Care Initiative is now offering traditional wellness and nursing services
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC -An offering of dried Devil’s Club, the plant used by Indigenous peoples for a range of medicinal, ceremonial and spiritual purposes, sat beside a signup sheet for traditional cedar brushings as members of the ʔuukʷinkpanač (ookwink-panach) West Coast Primary Care Initiative (WCPCI) team welcomed guests to the Tin Wis Conference Centre on May 10 for a grand opening celebration.
With ʔuukʷinkpanač WCPCI now officially launched, community members living in ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) and yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Yuucluthaht) can call to book appointments for some services, including traditional wellness and nursing services.
“One thing that all of us of as First Nations people know and are aware of is the ongoing racism in the healthcare system within not only B.C., but Canada.And when we have the opportunity for healthcare providers to come into our community, our people automatically feel more safe in our community rather than having to go into an institution like a hospital,” said Mariah Charleson, Nuu-chah-nulth’s representative on the First Nations Health Council and elected chief councillor of Hesquiaht First Nation.
“It’s everything that we’ve been needing for so many years. With opening of primary care initiative, it means we’ll have access to a lot more resources to
come into our community rather than having people having to travel to receive any type of healthcare resources,” said Charleson before sitting down to enjoy a smoked salmon lunch with Nuu-chahnulth leaders from all five communities. Charleson was raised in the rural and remote Hesquiaht village of Hot Springs Cove, located about one hour boat ride away from Tofino’s First Street dock. She said the boat fee to leave her village is $600 on a nice day, but if it’s stormy, the cost soars to $1,500 for a one-way boat trip.
“It’s massive. If it’s a stormy day, you cannot charter a small boat. You have to charter a seaworthy boat just to be safe,” said Charleson. “Hesquiaht, we are swimming in debt every year because we don’t fit in the blanket policy that is across British Columbia for medical transportation.”
But with the launch of ʔuukʷinkpanač WCPCI, Hesquiaht members – and all Nuu-chah-nulth members living in the Clayoquot Sound region – can now benefit from healthcare services coming directly to them.
“They are coming to us. This is exactly what we need,” Charleson re-iterates.
Hesquiaht First Nation Councillor Kayla Lucas also grew up in Hot Springs Cove and has witnessed firsthand the struggle other members endure to access healthcare services, from catching boats to the lengthy waitlists at the nearby clinic in Tofino.
“This is western medicine finally coming to our communities to fill that gap that has been there for so long,” said Lu-
cas. “We will be able to conquer barriers with it coming into community. This is a huge step forward and I can’t wait to see it take off.”
ʔuukʷinkpanač WCPCI works through a partnership agreement with the Uut Uuštukyuu Society, a network of Indigenous healing practitioners guided by traditional healing law.
Ahousaht Hereditary Chief Hasheukumiss (Richard George) said he is honoured to walk on this journey with ʔuukʷinkpanač, Uut Uuštukyuu and everyone involved.
“It’s breaking down all of our barriers and all of our past to really heal as one,” said Hasheukumiss. “We really need a lot of healing in our community. Intergenerational trauma is still upon us, we haven’t even scratched the surface, and I see this as a real step forward.”
“It’s our way and the western way together,” adds Charleson. “That kind of medicine can’t be stopped.”
B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne attended the milestone day. She participated in a traditional healing practice, led byAhousaht elder Dave Frank, that used a hemlock branch to shift energies within the body.
“First Nations people in B.C. often face barriers when it comes to accessing culturally safe primary care or trauma-informed health-care services that are close to home,” said Osborne.
“The opening of the ʔuukʷinkpanac West Coast Primary Care Initiative is a key part of furthering the First Nations Primary Care Initiative and will ensure that First Nations communities and fami-
lies have access to the quality health care that they deserve,” she said.
Nuu-chah-nulth members living in Ahousaht will meet at the Chah Chum Hill Yup Tiic Miss building for appointments. Hesquiaht members will meet practitioners at the Hesquiaht Health Centre, which has been renovated to facilitate more private and confidential spaces.
Tla-o-qui-aht members will visit the Opitsaht Health Centre or Tiic-mis-aq’kin Health Centre in Ty-Histanis for appointments. Toquaht Nation citizens will use the Toquaht Gathering Place and Ucluelet First Nation citizens use Huupatu Health Centre in Hitacu.
ʔuukʷinkpanač means ‘walking in togetherness’. The new WCPCI health services model was funded by the B.C. Ministry of Health and the First Nations HealthAuthority (FNHA).
ʔuukʷinkpanač is a non-profit organization made up of health care providers including physicians, registered nurses, mental health supports, harm prevention support, social work, elder support and traditional wellness supports.
Recruitment for ʔuukʷinkpanač WCPCI is ongoing, according to director of operations Suzanne Williams, and job opportunities include a clinical manager, primary care community pharmacist, family physician, Primary Care Registered Nurse and a mental health clinician. Anyone interested in booking a healthcare appointment with the ʔuukʷinkpanač WCPCI, is encouraged to call 250-2667974 or visit the website https://westcoastpci.ca/ for more information.
Whale provides ‘great big learning experience’
A grey whale that washed up on Long Beach gave locals a
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
Tofino, BC -After engaging in a practice that once sustained their ancestors over a century ago, dealing with a whale that washed up on Long Beach has been a massive learning experience for Tla-oqui-aht members.
“It takes a whole community to get this done,” said Gisele Martin, after her and other members of the First Nation harvested parts of the deceased grey whale, or maaʔak, on May 10. “I think it’s been a great big, amazing learning experience.”
Earlier in the week Gisele was alerted by her father Joe Martin, who heard that a whale was seen floating by Long Beach in Tla-o-qui-aht waters.Amaster carver, Joe was away in Powell River finishing a canoe with students, so he let his daughter know about the cetacean’s loose body. Joe was keen for the First Nation to be the first to take care of the animal.
“I told my daughter, ‘That’s our whale, it drifts to our beach’,” he said.
Gisele went with fellow Tribal Parks Guardian Nate Currie to tie the whale down.
“I did try to tie a rope, rope them when we were on the beach at low tide, but it was really hard to get it secure because the tail was very, very heavy and it was suctioned to the sand,” said Gisele. When the tide rose at midnight Gisele had an unsettling feeling about the animal remaining secured. She called Currie to revisit the site with her, and found the whale loose and rolling around in the surf.
“The tail was so strong,” she recalled of the struggle to tie the tail down again.
“It was just really humbling. The size of it felt so much larger in the dark. It just seemed like this massive, massive being.”
“It was quite an adventure in the moon-
rare chance to partake in a time-honoured practice
light,” added Gisele.
According to Parks Canada, the grey whale was seen floating in the area since May 6, the day before Gisele and Nate Currie tied the animal’s tail to the beach. When it was finally secured the Tla-oqui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians and Parks Canada drew a line in the sand around the body to restrict access “both for health and safety reasons, and in respect for the whale,” said the federal department in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa.
According to Jim Darling, a biologist and Tofino resident who has been studying whales since the 1970s, there’s approximately 200 grey whales living off the coast of Vancouver Island, and another 15,000 that migrate offshore from
while entangled in a net being used collect herring eggs on kelp. This was the first whale taken toAhousaht’s shore for consumption since 1963, a rare return to the time-honoured practice that provided Nuu-chah-nulth communities with wealth for countless generations.
Joe Martin also cut into a grey whale that was hunted in May 1999 by the Makah Tribe of Neah Bay, the first they had harvested in nearly 80 years.
“That blubber was about 10 inches thick too. It was healthy,” recalled Joe.
That hunt of 26 years ago occurred with the support of the US government and the International Whaling Commission, but amid public pressure the Makah have lobbied ever since to exercise a right that remains enshrined in the 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay. They hope to resume whaling in July if a permit is granted final approval, setting off a ceremonial and subsistence hunt that would enable the harvest of up to 25 grey whales over 10 years.
