Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper July 18, 2024

INTERESTING NEWS

Efforts build to bring Whalers’ Shrine back to Yuquot

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Tsaxana, BC - Momentum is building to have the Whalers’Washing House returned to its original site at Yuquot, after the contents of the shrine have sat in a New York museum’s storage for over a century.

Originally situated in a heavily wooded, unnamed island on Jewitt Lake by the ancient Mowachaht village site of Yuquot, the shrine has been called “the most significant monument associated with Nuu-chah-nulth whaling” in the location’s designation as a National Historic Site of Canada. That national recognition has been in place since 1983, but the Whalers’Washing House has been absent from its sacred home since 1904, when it was brought to theAmerican Museum of Natural History in New York.

The shrine was purchased – or stolen – depending on one’s interpretation of historical accounts. George Hunt, a Tlingit-Scottish ethnographer, learned about the shrine in the winter of 190001. He managed to photograph the site, attracting the interest of anthropologist Franz Boas, who arranged a purchase on behalf of his employer, theAMNH. The deal was made for $500 with two Mowachaht elders – but on the condition that the shrine be removed after the tribe had left Yuquot to hunt seals.

“It was the best thing I ever bought from the Indians,” wrote Hunt to Boas, who both collected many cultural pieces from Indigenous peoples of the B.C. coast.

Taken under questionable circumstances in 1904, a connection from California has reignited desire to repatriate physical and spiritual challenges they faced when hunting the world’s largest animals,” states the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation on its website.

The shrine’s location could soon change if efforts from a newly formed committee are successful. On July 24 members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Whaler’s Shrine Repatriation Committee are set to head to New York to meet with the museum’s Cultural Resource Office for a private viewing, when a “ceremonial blessing” will be given for the contents of the shrine.

“That’s to just do a chant and a prayer over the human remains,” said committee member Margaretta James, referencing the 16 human skulls that are part of the Whaler’s Washing House. “We formed this committee to actively work on the shrine’s return.”

The shrine also consists of 88 carved human figures and four whale carvings that were once housed in a structure where whalers purified themselves before the hunt by absorbing the power of their ancestors.

“The shrine was where our whalers prayed and practiced ritual oosemich (bathing) to prepare for the

The Whalers’Washing House was long used as a secret site to prepare

photograhed in Yuquot before being taken to the

“Such shrines were the sites of purification rituals,” states a submission report sent to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1983. “These shrines were buildings resembling houses and containing figures of animals and spirits, as well as corpses and skeletons.”

But the location of these sacred places were only known to whaling families, and if a shrine was owned by a chief, no one was permitted to enter or even approach it. This was the case regarding the Whalers’Washing House.

Mystery around the shrine was still apparent in the late 1980s, when the New York museum approached the Mowachaht/Muchalaht about replicating the Washing House for display.

“Acouple of the elders, who have since passed, knew nothing about it because it was such a secret,” said James, who is also president of the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society.

The shrine was a subject in the Washing of Tears, a film about the Mowachaht/

Muchalaht people produced by the National Film Board in 1994. In the film members of the First Nation are seen at theAMNH looking over contents of the Whalers’Washing House, and since then a consistent desire has been present in the Mowachaht/Muchalaht community to have the shrine returned to its original place.

James first saw the shrine’s contents in 1988, something she describes as a “lifechanging” experience.

“You just know that you’re in the presence of something far beyond you,” she said. “You could just feel the power of it. We just want to honour that next week.”

Albert Lara will also be heading to New York to see the shrine on July 24.An American veteran who lives in southern California, the 73-year-old recently discovered indications that he could be related to the Mowachaht Tyee through genealogical research.

“He traced his bloodline to a woman that could have been a child that Chief Maquinna sent to California during the fur trade era on one of the ships,” said James. “After he discovered that line he did a lot of reading and research about us,

including the shrine issue.”

Lara contacted the First Nation, and his interest reignited the desire to repatriate the shrine, explained James.Aformal request to have the shrine returned was sent to the museum by the Mowachaht/ Muchalaht, and further discussion ensued between the two parties over the spring.

In the United States the NativeAmerican Graves Protection and Repatriation Act actually requires that Indigenous cultural items be returned to their “lineal descendants” by federally funded institutions like museums, also this legislation does not apply to artifacts and remains taken from First Nations north of the border. TheAMNH did not respond to Ha-Shilth-Sa’s request for comment about plans to repatriate the Whalers’ Washing House.

James is optimistic that the shrine could be returned as early as the end of this year.Amid its history of being a sacred site only accessible to a select few, no plans for public display have been announced.

“It will be back on the island, but it will be protected somehow,” said James.

George Hunt photo

Mowachaht people for the whale hunt. Here it was

American Museum of Natural History in New York

‘Leading the legacy of healing’ for Kackaamin’s 50th

Indigenous

family treatment centre, one of three in Canada, sees three-fold growth of services in last six years

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

PortAlberni, BC - The sun was shining, bringing with it an extraordinary heat, as community gathered in the shade of tents next to Kackaamin’s playground to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Indigenous family treatment centre on July 5.

As Executive director Lisa Robinson and her team were preparing for the 50th anniversary celebration, she reflected on the elders that have been involved with Kackaamin through the years.

“It’s them, it’s their vision and their love that they gave us to continue on and carry on,” said Robinson. “We’re following in their footsteps [of] what they laid out for us, to heal.”

Robinson named the late Mary Hayes, Ray Seitcher, and Eileen Charleson among those who first paved the way for the Indigenous treatment centre.

“They had to break through some really hard things in the beginning, even residential school wasn’t spoken about at that point,” Robinson reflected. “But they were speaking out and saying, ‘We need to heal.”

For Robinson, these pioneers taught how to be relational and attune to others.

“It’s that relational piece,” said Robinson, noting the significance of “attuning to somebody’s spirit” and “feeling them where they’re at.”

“That’s the healing part; that’s what was passed on,” she said.

“What I’ve uncovered is, all of that trauma that isolates us and disconnects us from our loved ones, so we got to repair that, [and] that’s what we’re doing,” said Robinson. “So that we can just naturally come back together as we always were.”

Kackaamin is one of three Indigenous family treatment centres in Canada, located in PortAlberni, B.C.Among their many programs and services, the centre has a six-week healing program that focuses on rebuilding family attachment.

“It’s important to include children, because the whole family system is affected when you have addiction present,” said Robinson, who notes now they include members beyond the nuclear family structure. “Not only addiction, it’s trauma. If you’re struggling with mental health and depression, trauma history of residential schooling - even if you’re not drinking, your pain is there.”

Robinson recalls memories that Elsie Robinson had shared with her about living in a longhouse.

“That wasn’t that long ago that they lived in our way, where she lived with lots of families, [and] they all took care of each other,” said Robinson. “There was kindness and love and protection.”

Robinson thinks this sentiment is the base for Kackaamin.

But, “it’s not as simple as it sounds,” she shared.

“[There’s] lots of pain people are carrying inside and because of that disconnect, they can’t even express it because they’re disconnected from people,” she noted, stressing the need to build bridges with people so they can get the help they need.

Robinson shared that due to the intergenerational impacts of residential school, oftentimes clients that come to Kackaamin experience feelings of emptiness and haven’t learned about emotional health.

“We do the hard work of what gets in the way; that’s what we focus on,” she said. “Some of the things we’ve uncovered are very painful.”

Anges Keitlah has gone through various programs with Kackaamin. She was beaming as she spoke with Ha-Shilth-Sa at the 50th celebration.

“I think it’s really amazing, [Kackaamin has] come this far,” she shared.

Prior to participating in Kackaamin’s programs, Keitlah struggled greatly.

“I was a real wreck,” she said. “I didn’t want to be here; I didn’t want to be anywhere.”

But Keitlah found Kackaamin’s programs to be a “stepping stone to the positive” that saved her life.

“It doesn’t just take one program for you to function, it takes a lot,” she shared. “It took a lot of work for me to get to where I am today.”

After doing programs with Kackaamin, Keitlah was able to be a more positive influence in her children and grandchildren’s lives.

“If you have it in your heart to work on yourself, to want the goodness, it really works,” said Keitlah. “You have to go through that door that’s been holding you back and it’s very painful because you don’t want to step over that door because that’s… all you know.”

