

INTERESTING NEWS


Mowachaht/Muchalaht Hereditary Chief Mike Maquinna speaks at a press conference in Victoria on Dec. 12 announcing the First Nation seekingAboriginal title.
Mowachaht/Muchalaht launch Aboriginal title claim
With treaty negotiations long since abandoned, nation seeks compensation for the benefit of future generations
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Victoria, BC – Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) is taking the Government of British Columbia to court in pursuit of self-governance and land stewardship of their unceded traditional territory.
Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna and Ha’wilth Jerry Jack announced on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria that they are a filing a title claim in the British Columbia Supreme Court.
The First Nations seeks a declaration of Aboriginal title and monetary compensation for the infringement to their historical lands.
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island around Nootka Sound and the town of Gold River, MMFN says the title claim aims to bring decision making and ecological stewardship back into the hands of MMFN following the devasting impact of Crown-authorized exploitation of their territory without consent or benefit. The size of the land claim is 430,000 hectares and their lawyers are Woodward & Co.
The Nuchatlaht First Nation, a smaller Nuu-chah-nulth nation covering the northern portion of Nootka Island right above Mowachaht/Muchalaht’s ancestral lands, is also pursuingAboriginal title over its traditional territory through a court case.
Inside this issue...
“The Crown has acted as if it is the sole decision-making authority for our forests; however, MMFN has been exercising jurisdiction regarding forestry management in our territory since time immemorial. Through thisAboriginal title claim, MMFN aims to ensure a sustainable future for our community and for future generations,” said Chief Mike Maquinna.
“Our story is one of resilience, culture and commitment to the betterment of our land and our community,” Chief Maquinna continued. “We want to make sure through this process our members have a better life to look forward to and want to and know that their children will be safe in our territories and using our resources in our lands and waters.”
MMFN territory has a wealth of history – both for First Nations and Europeans.
In March 1778, Captain James Cook was greeted by the Mowachaht when he first set foot on Yuquot, or “Friendly Cove” as it was dubbed. This encounter was the point of first contact between Europeans and Indigenous people of what is now the B.C. coast.
“We have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial — we all know we were here before Captain Cook,” said Hereditary Chief Jerry Jack. “It’s time for the Province of British Columbia to uphold its commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and return the decisionmaking power over our lands to us. It’s
Last person seen with Lisa Marie locatd in Turkey........Page 3
Diesel spill spreads through Esperanza Inlet.........Pages 6 & 7
Rugby coach reflects on first year with national team....Page 8 Chims Motel awarded byAlberni Chamber.................Page 10
the right thing to do.”
MMFN say they have been working towards this case for many decades, compiling historical evidence to prove occupancy of their lands.
“We have culturally modified trees everywhere in our territory. Those are really important because it tells our history, it tells us that we lived there,” said Chief Jack. “If you go to museums all over the world, you will always find something from Mowachaht. I just recently came back from New York City because we have a Whaler’s Shrine that was stolen.”
MMFN territory is almost completely covered by Crown-issued and Crownauthorized tree farm licenses and Timber SupplyAreas. The nation estimates that the forestry activity authorized by British Columbia has removed millions of cubic metres of timber from the territory since the 1990s – with the economic benefit retained by province and logging companies.
In recent years the First Nation has been working to gain more control over its territory, notably the Salmon Parks initiative, which protects a large portion of Mowachaht/Muchalaht Ḥahahuułi (traditional territory) from industrial logging. Salmon Parks have been recognised under Mowachaht/Muchalaht law, and in October 2023 the federal government pledged $15 million to help fund the project.
MMFN territory stretches from Buttle
Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park out to the village of Tahsis and encompasses Nootka Island. Out of all the Nuu-chahnulth territories, MMFN has the largest land mass. Chief Jack recalls seeing the devastation from forestry while he was working with the Canadian Coast Guard.
“I got to see our land from the air, right from one end to the other, and I couldn’t believe how much of our territory was gone. No more forests,” he shared. MMFN chiefs did not disclose how much compensation they would be seeking, and any treaty negotiations are off the table.
“We dropped out of treaty a long time ago,” said Jack. “The Crown has given us reservations to live on and that’s owned by King Charles. We don’t even own it. That’s frustrating. The ordinary person owns that land, they own that house, and we don’t. That’s very hurtful for people that have been here since the beginning of time.”
MMFN say the title claim is directed solely at the Government of British Columbia and private landowners “have nothing to worry about”.
“We’re not interested in them. It’s the Crown, it’s province because they are the ones who wronged us. That’s why we are in a situation today that we shouldn’t be in,” said Chief Jack.
Lost sea lion might have brain malfunction, says vet
The pinniped was first spoÅed on Highway 4 Dec. 29, and believed to have followed salmon into Kennedy Lake
Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Pacific Rim Highway, BC - Vet staff
from the VancouverAquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMRS) are on standby this week along the highway by Kennedy Lake, after a California sea lion was spotted over the holidays on several occasions by different drivers, stranded on the road.
Vet staff say the marine mammal likely followed fish up a river and into Kennedy Lake, then staggered up a path nearby the Pacific Rim Highway. Emergency crews are working alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and aquarium personnel to capture the confused sea lion.
“Ideally, what I’d like to do is bring this animal back to the rescue facility and have a good look at him. I’m not convinced 100 per cent that he is perfectly normal,” said Martin Haulena, the executive director and head vet at VAMMRS.
“But if we can’t get him back safely here, relocation is still a possibility. I’ll leave that up to DFO,” he said.
Vancouver-based vet staff Sion Cahoon and Katie Dantoni have been surveying the highway and Kennedy Lake area where the sea lion was spotted by a driver on Dec. 29, 2024, but they said the marine mammal hasn’t been seen since they arrived on Jan. 5. They are prepared
to use a sedative dart to capture the lost sea lion.
Haulena told the Ha-shilth-sa that the sea lion is “not acting quite right”.
“It’s not super common, however we do have animals that find themselves in weird places. Unfortunately, a lot of the time there is something wrong with these animals, there is something wrong with the brain function,” Haulena explained.
Things like cancers, biotoxins or gun shot wounds could all affect the brain and cause long-term effect, according to Haulena, as well as a whole host of bacteria, viruses and fungus that could cause neurological deficits and lead to the animal to acting abnormally.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Lands and Natural Resources Manager Saya Masso agrees.
“It’s odd that it would be on its lonesome. That might mean that it’s sick or hungry. It’s not favourable to anybody to see it suffering out there,” said Masso. He went on to say that sea lions get into the lake on occasion, but they don’t normally hang around all by themselves.
“In historic times, the sea lion would have likely been harvested and utilized to its full extent traditionally,” said Masso.
“In a perfect world, it would just be sent back into the ocean to find its family.”
“I do worry about the animal’s safety and I do worry about people’s safety, of

