Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper June 13, 2024

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 51 - No. 12—June 13, 2024 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Fish farm licences end June 30 Industry’s future uncertain, questions surround a pending transition plan

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Eric Plummer photo

Arthur Robinson and the students from Haahuupayak School performed during a Nuu-chah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries meeting in Port Alberni June 5, displaying elaborate traditional masks and regalia for the delegates. Story on Page 15.

Inside this issue...

Port pub tentants face homelessness...............................Page 4 Nuchatlaht celebrates court win.....................................Page 7 Ditidaht’s annual paddle days..............................Pages 12&13 H=aa’yuups shares knowledge of petroglyphs.............Page 17 Expedition explores earthquake effects........................Page 23

With a few weeks left before British Columbia’s fish farm licences expire, the federal government remain tight lipped about the future of the industry.

All of the 85 finfish licences off the B.C. coast are due to expire on June 30, and renewals are being sought for 66 of the sites - most of which raise Atlantic salmon in the Pacific waters. With 52 of the active farms off the west coast of Vancouver Island, most of the sites are in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, evoking intensely divisive opinions from those who call the region their ancestral home.

Kevin Conley, a biologist and resource manager with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, addressed the uncertainty around the licences during a Nuu-chah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries in Port Alberni June 5. He said DFO has collected input from coastal First Nations to help inform the possible re-issuance of the licences.

“That decision hasn’t been made yet on those renewals,” said Conley. “It’s going through the internal decision-making process.”

“DFO is now preparing recommendations related to renewal of these licences which will include a decision on licence duration,” wrote Fisheries and Oceans Canada in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “Prior to any licencing cycle, DFO reviews current conditions of licence, performance of industry, updated science, and other factors.”

During the recent fisheries meeting Council of Ha’wiih Chair Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo, expressed frustration at the federal department’s continued support for the proliferation of fish farms over the last generation, despite environmental problems with the practice. Atleo is also an Ahousaht member, and he explained that his First Nation allows Cermaq to operate salmon farms in its territory under agreed environmental standards and a benefits agreement that supports the community.

“We get stuck between a rock and a hard place,” he said.

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

Continued on page 3.

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Debate surrounds industry, nations split on issue Continued from page 1.

‘Environmental devastation’ Hovering over the industry is a mandate from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “create a responsible transition plan from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.” A draft of this plan is expected some time this year.

In an interview with Ha-Shilth-Sa in December, Canada’s current Fisheries Minister Dianne Lebouthillier said the transition plan will not mean the immediate closure of fish farms off the B.C. coast.

Since then, Lebouthillier and her office “continue to have meaningful conversations with all stakeholders involved.”

“We know that Pacific salmon stocks are fragile, and that protecting them will have long-term benefits for the entire West Coast,” stated the minister’s office. “We continue to work on a responsible transition plan that protects Pacific Salmon, while supporting workers and their communities.”

Some fear that to protect the status quo of the industry Ottawa is sitting on the fence, merely coming out with a transition plan by 2025 rather than taking permanent measures to remove ocean-based fish farms.

The First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance wants the open-net pens out of the water next year, listing over 120 First Nations in support. This encompasses most of the First Nations in British Columbia, including the Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht and Ditidaht in Nuu-chah-nulth territory.

The Wild Salmon Alliance cites a resolution from the First Nations Summit back in 2016, which states that finfish farms pose “serious and proven impacts” that threaten “the sustainability and survival of wild salmon stocks.”

For years the Union of BC Indian Chiefs has also opposed fish farms. In February the most recent of many resolutions against the practice was passed, stating that “open net-pen fish farming has long generated public concern for both its environmental devastation and its health consequences for wild aquatic species, becoming focal points for salmon-related diseases and viruses, for hazardous levels of parasitic sea lice impacting wild migratory juvenile salmon, and for unnatural levels of predation targeting vulnerable herring stocks.” $6 million in benefits for Ahousaht Both the First Nations Summit and UBCIC resolutions cited the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, stressing the right for Aboriginal communities to determine what happens in their territories. But this right to self determination is also being used in defense of keeping fish farms in the water, with strong words coming from the Ahousaht First Nation off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Most of the finfish farms west of Vancouver Island raise Atlantic salmon. An exception are pens in Clayoquot Sound that raise chinook, which follows an agreement between Creative Salmon and Tla-o-qui-aht in the First Nation’s territorial waters.

Elsewhere in Clayoquot Sound Cermaq runs 15 sites, although not all are stocked at the same time. For over a decade the aquaculture operator has had a protocol agreement with Ahousaht to farm in the First Nation’s territory, worth an estimated $6 million in annual benefits for the Indigenous community.

Over 20 Ahousaht members work at Cermaq’s salt-water farms, processing

Eric Plummer photo

Kevin Conley from Fisheries and Oceans Canada speaks at the Nuu-chah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries meeting June 5 in Port Alberni. plant and in support roles in Clayoquot Sound.

Ahousaht Acting Tyee Ha’wilth Hasheukumiss, Richard George, stated that closing the farms in his territory would lead to “devastating job losses, food security concerns and increased daily costs for Ahousaht musčim,” according to a column published by iPolitics in late 2023.

In a notice to members in November, Ahousaht’s hereditary chiefs stated that the First Nation’s agreement with Cermaq has brought numerous benefits, including funding sports, cultural events, covering the cost of funerals, as well as subsidizing Ahousaht’s fuel station and Ahous Hakuum water taxi.

“We are actively using funding secured through our protocol agreement to provide musčim with food fish and enhance their food security,” stated the notice from Ha’wiih. “This is currently valued at more than $250,000 annually and is expected to continue growing exponentially as our community grows.”

The protocol agreement also entails specific standards for the farms. Ahousaht has required that the sea lice threshold be lower than what DFO normally requires, down to an average of less than 1.5 lice per fish during the sensitive period of February to July when wild salmon migrate out to the ocean. Elsewhere DFO requires special management measures if lice levels are an average of over three per fish.

Ahousaht is even considering more aquaculture.

“We are currently exploring sable fish, expanding our successful kelp farm, farming shellfish such as oysters and geoduck, and establishing clam gardens,” stated the hereditary chiefs.

The ‘amplification’ of disease According to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, about half of the species’ populations are in some state of decline. A variety of factors are listed as the cause, including a changing climate, habitat degradation, pollution and the “introduction of disease-causing pathogens through aquaculture.”

A report from the foundation in 2022 stated that the density in net-pen fish farms “present ideal conditions for amplification of viruses, bacteria and

parasites.”

“Given the perilous state of Pacific salmon migrating past these farms filled with Atlantic salmon – that amplify harmful pathogens and sea lice – we believe strongly that moving the farms out of the water is urgent and essential in order to rebuild Pacific salmon stocks in British Columbia,” stated Pacific Salmon Foundation President and CEO Michael Meneer when the report was published.

The risks that fish farms pose to wild stocks has been contested by the industry.

With farm licences due to expire, in May a 617-page “textbook” was published by the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences and the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship.

“Pathogens shed by farms are diluted and degraded in the environment; this decreases the chance of wild fish getting infected from a farm-source disease,” stated the large study, titled Modern Salmon Farming in British Columbia: A Review.

The review also states that just three per cent of farmed salmon die in the ocean each year from infectious disease, adding that “we expect that even fewer wild salmon – dispersed in the environment – might die from farm-source diseases.”

Piscine orthoreovirus, or PRV, is one of these diseases that originated in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s now a risk to chinook due to the farms on the B.C. coast, according to the Pacific Salmon Foundation report.

“In Pacific salmon, PRV infection can result in rupture of the blood cells, which can lead to organ damage,” stated the foundation’s 2022 report. “PRV infects nearly all farmed Atlantic salmon in B.C. by the time they are ready to harvest, and recent findings from our research group indicate that resident wild chinook salmon are more likely to be infected with PRV the closer they are to a farmed salmon.”

But the industry’s 617-page review indicates that PRV isn’t such a risk to wild stocks. It notes that scientific evidence shows “infection does not cause disease, mortality or physiologically relevant swimming impairment” in wild sockeye, while none of the 272 Atlantic salmon fish health events reported to DFO from 2016 to 2022 were due to PRV.

“As evidence that accounts for all salmon farm threats – known and unknown – adult returns of iconic salmon populations were similar before and during the salmon farming years,” states the industry review. “Total Fraser River sockeye salmon adult returns averaged 6.8 million per year before salmon farming began in the Discovery Islands region (1962-1989) and 8 million per year during the salmon farming years (1990-2022).”

First Nations opposition closed farms While this may sound convincing, many don’t trust the safety of fish farms. This has caused the number of sites on the B.C. coast to decline in recent years, with 15 being removed from the Discovery Islands and another 17 farms closed in the Broughton Archipelago amid opposition from First Nations in that region.

“There used to be way more farms than there is now, but because of lack of First Nations support many have been closed,” said Dallas Smith, a spokesperson for the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship.

In that vein, Ottawa appears to be listening more to Indigenous communities with a stake in salmon farming, said Smith, who is also a member of the Tlowitsis First Nation. B.C. salmon farms employ 276 Indigenous people, and 17 formal agreements bring a total economic benefit of $50 million to First Nations, according to the coalition.

“It’s one thing to just talk about how you could phase something out, but to do it without a transition plan in place would put a lot of our communities at peril because we depend on the revenue, the jobs, the opportunity,” he said. “To just turn the taps off on that overnight would be catastrophic.”

Meanwhile it remains to be seen what a viable alternative to net pens would be.

Land-based facilities won’t work, according to Ahousaht Ha’wiih.

“We have explored land-based aquaculture that are simply not economically viable in our Haḥuułii and come with significant climate concerns,” stated the November message to Ahousaht members.

“For a lot of the recirculation in closed containment technologies that are out there, we simply don’t have the power infrastructure to be in place,” said Smith.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

By order of PAFD: Port Pub tenants face homelessness Concerns about asbestos and no fire alarm or working sprinkler system force tenants out with few hours notice

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – Tenants of Port Pub, a 24-room, run-down nuisance property that is home to some of Port Alberni’s most underprivileged, woke to troubling news on Wednesday, May 29 – they had just a few short hours to pack what belongings they could and move out.