“It’s very hard to let some of that go too, because that’s how you survive; you hold on to that abuse and what society put on you,” she continued. “You hold on to it because that’s all you have. You don’t know there’s goodness over there, you don’t know that somebody’s going to say, ‘Oh, wow, you did great’.”

Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay-Alberni, was present at the 50th anniversary. He told the crowd that Kackaamin’s success over the years has paved the way for the opening of Vancouver Islands first Indigenous youth wellness centre, offering culturally relevant detox services to youth through an organization called Orca Lelum.

“It is leading the legacy of healing,” said Johns as he took to the podium to speak. “[The government] need[s] to do more to support Kackaamin, to build more facilities like Kackaamin, because this model needs to be replicated right across this country and it needs to be done quickly.”

Over the last six years, services and programs that Kackaamin provides have tripled, Robinson shared. Kackaamin

now has 10 beds for support and early recovery for females on site.

“They need that safe space to start recovering, so it’s very light,” she said. “They’ll do programming, but it’s just more about getting them feeling stable, eating well, sleeping well, [and] feeling safe.”

Over the last year they have included other additional programs such as Rebuilding Our Circle, which includes services for those who have been impacted by sexual violence.

“Now we’re offering programs for those who have been harmed, those who harm, and family systems that are connected to that,” said Robinson to the crowd gath-

ered next to Kackaamin’s playground.

With the expansion in services came two new buildings, including a new gathering space as well as a childcare facility that can accommodate up to 24 children.

“I’d like to congratulate Kackaamin on your 50th anniversary, [a] significant milestone, and just want to honor and acknowledge the courage, the dedication, and the leadership of all those who were instrumental in establishing this organization for children, families and communities,” said Eunice Joe, regional executive director for First Nation HealthAuthority, a sponsor for Kackaamin. “The impact of the work over the years is far reaching.”

Alexandra Mehl photos

In closing the morning Lisa Robinson, executive director of the Kackaamin Family Development Centre, invited the children to the centre of the circle where they were gifted cedar head bands as the drummers sang YouAre My Sunshine.

First Nations and DFO protect vast deep-sea territory

Official designation protects large area from petroleum exploration, deep-sea mining and boÅom trawl fishing

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Aunique ocean area four times the size of Vancouver Island has gained official protection from petroleum exploration, deep-sea mining and bottom trawl fishing.

Located about 150 kilometres west of Vancouver Island and off the southern tip of Haida Gwaii, the Tang.ɢwanḥačxʷiqak-Tsigis Marine ProtectedArea (MPA) is home to extraordinary seafloor features, including more than 47 underwater mountains, known as seamounts, and all confirmed hydrothermal vents in Canada. It is now the largest MPAdesignated under Canada’s OceansAct.

“The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) is very pleased that the MPAoff the coast of Vancouver Island within our territories has been officially created,” NTC President Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, told the Ha-Shilth-Sa. “We have always taken care of our oceans which are critical to our way of life, and this is a formality to working with Haida, Pacheedaht and Quatsino and DFO to manage this area that is rich with hydrothermal vents, seamounts and unique habitat for many species that we have anAboriginal right to.”

“Because it is such a big area, it was important to work with Haida, Quatsino and Pacheedaht in naming it so we can work together in managing it as much as we can and protect what we can,” she continued.

The name consists of a Haida word meaning deep ocean (Tang.ɢwan: phonetic spelling: Tung-Gwun), a Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning deepest part of the ocean (ḥačxʷiqak; phonetic spelling:huch/khwi/kuk) and a Quatsino word referring to a monster of the deep (Tsigis; phonetic spelling: tsee-geese).

Formerly known as the Offshore Pacific Area of Interest, this deep-water ocean area was first identified for protection in May 2017. Measures to prevent certain fishing activities were subsequently put

in place, reads a July 11 media release from the Government of Canada. In 2023, the Council of the Haida Nation, the NTC, Quatsino First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining how the parties will collaboratively manage the Tang.ɢwan-ḥačxʷiqak-Tsigis MPA.

In the media release, Diane Lebouthillier, minister of Fisheries, Ocean and the Canadian Coast Guard, said the designation is a giant step toward protecting Canada’s oceans.

“Working collaboratively with partner First Nations to co-operatively manage and designate the Tang.ɢwan-ḥačxʷiqakTsigis MPAsignifies our joint commitment to preserve ecologically and culturally important marine and coastal

areas. The designation of this MPAbrings us halfway to our goal of conserving 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030,” Lebouthillier wrote.

“With so many threats to our oceans such as climate change and pollution, we must be vigilant in what we allow to happen in our waters,” reiterated Sayers.

“Joint management is key to reconciliation and living up to UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesAct). Using our ecological knowledge is essential to the future of our oceans.”

The announcement was celebrated amongst environmental groups and research networks across the country.

“This MPAwill safeguard rare deep-sea ecosystems that are home to species that get their energy not from the sun, like most life on Earth, but from chemicals released underwater vents,” said Carlo Acuña, senior conservation campaigner for the Ocean Program at the Canadian ParksAnd Wilderness Society - British Columbia (CPAWS-BC), in a media release. “We all can now be proud to say that this incredible and important area is permanently protected.”

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), a

University of Victoria initiative, has been providing ocean monitoring of the MPA through its deep-sea cabled observatory NEPTUNE (North-East Pacific Timeseries Undersea Networked Experiments) since 2009.

“ONC has been delighted to work together with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia coastal First Nations and other partners to explore and uncover the rich and biodiverse ocean offshore our west coast,” stated ONC president and CEO Kate Moran in a news release. “This work helped set the stage for delineating Canada’s newest protected area — Tang. ɢwan-ḥačxʷiqak-Tsigis — which is a key part of ensuring that future generations will inherit a healthy ocean and thriving coastal communities.”

Co-management efforts, scientific research and enforcement is expected to cost $3.5 million in federal funds over the next decade to protect Tang.ɢwanḥačxʷiqak-Tsigis MPA. Contravention of these new regulations, published in Canada Gazette Part II, Volume 158, Number 13, can bring up to $8 million in fines, or even more if an offence brings a criminal conviction.

DFO photo

The offshore area was last explored in the summer of 2022 with a three-week research expedition by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Eric Plummer photo

Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, speaks in Vancouver at the announcement of a memorandum of understanding for the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxw iqak — Tsigis Marine ProtectedArea on Feb. 7, 2023.

The offshore area four times the size of Vancouver Island contains ‘biological hotspots’to be co-managed with DFO and First Nations.

B.C., treaty nations herald new era of land management

B.C.’s 2024 budget includes $10 million for modern treaty nations to participate in projects with the province

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Substantial resources are coming from the province to support the land and resource management of modern treaty First Nations.

The new fiscal relationship between B.C. and modern treaty nations involves a co-developed funding model of about $1 million per First Nation per year for three years, which enables capacity treaty implementation work, according to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack says the Shared Priorities Framework, which theAlliance of BC Modern Treaties signed in March 2022 with the province, will help his First Nation “unlock the value in our lands and resources for generations to come.”

“We will be able to develop our economies in a way that works with our core values as Huu-ay-aht, as well as meet the needs of the globalized economy to aid in the competitiveness of not only our territory, but the province as a whole,” said Chief Jack in a July 4 media release.

InAugust 2022, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Western Forest Products Inc. unveiled a shared vision and path forward for C’awak ʔqin Forestry, which manages Tree Farm Licence 44. The new name means “we are one” in Nuu-chah-nulth.

Huu-ay-aht has drawn down its law-making authority to enact Huu-ay-aht laws, notes the BC Treaty Commission 2023 Annual Report.

B.C.’s Budget 2024 also contains a three-year fiscal plan that introduces legislation to establish a First Nations Equity Financing (FNEF) special account. Subject to the approval of the LegislativeAssembly, the legislation provides the FNEF special account with a $10 million inaugural balance to help support immediate capacity needs for those First Nations actively considering equity participation in priority projects — where there is shared interest and readiness with the province.

Self-determine property taxation

The new fiscal relationship in land and resource governance also includes autonomy around property taxation. Under the new property tax approach, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, each modern treaty nation will have the ability to develop and implement a property tax regime that works for them.