Asea lion caused quite a commotion over the holidays after it waddled onto a section of Highway 4 near Kennedy Lake in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s territory.
course,” Haulena continued. “That’s a stretch of highway that has some blind corners. It’s a little bit worrisome.” Anyone that sees the sea lion is encouraged to contact VAMMRS at 604-258-
SEAL (7325) or the BC Marine Mammal Response Network 1-800-465-4336, or by emailing DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfompo.gc.ca or VHF Channel 16.
Tofino Harbour Authority shuts office due to standoff
By Eric Plummer & Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor & Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC - Locked security gates are coming to some of Tofino’s docks, according to the harbour authority’s manager, an inconvenient safety measure that has resulted from liability concerns over float homes at the harbour.
The Fourth Street Dock will remain “fully accessible”, according to the District of Tofino, but a different situation is expected at the Crab Dock, where a dispute has been brewing over people living on a floating home.
An unresolved sublease renewal between the Tofino HarbourAuthority (THA) and Ceara Salvage Marine Services has reached a boiling point after two years of bad blood between the parties.
THAannounced in a late November press release that it would be closing its office due to “growing concerns over workplace safety violations and a failure to address mounting issues.”
THAoperations manager Ryan Crawford said Ceara Salvage was served nonrenewal notices and notices to vacate in summer 2023 and summer 2024. These came about after the tenant failed to provide the required documents to Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours, which owns the water lot.
“They will not leave,” said Crawford. He was directed by the THAboard to work remotely due to “safety concerns” around the dispute, and immediate security upgrades are underway at the Tofino Harbour including surveillance cameras and restricted access.
Ha’oom Fisheries Society (HFS), the organization that supportsAhousaht, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Hesquiaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (the “five Nations”) in the implementation of their commercial rights-based fisheries, says the THAoffice closure does not affect

Nora O’Malley photo
The Fourth Street Dock will remain “fully accessible”, according to the District of Tofino, but a different situation is expected at the Crab Dock (pictured), where a dispute has been brewing over people living on a floating home.
them directly, but it may impact some of their T’aaq-wiihak fishers in the coming weeks.
“Our team is aware of the harbour authority’s issues, and member Nations of HFS are on the harbour authority board. We will continue monitoring the situation,” said Ha’oom communications specialist Lauren Dean.
Crawford explained that the issue comes from the fact that Ceara Salvage has people living on a float home secured to the dock, something that the harbour authority’s bylaws do not permit.
“There’s emails in the office dating back to 2019, where managers were trying to find out how to approve the subleases for the float home, and they were just unable to because there is no policy for float homes in the harbour,” he said.
“There was another sublease that wasn’t approved. Similar type of situation, they were living on the dock in a float housetype of thing.”
Although the harbour authority is governed by a board of directors, the ultimate decision around the use of float homes rests with DFO, the property owner, says Crawford.
“The issues that arise from that are li-
ability,” he said. “If their house is to catch on fire, or there’s an electrical problem - maybe somebody slips off of their dock into the water – who’s liable and what happens there?”
Ceara Salvage Marine Services has hired a consultant to help them navigate the government documents and processes required to keep their vessels and float home at the end of Tofino’s Crab Dock, a site they have called home since 2012.
“No one knows what this permit is. Is it a marine lease?” said Marcel Theriault, owner and operator of Ceara Salvage.
“We don’t know. We’ve been paying taxes to the province the whole time we’ve lived at Olsen Road Crab Dock and we’ve forwarded that information to Ryan. He knows that our house is registered and that we pay taxes on it.”
Theriault went on to say that lease renewal paperwork fell behind during the pandemic when no one was in the office. Crawford explained that subleases are renewed annually.
“Internal office documents from 2019 refer to the problematic nature of Ceara Salvage and their ability to meet the basic requirements for sublease approval,” said Crawford in an email.
Joanna Streetly is Theriault’s spouse. She lives down at the Crab Dock and her name is on a 2024 PropertyAssessment Notice for a float home listed at Olsen Road in the Tofino Harbour. Streetly also owns a home in Tofino, which she rents out.
“There has never been an issue. We’ve had many, many managers, we’ve always had good relationships with managers.
We’ve always been good dock people. We clean up everyone else’s mess,” said Streetly. “This whole business of being a threat is just bewildering to me.”
One of the reasons Theriault and Streetly live at the float house is to tend to marine specimens for the Ucluelet aquarium. Ceara Salvage also provides marine emergency response when vessels are in distress.
“He’s always wanting to be down by the dock so he can be by the radio and ready to go,” said Streetly.
THArules and regulations note that float homes are not permitted and that “no person shall live aboard their recreational vessel for more than fourteen days of a 30-day period” – unless otherwise agreed to by harbour management.
The electricity to Ceara Salvage’s float home was cut off and as of Dec. 16 they are being fined $500 a day by the THA.
“Twelve years of impeccable records and we are turned into squatters from upstanding citizens overnight. It’s shocking,” said Streetly, who was Tofino’s inaugural Poet Laureate from 2018 to 2020.
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is aware of the issues that the THAboard has been managing and continues to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with its lease.
“The department will continue to support the board as they work to resolve these issues. DFO maintains an arm’s length relationship with the board, as outlined under the lease agreement,” DFO said in an email.
Facebook photo
Last person seen with Lisa Marie located in Turkey
Those close to young woman believe that Christopher Adair has critical information about her disappearance
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
As the new year brings hope that some clues could surface in 2025 about the disappearance of Lisa Marie Young, information has come to light about the whereabouts of the last person seen with her over 22 years ago.
Christopher WilliamAdair has lived in Turkey for the last several years, residing in Fethiye, a seaside tourist location since 2017. While on the Turkish RivieraAdair has run a consulting company specializing in immigration and residency matters. Adair also spends time in the Philippines, as was reported on Dec. 30 from the newspaper Türkiye Today.
His residency in Turkey has been confirmed by veteran journalist Laura Palmer, who has spent years delving into Young’s disappearance. Palmer produces the Island Crime podcast, and devoted its first season to the mystery of the missing Tla-o-qui-aht woman.
Cyndy Hall, a friend of Lisa Marie and a longtime advocate for her, has also confirmed the information aboutAdair’s whereabouts. She managed to track him down a few years ago through online means.
“We want him to speak to the police in Canada again, and we want him to tell us what happened to Lisa, because he is the last known person with her,” said Hall. “I know he knows something, but he wouldn’t talk to anybody,” said Lisa Marie’s aunt Carol Frank. “Of what we know of, he was the last person to be with her.”
Lisa Marie Young has been missing since June 30, 2002, a case that Nanaimo RCMP are now treating as a homicide.
On the evening of June 29, 2002 the 21-year-old was out with friends, first visiting a Nanaimo nightclub, where accounts indicate she metAdair for the first time in the parking lot. Driving a red Jaguar,Adair offered to take the group to a house party, then soon went with them to another party in Nanaimo.At approximately 3 a.m. on June 30 Young was seen leaving the party withAdair to get something to eat.
This was the last time the young woman was seen, followed by a 4:30 a.m. text message from her phone to one of the friends that read: “come get me, they won’t let me leave.”
Since that evening over 22 years ago a police investigation has received hun-