At 9:35 that morning the City of Port Alberni issued a statement detailing the events that led up to the latest evacuation of Port Pub. “The City of Port Alberni is addressing a concerning situation involving hazardous materials at 5170 Argyle Street,” stated the city. “Following a remedial action order and subsequent inspections, it has been confirmed that immediate action is necessary to minimize exposure to these materials. As a result, employees and contractors have been removed from the site. This has resulted in the enactment of a Fire Order prompting the evacuation of the building due to the absence of active fire systems in the building.”

The news was so unexpected and sudden that tenants didn’t know what they could pack in a few hours or where they would go.

Port Alberni Fire Department Chief Mike Owens had the unenviable job of informing Port Pub residents of the sudden eviction order. Shortly after noon he approached some Port Pub residents in the alley next to the building, asking to have them come out to hear what he had to say to them.

With most of the residents standing around him in the alley, Owen talked about what has happened at the building since the City of Port Alberni issued a remediation order to the owner of the building in January.

He said the roof is compromised and ceilings are falling down. In February there was an issue with the fire alarms, which the city paid to have fixed for the safety of the residents. Shortly afterward, someone triggered the sprinkler system and it has since been disabled.

With no audible fire alarm and no sprinklers, the city hired security to respond in case of fire. In addition, the city has begun remedial work to make the building safe. The work at the building will be billed to the owner, along with the cost of security staff.

Debris from crumbling ceilings was sent for testing and asbestos was discovered.

Chief Owen said Worksafe BC, in the absence of exact numbers, has deemed the asbestos exposure risk as moderate to high.

“We can’t have fire watch people there,” Owen told the residents.

He told them they had until 3 p.m. to evacuate the building. When asked why they don’t get a 90-day notice, Owen told them that is not the case with a Fire Order.

Outreach workers were on standby,

Denise Titian photo

Port Alberni Fire Department Chief Mike Owen explains to residents of the Port Pub why they can’t live there anymore.

The eviction occurred May 29.

“He used to take me everywhere, bike asked a woman. some offering food, water and packing “How are we supposed to get the rest of riding, showing me who family is.” boxes. SPCA staff were also there with When asked if he thinks the building pet carriers, offering to house the animals our shit?” asked a man.

The tenants were told that they would be will be torn down, Touchie said, “well, until their owners found a place to live. able to access their belongings left behind they’d better build a fire wall around it Residents milled around the alley, first, with all the rats and cockroaches in at a later date, but Owen could not say shocked, confused, visibly angry and there.” when that would be. upset. A woman emerged from the doorTouchie said there was a bedbug infestaClearly angry, one of the residents said way wrapped in a blanket. She later came tion during his time at the hotel. they have nowhere to go. She said they out of the building, crouched down on “We got infested real fast – my girlmight as well build a tent city on the the pavement, and cried, as an outreach friend woke up with three big bed bugs vacant lot next to the Port Pub. worker comforted her with a hug. on her cheek,” he recalled.

Cory Touchie was in the alley observMost of the people living at Port Pub are Touchie is still homeless. His belonging the activity. With no spoon, he ate on social assistance. They may not have ings, including bags with yogurt cups much, but what they do have is important his yogurt off of his fingertips. He said and avocados, were set on a half-wall as he used to live at Port Pub and was only to them, including the crumbling roof he waited for friends to come out of the there that day to see if any of his friends over their heads. building. He said he mostly stays by the needed help moving. He knew about the “Where do we go?” asked one of the Safe Injection Site or by the Shelter on mass eviction before the residents did. men.

Eighth.

“When I got kicked out, I only had five “We are hoping to figure that out,” said “We like to go somewhere where it’s hours to get out,” he shared.

Owen.

He said he could only take one bag, and, safe,” he said.

He advised the tenants to speak to the An Island Health outreach worker said with no where to go, temporarily stayed Canadian Mental Health Association’s with a cousin. He says he’s been on the that she hopes community resource housing intake workers that were on site, streets on and off for about 20 years. services come together to collaborate to clipboards in hand. With little more than better support the displaced residents.

“My uncle lives here,” said Touchie. an hour left to pack, residents that didn’t get registered with intake workers on site were told to go to New Horizons Clubhouse to register there.

The outreach workers know the people by name. They were about as upset as the residents were.

“This is not fair,” one of them said.

There were no moving trucks, but Chief Owens said they had a vehicle available to help out. The only wheels some residents have are bicycles.

Later in the day the building would be boarded up and secured, Owen told the residents.

“What about the food in our fridges?”

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June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

Woman moves from Port Alberni after mass eviction Cica John spent the winter on Port Alberni’s streets before ge•ing a room in the Port Pub Hotel two years ago

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – Hurt, angry, scared.

That is how Cic John, 49, of Ehattesaht/ Ahousaht said she felt when she learned she was being evacuated from Port Pub, the run-down hotel she called home for more than two years.

It has been less than two weeks since residents of the dilapidated 24-unit Port Pub received emergency evacuation orders from the Port Alberni Fire Department chief, and some former residents are struggling to find permanent homes.

It was on Wednesday, May 29 that residents of Port Pub were given hours to pack up and move out. The City of Port Alberni has been struggling with the owner of the building, Peter Wang, to have repairs done. In January the city issued him an order to bring the building up to acceptable standards.

Wang has not responded to the City of Port Alberni’s orders. Without adequate fire suppression nor the ability to bring city workers and contractors into the building due to exposure to hazardous materials, there was no choice but to evict the tenants for their own safety, according to the municipal government.

John, who was diagnosed with bone cancer, struggles with pain. She said she had been living on the streets in the winter just over two years ago before friends suggested she try get a room at Port Pub. After living on the sidewalk next to the Safe Injection Site, the larger, single room on the corner of the Port Pub building was a step up from the street. The rent was $500 split with a couple. Cic says she paid $275 of the monthly rent.

The couple, she said, slept on a single bed while Cic slept on the love seat. The room had its own full bathroom. Some rooms at Port Pub don’t have restrooms.

There is a communal bathroom and shower on each floor for those tenants.

It is rumoured that some paying tenants didn’t even have rooms.

“Yeah, it’s true that some slept in halls and stairs, or in empty rooms,” Cic said.

But they didn’t pay rent, and were there for a place to sleep.

“The maintenance guy started boarding up empty rooms that they were trying to fix, to keep the homeless out of there,”

Submitted photo

After the mass eviction of the Port Pub Hotel, Cica John relocated to Ahousaht for the time being, but the building where she currently lives is also in a state of disrepair. do or where I was going to go. I could said John. hear everyone yelling and swearing. CryBut she admits there are some serious ing. Lots of things being broken, thrown problems in the building. out the door,” said John. “We all cared for “Port Pub is listing too, down toward each other, we were one big happy family Harbour Quay,” said John of the buildthen we all got split.” ing’s lean. “I was in number 10 on the When it became inevitable that they had corner. If the building fell over, mine to leave, John and her roommates began would be the first to go.” packing.

Even with its problems, the place was “We didn’t grab much of our stuff behome, and John’s rent had been paid until cause we didn’t want it getting mixed up the end of June. with other people’s stuff. There was only She first got word of the evacuation as they listened to the news on the radio that two moving trucks,” said John.

Some tenants rented more than one morning. room so that they would have storage.

“I was in tears, and then we went to “They had lots of stuff and we started Bread of Life for breakfast. When we came back there was signs all over in the helping others trying to move their stuff.

One old lady was there just about 19 hallways,” she recalled. “It was hurtful. years,” said John.

I was angry. I didn’t know what I was John and her roommates were placed in going to do.” a motel room on Redford Street. Shortly At first, John decided she wasn’t going after the evacuation of Port Pub, John to leave her room. Then she heard other traveled to Ahousaht to attend court and people saying that the workers are coming now, “and they put boxes by our door, a funeral. She has reconciled with her partner in Ahousaht, who also lives in a and I told them to get lost,” said John. condemned apartment.

She was scared.

But she is making the best of a tough “I just didn’t know what I was going to situation. John has a family doctor in Ahousaht that will take care of medical needs.

“I’m trying to get things done, I’m looking for a bed and a fridge,” said John.

The condemned apartment she shares

with her partner on reserve is also listing.

She has heard that the residents of the building’s three units will move to new homes in the village but she doesn’t know when that will happen.

As for Port Pub, there’s a chance that it will be demolished. Port Alberni City Council met June 10 to debate the best course of action after the latest remediation orders for the property went ignored by the owner. During the meeting it was reported the city has spent more than $200,000 on the building and workers so far.

A city worker said it would cost approximately $1 million to remediate the building or an estimated $200,000 to demolish. Abatement, hazardous materials and other unknown costs need to be factored in.

It was stated at the meeting that the property has been listed for sale.

Mayor Sharie Minions noted that while it may be popular consensus in the community to have the building demolished, this would take 24 low-income housing units out of the inventory. As deplorable as the conditions are at Port Pub, if there is a chance to rehabilitate the building, saving the units and keeping them in the inventory would be quicker than waiting for new construction to come online.

City Council is hoping that BC Housing will consider buying the building to renovate and rent out. The city will revisit the demolition order in two weeks.

For now, as long as the building sits empty and the owner is not taking responsibility for his property, the city continues to incur costs of securing the structure.

Another cost to the city is the handling of tenants’ property still in the building.

John says she wonders how she will get her stuff back from Port Pub. “I have a little fridge, microwave, and other stuff,” she said.

At the council meeting it was reported that the city wants to get the belongings to their owners as soon as possible. But they need to find a way to allow workers to safely enter the building to properly sort and store personal belongings so that they don’t get mixed together. No timeline has been set for this work.

John hopes to come to Port Alberni soon, to pick up her belongings and to check in with her roommates and fellow Port Pub tenants.

“Nobody knows where everybody went,” said John, adding she only knows about those who were sent to the same motel she stayed in. “People are still calling me, looking for others.”

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Hydro prioritizes big power generation New requirements for 25 per cent First Nation equity is leaving out smaller projects

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In early April, BC Hydro issued a competitive call for power for projects that include, for the first time, 25 per cent First Nation equity. But projects must meet a requirement of 3,000 Gigawatt hours per year, creating a gap for many smallerscale Indigenous energy initiatives.

“This call for power is 3,000 [GWh/ year] you have to have a minimum of 40 megawatt producing power in your project,” said Judith Sayers, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president. “It’s unlikely that any of the Nuu-chah-nulth nations have that large of a project.”

Sayers noted that BC Hydro worked with First Nations in the province to shape this call for power. However, despite attempts to include smaller Indigenous projects, power requirements were already established by the provincial utility, she shared.