As people removed parts from the maaʔak on Long Beach, it became clear that the real work begins once a whale is brought to shore.
Mexico to theArctic each year.
Samples were taken from the body to perform a necropsy, the results of which are yet to be reported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
But those who cut into the animal observed signs of head trauma.
“Right behind the head there was a lot of blood clot,” said Joe Martin. “I’m thinking that whale was surfacing when it got hit by a ship. It probably got knocked out or killed immediately. I think it was dead for maybe three or four days before it landed on the beach here.”
“It may not just have been a single thing that caused the death of this whale,” added Gisele. “We can see that they got some kind of blunt trauma to their head, but why did this whale get blunt trauma to the back of their head? That’s also related to them feeling disoriented of being emaciated, too skinny and not floating well, not getting enough food.”
On May 10 the cutting began with Joe taking a section of blubber from behind the head.
“That is the section where our family would take the first cut from the whale,” he said. “The blubber was not very thick, maybe six inches at the most in some places. Mostly that whale was really skinny.”
The elder has carved into grey whales before, including one that was towed into Ahousaht in March 2000 after it died
“At one point I counted 19 people cutting at once, and a whole other crowd of people watching and helping,” said Gisele. “There was little kids helping to pull off the blubber.”
This all occurred after a morning ceremony was performed.
“It’s the appropriate thing that I figured was necessary for that whale and how our people respected them,” said Joe. “We have to uphold those responsibilities.”
“I really hope that no more whales suffer and are washed ashore like that,” noted Gisele. “But at the same time, should they, I feel that I’ve gotten way more of a concept of what I would do or wouldn’t do and the work involved.”
The response of government agencies gave Gisele hope of how relations with her nation have improved.
“Alot of times we’ve been intercepted and stopped from our cultural life ways by government agencies, and even Parks Canada staff in the past,” she said. “This feels like the first time that all these different agencies have come together and cohesively just supported Tla-o-qui-aht leadership in what to do with this whale.”
The carcass has since been buried in an undisclosed location. Joe is waiting for “critters” to eat off the remaining flesh from the jaw bones so he can carve it into an art piece, while others are rendering the whale blubber they removed into oil.
Some have even eaten the meat.
“I had some last night,” said Joe. “It was really good. I’m still full.”
Grace Frank photo
Gisele Martin collects blubber from a grey whale at Long Beach on May 10, as other Tla-o-qui-aht members cut into the carcass.
Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the contributing First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.
Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from:
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, PortAlberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2.
Telephone: (250) 724-5757
Fax: (250) 723-0463
Web page: www.hashilthsa.com facebook: Nuu-chah-nulth’s Ha-Shilth-Sa
2025 Subscription rates:
Non-Nuu-chah-nulth,Ahousaht, Ehattesaht,Toquaht and Ucluelet members are subject to a yearly subscription fee of $40 in Canada, $50 in the US and $60 for overseas. Payable to the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Manager/Editor/Reporter
Eric Plummer (Ext. 243) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 eric.plummer@nuuchahnulth.org
Reporter
Denise Titian (Ext. 240) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 denise.titian@nuuchahnulth.org
Reporter
Nora O’Malley (250) 266-1584 Fax: (250) 723-0463 nora.omalley@nuuchahnulth.org
Audio / Video Technician
Mike Watts (Ext. 238) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 mike.watts@nuuchahnulth.org
EditorialAssistant
Holly Stocking (Ext. 302) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org
DEADLINE:
Please note that the deadline for submissions for our next issue is May 23, 2025
After that date, material submitted and judged appropriate cannot be guaranteed placement but, if material is still relevant, will be included in the following issue.
In an ideal world, submissions would be typed rather than hand-written. Articles can be sent by e-mail to holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org (Windows PC).
Submitted pictures must include a brief description of subject(s) and a return address.
Pictures with no return address will remain on file.Allow two - four weeks for return.
Photocopied or faxed photographs cannot be accepted.
COVERAGE:
Although we would like to be able to cover all stories and events, we will only do so subject to:
- Sufficient advance notice addressed specifically to Ha-Shilth-Sa.
- Reporter availability at the time of the event.
- Editorial space available in the paper.
- Editorial deadlines being adhered to by contributors.
LETTERS and KLECOS
Ha-Shilth-Sa will include letters received from its readers. Letters MUST be signed by the writer and have the writer’s full name, address and phone number on them. Names can be withheld by request.Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit submitted material for clarity, brevity, grammar and good taste. We will definitely not publish letters dealing with tribal or personal disputes or issues that are critical of Nuu-chah-nulth individuals or groups. All opinions expressed in letters to the editor are purely those of the writer and will not necessarily coincide with the views or policies of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council or its member First Nations. Ha-Shilth-Sa includes paid advertising, but this does not imply Ha-Shilth-Sa or Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council recommends or endorses the content of the ads.
Maria Clark Business Leader of the Year
Clark’s business approach merges sustainability with her Indigenous worldview
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Maria Clark opened the door to her home in the First Nations community of Ty-Histanis with a warm smile.
Caught on a day off as Tin Wis Resort’s assistant general manager, Clark was spending the day with her grandkids, family time she cherishes deeply.
“Fortunately, a lot of young Indigenous women have come to me and said, ‘I like to see you speaking. I like to hear you speaking. I look up to you’,” says Clark.
“I feel like I am breaking barriers and creating space for Indigenous People. That is a good feeling,” she continues.
Clark was named the 2024 Business Leader of Year at the recent Tofino Business ExcellenceAwards gala hosted by the Tofino Beach Chamber of Commerce. She is the first Indigenous person to be elected to Tourism Tofino’s board of directors and a director at-large for Indigenous Tourism BC.
Tourism Tofino’s executive director Brad Parsell called Clark “one of the most inspiring people working in Tofino’s tourism industry.”
“She is so dedicated to using tourism as a vehicle to lift up her community, and especially for creating opportunities for Indigenous youth.As I understand it, she is one of the only female Indigenous hotel executives in the province,” said Parsell.
With a mix of pride and embarrassment, Parsell spoke about Clark being the first Indigenous person to ever sit on Tourism Tofino’s board.
“Why did it take so long to have this critical representation? Regardless, Maria is making a huge difference on the west coast and absolutely deserves to be honoured as Tofino’s Business Leader of the Year,” he said.
Acouple years ago, Clark journeyed to New Zealand with Parsell and other Tofino tourism leaders on what was dubbed the ‘Think Big Tour’.
“I was really inspired there. I was inspired because I feel like the Māori People and us Nuu-chah-nulth People live such parallel lives. They really know how to use tourism as a benefit to communities.All of my dreams were materi-
alized there,” Clark told the Ha-Shilth-Sa. Since the New Zealand tour, Clark says she’s been working at rebuilding Tin Wis into a safe space by taking a grassroots, community-based approach, but reveals it’s been a long, winding road to land on her feet and create space.
Over her 15 plus years at Tin Wis, Clark says she trained “a lot of managers and never moved up”. She also endured bouts of racist, misogynistic behaviour from co-workers.
“There were so many breaks in the connection to our community from the really colonial way of thinking. When you are employing Indigenous People, if you’re not trauma-informed, if you’re not practicing lateral kindness and understanding what lateral violence is, you’ll just continue to break these connections,” she shared.
Under her leadership, Tin Wis has reemerged as a “social economic enterprise” that provides training, business mentorship opportunities and is committed to uplifting local Indigenous companies likeAhousAdventures and Tiickin (Thunderbird) Ebike Rentals.
“I think it’s important to amplify Indigenous business. There is no territory when it comes to self-determination and sovereignty. We need to be able to amplify Indigenous communities and people,” she said.