dreds of tips, interviewed hundreds of witnesses, conducted ground searches and produced over 15,000 documents related to Young’s disappearance. On one occasion Young’s mother, Marlene
‘JoAnne’Martin Young, was asked by police to attend an interview withAdair, according to Frank. JoAnne Martin passed in 2017 at the age of 54.
“My sister had to go to the police station, bring some of her pictures of [Lisa Marie] when she was a little girl and items that Lisa had, just to try to get him
to talk,” said Frank of JoAnne’s encounter withAdair. “He just said he was sorry he couldn’t say anything.”
Court records show a long list of criminal convictions matching Christopher WilliamAdair’s name, indicating that he had already been incarcerated before encountering Lisa Marie, and would serve jail time for another incident afterwards. Convictions listed include the unauthorized use of credit card data from an incident in Edmonton,Alberta from 2000, theft, fraud and assault in Kamloops B.C. from 2001, as well as assaulting a police officer in Yorkton, Saskatchewan inAugust 2002.
Although in a past media reportAdair had been named as a person of interest in the case, Nanaimo police declined to acknowledge that this is currently the case.
“To date, no one has been charged in this investigation,” wrote Const. Hayley Pinfold in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “Investigators have not and will not be publicly naming any suspects on the investigation, as it remains an on-going investigation.”
Despite the lack of progress over the years, Frank said police have kept her family updated on efforts to find out what
happened to Lisa Marie.
“They’ve been doing interviews, but nothing’s come up, no solid leads or anything,” she said. “They’re still active in the case. We’re able to email them or call them, meet with them.”
Meanwhile memorial and awareness events have been held regularly, including an annual walk from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to Maffeo Sutton park that takes place around the time of Lisa Marie’s disappearance. In October the City of Nanaimo planted a tree in her honour at Departure Bay, with participation of family including Lisa Marie’s father, Don Young.
The young woman’s disappearance has become part of what many consider an epidemic affecting Canada’s Indigenous women. Lisa Marie’s case is in an RCMP database of over 1,100 missing or murderedAboriginal females.
Hall hopes that the publication of Adair’s whereabouts will lead to answers in the disappearance of her friend.
“I’m hoping what comes of it is we find Lisa,” she said.
Any information related to the disappearance can be reported to the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
CYPRESS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Lisa Marie Young of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has been missing since June 30, 2002. The Nanaimo RCMPare now treating the case as a homicide investigation. She was last seen with Christopher WilliamAdair (below).
ChrisAdair
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Josie Osborne named minister of Health
‘The goal is to eliminate anti-Indigenous racism in the health care system’, she says
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC - It was only fitting that the former Mayor of Tofino gave her first public speech as B.C.’s Health Minister during a Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Dec. 17 at the Wickaninnish Inn.
With local physician and Tofino General Hospital chief of staff Dr. Carrie Marshall by her side, Osborne shared how living in a rural community like Tofino in Tla-oqui-aht First Nation’s traditional territory helped her land what is arguably the most challenging ministry appointment.
“When the premier first told me, I was very surprised,” Osborne told the room of Tofino business owners. “I don’t have a health care background, in terms of my life experience or education, but the premier did tell me he felt it was really important to have someone from a rural community step into this role for a while because we know that health care delivery touches every single person, every single day.”
“People living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have more barriers to accessing health care in an equitable way and it’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart.All rural issues have been and it’s something that I’ve always been really proud of to take that voice into cabinet,” said Osborne, who was the mayor of the small coastal town during the first six months of the pandemic.
Osborne moved to Tofino over 20 years ago to work as a biologist for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC). She expressed her gratitude for her time working with Nuu-chah-nulth communities because it gave her a deeper understanding of the barriers that people face – and the racism.

in the system.”
The review team involved with the investigation published a report called In Plain Sight:Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care, which offered a number of recommendations based on the findings. Mandating training for Indigenous cultural safety in B.C.’s health care workers, improving how to handle complaints of racism and meaningfully integrating Indigenous practices and knowledge into the health care system were noted as tools to change the current racist climate of B.C.’s health care setting.
Osborne acknowledged there is a lot of work to do.
In 2020, B.C.’s Minister of Health Adrian Dix established an independent investigation into systemic Indigenousspecific racism in health care in British Columbia. The investigation found extensive profiling of Indigenous patients based on stereotypes about addictions. It was also uncovered that this “widespread racism has long been known by many within the health care system, including those in positions of authority, and is widely acknowledged by many who work
“The goal is to eliminate anti-Indigenous racism in the health care system,” said Osborne, adding she thought creating more culturally safe physical spaces at hospitals is important.
She lent the example of the Tofino General Hospital being gifted the Nuu-chahnulth name Šaaḥyitsapaquwił”, (pronounced, shah yit sa pa qu wilth ), which translates to “Aplace where people go to get well.” Šaaḥyitsapaquwił replaced the Nuu-chah-nulth word for hospital, “Taaʔił łuuwas” (Ta/ilth/thloo/wus), which translates to “a place to go when you are sick.”