But it’s “an amazing opportunity,” said Sayers, noting that this is the first time power projects have required to be at least a quarter owned by First Nations.

“Most of the projects that are going to be bidding in are going to be wind projects in the north.”

Yuho Okada is president of the Barkley Project Group, which helps many Nuu-chah-nulth nations with their power projects. He said this call from BC Hydro “took quite some time in making.”

“This is the first call in 15 years,” said Okada.

For years BC Hydro argued that the province had a surplus of energy, said Okada. However, they “adjusted their forecast” due to the need for more supply.

The call for power equates to five largescale wind projects, Okada said.

“The benefits of this equity requirement [are] only going to be limited to those five, maybe six, seven projects that are going to qualify,” he said. “A lot of the First Nations projects are not going to be eligible because they’re sort of smallscale projects.”

“BC Hydro is suggesting there could be a call in 2026 and 2028,” said Sayers. “We just have to keep lobbying and advocating for some of those projects to be smaller projects.”

In June of 2023 the province announced an allotment of $140 million to New Re-

lationship Trust’s (NRT) British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), which supports capacity for First Nations’ clean energy projects. The funding is specifically for small-scale power projects, starting in 2028.

“The general consensus out there is that the $140 million is actually not enough to accommodate all those business interests the First Nations have been developing over these last two decades,” said Okada.

Okada said money from the funding will “run out very, very quickly and then with that, the opportunity will be gone.”

“Like any other developers, First Nations require a certain market indication so that they can continue to invest in their own projects,” he said.

“There needs to be a consistent replacement program for the standing offer program,” said Kwatuuma, Cole Sayers, executive director of Clean Energy BC. “That’ll be for the smaller projects, that is, smaller than the 40 MW as a minimum for the call for power.”

“First Nations want that,” he added.

Hupacasath’s China Creek project and Tla-o-qui-aht’s canoe creek initiative are some examples of projects that Kwatuuma would like to see included to promote “energy sovereignty.”

“Right now, in Huu-ay-aht and Ditidaht, they can be cut off [from] power in the winter,” said Judith Sayers of the two remote communities, “anywhere from seven days to three weeks.”

“If they had their own project right there, their own micro grid, they could put the grid back up and get it running within days, I’m sure,” she said.

According to a past Ha-Shilth-Sa article, in March of 2020 the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nation’s village of Houpsitas, located at the mouth of Kyuquot Sound, experienced power outages for over a week.

With cold weather, spoiling food, school closures and “increased potential for physical harm” with residents’ attempts to provide heat for themselves, the nation declared a state of emergency for the village of under 200 residents.

Houpsitas is powered by Kyquot Power Ltd., owned by Synex International, which obtains electricity from BC Hydro for the small community of Kyuquot.

The power outages were believed to be caused by a fuse too small for the needs

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COVERAGE: Although we would like to be able to cover all stories and events, we will only do so subject to: - Sufficient advance notice addressed specifically to Ha-Shilth-Sa. - Reporter availability at the time of the event.

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Cole Sayers of the community.

Another example of an effective Nuuchah-nulth project is Canoe Creek Hydro, developed by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Barkley Project Group, which is supplying energy for the needs of 2,000 homes annually, according to Sayers.

But most of Vancouver Island remains powered by hydroelectric sources from Northern B.C. on the mainland.

Vancouver Island receives electricity from Peace River hydroelectric system, Kelly Lake Substation, and from the Columbia River system in Nicola Substation, according to Vancouver Island Economic Alliance - all are located on the mainland.

On Vancouver Island BC Hydro operates four hydroelectric systems and six generating stations, equating to four per cent of the utility’s 46,000 GWh total.

Sayers stressed the significance of ensuring there is enough local power.

“What happens if there’s an earthquake?” she questioned. “Or something that stops power between Northern B.C. and Vancouver Island.”

“Then we’re without power, and it could be for a long time,” said Sayers, noting that in the event of natural disasters it’s important to ensure “that our members have the power that they need, especially our elders.”

Kwatuuma would like to see more “First Nation jurisdiction being asserted” and more control in how to invest in the energy transition.

“Clean energy fits within First Nations worldview as a form of economic development,” he continued. “It’s something that has gone global amongst First Nations people.”

Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born. A community 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.

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June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Nuchatlaht celebrate celebrate court win to gain title Court’s recognition of a portion of territory seen as the ‘first step’ in First Nation’s quest for self determination

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Campbell River, BC – Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael and the legal team of E.J. Woodward Law Corporation hosted a victory celebration in Campbell River June 1 after their partial Aboriginal title court win last April. While it was a time for celebration, they acknowledged that the judge’s decision fell far short of their original land claim, vowing to appeal the decision to a higher court.

On April 17 Justice Elliott Myers released a judgement on the matter, which concerns the Nuchatlaht’s title claim to 201 square kilometres covering the northern part of Nootka Island. Myers determined that the First Nation proved Aboriginal title over a portion of this area, land that mostly entails a coastal strip along the northwestern edge of Nootka Island.

The strips of coastline the judge recognized as Nuchatlaht land amounts to 11.33 square kilometers, nearly 190 square kilometers short of Nuchatlaht’s original claim.

The judge said he found insufficient proof that the Nuchatlaht used inland areas of their northern Nootka Island claim.

The Nuchatlaht lived on their reserve on Nootka Island until 1988, when drinking water issues forced a move to their present location at Oclucje.

Myers’ recent decision leaves the majority of the claim area as Crown land under B.C.’s Forestry Act. Currently Western Forest Products holds tenure of this area, although logging has ceased in recent years as the title case was fought in court.

There were information booklets called Tlecko Tlecko – a book of gratitude from Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael and Jack Woodward given away at the celebration.

In it, they wrote, it was in 1914 when Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Felix Michael told the reserve commissioner he was sick of people from Vancouver coming up and taking Nuchatlaht land.

“110 years and Nuchatlaht are still here and they are still fighting,” stated the booklet.

Information from their gratitude booklet states it was late Tyee Ha’wilth Walter Michael Sr. that led the push to advance the court case.

“After years of frustration with the lack of respect Nuchatlaht received at the treaty negotiating table, he decided to bring the Nuchatlaht fight to the courts,” stated the document.

Nuchatlaht Councilor Archie Little grew up with late Tyee Ha’wilth Wal-

Denise Titian photo

Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael stands before his people as Councillor Archie Little speaks at a celebration in Campbell River on June 1, marking the recent recognition of a portion of the First Nation’s territory by the B.C. Supreme Court. ter Michael. They attended residential tiful territory. school together and fished together. He “I’m looking forward to change – we’re continues to fight for what his friend and going to get back to that and we’ve taken Ha’wilth wanted for the people. the first step,” he told the crowd.

Now they won the first-ever trial The lawyers have been told to tell Nurecognition of Aboriginal title from the chatlaht’s story and how proud they are Supreme Court of British Columbia. The as they govern themselves, he added.

11.33 square kilometers of land that the The legal victory recognizes NuchatBC Supreme Court declared on April laht’s Aboriginal title to shoreline por17 represents acres of lands, creeks and tions of their claim. What it means for the timber and reaffirms that the Nuchatlaht Nuchatlaht is their Ha’wiih (hereditary have the power to use and protect those chiefs) will have full economic benefits lands and resources. The Nuchatlaht have from the 11.33 square kilometers on proven that they are the historical and northwest Nootka Island. rightful owners of at least a portion of Jordan Michael recalls walking to the their claim area. courthouse with his father in 2017.

“We are the little nation of 170 people “It’s all just starting to sink in… doing what we did,” said Little. it’s starting to feel like a victory even He recalled Tyee Ha’wiih (head chiefs) though it’s not all yellow,” he told the from the past, late Felix Michael, Walter people, referencing the colored portions Michael, and other Nuchatlaht elders that of Nuchatlaht title on a map. “It’s been raised this generation and helped guide stressful but I’m very happy with the way them. things are going and we’re not stopping.”

“We’re a community. We look after Lawyer Jack Woodward said he was each other and we’re going to get back to pleased to say that news stories from Hathat,” said Little.

Shilth-Sa archives made it into evidence He said it was important to think of the presented to the judge. future and what is leave grandchildren.

“These are compelling stories of NuuArchie Little, elected Nuchatlaht counchah-nulth life and culture,” he told cilor. “The fight will continue until we Ha-Shilth-Sa. get the full claim of northwest Nootka Cherie Smith praised Woodward for his Island,” he vowed. court successes, noting that the case will He thanked everyone that supported the be taken to a higher court.

First Nation in its long legal battle and “We’re at the B.C. level, Jack always for believing in the Nuchatlaht people. goes to the next level, and the next The Nuchatlaht, Little said, gave up a lot, level,” she said. because court battles are expensive. He Little said this court victory means they thanked his people for being supportive. can rebuild a community at their Nootka Little told the crowd that Nuchatlaht Island home. was wealthy with herring and have beau“We’re going to make it beautiful

again,” said Little. “We’re going to fix it up and some of us are moving home.”

“It’s an historic day,” Woodward said, noting that this court win is the first declaration of Aboriginal title on Vancouver Island and in Nuu-chah-nulth territory.

It is the second in the province of British Columbia, after the 2014 Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilqhot’in decision.

The Tsilhqot’in gained Aboriginal title of 1,700 square kilometers of their land in central B.C. They were also represented

by Woodward’s firm.

John Dewhirst, a cultural anthropologist, was thanked for his contributions as an expert witness. He also testified in the Meares Island and Tsilhqot’in cases.

Historical evidence of agriculture During preparation for trial, important discoveries were made that support Nuchatlaht’s Aboriginal title claim. For example, Jacob Earnshaw, archaeologist and anthropologist, discovered an error in the way culturally modified trees were counted. Corrections in the counting method increased the number of CMTs mapped in Nuchatlaht territory by nearly 50 per cent.

Archaeologist and anthropologist Chelsea Armstrong proved that the Nuchatlaht cultivated numerous plant foods and medicines in their territory, dispelling the myth that First Nations people were simply hunters and gatherers in the precontact era.

“Chelsea discovered evidence of agriculture in Nuchatlaht territory,” said Woodward.

At last count researchers found 17 different species of food plants grown by the Nuchatlaht near their village sites. They planted things like crab apple trees and rice root near the villages to feed their people.