Part of the Tin Wis 10-year action plan includes returning the name Tin Wis, meaning ‘calm waters’in Nuu-chah-nulth language, back to Mackenzie Beach and gaining 10 per cent of Tofino’s annual economic output.
In 2024, visitor activities in the region contributed to an estimated $657 million in total economic output to the provincial economy, according to a recently released Economic Impact of Tourism in Tofino study.
“I really believe in manifesting. You put it out there with intention and that’s when things come together,” Clark said, noting that the foundation for a new carving shed was recently laid on the property so members can carve totem poles on-site.
“I want to see interpretive tours (at Tin Wis). We can create those, but I think it would be absolutely phenomenal if a young Tla-o-qui-aht youth started their own little business and just partnered
Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born.Acommunity newspaper cannot exist without community involvement. If you have any great pictures you’ve taken, stories or poems you’ve written, or artwork you have done, please let us know so we can include it in your newspaper. E-mail holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org. This year is Ha-Shilth-Sa’s 51st year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. We look forward to your continued input and support. Kleco! Kleco!
with us,” adds Clark.
Last year, Clark launched Island Coast Mobile Welding and Fabrication with her partner Gemar Gilliard.
“I think she should win all of the medals,” Gilliard beamed. “She’s been underplayed a lot, but when they do listen to her opinion they always go far. I think she has tons of wonderful ideas flowing in her head that could help the nation and help Tofino.”
Originally launched in 2016, the Tofino Business ExcellenceAwards was created to celebrate Tofino’s remarkable business community. Entries are judged 50 per cent by public voting and 50 per cent by our panel of judges that has included government officials, Chamber of Commerce managers from around B.C., and other community leaders.
Past Business Leader of the Year winners include Samantha Hackett (former manager of Long Beach Lodge Resort), Charles McDiarmid (owner of Wickaninnish Inn) and Duane Bell (owner of Rhino Coffee House).
For 2024, Hotel Zed Tofino won Business of the Year,Adriana’s Sandwich Shop won Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year went toAhous Adventures, Long Beach Golf Course took Non-profit of the Year, Jenna Pearce from the Westcoast Community Resources Society was named Employee of the Year, Tofino Resort + Marina won Employer of the Year, Green Business of the Year went to The Den Refillery Tofino and Jeju Restaurant won Customer Service Excellence.
Legal Information
The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisements
Maria Clark
Dudes Clubs coming to Nuu-chah-nulth territories
Support group that started in Downtown Eastside has chapters planned for Huu-ay-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and Pacheedaht
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
British Columbia – It got its start in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, filling a need that men in the rough streets so desperately need – a place of support, a place to connect to culture and a place of healing. Dudes Club has been bringing Indigenous men together starting in downtown Vancouver for 15 years.
Grant Barton, Dudes Club Society Executive Director, said that Indigenous people living in the Downtown Eastside come from all over and it is home to the most vulnerable people in Canada. The DTES is known for its homeless population and for people living in addiction.
Barton said that there was a man who noticed that there is support and gatherings for Indigenous women. He wondered what was there for Indigenous men, and so the first Dudes Club was launched in the DTES.
Barton said the first few Dudes Club events were simple meetings, usually led by an elder male that opened discussions. But the meeting is for the men and giving them a safe space to talk. The only rule is that they drop their armour at the door. “They may pick it up on their way out, but they don’t need it in the club,” said Barton.
Barton describes the club as a safe place for men to get together, where they can talk freely about things that concern them. “You know, when you live in the streets, you line up for food or whatever, Dudes Club is not like that,” said Barton.
Many First Nations men have a history of hurting others, if not themselves and they long for a sense of belonging, a place to reclaim their voices. Some have been institutionalized, if not in prison, then in residential schools. Dudes Club facilitators hope their work will give men a renewed role, one of men supporting each other and their families in building wellness and strong communities.
Grant Barton, Dudes Club Society executive director, launched the group due to a lack of support for Indigenous men.
“It’s about removing dependencies,” said Barton, adding that it is also a place where the men can redefine masculinity and reconnect with Indigenous culture. In more recent times, employment opportunities have been added to the menu of services the Dudes Club offers.
According to their website, Dudes Club Society provides space to facilitate a participant-led community for men’s health and wellness. “We do this through different events prioritizing supportive relationships, engagement in health care, and Indigenous world views,” they added.
Launched in 2010, Dudes Club welcomes all self-identifying men and is a proven model for Indigenous men’s wellness promotion that builds solidarity and brotherhood, enabling men to regain a sense of pride and purpose in their life.
They say that they bring together men who often carry with them intergenerational trauma related to the loss of or damage to their land, culture, family, language, and identity, and, by working together, the men are able to begin to drop some of their armour.
Over the years, the clubs have evolved and grown as men hear about it, usually by word of mouth. Dudes Club volunteers hand out swag bags containing things like t-shirts or hats. It is an offering given to men in the streets that lets them know about the club. They also promote their club on social media and through other advertising.
From group activities to larger men’s gatherings, the Dudes Club grows and changes according to what the participants want. If the men like Bingo, the club plays Bingo. “It’s a place for them to reclaim their voice – a club for men, by men,” said Barton.
According to Dudes Club Society testimonials, the activities and connection has allowed some of the men learn more about improving personal health through nutrition or having contacts with health services. One said that he appreciated a welcoming place to talk because life at home is rough.
In fact, Dudes Club Society is funded through agencies like the First Nations HealthAuthority along with municipal, provincial and federal grants.
By working with Indigenous men and building partnerships and trust, Dudes Club helps to address impacts of colonialism. “They serve men facing social, political, and economic marginalization,” says the Dudes Club website.
The Dudes Club in Vancouver is open to men of all ages. There is spin-off club for male youth called neXup with Matt Provost as the Youth Coordinator. Like Dudes Club, neXup is a youth-led
initiative nurturing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of boys, young men, and those identifying as two-spirit, trans, queer, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming youth.
Launched in 2020, neXup’s mission is to foster a community for young people’s well-being through health information and activities that bring people together and incorporate local Indigenous culture.
Dudes Club Society is so successful that other chapters began popping up all over British Columbia. Barton says the Skidegate Dudes Club has been in operation for many years and has given itself the Haida Gwaii name, GaaGagaay, which means Strength Within.
He went to say that GaaGagaay hosted a men’s gathering on Haida Gwaii that brought 117 men from all over the province. They took part in three days of activities that included healing workshops, guest speakers with uplifting messages, selfcare and cultural activities.
More Dudes Clubs launched on Vancouver Island including Victoria, Sydney and Saanich. They have catchy names like, Awakening the Warrior Within, based at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. There’s the Wolf Pack and Deadly Uncles/Nephew Club in the South Island with other clubs operating at Cowichan Tribes, Stzuminus and Snuneymuxw territories.
Most exciting for mid island is that more Dudes Club chapters are being launched in Nuu-chah-nulth territories including Huu-ay-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Pacheedaht. There is another one starting up in Port Hardy.
“The DUDES Club is more than just a gathering place for our men; it is a movement, empowering men to reclaim their roles as leaders, protectors, and healers,” said Barton in the Dudes Club Society Annual Report.
Mobile Hair Stylist
27 years as a licensed hair stylist. Able to go to elders/handicapped homes to cut, perm or color hair. Would also do in own home.
Submitted photo
Haida tragedy: Calls for justice reach Nuu-chah-nulth
Two houses demolished in Skidegate after the April 22 death, as group of vehicles seen leaving for mainland
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
Skidegate, BC –Asmall Haida village is in mourning following death of 29-yearold Luke Pearson, who, according to the RCMP, died from his injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
According to the Daajing Giids (Queen Charlotte) RCMP, they received a report of a pedestrian-involved collision in the 200 block of Front Street in Skidegate, a section of waterfront road near a cemetery. Police say a man was struck by a vehicle around 1:17 p.m. onApril 22 and later died of his injuries.