“Together with new property tax agreements, the amendments will give wide latitude to our governments to self-deter-

Uchucklesaht Chief Councillor Wilfred Cootes says a new fiscal relationship with the provincial government will give treaty First Nations a wider latitude to determine their own systems of property taxation.

mine our property tax systems on treaty lands, including whether to tax at all,” said Uchuckleshaht Tribe Chief Councillor Wilfred Cootes in the media release.

“The flexibility of the new approach acknowledges that each of our governments is unique and is facing unique circumstances. This is a good example of how our governments can work together in partnership, while also allowing space for self-determination,” he continued.

Prior to the new property tax agreement with the province, Toquaht Nation citizens living in the oceanfront community of Macoah, for example, had their properties valued via BCAssessments, but are currently exempt from paying property taxes. By entering the New Real Property TaxAgreement with the province, modern treaty nations will self-determine how to exercise their own property tax and assessment laws and policies on their treaty lands.

“Taxation is one of the main focal points of governance, supporting housing, programs, and services,” states Charles McCarthy, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government president (Ucluelet First Nation). “Allowing flexibility to appropriately work out the logistics on one of the major building blocks for a self-governing nation, with the most potential impact to citizens, is a priority.”

TheAlliance of BC Modern Treaties was formed in July 2018 by Tla’amin Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation and the Maa-nulth treaty nations, which include

Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Chek’tles7et’h’First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe, and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government. The Nisga’a Nation joined theAlliance in 2019.According to the BC Treaty Commission, there are currently 30 First Nations in the province actively negotiating modern treaties with Canada and British Columbia.

“By working together, we are creating

new pathways for modern treaty nations to meaningfully exercise their rights and responsibilities to care for their people and the land,” said Premier David Eby in the media release. “Anew co-developed funding model will support greater capacity for modern treaty nations, which will help provide greater certainty on decisions that benefit communities and the economy.”

Eric Plummer photo

Tla-o-qui-aht and Canada’s negotiations forge ahead

Called a ‘trust-building exercise’ with the feds, MOU notes land yet to be tranferred from agreement in 2003

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Tofino, BC - On June 27, at Tin Wis Resort and the former site of the Christie Residential School, Tla-o-qui-aht (ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ) First Nations signed a hopeful agreement with the Government of Canada.

The paperwork — Hisiikcumyin Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — sets out a framework for continuing reconciliation negotiations between ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ and Canada. It was signed by the Gary Anandasangaree, minister of CrownIndigenous Relations, ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ Chief Councillor Elmer Frank and the ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ hawiih (Hereditary Chiefs).

According to the Government of Canada, the MOU “outlines collaborative efforts and a path forward to address community priorities and advance reconciliation, and continue shared stewardship of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.”

Chief Councillor Frank addressed the intimate crowd during the June 27 signing ceremony in Tofino.

“When we talk about a pathway agreement, we’re creating an agreement that will be based on what our needs our, to start showing people what we need to do to demonstrate that we have the ability to become self-governing at some point,” said Frank. “The IndianAct system is just not working for us as First Nations People.”

He added that he was 11-years-old when his family members protected the Old Growth trees at Heelboom Bay, or Cis-aqis, on Meares Island.

“We’ve had the notion as First Nations People to continue to maintain conservation and maintain conservancies in our traditional territory,” Frank continued.

“One of the things that our elders and our past leaders tell us is we need to find a way to start to benefit from what our ancestors did with the forest. We’re hopeful that this pathway agreement will allow us to do that.”

“One of our past chief councillors Moses Martin said, ‘Why is there a need for us to fight? Why is there a need for us to fight no matter what we do as First Nations people? We always seem to have to fight or go to court,” Frank added. “We should be beyond that.”

MinisterAnandasangaree said the Hisiikcumyin MOU is an affirmation that Canada wants to do the right thing.

“We’ve had a number of MOUs in the past, you know the history,”Anandasangaree told the Ha-Shilth-Sa.Anandasangaree told the Ha-Shilth-Sa. “I think this

is a trust-building exercise. This is for us to demonstrate that we want to advance work together; Parks Canada being a critical component of this.”

One priority outlined in the MOU is to “explore the potential application of tribal park management, shared management, and stewardship models” in areas of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve that fall within ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ territory. Other priorities stated in the MOU include: language preservation and revitalization, housing and infrastructure, economic development, recognizing and implementing ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ governance and law, while addressing interests associated with “Parcel 2”.

In 2003, ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ entered an MOU with Canada to facilitate the transfer of “Parcel 1” and “Parcel 2” lands from the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. While objectives related to “Parcel 1” were fulfilled by adding it to Esowista and creating the community of Ty-Histanis, the transfer of “Parcel 2” lands have not been fulfilled, reads the 2024 MOU. hawiiḥtaqumł (House of Wickaninnish) said she has witnessed many agreements in her life. She spoke about ensuring prosperity and recognition for

ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ hawiih hahuułi (ha-houlthee).

“When I stand here, I don’t want say, ‘Oh that agreement, another fail’,” said hawiiḥtaqumł. “We shouldn’t have to beg for our rights and title to be recognized. We’re tired. We want recognition for our hawiih. Our governance. We’re tired of not being part of the landscape.”

“Our hawiih have managed our lands and resources without over harvesting or over fishing for years,” she went on to say.

Chief Frank pointed out that “they haven’t even scratched the surface” when it comes to negotiations for fishing rights. The MOU acknowledges that ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ is already involved in multi-specie fisheries-related matters. This includes the Five Nations (Ahousaht, ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ, Mowachaht/ Muchalaht, Hesquiaht, and Ehattesaht First Nations) Recognition of Indigenous

Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD) negotiations table, and therefore does not include fisheries in the MOU.

Anandasangaree called the signing ceremony a “crossroads”.

“The next few years will be critical for the relationship,” said the minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. “I’m here today to show you that the next generation will have a future that is far better than ours and the relationship that we had.”

Frank offered a similar view.

“I really feel that we are at a pivotal point where our younger generations shouldn’t have to fight,” he said.

The MOU asserts that ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ has uncededAboriginal title and rights to land, waters and resources in their traditional territory. It is not a legally binding document and is “intended only as an expression of good will.”

Nora O’Malley photo

Representatives from the Government of Canada, Tla-o-qui-aht Chief Councillor Elmer Frank and the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wiih smile for a photo after

gifts and signing the Hisiikcumyin Memorandum of Understanding on June 27.

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Supporters walk for Lisa Marie Young

A text reading ‘come get me, they won’t let me leave’ was the last correspondence

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Nanaimo, BC - It has been 22 years since Lisa Marie Young went missing from Nanaimo and advocates continue to gather annually to celebrate the memory of the Tla-o-qui-aht woman, raising awareness for her ongoing investigation.

Close to 80 people gathered at Nanaimo’s RCMP detachment on June 30, 2024, marching with posters and banners down to Maffeo Sutton Park to celebrate and remember Young.

Young was last seen at approximately 3 a.m. on June 30, 2002. The 21-year-old had spent the night out with friends, first at a Nanaimo nightclub, then two house parties. She left the second party to get something to eat, and accepted a ride with Christopher WilliamAdair, a young man she had just met that evening, according to reports from the time.

Afriend reported receiving a text message from Young at 4:30 a.m., which read “come get me, they won’t let me leave.”

“Each day we still have hope, hope that Lisa will be found and brought home. Along time has gone by—22 years. Longer than she was with us. We have never given up hope,” said Carol Frank, Young’s aunt.

Frank said her late sister, Young’s mother, made t-shirts the year her daughter went missing in 2002 with a photo and the words ‘love and hope,’which family and friends continue to make each year to bring awareness.

“My sister strongly believed in these words. Lisa is loved by many family, friends and people who did not know Lisa but heard her story,” Frank said.

“Our heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones to the tragedy of murder. We have hope that whoever took Lisa from us, that person or persons will be brought to justice.”

During the event at Maffeo Sutton Park, MP for Nanaimo- Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron said she continues to address and bring awareness to the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people to the federal government.

“My colleagues and I were successful in pushing the Liberal government to implement what’s called a red dress alert. We’re pushing for it to become national

MPfor

at

but it’s starting in Manitoba, where if any Indigenous woman, girl or two-spirited person goes missing that people can be alerted immediately,” Barron said. “I think this is necessary for us to be able to move forward, but bigger than that we need to see of course the systems in place, all of the recommendations, the calls to action, so that no more Indigenous women and girls and two spirit people go missing.”