For now, the nation looks forward to having full economic benefits that come with recognized Aboriginal title along the northwest shoreline of Nootka Island.

Ethan Krindale, a lawyer with E.J. Woodward Law Corporation, clarified that “an appeal hasn’t been filed because the order hasn’t been made, yet.”

“Once that happens, the paperwork will be filed,” she said of appealing to a higher court for the full 201-squarekilometre claim.

“This is Nuchatlaht’s victory, but the path being laid is for others to follow,” wrote the Woodward legal team with Ha’wilth Michael. “Nuchatlaht has won something, surrendered nothing for it and are still fighting for the rest. They have achieved this faster than any other First Nation.”

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Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

Four years later, family honours Chantel Moore Tla-o-qui-aht has still not received her cellphone, while inconsistencies remain about Moore’s knife at the scene

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - Chantel Moore’s mother Martha Martin flew across the country from New Brunswick to be home in Tla-o-qui-aht territory for the harrowing four-year anniversary of her daughter’s death. On June 4, 2020 Moore was shot and killed by Edmundston Police Force officer Jeremy Son during a wellness check.

Moore was 26 when the fatal shooting took place. Her daughter, Gracie, just turned 10.

“We come from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and we are strong,” Martin said at the Tofino-Ucluelet Junction before walking 33-kilometres north to Tofino on June 4. “We walk in honour of all of those who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement.”

Tla-o-qui-aht Elected Councillor Anna Masso played a chant for strength before setting out along the Pacific Rim Highway alongside Martin. Masso said they are aiming to walk each kilometre in about 11-minutes. The day was planned to end with a ceremony at Tofino’s First Street Dock.

“This has been a whirlwind ever since.

One of our very good friends started a GoFundMe and we were able to fly 12 (family members) back home right in the middle of COVID. We were dealing with so many obstacles, even getting there and staying there - and the funeral and getting the body home,” said Masso.

She told the Ha-Shilth-Sa she went to the Yates Funeral Service in Parksville to see Moore’s body before she was cremated.

“When I was leaving, he lifted her leg and her leg just flopped from the knee down. It was broken. There was so much wrong with what happened,” Masso said.

“There are so many case scenarios that have played through my head in all these years.”

On June 20, 2020, Moore’s family released her ashes into the Somass River, one of her favourite places to be with Gracie before they moved to New Brunswick. Five months after her daughter’s passing, Martin’s son Mike died in police custody.

“I’ve gone through three coroners and still haven’t heard back from them. Today we walk in honour of (Chantel and Mike) and we let this government know to never forget her name or my son’s name or anybody else’s name. We’ve lost so many…

Rodney Levi, Julian Jones, Eishia Hudson, there are numerous names of Indigenous people who have been shot across this country at the hands of law enforce-

Nora O’Malley photo

Family and supporters of Chantel Moore, including her mother Martha Martin, front right, walked from the Ucluelet junction to Tofino on June 4 to recognise the loss of the young woman. tencies about partial fingerprints found immediately after the shooting. ment,” said Martin. “They are supposed on the knife, which hand Moore allegedly Eventually, a steak knife along with to be there to protect our people and they used to threaten the officer with the knife, some pieces of Moore’s jewelry were are the ones that are doing it upon arrivas well as when and where the knife was recovered under a flattened cardboard box ing (on scene). How is that possible?” to the right of Moore’s body.

Martin says she’s been told that Son still ultimately found.

The report contains testimony from To this day, Masso says Tla-o-qui-aht works for the Edmundston Police. three other police officers that were on has not received Moore’s cellphone.

“He goes on living and that’s the toughscene, at least two EMT’s that responded.

“Where’s the cellphone? She was mesest part,” said Martin. “You know, we’re While most of them saw the four shell saging many people. She messaged both here picking up those broken pieces and casings, none reported seeing the knife. my boys who she’s very close to. Why I’m raising a granddaughter who no lonWitnesses living nearby report seeing are they hiding all the messages?” Masso ger has a mother. That little girl still asks several officers appearing to search the asked. “I’m no lawyer, but I’m not stupid for her mom. She says, ‘When are the ground and staircase with their flashlights either.” angels going to be done with my mom?’.

That’s one of the toughest things I think you will ever hear from a child.”

Officer Son claims Moore caused her own death by advancing towards toward him with a knife in a threatening manner and by not listening to his instructions to drop the knife.

He claimed he moved to the left of the front door and was backed up against the railings of the balcony, three stories up rather than moving back towards the stairs, where he could have escaped.

“He fired four shots before Ms. Moore fell to the floor of the balcony and she released the knife,” reads the BEI (Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes du Quebec) report on the investigation.

But questions raised about whether or not Moore was brandishing a knife that night were not sufficiently answered in the available reports. There are inconsis-

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June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

Advocates fight to save evidence from Pickton case Lawyers say RCMP began filing to dispose of remaining 200,000 exhibits of Pickton evidence in 2020 and 2021.

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On May 31, the notorious serial killer who preyed on the vulnerable women of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), Robert Pickton, took his last breath.

Convicted of six counts of seconddegree murder, he received the maximum sentence under Canadian law.

Pickton murdered Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Marnie Frey, Georgina Papin, and Brenda Wolfe.

But the names of his victims were many more than these six. Pickton was charged with 26 counts of murder, while 20 were stayed.

But he boasted to an undercover cop that he murdered many more women than that, confessing to taking the lives of 49 females.

The DNA of 33 women were found on his farm.

According to a Canadian Encyclopedia article, at least 65 women disappeared from the DTES from 1978 to 2001. Sue Brown, director of advocacy and staff lawyer at Justice for Girls, said that there are potentially 70 women who went missing from the DTES. In December of 2023, it became public knowledge that the RCMP applied to the court to dispose of 14,000 exhibits of evidence pertaining to the Pickton murders.

According to Brown, the exhibits are from his farm in Port Coquitlam where most of the murders are believed to have taken place.

A letter titled, “A call to preserve evidence in the Pickton case” was signed by 35 organizations and 10 individuals.

“The exhibits were obtained during the investigations into 50+ women who were murdered and disappeared from the Downtown Eastside,” reads the Justice for Girls letter. “The majority of these missing women are Indigenous and their cases remain unsolved to this date.”

“Disposal of the exhibits will quash any remaining hope they have and solidify their perception that their daughters, mothers, sisters and aunties are less important than the space required to keep that evidence,” reads the letter.

In 2023, Justice for Girls learned that the RCMP had begun filing applications to dispose of evidence in 2020 and 2021, said Brown.

“There were upwards of an estimated 200,000 exhibits that they had in relation to the missing women’s investigations and the Robert Pickton investigation,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa.

Alexandra Mehl photo

The Downtown Eastside was flooded with remembrance of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls on Feb. 14, 2023. Robert Pickton has been linked to the murder of dozens from the area, although many cases remain unsolved.

Pickton died on May 31 due to injuries from a recent attack in prison.

“Five of those applications, to our “The only time that I didn’t have [anxiknowledge, have already been dealt with ety attacks] was when we were dancing,” by the court,” said Brown. “And they said Williams. “That was my first expowere done so without many of the family sure to how healing dance really is.” members being aware.”

Not only that, when the group started To Brown’s knowledge, they are working with choreographer Maddie Mcfighting for the remaining 14 to 15,000 Callum, they were assigned to learn their exhibits. traditional dances.

“The majority of these cases, apart from “That itself is healing as well getting the six that Robert Pickton was convicted reconnected to our cultures,” she said. of, remain unsolved cases,” said Brown.

According to a 2023 Ha-Shilth-Sa “It’s our belief that those exhibits do article, Kellie Little of Nuchahtlaht was retain evidentiary value and they ought last seen in April 1997. With a friend that to be preserved and the police ought to knew Pickton, the article noted that it continue thoroughly investigating those is believed that Little came into contact unsolved cases.” with him around the time of her disapIn January, the court was notified of pearance. Little, who was transgender, Justice for Girls interest in “applying for grew up in foster care and struggled with standing to intervene on the RCMP’s apaddiction. plication,” said Brown.

In 1992, Elsie Sebastian of Pacheedaht A court date regarding the RCMP apwent missing, the article noted. Though plication is scheduled on June 26. not officially linked to Pickton, she was a residential school survivor who also Evidence ties into National Inquiry struggled with addiction. It took years for Lorelei Williams of Skatin and Sts’ailes the police to file a missing person report.

First Nations does advocacy work for “It’s scary for not only for Indigenous missing and murdered Indigenous women women, but it should be scary to everyand girls. Williams, who started a dance body,” said Hesquiaht Chief Councillor group called Butterflies in Spirit, has Mariah Charleson of the RCMP’s applia missing aunt, Belinda Williams. Her cation to dispose of the 14,000 exhibits. cousin, Tanya Holyk, was among the 20 “These aren’t closed cases and so there murders that were stayed in the Pickton is a thought in many people’s minds that case. that evidence needs to be preserved,” said “We are a dance group of mostly family Charleson. “Getting rid of the evidence is members of missing and murdered Indig- ultimately giving away an opportunity to enous women and girls,” said Williams. bring light and bring closure to many of “We also support families any way that the families and survivors who have been we can.” impacted by Pickton.”

After Williams lost her mother she In 2019, the National Inquiry into Murstarted to experience anxiety attacks. dered and Missing Indigenous Women

and Girls was published, alongside 231 Calls for Justice.

“They refer to them as being imperative,” said Charleson of the 231 Calls for Justice. “Imperative in the fact that if Canada does not respond to these 231 Call to Justice, that they are continuing to commit genocide against Indigenous women and girls, and Two Spirit, plus.”

On June 3, the fifth anniversary of the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said in a statement released by the Assembly of First Nations that “implementation of the Calls for Justice is far from complete.”

Only two Calls for Justice have been fully implemented, the statement continued, “with the majority showing minimal or no progress.”

Unclaimed items must be disposed: RCMP The RCMP released a statement responding to a press conference held by Justice for Girls on December 11, 2023.

“While the RCMP is making applications to the court for the ‘disposal’ of property held by the police, it is important to understand that all evidence is being preserved,” the statement reads. “To put it simply, the RCMP is not authorized to retain property indefinitely and is making application to the court for disposition of that property.”

“Ultimately, this process is required by law and is for the intended purpose of returning property to the rightful owners, where applicable, or for the disposal of items not claimed,” the statement continued.