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!
“It’s just turning our heads from a place where a hospital is a place where people are sick to a health care system is a system of people and places to help people get well and stay well,” Osborne continued.
She told the Ha-shilth-sa her past work as a fisheries biologist and having a degree in biology and ecology taught her how to look at the big picture and the relationship between systems.
“The health care system is just that. It’s a nested group of relationship and systems. It’s all connected. It’s more of a holistic view of looking at things, which seems so complementary to an Indigenous world view,” said Osborne.
The decision to bring the Ministry of Mental Health andAddictions back into the Ministry Health was taken, according to Osborne, because the toxic drug crisis is a health issue.
“I think a lot of the policy work that was done (by the independent ministry) and the work to reduce stigma and be able to talk openly about opioid use and drug and alcohol use in general was really important. But bringing the two ministries back together means we can be more efficient and expedient with decision making and really accelerate the development of a continuum of services,” said Osborne.
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Honourable Josie Osborne, B.C.’s new Minister of Health, talks to Tofino’s business community during a Dec. 17 holiday lunch at the Wickaninnish Inn.
Province expands health care travel support program
Additional funding expected to help for non-emergency medical travel from remote Nuu-chah-nulth villages
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
PortAlberni, BC – Josie Osborne, B.C.’s newly appointed minister of Health, was in PortAlberni Dec. 19 to make an announcement about the newly expanded TravelAssistance Program (TAP), which helps residents in remote communities travelling for non-emergency medical specialist appointments. Changes to improve the TAP include free ferry service for residents of rural, remote and First Nations communities travelling for non-emergency appointments.
TAP is a corporate partnership between the Ministry of Health and private transportation carriers. The new expansion to the province’s TAP now includes coverage for privately managed boat routes so that rural residents can have better access to non-emergency medical services.
According to the Ministry of Health, TAP supports patients with the cost of travel when they need to use ground, air, or boats to access non-emergency medical services not available in their home communities.
First Nations people living on reserve usually receive support for patient travel through their administration office. The First Nations HealthAuthority administers Medical Travel benefits to help reduce the financial burden of travelling for medical care for people living in remote communities and to improve health equity.
FNHAMedical Travel may include support to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, meals and, in appropriate cases, an escort.
The free ferry service through TAP complements medical transportation benefits available through the FNHA.
The new expansion could benefit those that travel for non-emergency medical reasons on these ferry routes, serviced by independent contractors in Nuu-chahnulth communities. Beginning Dec. 19, 2024, seven additional ferry routes are being added to TAP.Applicable routes include:

Osborne, B.C.’s newly appointed minister of Health, was in PortAlberni Dec. 19 to make an announcement about the newly expanded TravelAssistance Program. Pictured is Osborne at the PortAlberni harbourfront with elected Nuu-chah-nulth leaders Brandy Lauder (left) and John Jack of the Hupacasath and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, as well as Cowichan Valley MLADebra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health.
* Tahsis and Kyuquot to Gold River
* Bamfield, Kildonan and Haggard’s Cove to PortAlberni
*Ahousaht and Hot Springs Cove to Tofino
Osborne, accompanied by elected Nuuchah-nulth leaders John Jack and Brandy Lauder of the Huu-ay-aht and Hupacasath First Nations, made the announcement at PortAlberni’s Lady Rose Marine office, where travelers can book sailings aboard the MV Lady Rose to go to Kildonan or Bamfield.
She said 22 First Nations communities in the province would be supported by the changes to TAP.
“It’s important for all people of remote communities – when access to health care improves, outcomes are better and people live longer,” saidACRD Chair and Huuay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack.
TAP eligible medical specialist services include: non-emergency medical specialist services available at the closest location outside the patient’s community, diagnostic procedures, laboratory proce-
dures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, the B.C. CancerAgency, transplant units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul’s Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children’s Hospital and other tertiary care hospital services.
According to FNHA, registered Indigenous Canadians receive patient travel support through their First Nations Health Benefits, via the Medical Transportation (MT) Benefit.
“Health Benefits works with First Nations communities to deliver the MT Benefit. Community Patient Travel Clerks or First Nations HealthAuthority (FNHA) Assessors are your connections to help you access your MT Benefit,” FNHA states on their website.
But, as residents of isolated communities know, it can be difficult, expensive, and sometimes even impossible to travel some rural routes that could mean logging roads that flood or wash out, or from the island communities not served by BC Ferries.
“Although travel on BC Ferries has long
been covered for people through TAP, expanding coverage to privately managed ferry routes means more people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities will benefit from much-needed help with their travel costs,” said Osborne.
“Access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on where in B.C. you choose to live,” said Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “By making TAP available to people living in these ferry-dependent communities, we’re not only reducing financial strain for people who have to travel outside their community for care. We’re also making health-care access more equitable and ensuring that people in rural and remote communities don’t get left behind.”
Expanding TAP is part of the province’s work to improve health equity for people living in rural and remote communities and builds on investments in medical travel and accommodation support through the Canadian Cancer Society and HopeAir.
TAP does not provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs or make travel arrangements for patients. Meals, accommodation, mileage, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP and are the responsibility of the patient. There is no reimbursement for travel already taken.
To be eligible for TAP as a patient: you must be a B.C. resident and be enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP); you must have a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for MSP insured specialist medical services which are not available locally; your travel expenses must not be covered by third party insurance, such as an employer plan, extended medical plan, the Insurance Corporation of BC, WorkSafeBC or a federal government program (e.g. Veterans’Affairs).
If you are a First Nations Resident travelling for non-emergency medical specialist services, you may also be eligible for benefits through the First Nations HealthAuthority.
Service blends traditional healing with medical care
By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter
Clayoquot Sound, BC – It’s called ʔuukʷinkpanač and it means ‘walking in togetherness’.
Launched by the Vancouver Island West Coast Primary Care Initiative Health Care Society, ʔuukʷinkpanač promises to deliver services that include traditional healing and wellness options for the First Nations peoples of the Clayoquot Sound region.
The Vancouver Island West Coast PCI Health Society launched its new logo, website and traditional name in December 2024.According to their news released dated Dec. 16, ʔuukʷinkpanač is a non-profit organization made up of health care providers including physicians, registered nurses, mental health supports, and traditional wellness supports. It is funded by the B.C. Ministry of Health and the First Nations HealthAuthority (FNHA).
The new society’s mandate is to collaborate with all the service providers available to meet the needs of the people, “including all First Nation, Metis and
Inuit peoples residing in (or who are able to access) the First Nations communities.”
It is a model of health care that blends old ways with modern medicine.
“Uuštukyuu were the primary health care in this territory since time immemorial,” saidAhousaht elder Tyee Tsuyuuk, Dave Frank. “The IndianAct put us to sleep, and we have woken to a new health service landscape. We are here now to shake hands with each other’s medicines and work together.”
ʔuukʷinkpanač works through a partnership agreement with the Uut Uuštukyuu Society, which, according to the December news release, works to re-centre and revitalize Indigenous models of medicine.
Uut Uuštukyuu Society has been quietly operating in Clayoquot Sound for more than a year, offering traditional brushings and training for western practitioners on the legitimacy of Indigenous medicine. It brings together cultural healers offering plant-based medicine, ceremony and healing practices to the people.According to their website, Uuštukyuu work closely with one another and with many organizations, both within First Nations and the