“The investigation is in its infancy but police believe this was a targeted incident,” said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the B.C. RCMP in anApril 22 statement. “We are asking anyone with any information to speak with police rather than post to social media.”
Over the next two days, the RCMP issued two more statements naming Tyson Young, a 32-year-old Skidegate man, as the person they arrested in their investigation into what they call a targeted attack on Pearson, who is also from Skidegate.
Skidegate is a Haida community on the southeast side of Graham Island, located about 50 kilometers from the British Columbia mainland. Its population is similar to that ofAhousaht, hovering around 1000.
The Council of Haida Nation and Skidegate Band released a joint statement on April 24, reassuring the community that they are working with the RCMP in their investigation and asking witnesses to contact the RCMP with information. They went on to ask the community to support the family of Pearson.
“At this time, please focus on supporting
the family and one another while remembering all the goodness of Luke. To all who knew Luke, he was a kind, generous, caring and innocent Haida man,” wrote the organizations.
OnApril 29, social media live feeds lit up as videos appeared showing the demolition of two side-by-side houses in Skidegate. Earlier that day, more video showed about five vehicles leaving Skidegate on a ferry destined for Prince Rupert. The group of people in the vehicles are said to be connected to Tyson Young. It was rumoured that they may go to Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.
Throughout the night more videos appeared on social media, showing people from First Nations communities along Highway 16 watching for the group of vehicles.As the convoy passed, they were met with protesters waving placards,
demanding
for
Astatement by Tseshaht First Nation was posted to Facebook onApril 30.
“Tseshaht First Nation has been informed of individuals from another Nation who may be of concern and rumours of them coming to our territory in Port Alberni,” stated the Tseshaht, adding that they are gathering information and will act accordingly.
Tseshaht asked its people to be patient and to carry themselves with iisaak (respect). They offered prayers for the Haida Gwaii victim and his family.
It is not known where the group traveling from Skidegate are or where they are going.
Chief William Yovanovich has asked for private time as the community mourns and the family lays to rest their loved one.
Facebook photo
The RCMPreceived a report of a pedestrian-involved collision in the 200 block of Front Street in Skidegate, a section of waterfront road near a cemetery. Police say a man was struck by a vehicle around 1:17 p.m. onApril 22 and later died of his injuries.
justice
Luke.
Report shows B.C. falling short of climate targets
Study shows progress, but not enough for the provincial goal of a 40 per cent drop in greenhouse gases by 2030
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
British Columbia – The provincial government has released its 2024 Climate ChangeAccountability Report, concluding that B.C. is making progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions - but not enough to meet the province’s 2030 target.
The report is based on emission data collected betweenApril 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. The province began setting reduced emissions goals in 2007 with hopes they could be achieved by finding ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and building a low-carbon economy.
Through CleanBC programs thousands of homes have switched to renewable energy alternatives, like heat pumps over fuel-fired furnaces. In addition, more people are buying electric vehicles.
“In 2023, zero-emission vehicles made up nearly one in four new vehicle sales for an increase of 25 percent from 2022. Heat pump installation increased by 67 percent over the previous year, supported by government rebates and expanded access,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions.
The ministry states that B.C.’s emissions are projected to be 20 percent lower by 2030 compared to 2007.
But the BC Green Party is raising concerns about the lack of progress the NDP government is making towards the 40 per cent GHG emissions by 2030, saying emissions will only be reduced by 18 per cent in five years.
“And they have no plans to fix it,” said BC Green Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote.
NTC President Judith Sayers, (Cloy-eiis) concurs with the BC Greens.
“Through B.C.’s plans and efforts, they are achieving 20 per cent reductions in greenhouse gasses by 2030, but it will not meet their targets, nor is it close to net zero. This is not enough when we are in a climate crisis,” she said, adding that we must strive to balance social, environmental and economic values in working to reduce GHG.
Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
According to the United Nations, global warming causes hotter temperatures, increased drought, more severe storms,
ing a particularly dry summer.
warmer oceans with rising water levels and melting polar icecaps. The result of all this are global food shortages, the extinction of species through starvation, with added strain on the healthcare system.
The province says it remains committed to strengthen its climate action.
“British Columbia has been a leader in demonstrating solutions that have been replicated elsewhere from methane regulations to low-carbon fuel standards,” saidAdrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
The government says it supports the shift to a low-carbon future by making major investments in expanding access to made-in-B.C. renewable power sources.
“Ten new wind and solar projects are being accelerated to deliver clean power as soon as possible,” stated the province.
“The North Coast Transmission Line expansion between Prince George and Terrace will deliver electricity to major industry, such as liquefied natural gas, mining and critical minerals projects,
port operations and more, helping power economic growth, while contributing to British Columbia’s energy security.”
Sayers gives credit to B.C. for its clean energy initiatives and the programming that has helped reduce GHG.
“More has to be done now and in the near future and B.C. has acknowledged that,” she noted.
“B.C. must stop the expansion of LNG as their emissions only increase GHG which is contrary to their climate action plan,” added Sayers. “For too long B.C. and BC hydro denied the need for more electricity beyond Site C and feel they must resort to LNG. But clean energy projects can meet the demand.”
BC Hydro recently announced that it is moving quickly and that expanding the production of renewable energy is a top priority. In the past two years BC Hydro said it engaged with First Nations on its first Call for Power in over 15 years.
“Acore element of this engagement was the design of a First Nations economic participation model that ensures that
First Nations benefit directly from clean energy projects through equity partnerships or non-equity economic benefits,” stated BC Hydro. “Reinforcing our commitment to meaningful and sustained reconciliation, we will retain the fundamental elements of this model, including a minimum First Nation equity ownership requirement, for the 2025 Call.”
Sayers says this is the way of the future and true economic reconciliation.
“NTC encourages B.C. to continue developing clean energy with First Nations while respecting, free, prior and informed consent and high environmental standards,” she said. “Our very lives depend on our ability to achieve net zero and keep global warming to a minimum so we can live in a world with reasonable temperatures [that] retains our ecosystems and way of life.”
The 2025 Call for Power for new clean or renewable energy projects is expected to be launched this summer, with Electricity PurchaseAgreements (EPAs) being awarded in early 2026.
A suspicious fire closes Alberni secondary for one day
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
PortAlberni, BC – Staff and students were safely evacuated during an early morning fire atAlberni District Secondary School on May 8. The fire was spotted prior to the start of the school day.
The PortAlberni Fire Department along with the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Cherry Creek Fire Department and the Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the structure fire.
ADSS, located at 4000 Roger Street, opened in 2012. It is equipped with a fire suppression system, which, according to the Pacific Rim School District, was activated. Fire fighters were on scene within minutes.
“While the specific cause of the fire is still under investigation, we can confirm
that the building will remain closed for the remainder of the day to allow for cleanup,” reads a school district statement.
The school will reopen May 9 for classes, except for a small room located near the source of the fire that requires additional remediation.
“We are deeply grateful for the rapid response and professionalism of the PortAlberni Fire Department and the surrounding fire departments who also responded, as well as the quick actions of our staff in ensuring everyone’s safety and minimizing damage,” stated the Pacific Rim School District.
Located on the ḥaḥuułi of the cišaaʔatḥ and Hupačasath,ADSS has approximately 1300 students with a staff of 107.
Students from several Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations are enrolled atADSS.
BC Wildfire Service photo
According to the United Nations, global warming causes hotter temperatures, increased drought, more severe storms, warmer oceans with rising water levels and melting polar icecaps. Pictured is the Cameron Bluffs wildfire in June 2023 dur-
Holly Stocking photo
On May 8 a fire was spotted inAlberni District Secondary prior to the start of the school day.