But Brown believes that with advancements in forensic and DNA technology it’s “imperative” to retain those exhibits.

“With Robert Pickton now dead, that is one potential avenue of information about what really happened to so many of those unsolved disappearances and homicides, that the DNA evidence and the physical evidence may be all we have left,” said Brown.

“He is the most notorious, alleged serial killer, but it’s also well documented and well known that there’s believed to be other perpetrators who were involved in the deaths and disappearances of the women who ended up on the farm or elsewhere,” said Brown.

“The evidence needs to be preserved [until] all of the questions have been answered,” said Charleson. “So many people have been impacted and continue to be impacted.”

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

Salmon fishing closures for southern resident orcas Chinook fishing bans are in place for parts of the southwest coast to enable the endangered killer whales to feed

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Management measures by the federal government have been announced to protect southern resident killer whales who face imminent threats to their survival and recovery.

According to the Government of Canada, protecting the whales, that have important cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and coastal communities in British Columbia, requires comprehensive and immediate action.

The three primary threats to the remaining 74 southern resident killer whales are reduced prey availability and accessibility, acoustic and physical disturbance and contaminants.

Area-based fishing closures will be in effect for Swiftsure Bank, about 15 miles offshore on the west coast of Vancouver Island, from July 1 until Oct. 31, 2024 to protect prey availability for the whales.

The closure includes no recreational or commercial fishing for salmon in this area.

The fishing closures are also in effect for Juan de Fuca Strait from Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2024, off the Gulf Islands from May 8 until Nov. 30, and at the mouth of the Fraser River from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

Chinook salmon are a vital food source for southern resident killer whales, but the species has declined dramatically in recent years, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Fishery management measures aim to help increase the availability of salmon in key southern resident killer whale feeding areas.

Paul Tate, fisheries manager for Ditidaht First Nation, said the fishing closures won’t affect the nation, but that chinook fishing is a very important part of life for Indigenous people.

“It can be part of a small opportunity for sales as well as food for our nation,” Tate said. “Our smokehouses are full of fish on reserve when the fish return. For our urban dwellers, we get some chinook sent to the processors as well as catching and processing ourselves.”

Tate said that Ditidaht fishers typically wait for the fish to return to the lake in August to gillnet them but some “fishermen do fish them in the ocean by hook and line using downriggers, rod and reel.”

Sabrina Crowley, a southern region biologist with Uu-a-thluk, said chinook salmon are one of the species that Nuuchah-nulth nations rely on for food and ceremonial use, along with economic opportunities in the more abundant hatchery-influenced terminal areas.

“The naturally spawning west coast Vancouver Island chinook populations are a stock of concern,” Crowley said. “The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) listed west Vancouver Island, Ocean, Fall (South) population and West Vancouver

Government of Canada photo

The three primary threats to the remaining 74 southern resident killer whales are reduced prey availability and accessibility, acoustic and physical disturbance and contaminants.

Island, Ocean, Fall (Nootka and Kyuquot) population as threatened in 2020.

There is currently a rebuilding plan for chinook salmon for west coast Vancouver Island underway.”

The DFO has also asked fishers to voluntarily stop fishing (don’t haul gear) within 1,000 metres of killer whales in all Canadian Pacific waters as a best practice in the presence of orcas to reduce competition for their food and to minimize disturbing the animals.

Other protection measures include having Interim Sanctuary Zones from June 1 to Nov. 30, 2024 in important areas for southern resident killer whales to further reduce acoustic and physical disturbance from vessels.

Vessel traffic (including fishing) will be prohibited in Interim Sanctuary Zones off North Pender and Saturna Islands as per the Interim Order enacted under the Canada Shipping Act. Some exceptions will apply, including emergency situations, vessels engaged in Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries or Indigenous peoples exercising their existing rights.

From June 1 until Nov. 30, all vessels are required to slow down to a maximum of 10 knots around Swiftsure Bank.

To avoid whales, vessels must stay 400 metres away and not position a vessel in

the path of a killer whale in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2025.

Boats with a purple ‘Authorized Vessel’ (AV) flag are allowed to be closer to killer whales that are not in the southern resident species.

The Marine Mammal Regulations re-

main in effect year-round. This requires staying 200 metres away from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters, 200 metres away from all whales, porpoises and dolphins when in resting position or with a calf and 100 metres away from other whales, porpoises and dolphins.

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Whale experts say chances are good for young orca K#iisah=i%is, or Brave Li•le Hunter, hasn’t been seen in over a month – this could mean she’s looking for a family

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Northwest Vancouver Island – It has been more than a month since the last confirmed sighting of the orphaned orca kʷisaḥiʔiis (Brave Little Hunter), but hope remains strong that the two-year-old Bigg’s killer whale is heading toward her family pod.

It was on March 23 when catastrophe struck for the young killer whale. That was the day kʷiisaḥiʔis and her mother, known as Spong, entered a shallow lagoon near Zeballos, likely hunting seals.

Spong stranded in the shallow waters and drowned when the tide rose.

Kʷiisaḥiʔis remained in the lagoon for about a month after her mother died. She appeared to be losing weight but was observed eating birds during her time in the lagoon. She was fed seal meat from a distance shortly before she found her way out of the lagoon on April 26.

The orphaned orca was seen heading through the inlet toward the open ocean and hopes are high that she will reunite with a family pod.

The last confirmed sighting of kʷiisaḥiʔis was about a week after she left the lagoon, on May 2, with another possible sighting about May 10.

According to orca experts, kʷiisaḥiʔiis belongs to the T109A family pod of transient orcas and her family is big. She is a descendant of a 47-year-old matriarch that still swims the oceans of Vancouver Island with her relatives. Kʷiisaḥiʔis is the great granddaughter of T109, also known as Noyes or Big Mama, who was born in 1977.

Big Mama’s daughter, born in 1990, is T109A (the letter A indicates she is the

Jared Towers/Bay Cetology photo

Shortly before kʷiisaḥiʔis finally swam out of the lagoon she was seen breaching, actively eating seal meat. first live calf born to Big Mama). She is also known as Frio or Runaway.

In 2009 Frio gave birth to Spong, or T109A3. The numeral 3 indicates Spong is the third live calf born to this female.

Spong had at least six other half siblings from her mother, Frio.

Spong’s first calf did not survive and doesn’t appear to have been given an identification code, but in 2022 she had a successful birth when kʷiisaḥiʔis (T109A3A) was born.

Sadly, it was Spong that died on March 23, 2024 when she became stranded in a shallow lagoon near the Zeballos causeway. A necropsy showed that Spong was still nursing her daughter and was pregnant with another female when she drowned.

But kʷiisaḥiʔis, at age two, had already been taught some survival skills by her mother. Despite nearly a month of apparent mourning in the shallow lagoon

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where her mother died, the young orca was seen eating a bird and took feedings of seal meat. She left the lagoon on her own after a month.

As the young orca made her way toward the ocean, a T109 pod was spotted near Alert Bay, north of kʷiisaḥiʔis location.

“It’s big for its age, has a loud, strong voice and is proving adaptive and incredibly resilient,” wrote Jared Towers, a marine scientist and executive director of Bay Cetology, on social media.

He was the one who shared the news that T109 was spotted near Alert Bay on

May 20. This pod is led by Big Mama (T109A), the orphaned orca’s great grandmother.

On June 4, an organization called Strong Coast posted on social media that the T109A pod was spotted in Alaskan waters.

Kʷiisaḥiʔis hasn’t been seen for more than a month, but, according to Towers, there is no reason for alarm.

In a May 20th post from Alert Bay, Towers wrote, “I had a nice surprise this morning as the T109s swam out of Pearse Pass and 100 metres past my doorstep.

This is Kʷiisaḥiʔis’s great grandmother’s pod and although she wasn’t with them, the good news is she hasn’t been seen since May 10th (as far as I’m aware), which means she is probably on the move.”

Towers went on to say that it is known from previous cases that lost or orphaned killer whale calves can re-integrate into the population and go on to live healthy normal lives, but finding a group willing and able to make an adoption can take time and is not guaranteed.

“What is for sure is that we gave this Brave Little Hunter the best chances possible and now all we can do is take identification photos to see where, when, with whom, and if she shows up,” Towers wrote.

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

Ditidaht Community School splashes into their annual P

On June 4 and 5 students of all ages once again took to Nitinat Lake in canoes to celebrate their love for the sport while building fr

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nitinaht Lake, BC - By 8 a.m. Gus Bay, located on Nitinaht Lake, was filled with students, Ditidaht community members, and guests as another year of Paddle Days commenced. Students of all ages took to the water in canoes, as laughter and cheers could be heard throughout the bay, where a series of 100 metre and 400 metre races unfolded.

The day began in a circle with a prayer chant. The students of host Ditidaht Community School (DCS), then welcomed their guests to Ditidaht territory with a paddle dance.

Students from DCS, Stz’uminus Community School in Ladysmith and École des Grands-cèdres in Port Alberni eagerly swarmed a pile of lifejackets and lined up in two rows: one for beginners and the other for experienced paddlers.

With two to three people per canoe, often with mixed experience levels, the vessels lined up at the start line race after race.

When the horn sounded, the paddlers were swift and fierce, as students and community members paddled hard, many with smiles drawn on their faces.

For Damon Lindley, a Grade 2 student at DCS, this was his second time participating in Paddle Days. He raced seven times on the first of the two-day event. When asked what his favorite part about the races were, he responded, “where you win.”

Arliss Samuel, a Grade 7 student at DCS, participated in two or three races that morning but shared that she would like to try all of the races on the second day of the event.

When asked about her experience with Paddle Days, Samuel, who has participated in many of the events since she was young, shared that she tipped in a recent year.

“We were almost first, but then we tipped,” she said. “It was fun.”

But when Samuel was asked what she looks forward to most with Paddle Days, she said friendship and learning.

“When I’m not shy, sometimes, I like to make friends,” said Samuel. “And learn more things.”

She recalls times in the past where she exchanged contact information with students from visiting schools to keep in touch.

She noted that DCS had recently played a basketball game against one of the schools in attendance, École des Grands-cèdres.

Though she had not yet developed new friendships at this Paddle Days, she hoped that on the second day she could not only participate in all the races, but “try to make more friends.”

With two to three people per canoe, often with mixed experience levels, the vessels lined up at the start line race after race. The two-day event unfold naht Lake.