Ha-Shilth-Sa file photo
“We are here now to shake hands with each other’s medicines and work together,” saysAhousaht elder Dave Frank.
existing Canadian healthcare system. According to Suzanne Williams, West Coast PCI director of operations, there will be ʔuukʷinkpanač services offered in the Clayoquot Sound Region.
“As of this time (January 7, 2024) the primary health care centres are still in progress in terms of setup and onboarding team members,” she stated in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa.
Still in its startup phase, ʔuukwinkpanač will serve the people of ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht), yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Yuucluthaht).
Williams expects there will be a grand opening in the Spring of 2025, following their recruitment process.
For more information, visit the website www.westcoastpci.ca
Denise Titian photo
Josie
Fish-farm spills 7,500 litres of diesel near Zeballos
Grieg Seafoods apologizes for the incident, citing a ‘human error’, as Eha esaht looks into be er fuel standards
By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C. salmon farmer Grieg Seafoods spilled about 7,500 litres of diesel oil into Hecate Channel near Zeballos on Saturday, Dec. 14, after what government officials say was a “human error during fuel transfer” at the Lutes Creek farm site.
Co-ordinated efforts were underway to contain the spill, but it was a difficult process due to storm and large tide swings, according to Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nations Chief and Council.
“It will be our priority over the next few hours and days to protect and preserve the waters and our important beaches as we contain and clean,” reads a Dec. 15 written statement from Ehattesaht/Chinehkint Chief and Council.
“These spills are all too common on the coast of B.C. and unacceptable in Ehattesaht Territory. It is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in fuel transport and storage in every industrial sector,” the statement continues.
Zeballos Inlet is now closed to clam harvesting until officials can be certain there is no diesel contamination.
“We know that pockets of diesel have travelled up across the channel to Nootka Island and Steamer Point, up Zeballos Inlet and down Esperanza on the north side,” said Ehattesaht/Chinehkints Chief and Council.
According to a Dec. 15 Spill Incident

Report from the Province of B.C., Grieg Seafood has retained Strategic Natural Resource Consultants (Strategic) as their Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP).
An update from the province stated that Strategic had placed absorbent boom around the spill site, but reported that they were unable to locate recoverable diesel on the water.
On-water and aerial surveillance has
confirmed that “visible sheen” has been identified leaking from all directions of the diesel spill site.
Ehattesaht/Chinehkint say they will be issuing new directives on how to handle fuel coming into their territory.
“The fuel docks in Esperanza and Zeballos as well as the logging camps and trucks who deliver the fuel to these various operations will all be reviewed for their equipment, their policies and their
fail-safe systems,” said Ehattesaht/Chinehkint Chief and Council.
Grieg Seafoods apologized in a statement on their website.
“We are doing all we can together with the First Nations, Coast Guard and other authorities to minimize damage. It was a human error, and we are looking into our routines, and how we transfer fuel in the future to make sure this does not happen again,” the statement reads.
Diesel spill spreads concerns of tainting clam beds
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
Zeballos, BC - It’s the worst time of the year for a fuel spill on the coast, says a clearly upset elected Ehattesaht chief.
“I am sure I will get angry next, but for right now I am sad that all of this fuel is out there sloshing around our territory, washing up on our beaches,” said Chief Councillor Simon John in an update from the Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation.
John’s frustration came in the aftermath of a 7,500-litre diesel spill on Saturday, Dec. 14, which occurred south of Zeballos at Grieg Seafood’s Lutes Creek salmon farm site in Esperanza Inlet.
The province’s emergency management agency reported that the spill occurred on a floating concrete platform, the result of “human error” while the fuel was being transferred to power the fish farming operation.
“[A] transfer pump was not shut off properly,” stated the Ehattesaht First Nation.
Licenced to produce up to 23,400 tonnes ofAtlantic salmon annually from the region, Grieg operates 22 farm sites off the west coast of Vancouver Island, including net pens in Ehattesaht territory. Grieg has apologized for the incident, noting it is working with other groups to “minimize damage”. By law the aquaculture company is obligated to deal with the spill, and has contracted Strategic Natural Resource Consultants – a company that is majority owned by the Ehattesaht. Booms were set up to contain the spill, but strong winds from a coastal storm on Saturday, Dec. 14 had spread the oil sheen as far as the south end of Nootka Island.
“We had a really high tide on Friday night with the full moon and it was pushed further up the beaches than nor-

mal with the storm surge that occurred,” said John in the update.
This dispersion into the tidal areas makes clam harvesting a health hazard, and this activity has been closed in the area until there are no signs of diesel contamination, stated Ehattesaht’s chief and council.
“It is clam season and our people should be out there digging on these low winter tides,” stated John. “We have done this forever and this year we had to close some beaches.”
Clam samples and water are being tested, as 40 people were working near the spill site on Dec. 16, with a command centre set up in Ehattesaht’s main office in Zeballos. So far those involved include staff from Grieg Seafood, B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Parks, Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as representatives from the Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations. No recoverable fuel has been reported.
Diesel is much lighter than water, according to the US government’s National Oceanic andAtmosphericAdministra-