The Nanaimo RCMP have kept an active case open for Young since she went missing 22 years ago.

“There is no excuse, there is no explanation, there is no way to accept what

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 50th year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. We look forward to your continued input and support. Kleco! Kleco!

happened,” said Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog. “As we gather here not accepting it, we must remember with that kind of patience that [Lisa] had a good life when she was alive and she loved music and she cared for people, she cared for her family.As a parent and grandparent I can only begin to imagine how her mother felt in her lifetime and how her family still continues to feel knowing that justice has not been done.”

Police ask that anyone with information that could help in solving the disappearance of Lisa Marie Young to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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Alexandra Mehl photos

Nanaimo- Ladysmith Lisa Marie Baron (above) speaks to a crowd of supporters

Maffeo Sutton Park on June 30 for the annual walk for Lisa Marie Young. Close to 80 people marched from the Nanaimo RCMPdetachment to the park as a sign of support for the woman who went missing on June 20, 2002.

First National Council for Reconciliation becomes law

Following the TRC Calls to Action, council established with $126.5 million in federal funding set aside in 2019

By Antonella Medina Arias Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Ottawa, On - On July 2, Canada launched its first National Council for Reconciliation. This independent, Indigenous-led organization aims to monitor and evaluate reconciliation efforts nationwide, addressing the long-standing injustices First Nations face.

The Reconciliation Council establishment is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call toAction 53, which called upon Parliament to create a national organization to oversee improving relations with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. The TRC presented the 94 Call toActions in 2015 to address the legacy of residential schools and further reconciliation issues between Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians. The council would monitor, evaluate and coordinate reconciliation efforts while educating the public aboutAboriginal people’s realities and histories to build better relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Terry Teegee, regional chief of the British ColumbiaAssembly of First Nations, believes that the reconciliation council has fulfilled the requests of many First Nations by involving the government and society in taking on complex roles to observe various reactions to the reconciliation process. He said part of his most important work with the BCAFN is arranging to make the rights of Indigenous people law.

He added how the formation of the Reconciliation Council could help Indigenous People.

“I think [it] would take the whole of government participation [to align] many of the laws to recognize Indigenous ability to make decisions on their own, especially in regards to our own affairs,” said Teegee. “For example, on social assistance, [regarding] environmental assessment, making free, prior and in-

formed consent decision with all level of government.”

Teegee believes that the Reconciliation Council could support a better understanding of reconciliation among the general public and what the United Nations says about the rights of Indigenous People.

InApril 2024, Bill C-29 received Royal Assent, thereby becoming law. This bill was introduced to fulfill Call toAction 53—an act to establish a national council for reconciliation. The bill also provided a basis for enacting Calls toAction 54 to 56, focusing on the council’s funding, information disclosure and reports. The Government of Canada will provide the

council with the necessary resources and key information to support its work.Additionally, the government will respond to the council’s annual reconciliation report with its annual findings on the State of Indigenous Peoples.

The government of Canada has committed to an Indigenous-led approach in establishing the Reconciliation Council.

In 2018, the TRC and the Canadian government designated the Interim Board of Directors for the Council. Their members included former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild, Clint Davis, Edith Cloutier, Dr. Mike DeGagné, Jean Teillet, and Max FineDay. Their selection was based on their experience and dedication to reconciliation while ensuring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation.

In a news release Edith Cloutier, a transitional committee member, shared her commentary as a member of the Reconciliation Council.

“It is an honour and a privilege to participate, along with my colleagues on the Transition Committee and members of the government, in the creation of the

National Reconciliation Council,” she said. “This milestone marks a great moment in the history of relations between our peoples and is a pledge of hope for the future.”

Now that Bill C-29 has passed, the Transitional Committee will take the necessary steps to ensure the Reconciliation Council is incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit CorporationsAct. This provides a framework for the Council to determine its priorities, governance structure, and operational procedures.

The 2019 budget announced a total of $126.5 million to support the Council’s establishment, including a $125 million investment for funding and $1.5 million for initial operation.

“Agood question for the National Council [is] how they are going to outreach [or] share the information they have or what they are doing,” Teegee said. “Communication is really important, especially for those councils that is potentially mandated to oversee accountability of what reconciliation looks like.”

Looking for......

Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services are looking for individual/s or families who are interested in caregiving for teens with high-risk behaviors.

The Caregiver(s) would provide 24-hour care in a culturally safe and suppor ve environment, responding effec vely to challenging behaviours.

Compensa on would be built around the specific needs of the youth and the Caregiver, and could include both direct services and financial support to allow Caregivers to meet the needs of the youth.

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

University of Ottawa photo

Edith Cloutier of theAnicinabe First Nation is a transitional member of the National Council for Reconciliation.

With Wi-Fi off, northern nations reconnect in the sun

Houpsitas swelled to over 300 people in July as Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ hosted the Northern Region Games

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Kyuquot, BC - In recent years federal and provincial governments have prioritized the need to connect remote communities with internet service, but it became clear while planning this year’s Northern Region Games that the Wi-Fi in Kyuquot needed to be turned off.

“We wanted the kids to be away from technology, away from the internet so they can enjoy the games,” saidAnita Buck, a lead organizer for this year’s games, which were hosted by the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’First Nations July 5-8.

For years northern Nuu-chah-nulth nations have held their own games each summer, giving families from Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht a chance to gather for summertime events.

This July the games doubled the population of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’s village of Houpsitas, as 160 came to the location that is only accessible by boat or float plane on Vancouver Island’s northwest coast.

“It’s mostly reconnecting with families, reconnecting with each other,” said Buck. Steinar Vage, who manages Program and Project Development for the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’First Nations, added that the games serve as a natural gathering, as so many of the northern Nuu-chah-nulth nations are interconnected.

“There’s connections between different communities, so to have one gathering where everyone is pulled together is really wonderful,” he said. “It’s like a big family reunion.”

This year the gathering took place at the Kyuquot Elementary Secondary School, where dozens of tents spotted the field behind the facility, as children’s events like potato sack races, egg relays, badminton and soccer were underway under a beaming sun.

JohnAmos was part of the 30 Mowachaht/Muchalaht who travelled to the remote community.

“We had a lot more interest this year from our community members that have never gone before,” he said, adding that for many this was their first time in Kyuquot, which is accessed by a three-anda-half hour drive from Campbell River – much of it on a logging road - followed by a boat ride from Fair Harbour. “They were just amazed with the trip itself from Campbell River to Fair Harbour, and then the boat.”

Most ofAmos’group camped on the field, while some others stayed at the homes of extended family in Houpsitas. He’s been involved with the Northern Region Games since 2010, and sees the impact that the time away from everyday distractions has on youngsters.

“You can see the realization that there’s more to life than technology - to be an actual kid, to be an actual teenager doing things with other teenagers from neigh-

bouring tribes,” saidAmos. Adults were also active at the games, taking part in tug of war, volleyball and an endless series of half-court basketball matches in the school gym. On the third day of the games a salmon-cutting race was even planned.

“We’re going to be using that fish to barbeque tomorrow’s dinner,” said Buck. Audrey Smith recalls this competition being introduced to the games about 15 years ago when her Nuchatlaht nation hosted the event in Ocluje.At the time the few cooks on hand were faced with a dilemma in the form of two huge tote containers full of fish that needed to be filleted.

“All the fish got cut,” said Smith, after the competition was added that year.

For the 2024 gathering a focus was put on minimizing waste. Participants brought drinking vessels to fill up with Kyuquot’s clean drinking water, rather than relying on plastic bottles, and eating trays were reused after being cleaned at a dish-washing station. That too sparked a competition, and on the Saturday of the event children could be seen hunting around for unwashed plates, the two stacks at the end of the washing station serving as a running tally.

Each year the northern nations take turns hosting the games, sharing in the costs.

“The food cost was probably about $10,000,” said Buck, noting that Tla-oqui-aht also contributed, sending a few members to the gathering. “They joined in, they sent in a really generous donation towards us.”

The games are a strictly drug and alcohol-free event, and security bearing Yacmii> on their shirts could be seen ensuring this remained the case over the four days.

“I made a couple of announcements yesterday and I’ll be making a few announcements today just as a reminder,” said Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’member Kevin Jules.