Samuel also loves it when graduates of in Toronto during his time at DCS. race, guests were DCS return.

But even as a graduate of the community invited to partici“I love it when they actually come back to school, he carries his love for paddling with pate in cedar weavhelp us learn,” said Samuel. him as a calming activity, taking a kayak ing, Paddle Days “Remembering that they’re not even to Port Alberni’s Harbour Quay or bring a t-shirt designs, art actually here with us now,” said Samuel of paddle board to Tofino. activities, a hiking the graduated students, “but then they still “I love to see the students are really taking group, or a tough come back and visit every now and then to part in this big event that we host every mudder obstacle help.” year,” said Marchand. “It warms my heart.” course, shared “I love it,” she said.

“I just see a lot of myself in these kids,” MacLennan with Among one of DCS graduates attending said Marchand. “It just brings joy to me.”

Ha-Shilth-Sa. Paddle Days was Dylan Marchand, who Marchand notes that Paddle Days is a When the day completed his schooling in 2020 and has great opportunity for students to be around began, MacLenbeen back to every Paddle Days since. people and make new friends. nan encouraged “I come back every year just because [it After the races finished off with an electric students to paddle brings] such nostalgic memories to help 400 metres and two tipped canoes, Paddle with someone new these kids,” said Marchand. “When I look Days made its way back to DCS to enjoy a throughout the day. at these kids, I see myself learning and delicious lunch provided by the school.

She told Ha-Shilthpursuing the love of [canoeing] more and As lunch finished, DCS students shared Sa that sometimes more, even throughout these years.” songs and dances with their guests. the students need “Even after I graduated… I love it,” he “I think [Paddle Days is] an opportunity extra encourageadded. “It’s stuck in my heart forever.” for the students and staff and community to ment to befriend Marchand’s journey as a competitive athcome together to host something that is an guests. lete in canoe racing began when he joined opportunity for those new friendships, an “By having them the canoe club in his youth. He’s particiopportunity to get on the water and comrace with differpated in every Paddle Days since 2012. pete in a sport that they practice,” said DCS ent people, we can “Any athlete would understand once you Principal Emily MacLennan, noting that hopefully help start start a sport you love, it’s stuck to you, you it’s also an opportunity to share “who they those connections,” can’t stop doing it,” he said. are and where they’re from with guests.” said MacLennan of Marchand took his skills as a canoe racer After paddlers were awarded their first, canoe racing. to the North American Indigenous Games second, and third-place medals for each

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

nnual Paddle Days

he sport while building friendships

Laughter and cheers could be heard throughout the bay, where a series of 100 metre and 400 metre races unfolded. The day began in a circle with a prayer chant. The students of the host Ditidaht Community School then welcomed their guests to Ditidaht territory with a paddle dance (below).

Alexandra Mehl photos

after race. The two-day event unfolded at Gus Bay in Niti-

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

Nora O’Malley photo

The Vancouver Island Longboard Classic was held for three days at Wickaninnish Beach, attracting surfers and spectators May 31-June 2.

Longboard Classic contest hits Wickaninnish beach The surfing event draws on a historical interterritorial agreement between Tla-o-qui-aht and Yuu>u%i>%ath=

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Ucluelet, BC - Playing barefoot on Wickaninnish Beach in her light green Vancouver Island Longboard Classic tshirt with the word Witwaak (warrior) on the back, Chenoa McCarthy-Tom is over the moon about watching surfers take on the friendly June 1 swell.

The 10-year-old is part of the kakaw̓ inminḥ (many killer whales) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ girls group that volunteered as beachkeepers during the three-day contest, hosted in partnership with West Coast Shapes, Parks Canada and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.

From their basecamp for the day under the Tourism Ucluelet tent, McCarthyTom says she’s tried surfing, wants to surf more and might even enter the event next year.

“I saw so many people surf and it looks so fun,” she says. “A lot of people can just be themselves in the ocean. I love

how (Wickaninnish) is a big beach and you can just run around.”

On Thursday, May 30 at the West Coast Shapes / Ukee Poke hub, the kakaw̓inminḥ performed the Tuučmeʔi Witwaak (Woman Warrior) song to kick off the contest, and then sang once more in front of spectators during the second day of competition.

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ teen Maxine Clutesi told the Ha-Shilth-Sa the group had only just learned the song a week ago on a special camping weekend at Wickaninnish Beach.

“The people who taught it to us were Anita Charleson-Touchie and Skylene,” said Clutesi. “We were really shy when we started, but for the rest of the night we all just started singing it over and over again. We were non-stop just belting it out.”

Her mom Natica, a big wave surfer who competed in the Wickaninnish Open back in 1992 and also won a contest in Surf City USA, addressed the crowd at the

Longboard Classic.

“Our plan is to come and compete next year and we are so excited to,” Natica announced, which was followed by cheers from the audience.

Clutesi took the mic from her mom to add: “I think it’s so great that the surf event is being held here because this is actually where my mom taught me how to surf.”

Vancouver Island Longboard Classic head organizers David Schiaffino and Jay Rosene expressed their commitment to involving Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ youth from the inception of the event.

“This is exactly what we needed,” said Natica. “We needed room for young people, we needed room for women, and even better, all together as a group.

People are really trying to make sure our beaches are safe for Indigenous women and Indigenous girls.”

Schiaffino said the contest really brought everybody together.

“I was very emotional, actually had a

couple of tears here and there,” he said.

“It brought such joy to see these girls doing their traditional dances and prayers and their land while commemorating this event. This is exactly what we were looking for.” kakaw̓inminḥ leader Savannah McCarthy noted that the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and Tla-o-qui-aht boundary line is drawn at Combers Beach.

“Last week we were out here camping with the women and girls group and we had Gisele Martin come out here and talk about the history about how we agreed to live in peace,” McCarthy said. “It was the first time any of us have camped out here.”

McCarthy-Tom shared a version of the story.

“One time, there was a whale they were hunting. But the whale crossed territory lines. They didn’t want to fight anymore, so they got all the people from both sides and they shared the whale,” regaled the Nuu-chah-nulth youth.

Phrase of the week: Qawašum> h=ayu %uh=%iš cawaaq 2024 +u>%upa+um n’aas h=aa%akstu>%up >iimaksti nuc^@ak nuunuk hu>hu>a c^imxsu> c^uu +eekuu Pronounced ‘Clue alth alt clum nas har ugk stod up tle e mak stee nutch har k nuu kook hulth hulth chew Kleco’, it means ‘June 21, 2024 National Indigenous Day! We celebrate our lives, culture, song and dance. Be strong and proud everyday. Thank you. ’ Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Maddexx George

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Haahuupayak performs for fisheries forum delegates Over two dozen students from the Nuu-chah-nulth school bring Italian Hall to life with dance, regalia & masks

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - Participants at a Nuuchah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries meeting were treated to a large performance from Haahuupayak students on June 5, bringing a particularly emotional reaction to those who formerly attended residential school.

Discussion of topics like salmon farm licences and Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s plans to rebuild chinook stocks were broken up by a period designated for song and dance from over two dozen students of the school, which is located on the Tseshaht reserve.

At the Port Alberni venue Haahuupayak teacher Trevor Little explained the importance of each dance before they were performed by students wearing elaborately crafted regalia and masks.

“Human beings are responsible for how the earth looks today,” said Little, stressing the importance of not extracting too much from nature in order to preserve the balance of things.

After the students exited the Italian Hall, Nuchatlaht Councillor Archie Little referenced his time at Christie Indian Residential School. He said those in his generation were allowed to be First Nations for only two months while they were at home during the summer, followed by another 10 months of being made to feel like “savages”.

“It gives us hope, it gives us pride,” said Little of the performance given by Haahuupayak students. “It makes us proud of who we are.”

Eric Plummer photo

On June 5 students from Haahuupayak school performed for the Nuu-chah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries.

Program leads to drivers licences in remote villages

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Funding from the provincial government will help people in remote Nuuchah-nulth communities obtain drivers’ licences and navigate the ICBC system.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society is receiving $20,000 that will be used to run phase three of their Sacred Circles Driver Licensing Pilot program to support Indigenous people in rural and remote communities in getting their drivers licences.

New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says people in the Nuu-chah-nulth communities will benefit from support for a local driver training initiative, thanks to another year of Vision Zero grants that fund projects that help prevent serious injuries and deaths on the road.

“This pilot program will help support and empower young people in the Nuuchah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, in a press release.

“I’m pleased this funding is able to help this program run and serve the community.”

The Sacred Circles Driver Licensing Pilot program began in 2021. Ricardo Manmohan, board member with the Nuuchah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society, said the program was created after seeing a need in remote communities for individuals to get to and from work safely.

“Nine years ago we started the warrior program. It was a bunch of 12 and 13-year-old boys back then and then a few years later these young people had a whole bunch of skills and now they’re getting offered jobs…but they can’t get to work,” Manmohan said. “That’s what

drew us into addressing this need for drivers’ licencing in general.”

Now in phase three, the program began with a first phase of helping individuals get behind the wheel with a driving instructor to learn the basics of operating a vehicle. Through that phase, Manmohan said it became clear people needed more help than just driving lessons.

“We actually saw that the bigger gap was driving prohibitions, being able to know where you stand with insurance… if you’ve got penalties against you and even just identification. We actually ended up having to do a phase two,” Manmohan said.

Phase two included assisting individuals with obtaining identification, learner’s permit training and preparing for and taking a driver’s test.

“Now we’ve moved into phase three which is really looking at removing the barriers of having representation,” Manmohan said. “We’ve been working with the youth justice workers as well as RoadSafetyBC and ICBC to try to create ways for advocates to support the people in need of advocacy, the community members that don’t know how to navigate the ICBC system.”

Funding from the province will allow Manmohan along with partners from RoadSafetyBC and ICBC to travel to remote Nuu-cah-nulth communities for community engagement purposes.

Although the program was created out of a need from the youth warrior members, Manmohan and his team will help individuals of any age with navigating ICBC and licencing processes.

“We’re trying to pilot this navigator type role so we can help people in the villages

Ricardo Manmohan photo

Daylin George, who lives in Kyuquot, displays his N plate after recently gaining a drivers’ licence with help from the Sacred Circles Driver Licensing Pilot program. to remove those barriers,” Manmohan In addition, 18 out of 20 individuals said. “We’re still doing a [learner’s who participated in the program passed a permit] prep course when the needs arise, remote learner’s permit test in Kyuquot but now we’re focused on trying to help in January 2023 and 17 out of 19 passed ICBC to create a way for us to advocate in November of 2023. Seven out of eight for people, for community members who individuals passed in Port Alberni in June need a champion in their corner.”