approximately
tion, a quality that quickly spreads into a very thin sheen which can easily spread.
“When spilled on water, most of the oil will evaporate or naturally disperse within days or less,” stated the NOAA. “However, if the diesel is released on or very close to shore, or concentrates on catchment beaches, there can be heavy loading and penetration into the sediments when the groundwater in the beach falls during low tide, even in beaches and flats with a coarse-grained sediment veneer.”
This can make shellfish toxic, as it can “bioaccumulate” the oil. Clams and other shellfish can naturally remove diesel if the environment becomes clean, although
this process takes several weeks, states theAmerican agency.
In its media update the Ehattesaht First Nation noted a long history of fuel spills due to industrial activity in its territory, including leaks from abandoned fish canneries and logging operations. The First Nation is reminding operators in the region to be “extra vigilant” while handling fuel, and is pushing for additional fail-safe measures to prevent spills.
“Our people use these beaches continually and we have for thousands of years. It is where we get our food,” noted Chief John. “We always know there are risks when there are activities, but we must do better to prevent this type of accident.”
Nuchatlaht First Nation photo
Estimated at
7,500 litres, the diesel spill was reported on Dec. 14 from Grieg Seafood’s Lutes Creek salmon farm site in Esperanza Inlet.
Google Maps
AGoogle map showing the site location of the Dec. 14 Grieg Seafoods diesel oil spill, which occurred south of Zeballos.
Simon John
‘I’m now afraid to eat anything’: Diesel spreads north
Spill from a fish farm near Zeballos renews calls to get net pens out of the water, as locals fear contamination
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
Zeballos, BC - Diesel spilled from a salmon farm near Zeballos has spread as far as the northern edge of Nootka Island, according to the Nuchatlaht First Nation, which is calling on the federal government to expedite the phasing out of net pens on the B.C. coast.
An estimated 7,000 to 8,000 litres of diesel fuel was reportedly spilled on Dec. 14 from a Grieg Seafood fish farm by Lutes Creek in Esperanza Inlet, which is in the territory of the Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation. The spill occurred during a fuel transfer on a floating concrete platform, and is the result of human error, according to the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks.
On the day of the spill a storm hit Vancouver Island, spreading the thin sheen of oil through Nootka Sound. Diesel has been sighted at Steamer Point, which is on the northern edge of Nootka Island, according to Nuchatlaht Lands and Natural Resources Manager Roger Dunlop.
“The diesel has gotten into the rocks and sediments around Steamer Point,” he said in a Dec. 18 press release from the First Nation. “Yesterday at high tide diesel was coming out of rocks into an area busy with wildlife: marbled murrelets, sea ducks, sea otters and a stellar sea lion. Humpback whales were observed in the area.At Steamer Point we could smell the diesel in the air.”
“I fish out here regularly and I’m now afraid to eat anything by the looks of things,” said Judae Smith, a Nuchatlaht guardian and fisheries technician. “It’s hard to imagine how anyone could ever clean up this kind of toxic damage. It permeates everything and so much damage has already been done.”
The spill occurred at a time when locals would normally be harvesting clams for sustenance and sale to seafood markets.
But the Ehattesaht quickly closed the clam harvest in the Zeballos Inlet until water and shellfish testing determines that the seafood is free of toxins.
The Ehattesaht will be “establishing a rigorous testing protocol to ensure it is understood where the fuel is” and if it can be cleaned up, stated the First Nation.
“I think dealing with this will take a lot of creativity, hard work and some real resources,” said Ehattesaht Chief Councillor Simon John.
Based out of the Ehattesaht administrative office in Zeballos, a unified command has been set up with participation from Grieg Seafood and multiple government agencies, as well as the Ehattesaht,

First Nations. The unified command has deployed a unit to survey the area for marine mammals, and an update given Dec. 18 stated that none were seen close to the spill site. Other animals in the area seemed to be unharmed, as absorbent booms continue to be deployed to contain the spill.
“[A]ll animals recorded appeared healthy, with no signs of distress,” stated the update.
According to the US government’s National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, most of a diesel spill will normally evaporate within the first few days. There is also seldom any volume of oil for responders to recover from the ocean.
“Diesel is readily and completely degraded by naturally occurring microbes, under time frames of one to two months when there is sufficient oxygen,” stated the NOAA, which notes that the fuel can remain on shorelines for longer. “Diesel that has penetrated into shoreline sediments where conditions are not favorable for natural removal or degradation may persist for months to years.”
The spill has also reignited frustration over the prevalence of fish farms in B.C., most of which are in Nuu-chah-nulth territory off of Vancouver Island’s west coast. In June Fisheries and Oceans Canada renewed 66 finfish farming licences in the province, but as of June 30, 2029 open net pens - the aquaculture industry’s


standard practice - will be banned in B.C. This isn’t soon enough for Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Kla-kwa-skum, Jordan Michael.
“I’m extremely upset that these fish farms are still even here despite our efforts to be rid of them,” said the hereditary chief. “We are always forcefed decisions to keep fish farms in our territory but we’re not going to tolerate that anymore.”
Grieg Seafood growsAtlantic salmon from its farms on the B.C. coast, with a licence to annually produce 23,400
tonnes for NorthAmerican andAsian markets. Grieg runs 22 fish farms in the province, employing 180 people, according to information on the company’s website. Ten of these fish farms are in Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet. While many First Nations are opposed to salmon farming, several have formal agreements with finfish aquaculture companies. Those with agreements in place include the Ehattesaht, Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht, according to information from the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship.

B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks photo
Crews work to contain a diesel spill that was reported from a salmon farm south of Zeballos Dec. 14 in Esperanza Inlet.
Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht
An otter swims by Steamer Point (above left), while a whale was spotted in south Espinosa Inlet. The Nuchatlaht reported diesel spreading to northern Nootka Island.
Nuchatlaht First Nation photo
Judae Smith, a Nuchatlaht guardian and fisheries technician drives a boat in her nation’s territory to assess the effects of a diesel spill.

Phil Mack reflects on first year coaching national team
Toquaht Nation member now serves national squad as a ack coach, after lengthy international playing career
By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
Another season with the men’s national rugby team is now in the books for Phil Mack.
But the 2024 campaign was different than previous ones for Mack, a member of Toquaht Nation.
That’s because this was the first year that Mack, a former national team player, had served as a coach with the Canadian men’s squad.
As a player Mack had earned 59 caps, representing Canada in international games between 2009 and 2019.
He also appeared in 52 international contests with the Canadian men’s sevens team.
During his playing days, Mack’s highlights included representing the country at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup, held in England and Japan, respectively. He also participated in a pair of Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments, in 2009
and 2013.And he was on the gold-medal winning Canadian sevens teams at both the 2011 and 2015 PanAmerican Games. Mack was hired by Rugby Canada as the attack coach for its national men’s team this past January.
“I would assess this year’s season as a season of growth and development,”
Mack said of the club’s efforts during the past 12 months. “We had the intention to look towards to further and bring in a lot of younger players who will be with us for when we qualify for the (Rugby World Cup in 2027).”
Mack has found that his long career in international play brings wisdom to the national squad.
“Being an ex-player is helpful in the sense you can fully empathize what the players in the locker room are going through,” he said. “I find it useful when connecting with the players or trying to push them to improve.”
Besides his national team duties as a player, Mack had also competed in the
pro ranks.
He joined the Seattle Seawolves, members of Major League Rugby (MLR), in 2017.
The Seawolves won back-to-back MLR championships in 2018 and ’19, while Mack was a player/coach with the franchise.
In 2020 Mack was hired by Rugby Canada as an assistant coach for its development academy called Pacific Pride. He is still involved with Pacific Pride now.And he was performing double duties this year – serving as the national team attack coach while also being the technical lead for Pacific Pride.
“We are just finishing up our season so we will be looking to review the half and start planning forAugust,” Mack said of his Pacific Pride responsibilities.
Mack was also thrilled he was able to have a role with the national team in 2024.
“Being the first year with the national team, I would consider the entire year a
highlight,” he said. “It has always been a goal of mine to coach at the highest level and am delighted to be doing that. There is a lot to learn and lots of room to develop as a coach when dealing with such high-stakes competitions.”
Canada’s season came to an end in Romania on Nov. 16. The host Romanians defeated Canada 35-27 in a test match.
Mack was asked for his thoughts on being the first Indigenous coach on a Rugby Canada national squad.
“I have never thought of it truthfully,” he said. “I know I am extremely proud of my heritage and hope that others will continue to push hard and follow whatever dreams they may have.”
As for his future dreams with the national squad, there is one main goal.
“The ultimate goal would be to qualify for the (2027 Rugby World Cup) inAustralia,” he said.
Phrase†of†the†week:†Yaa%isi,†ya%isi†@iih=mis%aqniš††%a>†h=aa%um
Pronounced ‘Yea ii see seth mis ugk nis yaa I see haa um climt sit’, it means ‘Clams, this shellfish is very valuable to us!’Supplied by ciisma.