Jules, who lives in Campbell River, brought his son Noah to the gathering to reconnect with family.

“Having a setting like this, I can tell him who he’s related to,” said Jules. “He’s a bit allergic to mosquito bites. Other than that, he’s loving it here.”

At the end of each day one of the northern nations gave a cultural performance, singing, drumming and dancing to their traditional songs.

“Culture is some of the best medicine,” added Jules. “It doesn’t matter how you’re feeling, as soon as you get up there to sing the songs and you hear the music and see the dancers, you’re in that element.”

Eric Plummer photos

On July 6 a tug of war between men and women ensued at the Northern Region Games in Kyuquot. The women won.

Audrey Smith and David Keim (above left) pose with salmon to be barbequed, after a fish-cutting competition was to be held on July 7. In the summer heat children engaged in games like potato-sack races on the field behind the Kyuquot Elementary Secondary School.

Eric Plummer photos

People drum in the shade (above) at the Northern Region Games in Kyuquot. Children had dish-washing competitions after meals (below left), while games included tug of war and a long series of half-court basketball games that attracted a good deal of attention at the annual event.

Ghosts in the grass: Families find connection at historic village

Decades after the main reserve was moved, people continue to find peace at NuchatliÅ, once the Nuchatlaht confederacy’s major

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Nootka Island, BC - On the weatherbattered northwest coast of Nootka Island, rusted remnants of 20th century life can be found in the tall grass. Vegetation grows through the worn-out bottom of a pot, a 1950s-era laundry press is hidden under the flowers, while old brown springs emerge from grass, the abandoned mattress long overtaken by the elements. Walking through the overgrowth, a careful eye can spot depressions in the ground, ghostlike traces of houses that were moved from the village of Nuchatlitz years ago.

Audrey Smith spent her early childhood here before being sent to the Christie Indian Residential School at the age of five. She looks at a dense expanse of blackberry bushes, recalling when it was a cleared baseball field.Ateam from the nearby Ehattesaht village at Queens Cove used to play the local Nuchatlaht players, as they held games in each other’s communities.

“My dad said it was like that when they first moved here, 100 years ago,” commented Smith of the enormous blackberry patch. “They had to bring in machinery to take it all down.”

While Smith sits by a fire at the coastal location one summer morning, her stream of conversation is intermittently interrupted by questions from those assembling a campsite around her. Single families within the Nuchatlaht tribe usually venture to Nuchatlitz to camp each summer, but in late June of 2024 a much larger, coordinated effort is underway.As many as 100 people were expected to stay at the remote site for a few days, and for the First Nation of less than 160 members, this could be the largest event Nuchatlaht has held in years.

“We had all our family groups separate. Each family did whatever they wanted,” said Smith of past camp outs at Nuchatlitz. “This year it’s all together.”

The Nuchatlaht’s main on-reserve community is now Ocluje, north of Nuchatlitz and up Espinosa Inlet, where at most around two dozen people reside. Julie John, a cultural worker with the First Nation, sees the camp out at the former reserve village as a valuable gathering for the many members who have little direct connection to their heritage.

“I think it’s the best event we have as Nuchatlaht for building community,” she said. “Because our reserve is not allowed to get bigger, we’re dispersed across the island, across the province.”

“We still have members who have never been to Ocluje, they don’t know this island exists and they don’t know a lot of our history,” added John while helping to set up the camp on northern Nootka Island.

“Some people were asking if there’s internet out here.”

With no electricity, Smith finds it beneficial for members to spend time away from the everyday technical gadgets that dominate modern life.

“To get away from all that, nobody misses it,” she said. “I think it’s the most peaceful place to come. The kids are actually relaxing.”

Four packs of wolves

Nuchatlitz is one of several village sites scattered across northern Nootka island, where traces can be found of the lives Nuchatlaht ancestors sustained for countless generations. In recent years the site, which is also referred to as nūtcȧl, has been referenced during court proceedings as the Nuchatlaht pursued a claim forAboriginal title over the northern section of Nootka

On June 28 Nuchatlaht members congregated at Nuchatlitz, a former village site on the northwest edge of Nootka Island, for the largest multi-day camping Nation

Island. In evidence presented to the court anthropologist Joan Lovisek stated that Nuchatlitz was likely the “town” where a Nuchatlaht tribe resided before 1789. According to a report from John Dewhirst, an anthropologist and archaeologist who has studied Nuu-chah-nulth for decades, by the late 1800s Nuchatlitz became the main summer village for the Nuchatlaht confederacy of local groups, replacing the nearby coastal settlement at Lūpȧtcsis for unknown reasons.

held in years. said Little, who remembers that his family didn’t need to venture far for sustenance. “I come from the era when there was tons and tons and tons of herring. We’d catch big salmon that got stuck in the pools as the tide was going down, so sometimes we didn’t even have to go fishing.As kids we’d go in behind the island and fish crabs for the whole community, and then we’d feed everybody.”

In 1889 Canada’s Indian Reserve Commissioner Peter O’Reilly met with Nuchatlaht Chief Tle-nen-o-ou-ick and Chief Maquinna of Ehattesaht to set aside reserves in the region. Described by O’Reilly as “small fishing stations”, the nine Nuchatlaht village sites became reserves, including Nuchatlitz, Lūpȧtcsis, and the more sheltered winter settlement of apȧqtū, which was

located up the nearby Port Langford inlet.

“[T]he soil is poor in the extreme,” wrote O’Reilly of Nuchatlitz, “but it is valuable to the Indians, a large quantity of dogfish oil being obtained here, while salmon, halibut and bass are plentiful in the vicinity.”

Although Lūpȧtcsis appeared to be “abandoned” at the time, O’Reilly noted that this nearby site was still valuable to the Nuchatlaht in the late 1800s.

“[S]ome of the tribe continue to cultivate a few small garden patches,” wrote the commissioner. “The timber upon it is valuable for fuel and other purposes, there being none on the present village site.”

Archie Little recalls Nuchatlitz as being a place of abundance while he lived there during his early childhood in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.

“My early childhood was peace. We didn’t have to ask anybody for anything,”

“I remember that we always had stuff to do,” said Jessie Mack, who like her sister Audrey Smith, spent her early childhood in Nuchatlitz. “We had to help my dad chop wood and stack wood. We didn’t have any running water here, so we had to go to the next island and they let us use the water from their well. That was our drinking water and our cooking water. We would collect rain water for flushing the toilet and washing clothes.”

has

historic village site

Nuchatlaht confederacy’s major summer village

Eric Plummer photos Nootka Island, for the largest multi-day camping event the First

Little remembers fishing in canoes, but when Mack was a youngster in the early 1970s the community had transitioned to small motor boats for trolling.

“My dad was a fisherman, so we’d have to get up early to go fishing with him,” she recalled.

“We had the sea urchins out here, we had the mussels, abalone, butter clams just down the beach here. That beach was just loaded with butter clams, now there’s nothing,” added Mack, who attributes the decline of shellfish to the resurgence of sea otters on the B.C. coast. “There’s no more big mussels, there’s no sea urchins.”

Meanwhile wild cows were nearby, feasting on the fields near the settlement. Cows once roamed in other parts of Nuuchah-nulth territory, such as Hesquiaht and Opitsaht on Meares Island, where

the bovines can still be spotted sometimes along the beach across from Tofino. These cows are the result of missionaries bringing in livestock in the 1800s, although no one is exactly sure how the animals ended up in Nuchatlitz.

“They kept our grass all short around the field,” said Mack. “We had no weed eaters or lawnmowers.”

She remembers a story her uncle Felix Michael told before he died, which led to most of the cows being killed.

“When he passed away, he said he’d come back with some wolves, four packs of wolves,” said Mack. “And then a couple of days later there was four packs of wolves that came and got some of the cows.”

Alarger tide of dislocation

The Nuu-chah-nulth language was still commonly spoken when Mack was a youngster. She recalls being in her aunt Lillian’s house, when children would gather to hear the elders sing to them in the ancestral dialect. There was a hole in the floor for someone underneath to operate a Nuuchah-nulth-speaking puppet.

“That was how we got taught to dance in our culture,” said Mack. “Remembering back, they didn’t talk much in English at all, they always talked in their language.”