Tla-o-qui-aht release Calls to Action for RCMP, Corrections and
Calls for police and investigators include be er de-escalation training and cultural sensitivity, after two Tla-o-qui-aht people killed
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Tla-o-qui-aht released 20 Calls ToAction for the RCMP, BC Corrections and the Independent Investigation Office (IIO) on May 9 after a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and Children Walk that weaved through all three of the First Nation’s communities, starting in the ancient village site of Opitsaht and ending in Esowista and Ty-Histanis.
Justice Manager Curtis Joseph (Tayiisimčił) says they wanted to include the men and children in this year’s Red Dress Walk as Tla-o-qui-aht people have lost male members at the hands of RCMP or while in corrections.
On February 27, 2021 two RCMP officers responded to a call that alleged a female was sexually assaulted and being held against her will by two males at an address in Opitsaht on Meares Island, according to a report from the IIO. This visit resulted in the shooting death of 28-year-old Julian Jones. Jones was the second Tla-o-qui-aht member to die during a police incident in less than two years.
In 2020 Chantel Moore, a 26-year-old mother, was killed by police in New Brunswick during a wellness check.
In Jones’case, the IIO found the police to not be at fault.
Moore’s death was investigated by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes du Quebec. Based on the BEI’s findings, no charges were laid against the police officer who fatally shot the young woman.
The Tla-o-qui-aht Calls ToAction include that RCMP get de-escalation training as an alternative to drawing a weapon (No. 8) and for the IIO to be culturally sensitive to Tlao-qui-aht culture, history and needs (No. 9).
“It must see people as human beings, not just a police file,” reads Call ToAction Number 9.
In an effort to improve public transparency and accountability, Tofino RCMP started being equipped with body-worn cameras around December 2024.
The IIO investigation into Julian Jones’ death also appointed a Tla-o-qui-aht member as a civilian monitor, who overlooked details of the process and filed a report to the office’s chief civilian director. This report stated that IIO investigators “were friendly but neutral”.
Despite these measures, the scale of tragedy in recent years is too much to bear, says Moore’s grandmother.
“We’ve lost too many. It’s been a rough road,” said Grace Frank during the May 9 Walk to Remember. “I’m really proud of the justice committee that has been put
together in my nation, for all that you are doing to for our people and the loved ones that we’ve lost. It really hurts to see how many we have lost.”
Her grandson, Michael Martin, passed away in a jail cell five and a half months after Moore was fatally shot by police.
“My daughter is still dealing with what happened to my grandson. It’s taken too long to find out what happened to him,” she said. “It’s been a real struggle. I just want to say to be there for each other. Our family has been through a lot.”
Elder Dora Frank (yaawa) carried a poster asking, ‘What really happened to Iris Frank?’
Iris Frank was a young Tla-o-qui-aht teen when she went missing in PortAlberni in 1980. Weeks after she went missing, her remains were found – by her father – near the Paper Mill Dam on the Somass River, according to hawiiḥtaqumł (House of Wickaninnish).
“The police just kept saying, ‘She’ll come back’. They never did an investigation and they closed the case,” hawiiḥtaqumł told the Ha-Shilth-Sa.
Call ToAction (Number 1) states the
RCMP need to respond immediately when an Indigenous person is reported to be missing.
Tla-o-qui-aht women who are still missing incldue Edith Margaret Claver, who hasn’t been seen since 2009, and Lisa Marie Young, who went missing from Nanaimo on June 30, 2002.
“These calls to action are only a start for Tla-o-qui-aht and will grow until these ongoing injustices are recognized and addressed,” states the Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Committee.
Tofino RCMP Detachment Sergeant Owen Smith attended the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and Children Day dressed in civilian clothes. He shared a table and ate lunch with Tla-o-qui-aht Chief Elmer Frank and Tofino Mayor Dan Law.
Speakers throughout the day also drew attention to Indigenous children in care and children that never returned home from residential school.
Tla-o-qui-aht Call ToAction (Number 17) tasks the Provincial Court to advocate for children in care and (Number 20) calls on the provincial and federal governments to fund an investigation of the children who
did not return home from residential
Tofino RCMP Detachment Sergeant Owen Smith attended the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and Children Day dressed in civilian clothes. He shared a table and ate lunch with Tla-o-qui-aht Chief Elmer Frank and Tofino Mayor Dan Law. Speakers throughout the day also drew attention to Indigenous children in care and
Elder Dora Frank (yaawa) wants to know what really happened to her sister Iris Frank, who was found dead by the Somass River weeks after
school.
Teen Quastania McCarthy stands in solidarity with MMIWG.
From left: West Coast Community Resources Society’s (WCRS) response co-ordinator Jenna Pearce, Tears To Hope Society yard and WCRS executive director Laurie Hannah.
George Michelle holds a poster for Julian Jones, who was shot by Tofino RCMPin 2021.
Flanked by justice manager Curtis Joseph and Hannah Frank, (House of Wickaninnish) reads the list of Tla-o-qui-aht members missing or been murdered.
Corrections and IIO
Tla-o-qui-aht people killed within a year
Loved ones remembered on red dress day
May 5 recognized murdered or missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
children
O’Malley photos the Somass River weeks after she went missing. residential school. Detachment Sergeant Owen Missing and Murdered Children Day clothes. He shared a Tla-o-qui-aht Chief Mayor Dan Law. day also drew children in care and
Tla-o-qui-aht Call ToAction (Number 17) tasks the Provincial Court to advocate for children in care and (Number 20) calls on the provincial and federal governments to fund an investigation of the children who did not return home from residential school.
PortAlberni, BC – They were mothers, sisters, aunties, friends and they were taken too soon, but they are not forgotten. May 5th is Red Dress Day, a day to raise national awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It is a day to honor the memory of those lost, acknowledge the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, and call for justice and healing.
Both Huu-ay-aht First Nation and the Port Alberni Friendship Center hosted events to bring people together, not only to remember the lives lost, but also to reinforce the value of women in our culture and society.
At the PAFC, there was a smudge ceremony led by Elder/Cultural Support worker, Darlene Leonew. PAFC Executive Director, Cyndi Stevens, said guests were invited to share stories. Their Red Dress Day wrapped up with a spaghetti lunch.
Athe Huu-ay-ahtAdministration office in PortAlberni, Tseshaht elder Irene Robinson noted in her speech that there are 57 Nuuchah-nulth names on a list of missing/murdered women. Beside her, on a table, were framed portraits of Loretta Peters, a woman from a high-ranking Huu-ay-aht family. Huu-ay-aht Councillor Edward Johnson Jr. noted that it is important to remember why Red Dress came to be. In Canada, the federal government launched a national independent investigation into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis with a public inquiry that ran from 2016 to 2019.
The final report of the inquiry concluded that the high level of violence directed at Indigenous women and girls in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, Métis or FNIM women and girls) is “caused by state actions and inactions rooted in colonialism and colonial ideologies.” It also concluded that the crisis constituted an ongoing “race, identity and gender-based genocide.”
Elder Irene Robinson spoke about how, prior to contact, Indigenous women were hard workers and highly valued in Indig-
enous culture. But their value seemed to diminish as cultural values of the colonizers crept in and were, at least in part, adopted. The European settlers looked down on women, both in their country and in North America. Robinson shared stories of how First Nations women were often assaulted and raped by traders. Sometimes they were ‘married’if a settler chose one as his ‘country wife’. But she would be cast aside if he moved his white family to the new world. Robinson shared contemporary stories of First Nations women being murdered, their killers either going free or receiving lenient sentences because it was only an Indian that was killed. In one story she said a newspaper reported on the sentencing of the
murderer of a First Nations woman. He received a small fine. In the same issue of the newspaper, there was a report of a hunter being fined the same amount for killing a moose out of season. The articles sparked outrage in that community.