Rugby Canada photo
Canada’s men’s rugby team played their last match of 2024 on Nov. 16 in Bucharest, losing 35-27 to Romania. Pictured is attack coach Phil Mack speaking to players.

cheer team, and plans to light up the floor at Totem 69.
Totem aims to show that
‘anything is possible’
ADSS cheerleader Noelani Wa s is among the event’s eight contenders for this year’s Totem Spirit award
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
PortAlberni, BC - Totem 69 is scheduled to light upAlberni District Secondary’s court Jan. 9 – 11, drawing a dozen boys and girls teams from across Vancouver Island – but in recent years the high school event has come to involve more than basketball.
Performances are also expected by the Alberni District Secondary School’s cheer and dance teams, who have been eagerly preparing for the event. Eight Grade 12 students have also been recognized “for their efforts in promoting the tournament and providing great school spirit,” according to material released by the high school. These candidates will be considered for the 2025 Totem Spirit
award.
“It’s hard to explain Totem to somebody, it’s such a huge basketball tournament, but there’s so much more that comes with it,” said Noelani Watts, a Totem Spirit contender who is on the cheer team.
Noelani has watched the tournament since Grade 7, inspired by the acrobatics and excitement of the cheerleaders.After practicing with the cheer team in the afternoon, she goes to dance, which she trains in a variety of styles.
“It’s really important for me to set an example for younger Indigenous students,” said Watts, a Tseshaht member who wants to inspire her younger brother.
“I just want him to know that anything is possible.”

Young Tseshaht member garners wrestling gold
In December 11-year-old Georgina Gomez captured first place at the Christmas Classic meet in Duncan.
By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
PortAlberni, BC – Georgia Gomez is rather pleased she responded to a lunchtime school announcement a few years ago.
The 11-year-old Tseshaht First Nation member heard a meeting was being planned for those interested in joining the wrestling team at her cuumaʕas (Tsumaas) Elementary School.
“It was during school lunch hour,” she said. “And the announcement said if you would like to join wrestling, go to the courtyard. I thought it would be cool to join. The coach just talked about it and then we got our (permission) slips.”
So, she did just that.And now, three years later, Gomez is making some strides in the sport.
In mid-December Gomez captured first place in her 75-kilogram category at the Christmas Classic meet held at the Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan.
Gomez was one of theAlberni Valley Wrestling Club members selected to participate at the Duncan meet.
She won all four of her matches to capture the gold medal in her category.
Gomez had also placed second in her division at a four-school competition that was staged in November in PortAlberni.
Gomez is not only acquiring some hardware with her grappling skills.
“I’ve made plenty of friends with it,” she said of the sport.
Gomez’wrestling season with her school team ended in November.
“There were a few fun-time (meets),” she said. “It’s called a Play Day where you just meet up with two or three other schools.”
Her focus has now turned to events with theAlberni Valley Wrestling Club. In the coming year she is expected to compete at meets in Duncan, Comox and Port Alberni.
She trains twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursday, with her club.
Gomez’father John is a former wrestler himself. During his teens he represented Alberni District Secondary School, the same high school that Georgia is expected to start attending once she is in Grade 8.
The elder Gomez loves the fact that his daughter is involved in wrestling.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “Alot of the people who are part of the (Alberni) club are part of alumni – their parents are previousAlberni wrestlers.”
Georgia has also represented her school on its badminton and rugby teams.
Her father is happy she decided to give wrestling a shot.
“It’s a good sport,” he said. “It keeps

Georgina Gomez
you on track. It keeps you involved with a good strong team.”
The elder Gomez enjoys being around others involved with theAlberni Valley Wrestling Club.
“We’ve become somewhat family even though we are all different nationalities,” he said. “But I see guys I used to wrestle with when I was in high school and junior high school and their kids are wrestling too.”
He added it was his daughter’s decision to join her school wrestling team. He simply signed a permission form that she brought home.
“I support her by buying her (wrestling) boots and whatever gear she needs and by driving her to all her practices,” he said.
“I don’t push her. I just tell her I used (to wrestle). I just tell her at practice I want to see the sweat. I want her to work hard. And I’ll support her all the way through.”
He’s glad she has persevered in the sport.
“She pushes through all that pain she says because it’s not an easy sport,” he said. “She described it to me at one point when she just wanted to give up and cry. But she just pushed and took all her frustration and she just pushed through all that pain and won.”
As her recent medal-winning performances indicate, the younger Gomez has become proficient in the sport.
“She has talent,” her father said. “I don’t think I’m being biased as a dad. She does have a lot of talent.”
And he’s hoping she sticks with the sport for many more years.
“It would be nice if she pushed it all the way to university,” he said. “Kids are kids. But I don’t think she’ll lose interest in the sport. It’s where most of her friends are at. That’s who she gets along with, that athletic group. We’ll see if she makes it to high school through this.”
The younger Gomez said she’s uncertain how long she’ll remain in the sport.
“I don’t know,” she said. “That’s in the future.”