But a larger tide of change was underway. Like many generations before her, Mack was sent to Christie Indian Residential School at the age of five, where she remained for five years until her father moved her to a school in Esperanza.

Part of Canada’s assimilationist policy to mold Indigenous children into mainstream society, accounts from Christie eventually surfaced from former students, retelling experiences of physical and sexual abuse.

Emotion quickly emerges withinArchie Little as he recalls returning to Nuchatlitz for the summer break.

“One thing we did not want to do was talk about the bad things,” he said. “We wanted to go there and enjoy life for two months.”

Despite the hardship at Christie, Little recalls his parents being powerless before the Catholic missionaries that ran the institution.

“They put fear into our parents that we were going to hell. I remember they encouraged my parents to have lots of kids so they could fill Christie,” he said, recalling instructions from the missionaries. “‘But,’ they said, ‘You cannot look after your kids. That’s why we’re here’.”

Meanwhile the number of people living in Nuchatlitz was declining. Little recalls approximately 100 at the village in the 1950s, but by the early 1970s about 25 people lived in the six remaining houses, according to Mack.

When the sisters returned to Nuchatlitz in the ‘70s, alcoholism caused an undercur-

rent of uneasiness.

“It was kind of scary to be around people that were under the influence, being so little,” remembers Mack.

“It was dangerous to be living here with alcoholics,” Smith added.

The fight for change

In 1987 the First Nation decided to move its main reserve community from Nuchatlitz to Ocluje.As reported by HaShilth-Sa at the time, this relocation was due to a lack of drinking water, but also to lessen the community’s isolation, as their children would then be able to take a bus to the nearby school in Zeballos. Four houses were moved, while one stayed in Nuchatlitz, states the article.

“Before houses are moved about 10 acres of land will be cleared at [Ocluje] and a road and small bridge will be built to connect with the road to Fair Harbour,” reads the Ha-Shilth-Sa edition fromApril 9, 1987.

But decades later the appetite remains to reconnect with the old reserve site. For

members like Jessie Mack, this is also part of connecting with family she didn’t know as a child.

“I never knew I had eight brothers or four sisters,” she said. “There was 13 of us. I only grew up with my three younger brothers and my younger sister.”

Audrey Smith sees this disconnection as the result of so many generations being taken away for residential school.

“They took away our families, they separated us, and we lost connection with each other,” she said. “We lost connection in a way that we didn’t know them, so I’m actually spending the rest of my life trying to get to know my family. It’s going to take that long.”

An admitted alcoholic in recovery, Smith has now been sober for 22 years. It’s part of her lifelong battle – and an example of why the Nuchatlitz camp out remains an alcohol-free gathering.

“It was actually because of my children that I decided to fight for change,” said Smith. “Everything that I do is based on family.”

‘Swarm’ of earthquake activity detected off west coast

Earthquakes Canada advises that this month’s frequent activity is not a warning for a devastating seismic event

By Holly Stocking Ha-Shilth-Sa EditorialAssistant

Vancouver Island, BC – In the early morning hours of July 11th Tofino residents felt the effects of an earthquake 209 kilometres off their coast.Amagnitude 6.4 earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometres was measured and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey at 8:08 a.m., followed by another four quakes, magnitude 4.3, 4.9 4.8, and then the last 4.6 magnitude event at around 8:20am on July 12.

Amagnitude of 6.4 earthquake could trigger smaller earthquakes.According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 99 per cent chance of at least one aftershock of greater than magnitude 3 within the next week.

The magnitude 6.4 earthquake was “lightly felt” on Vancouver Island, with no damage or tsunami, reports Earthquakes Canada, and these five earthquakes bring the total to 14 in July.A preliminary magnitude of all around 4.0 or greater have now been detected from these seismic events in B.C. waters since the start of July.

PortAlberni Marine Fuels and Services staff reported seeing “a random series of small waves” pass by their fuel dock midafternoon on July 11.

“We are currently experiencing a swarm of activity offshore Vancouver Island, at the intersection of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, the Sovanco Fracture Zone, and the Nootka Fault,” stated Earthquakes Canada.

With all this recent earthquake activity, it has some Vancouver Island residents wondering if they could be feeling ‘the big one’any time soon.

While coastal British Columbia experi-

ences the largest and most frequent of Canadian earthquakes, including offshore events that may cause tsunamis, Earthquakes Canada says there is no indication a larger and more damaging one is expected in the coming months or even years. But it is important to be prepared. After the reported earthquakes Tseshaht First Nation released a series of informational posters to help their community members know what to do and how to be prepared. The First Nation advises members to keep in mind that phone, gas, electricity and water may not work after a large seismic event. Roads may be

Duriing an earthquake event once you feel the ground shake or hear an alert you must immediately drop, cover and hold on until the shaking ends, but anticipate

more aftershocks as well, states the First Nation.After it is safe to move, assess your situation and be aware there may be other hazards caused by the earthquake such as fires or a tsunami.

In case of a tsunami, coastal residents are urged to listen to the local radio, tv, outdoor sirens or wireless emergency alerts and then proceed to a local muster area, higher ground or inland.

On July 11 four earthquakes at a depth of 10 kilometres occurred 209 kilometres from Tofino. The first was 6.4 magnitude at 8:08 a.m., followed by a 4.3, 4.9 and then a 4.8 at around 10:30 a.m. blocked, and Tseshaht stresses the need to prepare a grab-and-go bag for each member of a home, including pets. Each bag should be personalized to the person’s needs, but things like first aid kits, garbage bags, sanitary items, drinking water, nonperishable food with a manual can opener, flashlight, batteries, phone charger and a whistler to signal for help are always good to have in case of an emergency.

More information on emergency preparedness is available at www.getprepared.gc.ca. For more on Canadian earthquakes, you can visit www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca

Phrase†of†the†week:†+u>pa>%a+quu†%aya%is%a>†tatnaa%iš††waa>ak†ca%ak†ma>uuwah=s%i†

Pronounced ‘Clue paw alt koo ah ya ish alth taugh nah ish wah talk caa ugk malthus ii wah ish ii,’it means ‘On hot days, a lot of children go to the river to cool off.’ Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Christine Sparks

Earthquakes Canada map

Tla-o-qui-aht hopes to benefit from tourism initiative

Tribal Parks allies generated $300,000 for Tla-o-qui-aht in 2023, but First Nation believes it could be much more

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

Tofino, BC – Saya Masso is grateful for the work that Tourism Tofino officials are doing.

But Masso, the lands and resources manager for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, believes much more needs to be done before his First Nation can fully start reaping benefits it deserves.

Tourism Tofino announced last month details of a new initiative through an organization called Destination Think. Tourism Tofino is one of the founding members of this group, whose goals include implementing improvements in travel.

Afocus for this new group will be supporting Indigenous rights, culture and language revitalization through tourism.

Jody Kirk, Tourism Tofino’s destination stewardship manager, believes this focus is vital.

“It is important to Tourism Tofino that visitors understand that when they’re visiting Tofino, they are in Tla-o-qui-aht territory and to have an appreciation of the culture, history and ongoing stewardship of the area,” she said. “We want visitors to understand that this place is so special because of current and millennia-long Indigenous traditions of stewardship.”

Kirk also said Tourism Tofino has launched an upgraded website, which incorporates Nuu-chah-nulth content. This content was created with reps from the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.

It can be viewed here: https://tourismtofino.com/about-tofino/tla-o-qui-aht-tribalparks/

Those who visit the website can also see details on the allies program and the ʔiisaak pledge.

Masso said the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation created its allies program in 2018.

“Our band members asked us to write a letter seeking a relationship with all of the businesses in town and to see the implementation of our right to benefit from our title lands,” Masso said. The goal was to get Tofino businesses to contribute a one-per-cent fee, from money they get from their customers, to help maintain the Tribal Parks.

The plan hit an obvious snag when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But it has been recently ramped up again.And it is featured in the Destination Think initiative as visitors are encouraged to explore the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s allies program page.

“I’m proud of them advocating and trying to drive traffic to our Tribal Parks and

Visitors look at

in

bring attention to it and show the value of our Tribal Parks program,” Masso said of Tourism Tofino officials. “It all helps. We’re very proud of what they’ve done.”

The Tribal Park allies program is done completely on a volunteer basis.