2023. There was a total of 47 successful A phase two report on the Sacred Circles L-tests and 15 successful road tests durDriver’s Licencing Initiative states seven ing a six-month phase.

Nuu-chah-nulth nations participated in For the third year in a row, Vision Zero the pilot program, 19 youth and four grants have been awarded to communities adults were supported to get identification around British Columbia to improve road and three weeks of driving lessons were safety. A total of $866,657 has gone to 53 offered in remote First Nations communi- projects in 56 communities, including 22 ties. projects in First Nations communities.

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

H=aa’yuups shares knowledge of cultural petroglyphs Hupačasath’s Ḥaa’yuups will be speaking on ‘Tlikuulth’s petroglyphs and the progression of ceremonial curtains June 20

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - On June 20, one day before National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ḥaa’yuups of Hupačasath will be sharing his knowledge of ‘Tlikuulth, also known as Sproat Lake, with a focus on petroglyphs and the progression of ceremonial curtains.

“I’ve been interested in painted screens, curtains, petroglyphs, [and] ceremony in a general sense since I was a boy,” shared Ḥaa’yuups. “I wanted to share some of what I’ve learned in over 50 years of studying.” Ḥaa’yuups will be speaking of the petroglyphs at the mouth of Sproat Lake, a place where sockeye swimming upriver school and rest when they get to the lake, he said.

“The petroglyphs are in a location where…sockeye swimming upriver, get to the lake, they school and rest where the petroglyphs are,” said Ḥaa’yuups.

“People greeted those fish, my ancestors greeted those fish and interacted with them in a ritual way.”

“That’s significant, that’s important, that was a key resource to my people, my own community,” he shared.

The Hupcasath elder finds that these petroglyphs relate to screens and curtains that are traditionally used during feasts and potlatches.

“The wall of petroglyphs at ‘Tlikuulth are about the size of ceremonial screens and curtains, so I thought, really that’s where our tradition of painted ceremonial crest, screens and curtains comes from,” he said.

During his presentation Ḥaa’yuups plans to share the progression of the wall of petroglyphs to cloth curtains.

“There were rituals done with the petroglyphs as a backdrop and today we go to feasts and potlatches and the painted screens and curtains are the backdrop, if you will, to our ceremonies and rituals,”

Alberni Valley Museum archives photo

Petroglyths are an interesting attraction to many who come to Sproat Lake, or ‘Tlikuulth. shared Ḥaa’yuups.

He says that with the rich and longstanding history of creativity among First Nations, they were depicting images of local geography long before Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, who were known for their Canadian landscape paintings.

“I hope that people enjoy looking at the beauty of the things that I’m going to be talking on,” said Ḥaa’yuups.

He plans to share “treasures” that belong to the heads of houses, clans, and tribes.

“They’re important to us and we’re the first people of this country, so maybe they can be important to other people too,” said Ḥaa’yuups. “These paintings should be important to anybody and everybody who lives here because they’re early, in a sense, timeless representations of this

place where we live.”

The event will be held in the Dogwood

room at Echo Centre on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Port Alberni

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 17

Concerns about assertion of West Coast Métis rights BC Métis Federation responds to protest from First Nations, saying they claim no coastal territory in province

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - Concerns are reemerging among Nuu-chah-nulth leaders about the presence of Métis amid the assertion of Indigenous rights in British Columbia.

The issue came up during a recent Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries, which was hosted by the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni June 4 and 5. During the meetings Tseshaht member Hugh Braker, who serves on the First Nations Summit Political Executive, encouraged Nuu-chah-nulth nations to sign a letter to the federal government that clarifies their rights to territorial resources.

“Given the nature of Nuu-chah-nulth society and culture, it would benefit if those letters were also signed by the hereditary chiefs,” stressed Braker during the meeting. “This land belongs to the Nuu-chahnulth, it belongs to our hereditary chiefs, and they are the one who can decide who accesses the resources.”

“What in fact is happening concerning the Métis and their activities in British Columbia is potentially infringing on our rights,” said Council of Ha’wiih Chair Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo. “Make no mistake about it, we are not going to be still and quiet about this issue.”

“The Métis are also putting a big strain on available dollars,” noted Braker.

“When they take funds out of the pot, that leaves less funds for others.”

These comments follow controversy that arose earlier this year, when the BC Métis Federation’s Coastal Water Protectors hosted a conference in North Vancouver on protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Before the Coastal Conference began on Jan. 20 the First Nations Leadership

Eric Plummer photo

Concerns were raised during the Nuu-chah-nulth Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries about the presence of Métis organizations amid efforts to protect the West Coast. Council of Ha’wiih Chair Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo, speaks at the meeting in Port Alberni June 5.

Council called for the event to be cancelled.

“BCMF has no right or authority to make decisions with respect to any First Nation’s territory in B.C., including how to manage and steward those lands and waters,” stated Chief Don Tom, vicepresident of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, which is part of the First Nations Leadership Council. “It is doubly insulting that this behaviour is directly funded and supported by the federal government.”

“The fact that the BC Métis Federation is receiving funding from the federal government for coastal conservation in B.C. is ridiculous and rejected by First Nations in B.C.,” added Terry Teegee, regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, in the same press release.

Tom and Teegee are referring to funding that the Coastal Water Protectors received from the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. With a large increase in tanker traffic coming from the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, this support allowed the BCMF to start two projects: Co-Developing Community Response and the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund.

Along with over 100 First Nations and Indigenous communities, the BC Métis Federation signed a Mutual Benefits Agreement in support of the pipeline’s twinning, which nearly triples its petroleum pumping capacity to 890,000 barrels a day destined for the West Coast.

These confidential agreements bring training, funding and capacity building to the Indigenous groups that gave formal support to the pipeline expansion.

The BCMF has not disclosed how much it got from supporting the project, but said that what the Métis received is less than one per cent of what First Nations across Alberta and British Columbia were granted by TMX. Amid protest from local First Nations in January, the BCMF also noted that the “objective of the conference was simply to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting B.C. coastal waters and to engage participants to take action to protect the coastline for future generations.”

Métis have a mixed European and First Nations ancestry, dating back to a time when fur traders married Indigenous peoples of the prairies and Great Lakes

region. The Métis have a common culture and ancestral language, Michif, which is mostly a combination of Cree and French. Michif is still spoken in parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Montana, and in 2016 Statistics Canada identified 1,170 fluent speakers.

By the early 1800s historical documents show that a distinct society of “half breeds” was evident in the plains, claiming rights to land and the buffalo they adeptly hunted on horseback. A community developed in what is now Manitoba, and by the late 1860s the encroachment of colonial powers sparked the Red River Rebellion in the years after the forming of the Dominion of Canada.

Métis rights are enshrined in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, which identifies them as one of the three “aboriginal peoples of Canada” alongside First Nations and Inuit, although the act does not define what exactly these rights are.

Addressing concerns around the assertion of Indigenous rights in the province, ahead of the January Coastal Conference Keith Henry, president of the BC Métis Federation, said his community has been unfairly attacked by First Nations groups.

“There continues to be an incorrect public narrative that the BC Métis Federation’s work is an expression of efforts to claim land and territory from First Nations. This is not true, and the Coastal Conference has been created to support environmental and water protection behaviours of our Métis community,” wrote Henry. “BC Métis Federation is not claiming water jurisdiction, but our members and community has mandated our leadership to support environmental activities.”

According to Canada’s 2021 Census, 97,865 people in British Columbia identified as Métis.

Page 18— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 13, 2024

Forestry data shows a decline in old growth logging After years of protests and a wave of arrests near Fairy Creek, a shift is becoming evident in coastal forestry

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Vancouver Island, BC - The annual allowable cut has been lowered for an area of forest that includes the fiercely contested Fairy Creek watershed, as the volume of old growth being logged in B.C. continues to decline.

The province’s chief forester Shane Berg recently set an annual limit of 360,000 cubic metres of timber for Tree Farm Licence 46, representing a 5.5 per cent reduction in what the annual allowable cut was set at in 2012. This limit means that no more than 180,000 cubic metres of stands older than 250 years can be logged in one year, while that same number also applies to younger trees.

With this announcement the B.C. Ministry of Forests referenced the continued suspension of old growth harvesting in the Fairy Creek watershed and Central Walbran valley, orders that came about in recent years amid a wave of over 1,000 arrests to those claiming to be protecting the areas.

“This new AAC supports old-growth forests, accounts for wildlife habitat retention, visual quality and First Nations cultural heritage resources and practices, while allowing for sustainable harvest levels,” stated a May 28 press release from the ministry. “The determination considers socio-economic factors and interests identified by First Nations, including the protection of cultural heritage resources for cultural survival and the impact of climate change on water, berry gathering and sustenance hunting.”

TFL 46 is a vast section of Crown forest on southwestern Vancouver Island. The 59,432-hectare area includes the territory of nine First Nations: Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt, Lyackson, Stz’uminas, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Snuneymuxw and the Penelakut Tribe.

Shortly before this new annual allowable cut was announced the province stated that it’s taking better care of old growth forests than the government has in the past. Its May 21 press release listed the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, which establishes a federal and provincial fund of up to $1 billion to conserve ecosystem health and biodiversity. Also mentioned are better forestry mapping and “knowledge sharing”, while wood manufacturing is boosted by “making sure forestry communities get more local jobs for every tree harvested.”

The number of trees harvested appears to be declining, following a projected 12-per-cent decrease that was part of the province’s 2022 budget. That plan expected B.C.’s volume of timber to drop from 45 million cubic metres in 2022 to 39.5 million by next year, resulting in an estimated 4,500 lost jobs.

So far this projection appears to be unfolding even more dramatically than expected. The Ministry of Forests cites 37.5 million cubic metres harvested in 2022, followed by just 32.4 million in 2023.

Meanwhile, the volume of old growth being logged has declined as well, according to the ministry’s figures. Old growth harvesting has declined from 66,526 hectares of forest in 2015 to 33,000 hectares in 2022, the last year that has numbers available – showing a 52-per-cent drop.