Eric Plummer photo Noelani Watts of the Tseshaht First Nation is onAlberni District Secondary’s
Chims Motel comes out on top at business awards
Guesthouse operation on Tseshaht reserve recognised for business investment by Alberni Valley Chamber
By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
PortAlberni, BC – The Chims Motel has received yet another accolade. The latest recognition comes in the form of being selected as theAlberni Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business Investment recipient.
Chims Motel, which launched as an operation in 2016 with one guesthouse, now consists of six modernized cabins.
Tseshaht First Nation member Naomi Nicholson is the general manager of the facility. She owns and operates the motel with her husband Ed.
Chims Motel was honoured during the local chamber of commerce’s Business ExcellenceAwards ceremony held on Nov. 29.
Naomi Nicholson said winning the Business Investment award was rather meaningful because two weeks earlier the couple had invested $50,000 in a pair of generations in preparation for the bomb cyclone weather warning in the area.
“I bought them to make sure that my tiny homes were okay,” she said. “You didn’t really focus on the fact that you’re going to have medically fragile elders who literally just got out of the hospital and they were 80 pounds soaking wet. Or people stranded from Ontario that have never been in storms like this and they’re panicked but they feel safe because they’re at your place and they have power.”
Nicholson said it felt a bit different originally being nominated for the award.
“But then when you see the human aspect of what accommodations is, then you realize wow we really did invest in something that’s going to make a difference,” she said.
Nicholson said funding for the second generator was provided via a grant from the Indigenous TourismAssociation of Canada.
“We applied for their grant and we made that choice to take that money for the generator just because with the tiny homes if anything happens to them, I can’t just cut drywall, fix that burst pipe and put that drywall back together because everything is sprayed foamed,” she said. “There is that limitation. We really made that massive financial choice to protect the assets.”
Nicholson said in the company’s original business plan there was never any discussions on buying generators.
“It wasn’t until we got into the business that you realized weather is changing and I’m liable for stuff,” she said. “So yeah, this award means something a little bit different now we realized the impact we can truly have on our community with this investment.”
Jolleen Dick, the chief executive officer of theAlberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, praised the Nicholson’recent efforts.
“Their dedication to expanding accommodations and investing in critical infrastructure, like generators, has not only provided essential support during recent storm outages but has also strengthened the community by increasing the availability of quality accommodations in the region,” Dick said.
Dick added she felt Chims Motel was indeed a worthy award recipient.

“The Nicholsons’vision and commitment to growth embody the spirit of resilience and innovation, making this recognition truly well-deserved,” she said.
Naomi Nicholson had previously been recognized by theAlberni Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2018. That year she was named as the winner of its Women of InfluenceAward.
Meanwhile, her husband said being a small business owner takes up a good chunk of one’s life.
“When you own a small business, it becomes part of your life,” he said. “It’s not just a financial investment.Alot of your time, a lot of your thoughts, a lot of your efforts go into the thing.And basically, if you talk to a small business owner, the business becomes their life. It’s what they do. It’s what they think and breathe every day.”
That’s why he was pleased to see Chims Motel honoured by the local chamber of commerce.
“This award is more of a recognition of our efforts in our life over the last six years more than anything,” he said. “It’s nice when you put that much work forward and that much effort forward and just to be recognized.”
He added the couple still have to work rather hard promoting their business.
“Getting our name out there that is always the hardest part,” he said. “Because we live in PortAlberni a lot of our advertisement is in PortAlberni but people here don’t stay here. We have to get our name out there further and further to the people coming in.
“So, I think one of the big steps we have to take now that we’re established is to get our name out there and get known, get that word of mouth.”
Chims Motel had also received some other recognition in recent years.
For starters, it was a finalist for the Commercial BuildingAward in 2021 presented by the Business Examiner, which publishes various business publications in B.C.
Then, the following year, Chims was chosen as the Business Examiner’s Hospitality and Tourism Business of the Year. And then in 2023, Chims captured the Business Examiner’s Commercial BuildingAward.

Parenting 101
Jan. 20 toApr. 11
Various Locations
Tla-o-qui-aht - Jan 20 to 24. UclueletFeb 3 to 7. PortAlberni - Feb 24 to 28. Tseshaht - Mar 10 to 14. UchucklesahtMar 24 to 28. PortAlberni -Apr 7 to 11. For more information call 250.724.3232 or 1.877.722.3232
Hoobiyee
February 28 and March 1
PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
The Hoobiyee Ts’amiks Edition is a cultural celebration marking the Nisga’a new year. Volunteers are needed, and online application open Jan. 10, 2025.


&Community Beyond

Official invitations were sent out to dance groups inAugust 2024. Community meetings for the feast will be announced in January.
All up-to-date information and forms can be found at https://tsamiks.com/hoobiyee
Eating in Balance
Wednesdays
PortAlberni Friendship Center
Participants will receive a $10.00 grocery coupon that can be used at Quality Foods and Buy Low Foods. Open to all families with children 0-6.
To register please contactAmber at 250723-8281 ext. 233


Clayoquot Sound Salmon Farm Seeks to Expand Tenure Sites. to the approval of PNG’s applications. The letter also demanded that BCAL deal with the state of illegal trespass at a PNG site.An admission from PNG Manager Kevin Onclin confirmed that the fish farm that extended beyond its boundaries was one of the reasons for the expansion request. Many of the concerns fromAhousaht were around the lifting of the aquaculture moratorium set in 1995, and the expansion of the fish farm sites prior to any independent environmental impact studies or governmental policies being assembled.
While opposition to fish farms grew in Clayoquot Sound, PNG (Pacific National Group) applied to BCAssets and Lands Corp. (BCAL) to expand a salmon farm tenure inAhousaht Territory. PNG’s application for the expansion of a fish farm inAhousaht’s traditional territory meant the possible increase from four hectares to 24.6 hectares – a more than 600 per cent increase. In a letter to BCAL dated November 3, 1999,Ahousaht Chief CouncillorAngus Campbell stated the First Nation’s “vehement opposition”
Original photo caption: PNG Manager Kevin Onclin (right) gives Jack Little of NTC and RAMS, a tour of some of the fish farms in Clayoquot Sound.
Naomi and Ed Nicholson
Gatherings continue in Vancouver, Sea le & PA
December brought the return of the Nuu-chah-nulth urban gatherings, with feasts for West Coast city dwellers
Denise Titian & Eric Plummer photos
On Dec. 12 staff from the Nuuchah-nulth Tribal Council ventured in Seattle, Wash. to host a feast and gathering.At the event Dr. Charlotte Cote (top right), a Tseshaht member and a professor at University of Washington, taught others how to weave cedar.
Prior to this a gathering took place in Vancouver (below right), where Jennifer Bradbury and her son Denzel had travelled from Port Coquitlam to enjoy the meal.
The Nuu-chah-nulth urban gatherings concluded with an event on Dec. 19 at PortAlberni’s Italian Hall (pictures below), where a long lineup stretched across the hall to get a Christmas meal. Henna artist Aleesha Sharma was present to showcase her craft for those in attendance (bottom right).
Earlier in the month urban gatherings were held in Campbell River and Victoria, with an event in Nanaimo on Dec. 17 as well.