“We have 125 businesses that are allies but that’s not anywhere near all the businesses in Tofino,” Masso said. Masso realizes that so much more work could be done on this front.

“This is a $350 million economy in Tofino,” he said. “And it is a result of the Meares Island Tribal Park that protects the drinking water for Tofino. Meares Island Tribal Park cost us a lot of money to go to court, to fight in court to stop logging and to establish that park. If we were getting one per cent of that economy that is Tofino, we would have $3.5 million a year. But we’re very far from that.”

Masso added his First Nation received about $300,000 from the allies program in 2023. This figure was well below what Tla-o-qui-aht officials are hoping from the one-per-cent fee.

territory,

“So, we have a long way to go,” Masso said. “And rising tides should float all boats. We have a lot of infrastructure needs and service needs we’re trying to address.And so, it’s important to elevate the Tribal Parks allies program. It’s literally a human right for Indigenous people to benefit from the use of their lands. We have to go knock on doors to get our right recognized.”

As for the ʔiisaak pledge, Masso said that was established several years ago as well.

“But this year we refined it,” he said. “I think we got it much more articulate and easier for people to understand.”

The pledge can be viewed here: https:// tourismtofino.com/about-tofino/iisaakpledge/

It includes four Tla-o-qui-aht teachings and laws.

“We’re asking people to live up to the principles of it,” Masso said. “Even residents. People get it. People understand. The environment is on peoples’minds all the time. I think it’s received really well.”

Submitted photo

Those browsing the website can also learn local names in Nuu-Chah-Nulth language.

“We also worked with Destination Think on a podcast series featuring local stewardship and tourism initiatives, including interviews featuring projects led by the Tla-o-qui-aht andAhousaht First Nations to gain greater benefits from visitation and fund much-needed stewardship actions,” Kirk said.

Another British Columbia organization, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, which is based in Williams Lake, is also part of the Destination Think organization. Also included isAlberta’s Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

The collective includes fourAmerican travel associations as well: Visit Mammoth (California), Travel Marquette (Michigan), Visit Bend (Indiana) and Visit Grand Junction (Colorado).

Others are located inAustralia, Denmark, New Zealand and SouthAfrica.

carvings

Tla-o-qui-aht

which includes the tourist hub of Tofino. The Tribal ParksAllies program invites Tofino businesses to charge a one-per-cent fee that goes towards the First Nation to manage its territory.

Ready for the heat wave?

Temperatures reached mid 30s in parts of Vancouver Island during the summer of 2024’s first heat wave

By Holly Stocking Ha-Shilth-Sa EditorialAssistant

The first heat wave of the summer hit the region over the July 6th weekend, prompting Environment Canada to issue a weather warning for central and east Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island residents saw highs ranging from the low to mid-30s all weekend. PortAlberni broke a few records with a high of 35 Celsius over the weekend, Victoria 29, Tofino 26 and Gold River getting up to 30 C.

With these high temperatures the First Nation’s HealthAuthority is urging people to stay cool.

“Heat can be dangerous, especially to elders, people with disabilities and young children,” stated the FNHA. “Please take precautions to keep everyone cool when the temperatures heat up.”

The FNHAgave Ha-Shilth-Sa a list of tips to stay cool. These include closing your curtains and windows during the day and opening them at night will keep your home cooler. It also helps to take it easy and avoid intense activities, drink plenty of water, while seeking out cooler locations such as shaded areas, basements and air-conditioned buildings will also help, according to the health authority. You can also apply ice packs or cool damp cloths to your wrist and neck to reduce your body temperature and check on others, especially those who live alone or are at high risk.

During times of extreme heat, it is also important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat these conditions, according to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Heat exhaustion will have you feeling

faint or dizzy, causing excessive sweating with pale, clammy skin, bringing on nausea, a rapid or weak pulse as well as muscle cramps. If you are feeling these symptoms, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation stresses the importance of finding a cooler location, raising your feet, drinking plenty of water or an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade and to cool your skin with water or a fan. Icepacks can be placed around the neck or armpits to speed the cooling process.

Heat stroke being a much more serious condition, people are urged to call 911 or have someone take you to your local emergency room. Heat stroke symptoms include throbbing headache, no sweating, a feverish body with a temperature above 103 degrees, nausea or vomiting, a rapid strong pulse and you may lose consciousness. While waiting for emergency services lay down in a recovery position to prevent additional injury if you do lose consciousness.

This reporter also wants to remind you that a heat wave is hard for our pets as well. The BC SPCAurges owners to leave your pet at home while you are out for errands and to not have them in a hot vehicle.Acar on a hot day can be 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit hotter inside than the temperature outside after 60 minutes. Providing ample hydration is as crucial for your pet to stay hydrated, as it is for you. Walking your dog in the early morning before the asphalt gets to hot, making a frozen treat bowl and giving them a cooling place to sleep will help your pet make it through this weekend’s heat wave.

With these high temperatures expected to continue for the next seven days its important to be prepared.

Les Sam Construction

Farewell to the Martin Mars Water Bombers

July 27

Sproat Lake Community Hall

11:00am – 3:00 pm Live music, Guest Speakers, Bomber museum, Bomber photo opportunity, Food Concession, Bomber merchandise,Activities for all ages, Door Prizes and raffles. Limited Parking available so please carpool, walk or ride.

Open Invitation - Indian name giving

Sept 28

Thunderbird Hall, Campbell River

Starts at 10am, lunch be Served at 12pm and supper at 6:30pm. Please Come Share a meal with my family & friends.

Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

Every Monday

CYS - 4841 Redford Street, Port Alberni

10am-12pm. We offer Prenatal and infant development information, special guests, snacks provide and $20.00 food voucher per family. Referrals when needed. NTC Nursing and Doula’s 250-724-3939. Enter from 4th avenue side, building with orange stripe.

Girls Group

Every Tuesday

Usma culture space, PortAlberni

5:00pm-7:00pm Girls ages 13-18. Need a safe space? Want to express yourself? Looking to learn to bake and cook? Do you enjoy doing crafts? Come join us for

&Community Beyond

fun activities with food and refreshments every Tuesday!

Eating in Balance

Wednesdays

PortAlberni Friendship Center –Treasure our young ones childcare center

Group works together starting with planting seeds up until preserving the food. 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 250-723-8281 ext. 233 or aflaro@ pafriendshipcenter.com or on FBAmber PAFC

Drop In Play Group

Every Thursday

July andAugust

Roger Creek Water Park – 4720 Pemberton Rd. PortAlberni, B.C.

1:00pm – 2:30pm. The PortAlberni Friendship center invites you to meet us for our Drop In play group. Light snack provided and a $10.00 nutrition coupon. For more information please call Leanne or Tamara at 250-723-8281

Cultural Brushings with Quu asa

Every Friday

RedfordAdministration Building, Port Alberni

9:00am-12:00pm Cultural Brushings in support of the Tseshaht Community. If you have any questions, please call Leanne Harding,AdministrativeAssistant 250-724-1225

Holly Stocking photo

Children stay cool at a spray park as PortAlberni heats up on the morning of Friday, July 5.

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

Ditidaht gets DFO funding to restore Doobah Creek

The restoration windfall will address the loss of salmon spawning and rearing habitat due to industrial logging

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

The Doobah Creek watershed, an area ravaged by industrial logging, can now begin its healing journey with $852,000 in federal funds to support restoration work over the next four years.

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Ditidaht First Nation’s territory, about 92 kilometres southwest of PortAlberni via the Bamfield Road, the entire headwaters of the Doobah Creek were logged off multiple times — a poor industrial approach which annihilated fish spawning habitat. Forty years later, the Ditidaht people are starting to rebuild.

“Basically, we’re trying to save all our fish,” said Ditidaht’s natural resource manager Paul Sieber.

The First Nation’s restoration plan includes taking chum from the Hobiton River and rearing them in the Doobah watershed. In the early 1970s a grassroots environmental campaign saved three lakes, Hobiton, Squalicum and Tsusiat, from being logged. By the mid-1980s the three lakes or “Nitinat Triangle” was formally added to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR), and travelling from lake to lake is considered a bucket list adventure for canoeists.

“Hobiton River flows out of Nitinaht Triangle into Nitinaht Lake. That upper watershed is in the park, so it’s never been logged. We have viable runs in there of wild chum, steelhead and coho that still go spawn there,” said Sieber.