“On days like this, we want to support family and friends. When we lose someone, people go see the family, to sit with them and support them. But eventually, they go back to their lives while for some families, the hurt is still there and so are the questions,” said Robinson.
She thanked Huu-ay-aht for hosting this day to remember loved ones. “When we don’t remember, it’s easier to shove under the carpet,” she said.
Nora
Denise Titian photos
Daniel Jack Jr. and Cory Howard Sr. drum in PortAlberni on May 5, which is the national awareness day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.
Collen Peters holds a photo of her mom Loretta Peters, who was murdered in the 1970s.
Community Resources Society’s (WCRS) sexual assault Jenna Pearce, Tears To Hope Society manager Denise Halfector Laurie Hannah.
that never returned home from residential school.
Curtis Joseph and Hannah Frank, hawiiḥtaqumł Wickaninnish) reads the list of Tla-o-qui-aht members who have gone
Animal welfare explored at first Rez Dogs Conference
Volunteerism and philanthropy can impose 'urban-dominant' viewpoints on remote Indigenous communities
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
Dog bites, animal overpopulation, disease – these are the ongoing problems remote First Nations continue to face when it comes to animal welfare and community safety.
James Rodgers is executive director of the CARE (CoastalAnimal Rescue and Education) Network, based in Tofino. He says any community would face these problems if they don’t have access to pet services found in larger cities.
The CARE Network’s animal shelter at Long Beach has been in operation for 13 years. It is a registered non-profit, volunteer-based network that supports Tofino, Ucluelet and outlying First Nations communities. They work to protect and enhance the quality of life of animals (and their families) in the rural and remote communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
“We work to address animal overpopulation, community health and safety as related to animals, to help stray and abandoned animals, and to assist in situations of animal illness, cruelty and neglect,” CARE Network states on its website.
While there have been some improvements in the offshore communities since CARE Network arrived over a decade ago, problems persist. There are still unsocialized dogs being removed from villages, dog attacks on humans and other animals and pet overpopulation in some places.
But Rodgers says communities are working to address issues. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, for example, is dealing with feral cats.
Cats can be an attractant to wildlife, and over breeding can lead to a population of uncared for, unhealthy felines. YFN has partnered with an agency that is helping to live trap the cats and is bringing in a mobile spay/neuter clinic.
Over in Opitsaht, a Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation community on Meares Island, dogs that were attacking calves have been removed. They go to shelters like the SPCAin PortAlberni or the CARE Network Shelter at Long Beach. From there, they are assessed to determine if it is safe to put them up for adoption.
But when they have a history of aggressive behavior like biting, attacking, or killing, the only alternative is euthanasia. Rodgers was on his way to a conference
in Winnipeg, Manitoba, being held over the May long weekend. The first annual Rez Dog Conference promises to have those difficult discussions that are not usually occurring due to the philanthropic nature of animal welfare agencies.
Most animal welfare agencies rely on the support of donors and volunteers with little, if any, government funding. Rodgers says Canada’s IndianAct states that First Nations can make bylaws that allow the establishment of pounds on reserve and, “the appointment of pound-keepers, the regulation of their duties and the provision for fees and charges for their services.” But the federal government does not provide funding for these onreserve animal welfare services like they do in the cities.
Having to rely on the larger society to donate to animal welfare groups can bring with it outside ideas of what makes a good pet owner.
“When the urban-dominant culture defines what makes a good dog or cat parent, that can bring terrible judgement on people that don’t have access to these (animal care) services,” said Rodgers.
‘Unsuccessful volunteerism and philanthropy’
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation knows that the problem was made worse through
the COVID-19 pandemic, which magnified the isolation of rural communities, further inhibiting access to services. They received a grant to research community safety resilience during events like the pandemic.
One of the outcomes of their research was the recommendation of establishing an Indigenous-led entity that addresses animal welfare issues in remote communities. The new animal welfare group is called IncreasedACCESS (Animal Care & Community Empowered Safety Society). Their work includes addressing what they call “a longstanding, inequitable status quo that has left the delivery of essential community safety services up to unsuccessful volunteerism and philanthropy.”
Besides supporting animal-related safety services for Indigenous communities, IncreasedACCESS also advocates at the provincial and federal levels to change the system. It’s addressing what they call “outdated status quo that keep many Indigenous communities unsafe as related to dog bite situations, dog packing, disease spread, etc.”
One of the projects of IncreasedACCESS is Indigenous SPCA, which is a presenting sponsor at the Rez Dogs Networking Conference.
“This conference is unique and timely,”
said Rodgers. “We need to be having these conversations about decolonizing the animal welfare sector, and have those difficult conversations, like dog culls.”
Remote communities have limited resources and when things get out of hand, a dog cull is the approach that some places resort to when there is no access to clinics or shelters.
“It’s effective, low cost, and often the only thing available at the time,” Rodgers notes. “How do we make this as humane as possible? How do we do this without alienating the donors?”
This is why groups like CARE Network and IncreasedACCESS argue that animal welfare should not be based on volunteerism and philanthropy but should be a community health issue.
“It goes back to Canada’s fiduciary responsibility to keep communities safe,” Rodgers stated.
For now, the local animal welfare agencies continue to remove unwanted animals from villages and try to rehome them. CARE Network is working on building prefabricated structures that can be shipped to communities for use as storage, shelters, or as mobile veterinary clinics.
There is a veterinarian in Tofino available four days a week, so offshore communities don’t have to go as far as Port Alberni to access veterinary services.
In the 13 years since CARE Network started providing animal welfare services, Rodgers says there has been some improvement.
“More dogs are on leashes and cat populations in most communities are being managed,” he noted.
He is looking forward to the Rez Dog Conference, expecting different perspectives on animal welfare and hard conversations about things like euthanasia.
Rodgers noted that when it’s a donorbased, volunteer-run conference, hard discussions are not usually had because conversations need to be “nice” to encourage donations.
There will be some representatives coming from the US, fromAmerican Indian communities. Rodgers says our American neighbors are interested in the work IncreasedACCESS is doing as they advocate for funding from governments to get much-needed services to communities.
Phrase†of†the†week:†Who,†c^aakuupi†na%aatah=†%i†%u%a>ukic^,†tiic^†c^im>%i%a>†yaa%aakukniš††siya
Pronounced 'ho cha kup hir h oh alth luk stahl teach alk i gym stahl yea a kook nish se ya,' it means, 'Men, young men, elders, listen please. Take care of your self, your health, your heart, your soul. Be happy, we love you all.' Supplied by ciisma
Illustration by Maddexx George
CARE Network photo
Roscoe is among the many dogs taken from a remote Indigenous community for adoption.
Reshaping B.C. court to include Indigenous values
‘This
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Direct efforts are underway to address the distrust and problematic history First Nations face within Canada’s justice system.
At the beginning of May, Tofino Provincial Court was relocated from the Tofino Community Hall to the Tin Wis Conference Centre on Tla-o-qui-aht-First Nations traditional territory. Court will continue to be held at this new location on Tla-o-qui-aht land for the next few years.
Tin Wis is the former site of Christie Indian Residential School.
“It used to be the gymnasium of the residential school. It holds a lot of significance,” said Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Manager Curtis Joseph (Tayiisimčił).
Members of the newly formed Tla-oqui-aht Justice Committee will also be present during the sentencing process to ensure community members are represented – and to allow for accountability.
Elder Gloria Frank is a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Committee. Frank, alongside all nine members of the justice committee, has taken an oath of confidentially.
“Whatever happens, it stays (in the court),” said Frank. “We are there to have a serious impact on victims. We want to give them a positive voice and make sure they are safe. We offer comfort and reassurance that it’s not (their) fault. We want to take that fear away from our victims.”
“On one side, we are the loving, guiding, community members, but we also have to be unbiased and non-judgmental,” elder Debbie David adds.
Dezerae Joseph, Tla-o-qui-aht’s women and girls project co-ordinator, also sits on the justice committee. She says since its inception a couple years ago, more people are coming forward, wanting to see justice.
“People are speaking up about sexual assault, violence and impaired driving,”
says Judge Alex Wolf
said Dezerae. “We are seeing the change. We are seeing people not wanting to be silenced.”
Provincial Court JudgeAlexander Wolf said what Tla-o-qui-aht is doing is “indigenizing” mainstream court; they are creating a one-of-a-kind concept that is distinct from First Nations/Indigenous Courts.
“One of the difficulties we have [with] the mainstream court systems is they are sort of exclusive,” Judge Wolf told the Ha-Shilth-Sa.
He added that these court systems can exclude the needs of a community, disregarding the wishes of elders “and alternatives that exist to mainstream problem solving.”
“From the judiciary side, this is a great national example of how reconciliation is a process and it’s a journey,” said Judge Wolf. “It’s not a destination, to me. Some people, when they look at reconciliation, they say, ‘Well we can’t have it because we can’t go back to a time and place and
restore a sense of harmony that never existed.’But I think, as we go forward, that judiciary with communities can go forward and make one view and belief compatible with another.”
The Law Foundation of BC granted Tlao-qui-aht’s justice initiative $1 million over four years, under the same stream of funding that Indigenous Courts are funded, according to Joseph.
The Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Committee is the primary forum for discussions between the Tofino RCMP, and the two parties have created a formal Letter of Expectation (LOE), with input/approval from Tla-o-qui-aht Chief and Council. Youth Engagement is listed as the top priority in the draft letter for this year.
“It’s about building that relationship,” said Joseph. “Sgt. Owen Smith has been very co-operative with us. He gives us an idea of where we need to focus energy on, and a lot of that is alcohol related.”
Tofino/Ahousaht RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Owen Smith expressed positivity towards the shift to include Indigenous values.
“In the 18 months that I have worked with (the justice committee), the focus and impact of our work has expanded significantly,” said Sgt. Smith in an email. “Communication is critical to a good working relationship, and I feel TFN and the RCMP have been great partners in recent months.”
“I hope that our work with the committee removes a lot of the unknown about policing, highlights the work the RCMP is doing to keep community members
safe, and demonstrates that we’re working together, toward the same goals,” he said.
Joseph says they are in regular conversation with Crown Counsel and are also working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PortAlberni Community Corrections and a MOU with the West Coast Community Resources Society for third-party reporting for sexual assault.
Sgt. Smith confirmed that “all but two officers in Tofino andAhousaht are now trained in the use of, and equipped with, body-worn cameras. They are a great addition, providing many benefits to the public, officer and court files.”
Judge Wolf urged all First Nations communities to create a stronger partnership with the judiciary and to focus on creating a healthier environment, especially for Indigenous women and girls.
“We have a national crisis of children in care, and we put more Indigenous women in jail than any other group. The atrocity to me nationally is how higher incarceration rates are for Indigenous girls aged 12 to 18,” said Judge Wolf.
He offered words of wisdom from retired Judge Barry Stuart, who uplifted justice reform in the Yukon by implementing the Peacemaking Circle:
“Stuart said, ‘You don’t need money to make change, you just need a pot of coffee and a dozen donuts and some people that want to make change’. You need people and you need heart. That’s essentially what we did here,” said Judge Wolf.
Nora O’Malley photo
Circled by provincial peace officers and Crown Counsel, members of the Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Committee include elder Gloria Frank, elder Debbie David (front seated), Justice Manager Curtis Joseph, Judge Wolf and women and girls co-ordinator Dezerae Joseph. They marked a milestone first week of relocating Tofino Provincial Court to Tin Wis on May 5.
Greetings to everyone.As we move into spring and the renewal of all the plants and trees it is a time for hope of better days. I hope you are all keeping well. The growth season is always welcome as is the return of the salmon. Honoring Mother Earth at this time is important as she brings forward her bounty.
I extend my condolences to those families and friends and communities who have lost their loved ones in the past month. It is a hard time to get through. May 5th was Red Dress Day or also known as the national day of awareness of Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. It is a day to remember and honor murdered and missing women and girls.Atime to bring greater attention to MMIWG. We think of those who are gone every day, but also raise our voices and bring attention to the need for prevention and greater efforts on finding those who have gone missing. It is a day to take action. The Red Dress represents those women who have been subjected to violence.
I attended the Island elders luncheon at Hupacasath Hall. It was great to see everyone gathered and enjoying visiting and playing bingo. I gave greetings on behalf of NTC.
Since NTC and our Nations called a state of emergency regarding the toxic drug crisis and mental health I have been working hard on many things. We were able to find funds to hold an alignment summit in the next couple of weeks. We had commissioned work to find recommendations on the crisis and this was done both on a literature review and by talking to our nations.At the summit we will prioritize all these actions, put in place an action plan for short, medium and long term. We will determine which actions need resources and what can be done in community. I have been working with our facilitator Nene Kraneveldt to put the agenda and other things in place. Vice-President Les Doiron and I met with PortAlberni’s officer in charge to talk about how the RCMP can work with us on the toxic drug and mental health crisis. She informed us that they are short staffed and really only have time to answer calls and not do preventative work and build community relations. We will continue to meet to find out how we can help each other.
The Representative for Children and Youth Jennifer Charlesworth spent a few days in PortAlberni. She spent time with Usma staff going over files and finding ways to improve Usma services. We met with all the relevant agencies in Port Alberni with the RCY and talked about working together to overcome challenges and create new opportunities. The directors also met with the RCY and she talked of her work, especially dealing with the toxic drug and mental health crisis.As we go through this crisis we are looking for find solutions for our communities and create relationships that can help us with solutions.
This week I am attending the Clean Energy BC Conference. It is an industry conference that brings together developers, suppliers, engineers and environmental technicians to further the development of clean energy.As First Nations we look for energy sovereignty. That is developing our own energy on our own grids so we are not subject to BC hydro power and transmission. Or on other cases getting off of diesel power. There are some great projects in the Nuu-chah-nulth territories and many are looking at more. I advocate for greater opportunities for
First Nations to develop power, ensuring that the province is upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and living up to their own law, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesAct.
There was a call for power late last fall, but it was for larger projects and no Nuu-chah-nulth put in for a project. This was the first call for power in 15 years, so suddenly there is opportunity. Now there is a new call for power, but again it is for larger projects. We really need to get the province and BC Hydro to create opportunities for smaller projects so our Nations can enjoy those opportunities as well. Clean energy is one major solution to reducing greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change.
There is much happening in Canada with regard to the impacts of Trump’s tariffs. B.C. decided that it needs to enact a law that would allow the province to fast track projects. Therefore the proposed law would give cabinet and or the minister the power to change any terms that were set to protect the environment or other things - anything that was stopping an infrastructure project from going ahead. This law was rushed through and tabled in the legislature without collaboration and consultation that would lead to consent from First Nations. The province freely admits they did not consult First Nations. This law could impact our territories’lands and waters and other resources negatively without seeking our consent. They just want to get infrastructure projects built. The premier talks of building hospitals and schools and the need to fast track that. But this law covers natural resources and lands - things that could impact our rights negatively. Passing this this law through is contrary to UNDRIP, DRIPAand reconciliation. This is just first reading but the province seems determined to make it law in record time.
We did a press release demanding the province take the time to work with First Nations to change this law to ensure our rights and laws are protected. The province should not be pushing through legislation that runs roughshod over our rights and goes contrary to their own laws, policies and agreements with First Nations. In order to fight Trump’s tariffs we need to stand united and not be divided.