Ditidaht has hired veteran biologist Mike Wright and his team at M.C. Wright andAssociates Ltd. to work towards restoring Doobah Creek watershed. Most recently, M.C. Wright helped with the Cheewaht Lake Restoration project. Fish habitat around Cheewaht Lake, while

located within the boundaries of the PRNPR, was still impacted by nearby forestry activity due to log jams and sediment flow. Since the restoration work on Cheewaht started about three years ago, Sieber says it’s “helped greatly”, but any concrete results will be determined this fall, four years after the restoration began.

“We just keep monitoring. Thank God (the fish) are coming back,” said Sieber. “The provincial and federal government, they are reacting way too late. There is a lot of stewardship funding coming up, but it’s not enough. It’s not just our nation.”

He went on to tell the Ha-Shilth-Sa that there needs to be a more permanent funding stream established.

“We will still need funding for future monitoring and hatchery rearing,” said Sieber. “We know (restoration) is longterm and we have to continually ask the federal government for funding.”

Funding for Doobah Creek watershed is one of four projects in B.C. to receive a portion of about $9.3 million in federal funds under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan,Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF). The other projects include: enhancing estuarine resilience for salmon in the Salish Sea by SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, managing and restoring a historic marine-based log han-

dling site in Haida Gwaii and culturing giant and bull kelp by the Kelp Rescue Initiative.All four projects were funded over a four-year term.

“The Government of Canada is committed to taking action to restore and safeguard the health of our ocean and freshwater ecosystems,” wrote Diane Lebouthillier, minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, in a July 9 media release. “We are proud to help fund the work of these recipients in restoring and enhancing priority coastal and upstream aquatic areas. Working together, we can enhance our abilities to combat climate change through aquatic restoration activities.”

Alexandra Mehl photo

AParks Canada worker uses a fish counting fence in the Cheewaht watershed. The river system has benefitted from restoration work in recent years to recover the area from industrial forestry activities. Recently the Ditidaht First Nation received funding to help another part of its territory, the Doobah Creek watershed.

Restoration proposed after fires devastate fish habitat

After the ‘most destructive’wildfire season in history, the Pacific Salmon Foundation proposes a recovery plan for habitat

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As 2023 marked British Columbia’s “most destructive” wildfire season, with 2.84 million hectares of fires burning across the province, the Pacific Salmon Foundation recently released a list of possible human interactions to recover salmon habitat.

With a grand total of 2,293 wildfires by December, the province declared 2023 the “most destructive” year throughout British Columbia’s history. With the prediction of “larger, more intense and more frequent” wildfires in the future, the Pacific Salmon Foundation is concerned for B.C.’s wild salmon habitat and watersheds.

“The recent wildfires in B.C. have brought new climate change-related vulnerabilities into focus. Individual fires have exceeded 100,000 hectares in size and have engulfed entire watersheds at scales and intensities that signal a possible shift in the disturbance patterns experienced in the 20th century,” reads the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Playbook to Guide Landscape Recovery Strategies and Priorities for Salmon Habitat Following Major Wildfires.

“The resultant alterations in soils and the loss of vegetation combine to influence stream flows and temperatures, channel morphology and water quality, and these impacts threaten to push some salmon populations beyond their ability to adapt,” continued the guide. “This is especially true for those populations that are already ‘at risk’and limited by factors worsened by wildfire.”

With reference to more than 450 materials related to wildfire recovery, the playbook is a compilation of “best practices”, giving guidance on how to better integrate salmon after the devastation of wildfire, with approaches to improving their habitat. This strategy claims to “accelerate” the recovery of salmon habitat devastated by forest fires.

Some of these measures are immediate, such as removing blockages that stop fish from migrating through streams.Another example given by the Pacific Salmon Foundation is an engineered debris basin that controls the runoff and collection of sediment in a stream, after this natural process has been disrupted by a wildfire. Other approaches listed in the strategy are not expected to take full effect for five or six decades, but their importance is highlighted for the long-term benefits to the environment that salmon rely on. These long-term initiatives aim to restore natural habitat, such as replanting trees to stabilize erosion, and human-made “beaver dam analogues” that mimic structures the animals would build in a floodplain. Specifically designed structures can improve stream conditions, states the recovery strategy. These include installing weirs, rock steps, “grade-control structures”, engineered log jams and placed boulders to control stream flow.

The Playbook cites the most impacts from wildfire occurring in B.C.’s interior, where large sections saw the most fre-

In early July 2023 the

that made last year the most devastating

Columbia. quent blazes in recent years. Meanwhile, wildfire impacts on the west section of Vancouver Island were listed as comparatively “rare”, and the Island’s east side saw “infrequent” events, according to the PSF document.

Jim Lane, program manager for Nuuchah-nulth Tribal Council’s Uu-a-thluk, says that the impacts of wildfire on salmon habitat are going to vary depending on location in the province.

“Although on a landscape level, fire is the major disturbance,” said Lane in reference to how wildfires have affected Vancouver Island. “But generally, [it] doesn’t happen all that frequently.”

One of the first concerns, Lane shared, will depend on how fast the fire moves, and if the fire is next to a small stream or a large lake.

“You don’t have to worry about temperature issues in a large lake, but you probably would in a stream,” said Lane. “If it’s right in there, it’d probably create some temperature stress.”

He notes that temperature stress will also depend on the flow of water and the existing water temperature.

“If you had a fire along the banks of Sproat lake, where there [isn’t] really any sort of streams coming in, it’s not going to do a lot to the lake,” said Lane. “All along a number of small streams that are all fish bearing, then they could have some negative impacts.”

Lane added that when the understory, the layer of vegetation below a forest’s main canopy, is removed, it can destabilize surface soils. During rainfall material can enter into streams, which can also be a concern for fish in the area.

Pacific salmon are widely known for their cultural and ecological significance throughout province, but more than half

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of B.C.’s populations are in some sort of decline, according to the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

“Described regularly as ‘iconic’, Pacific salmon populations have been, and continue to be, relevant to cultures, economies and ecosystems across British Columbia,” reads the Playbook. “Humanity’s enduring value and esteem for these stocks is well placed and, to this day, salmon remain central toAboriginal, recreation and commercial fisheries.”

To date, the drought level for West Vancouver Island currently resides at level two, where water conservation measures are possible, however, adverse

impacts are “unlikely”, according to the province. On the eastern half of the Island, which includes the Somass River and PortAlberni, the province lists the area at drought level three. This entails likely local water restrictions, and possible adverse impacts on the ecosystem, economy and communities. By the end of June last year drought levels had already reached level four, and remained at level five through most of July through to late September.

Since mid-May, category two and three fire bans have been in place in the coastal fire region. On Friday, July 12 a campfire ban took effect in the region.

B.C. Wildfire Management Branch photo

16.6-hectare Klanawa River fire was discovered on southwest Vancouver Island, one of almost 3,000

on record in British

Sockey season deemed a success so far on Somass

The early summer conditions were favourable, but lower numbers of sockey salmon are heading to Sproat Lake

By Holly Stocking Ha-Shilth-Sa EditorialAssistant

PortAlberni, BC – With DFO’s latest Somas Sockeye Bulletin showing favorable numbers the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations’fishery departments are stating that the first half of this year’s season was a success.

“The high rain falls in June made the fishing conditions very favorable,” Les Sam, Tseshaht Councillor tells Ha-ShilthSa Newspaper.

But the July heat wave has stalled the fish from coming up the river. The salmon will hold down in the cooler waters of the canal when the river water temperatures rise, slowing down the fishers’catch. The estimated catch for the Somas First Nations so far is 61,862 sockeye salmon and 17,049 for the Maanulth Nations

While the catch has been good, the inequity of sockeye travelling up and making it into Sproat Lake has become a concern for Uu-a-thluk and DFO, with only 37,439 as of July 9. The Great Central Lake numbers show they are reaching their target this year at 112,557 as of July 9.

The Somas Sockeye Bulletin show recreational fishers have reeled in about 26,202 this year and will be reducing the daily limit for tidal waters from four fish to two per day, starting as early as July 24 pending what the next Fishery Notice states.

Eric Plummer photos

On an afternoon in mid June the Somass River was full of fishers from the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.As of July 9 the two Indigenous communities have caught 61,862 sockeye salmon.