Cloy-e-iis
Judith Sayers
Nurturing our roots
Every Wednesday
4841 Redford Street
Every Wednesday 1:30pm – 3:00pm Drop-In.Asafe space for parents and their young children to learn Nuu-chahnulth culture and language through storytelling, songs, and connection. Join our supportive group in a relaxed environment where you can connect with others without any pressure. Share your experiences and make new friends while we create a space of acceptance and understanding. For more information contact Fanifau @ 250-724-3939
2nd annual Tseshaht Lightning Open Basketball Tournament
May 16th to 19th
PortAlberni, BC
Live streamed on hashilthsa.com.All vendors are welcome. Location details to come.
YOUR ICU STORY MATTERS
June 4th
Victoria, BC
Have you or a loved one spent time in the ICU? If you’re Indigenous and from Vancouver Island, join us for this Indigenous-focused, interactive
President’s Message &Community Beyond
gathering to share stories, experiences, and insights—whether from your own ICU journey or through supporting a loved one. Location: Songhees Wellness Centre Oceanview Conference Room, 1100Admirals Road, Victoria, V9A2P6 lək k ʷəŋən Traditional Territory, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. To register, please email Paula:paula.sevestre@ccctg.ca
GRADUATIONAND SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONIES
June 6th to 7th
PortAlberni, BC
Scholarship Ceremony - Friday June 6th. Doors @ 3:30 pm; Dinner @ 4:30pm; Ceremony @ 6:00pm. Graduation Ceremony - Saturday June 7th. Doors @ 1:30pm; Ceremony @ 2:30pm; Dinner @ 4:00pm.All Trades and Vocational program graduates please contact the N.E.T.P. Office to confirm attendance: (250) 723-133. For more information, please contact Laurissa Lucas at (250) 724-5757 or by e-mail: laurissa.lucas@ nuuchahnulth.org.
Annual Yuquot Camp-Out
July 27th toAugust 10th
Dates are set; I am taking names for U-chuck, friendly reminder MMFN members are top priority on the list. Email names to recreation@yuquot.ca
25 Years Ago in Ha-Shilth-Sa Vol. 27 – No. 10May 18, 2000
Tla-o-qui-aht protest focusses a ention on Airport Lands and away from UNESCO
By Denise Titian
Esowista, BC – On a chilly, grey, May 5th morning more than 100 Tla-o-qui-aht members and their supporters gathered at the entrance of Esowista to begin their march of protest over the transfer of the TofinoAirport lands to the Regional District. Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation leaders chose this day to protest because it was the day that Prime Minister Chrétien was to arrive in Tofino to join the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve designation celebrations. Days earlier Tla-o-qui-aht served notice that they will withdraw their support of the Biosphere designation because of the way the TofinoAirport transfer was handled. Tla-o-qui-aht clearly expressed their interest in the
airport land to the federal government early in their land selection negotiations; land that they say was loaned to the federal government over fifty years ago for the war effort.
ATFN information flyer explains it this way: ‘With the interest of all Canadians at heart, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations lent ancestral lands to the Canadian Government for war purposes. It was agreed the lands would be returned to us after the war…...59 years later we are still asking for those lands back.’
Rather than return the land to its rightful owners, Transport Canada chose to sign the lands over to theAlberniClayoquot Regional District, further alienating land from Tla-o-qui-aht while they are in the midst of negotiating their treaty.
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
Carving on the Edge Festival uplifts next generation
Sping event welcomes visitors to try out tools to make a traditional log drum, as artists converge to share ideas
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Hammering chisels with rubber mallets, children helped hollow out a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth log drum at the spring Carving on the Edge Festival, which took place May 1 to 4 at the Tofino Community Hall in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory.
Tla-o-qui-aht artist Hjalmer Wenstob said the focus of the spring festival was all about coming together.
“Our log drum is what we built the whole festival around. It was drop-in carving throughout the whole festival. Really, it’s just basically about learning about different tools,” said Wenstob.
“It’s a nice, simple block of wood that people aren’t afraid of. We’re gonna hollow it out as a community,” he said.
Three different school groups participated in the log drum project: the Grade 2/3 class from Wickaninnish Community School, an art class fromAhousaht and a high school group from Oregon.
“When young people come and create, it’s beautiful. Having elders, the knowledge keepers in the room, to share with the next generations… it’s all about sharing knowledge and building something together,” he said.
Wenstob will take the log drum home and carve it into a wolf. He plans to gift the final work of art to Tla-o-qui-aht.
“I know they haven’t had a traditional log drum in a while. We’ve been hosting the festival for 15 years now in Tla-oqui-aht, so we thought it would be a good way to give back,” Wenstob continued.
Beside the log drum, PortAlberni-based artist Kelly Robinson was working on a huge Thunderbird spirit mask in Nuxalk Nation’s distinct style.
“Nuxalk is bulbous, voluptuous, curvy and deep,” said Robinson, who has had Nuxalk work in market for over 15 years.
“I’ve been practicing Nuu-chah-nulth style seriously for the past five years, and it will take a lifetime to learn. Nuu-chah-
nulth is really fine with shapes coming out of nowhere,” he said.
Robinson expressed his gratitude for the Carving Festival as it gives space for artists to network and just hang out with other artists.
“We’re alone the majority of the time. It’s been great to meet younger artists and share,” he told the Ha-Shilth-Sa.
Tla-o-qui-aht artist Ivy Cargill-Martin agreed.
“I loved the overall feel of all the artists coming together, talking together and inspiring each other. It was so laidback.
The whole vibe was just artists coming together to do art,” she said.
When she wasn’t hosting a busy lino carving and print making station, CargillMartin worked on a wooden fish commission inspired by Nuu-chah-nulth style, although a little more “free”.
“My late uncle Darren Williams taught me to be more free and not as structured. He used to say to not draw with an eraser and just go with the mistakes you made,” Cargill-Martin shared.
During the May 2 afternoon program, Hesquiaht artist and world-renowned carver Tim Paul surprised non-Indigenous west coast community member Laurel White with a Nuu-chah-nulth name.
Surrounded by his family, Paul gave her the name ʔuuʔałuk, meaning ‘taking care of’.
“Take that name and use that name as you go on in life. Just make sure you take care to pass on to our young people,” said Paul.
White was raised in Prince Edward Island. She now lives in Ucluelet and works for the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council (NTC) as a public health researcher with a focus on what it means to live well and raise children well.
She was shocked and notably speechless after receiving her Nuu-chah-nulth name.
“I was trying not to cry. It’s more than a word, it carries meaning,” White said.
“It’s such an honour, but also a gift of responsibility to the knowledge and
On May 2 at the Tofino Community Hall, Hesquiaht artist and world-renowned carver Tim Paul surprises non-Indigenous west coast community member Laurel White with the Nuu-chah-nulth name ʔuuʔałuk, meaning ‘taking care of’.
Artist Kelly Robinson has been practicing in the Nuu-chah-nulth style for the past five years.
learnings that have been shared with me over my years of working with the NTC health dept, such as the responsibility to take care of those teachings, share them and embed them into my work and my life,” she said.
Since 2021, White has been working with Paul and other Nuu-chah-nulth Elders on the Indigenous Healthy Life
Trajectories Initiative.
“Elders like Tim amplify the work. I have so much gratitude and respect for Nuu-chah-nulth culture. It’s such a beautiful thing,” White said.
The Nuu-chah-nulth log drum will be displayed at the fall Carving on the Edge Art Show coming Oct 3 to 9, 2025.
Nora O’Malley photo
Cinkwa Wenstob, 6, says he wants to be a hockey player when he grows up. But for now, he’ll help his dad and the community hollow out this traditional Nuu-chahnulth log drum.
Eagle Eyes photo