This trend follows a “widespread lack of public confidence in the system of managing forests,” according to the Old Growth Strategic Review Report, which

Eric Plummer photo

An ancient Douglas Fir lies in the Nahmint Valley, south of Sproat Lake. the province commissioned in 2020. many years First Nations have not had In May From Review to Action was jurisdiction over their traditional territory. released, a follow up report to the old We must have adequate resources to meet growth review. This document pledges to the needs of our citizens, members, for “fundamentally change the way that we employment, housing, education, health, view and manage our land and resourcsocial and other needs.” es”.

All three nations have forestry opera“The voice of our forests is growing tions, including the Huu-ay-aht, which louder and more urgent, calling out past relies on the industry for more than half practices in managing the land and issuof annual revenue collected by its group ing warnings about the impacts of the cli- of businesses. The nations asked others to mate crisis,” stated the follow up report. not interfere with their existing forestry “There are stark signals, like catastrophic operations while the stewardship plans wildfire, and more subtle ones, like were being formulated. the decline of western red cedar across “While this essential work is being carcoastal B.C.” ried out, we expect everyone to allow forConflict around the Fairy Creek waterestry operations approved by our nations shed in recent years is destined to remain and the government of British Columbia in the consciousness of policy makers. in other parts of our territories to continBlockades began in August 2020 near ue without interruption,” the nations said Port Renfrew, halting the construction of in a statement. “Please respect that our logging roads into what is believed to be citizens have a constitutionally protected one of Vancouver Island’s few valleys un- right to benefit economically from our touched by industrial forestry. Thousands lands, waters, and resources.” from across Western Canada came to the Since November 2021, 2.42 milblockades, resulting in a court injunction against those who interfered with the activities of Teal Cedar Products, which holds tenure over the area of Crown land.

RCMP enforcement of the injunction amassed nearly 1,200 arrests in 2021.

Back in 2020 the Old Growth Strategic Review listed 14 recommendations, starting with “the full involvement of Indigenous leaders and organizations” in forestry management. With the Fairy Creek conflict at its peak in June of 2021, the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ayaht First Nations came forward with the Hišuk ma c̕awak Declaration, an assertion of their territorial authority “to take back their power over their ḥahahuułi”.

This declaration came with a call to halt old growth harvesting in the Fairy Creek and Central Walbran valleys until the nations had conducted their own forest stewardship plans.

“From now on our nations will decide what is best for our lands, our waters and our resources for the sustainment and well-being of present and future generations of the three nations,” said Pacheedaht Chief Councillor Jeff Jones when the declaration was announced. “For too

lion hectares of B.C.’s forest has either been deferred from harvest of declared permanently protected, adding to the 3.8 million hectares that was already conserved, according to the Ministry of Forests. In June 2023 the government extended a ban on cutting old growth in the Fairy Creek watershed until Feb. 1, 2025, which applies to the 1,183.9 hectares of forest in Pacheedaht territory near Port Renfrew. After this expires, 80 per cent of the area would remain protected, according to the Pacheedaht’s Integrated Forestry Management Plan.

Further north in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, more forest could be slated for permanent protection. In March the province, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations announced a proposed 77,000 hectares that could be conserved in TFL 54, the only tree farm licence in Clayoquot Sound. If approved, this would encompass almost 60 per cent of TFL 54, leaving another 55,000 hectares under the existing forestry tenure.

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 19

Last stint of 40km West Coast Multi-Use Path finished Path completes paved trail from Ucluelet to Tofino, bringing hopes of increased tourism and a marathon event

By Nora O’Malley Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Ucluelet, BC - It was an all-hands-ondeck effort to finish the 1.2-kilometre missing link between the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Trail (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) Multi-Use Path (MUP) that begins at the Junction and connects to Ucluelet’s MUP. On a sun-soaked June 7 afternoon, representatives from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, Toquaht Nation, ACRD, Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada, Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) and the District of Ucluelet gathered on the minted path to officially celebrate its completion.

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (YG) President Charles McCarthy welcomed guests to the haḥahuułi of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Chiefs, and had the honour of cutting the cedar ribbon to commemorate the milestone day.

“This has been a long time coming. It’s been nice to have the continuation and the safety that comes with completion of the multi-use trail into the park. It’s a great opportunity for a lot of our citizens and the locals to enjoy the trail,” said YG President McCarthy.

Toquaht Chief Anne Mack expressed happiness for the team effort it took to complete the missing link.

“We are doing what we should be doing, collaborating and getting what we need for each other,” she said.

The ACRD received several grants that made completion of the section of path possible: $500,000 came from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program (formerly Bike BC), $200,000 from ICET and more than $731,900 from Canada Community

Building Funds (formerly Community Works Funding) allocated by the ACRD Board.

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid IslandPacific Rim, re-iterated the theme of the day.

“I think today is an incredible symbol for connection between our communities,” said Osborne. “This dream to have a safe, multi-use path between Tofino and Ucluelet that connects all points in between, making it better for people to get to work or to school or just to have fun, is fantastic. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for partnership.”

The West Coast MUP has been almost a decade in the making — Parks Canada first announced the project in the 2016 federal budget.

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns said June 7 is a “historic moment”.

“We’re finally connected in a really good way. I’m just honoured to be here and privileged to be part of this moment.

It takes all hands; we are all part of a continuum and everybody here has played an important part. We don’t say enough about the staff who do all the hard work on the ground,” said Johns.

Kel Roberts, retired Electoral Area “C” (Long Beach) director, called the new paved trail the “gem of the Pacific”.

“The word is being spread and it’s going to increase tourism,” said Roberts.

CEO of ICET Brodie Guy agreed.

“Think of the memories that are going to be created here… All the good things that are going to flow from it. Think economic development. This is huge for this area,” he said.

Amphibian Crossings Three amphibian crossings were installed under the MUP to align with the existing highway crossings and to help prevent roadkill incidents. The Swan Lake Wetland is located about 500-me-

Nora O’Malley photo

ACRD Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Sailland, retired Area “C” director Kel Roberts, Toquaht Chief Anne Mack and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government President Charles McCarthy walk the completed West Coast MUP together on June 7. tres from the highway and is the essential ents back and forth from terrestrial to the breeding habitat of many species, includaquatic environment.” ing the Northern Red-legged Frog.

The amphibian crossings are similar “I really would like to thank everybody to culverts, notes the ACRD, and about involved in this piece of the trail par100-metres of amphibian fencing was ticularly, for the extra funding to allow also installed to help safely direct the bypasses for the frogs,” said Vaida Siga, frogs towards the crossings. director for Electoral Area “C” (Long Marathon between Tofino and Ucluelet Beach). “The extra value that this trail The West Coast MUP is about 40-kilohas is it connects the pieces of the area metres and links Tofino, Ucluelet and the that need [to be] connected for other speFirst Nations territories of Tla-o-qui-aht cies. We’ve done a wonderful job of conand Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ. Ucluelet Mayor Marinecting our species so let’s work towards lyn McEwen offered a warm congrats to connecting other species.” everyone for all the hard work, and went Conservation Biologist Dr. Barb Beasley to announce that the Edge to Edge plans told the Ha-Shilth-Sa that hundreds of on bringing the full marathon back to the frogs and salamanders use the underschedule for 2025. passes.

ACRD Chief Administrative Officer “Frogs are a key in the food webs.

Daniel Sailland was thrilled about the Tadpoles help maintain water quality by news. grazing on algae and they are also prey “I’m gonna run it,” he grinned as the for other organisms,” Dr. Beasley shared. group walked the path together towards “Frogs are control agents for recycling Ukee Poke for refreshments. the soil nutrients. They bring the nutri-

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Community&Beyond NTC Health Department – Drop In Cultural support

please bring your own plates and cutlery.

Family Event

June 19th, & 26th, 2024

June 17th

4841 Redford Street – 5th avenue entrance

Glenwood Centre – Port Alberni

Drop-in cultural support 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Questions? Call 250.724.3939

2:30pm – 6:00pm Come on out with your family! Kids activities, door prizes, snacks and more. 250-724-3939

2024 Northern Region Games Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

July 5th – 8th, 2024

Every Monday

Houpsitas The Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nation would like to extend an invite to the Norther Nations: Ehattesaht/ Chinehkint, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht in joining us for the 2024 Northern Region Games held in Houpsitas. No fireworks. Drug and alcohol-free event, bring your own chairs.

Curfew 11:00 pm. Zero waste event –

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.

June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 21

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

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

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June 13, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 23

Expedition explores earthquake effects on ocean floor Hundreds of deep-sea earthquakes in March at a hydrothermal vent field could have formed a new ocean floor

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Wednesday, June 6, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and Ocean Exploration Trust departed from Sydney, BC on their annual 21-day expedition, where the team might be the first to lay eyes on what could be newly formed ocean floor.

In early March a series of more than 200 earthquakes per hour, referred to as an earthquake swarm, were detected at a depth of 5 kilometers and roughly 240 kilometers offshore of Vancouver Island at the Juan de Fuca Ridge site. The earthquakes reached a magnitude of 4.1.

“The spike of earthquake activity at the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge could be a sign of an ‘impending magmatic rupture’,” reads a statement from ONC quoting marine seismology PhD candidate Zoe Krauss. “A natural phenomena that can form new ocean floor.”

“As tectonic plates pull apart, cracks form on the seafloor and are filled periodically by 800 degree celcius magma rising from deep beneath the Earth’s crust,” the statement continued. “The intense heat from the magma cools rapidly once in contact with the cold seawater and solidifies into new oceanic crust.”

According to the statement, scientists expected this “burst” in seismic activity to occur at the Endeavour site every 20 years.

“They were predicting that an increase of earthquake activity would happen fairly soon,” said Meghan Paulson, ONC expedition lead. “They were on high alert.”

Paulson shared that through ONC, 800

Ocean Networks Canada map

Ocean Networks Canada operates an 800-kilometre underwater observatory system west of Vancouver Island. kilometer Neptune ocean observatory, scientists could watch the seismic sensors in real time as the earthquakes occurred.

“The reason that they were anticipating it, and where it’s not unusual to see earthquake activity in that area, is because it is basically right at a spreading center,” she said.

Once they reach the Endeavour site, the team will conduct visual surveys in areas where the earthquakes were concentrated to look for newly formed seafloor, shared Paulson. While also keeping an eye out to see if any of the hydrothermal vents in that area have fallen from seismic activity, she noted.

We have some ideas but we don’t really know for sure until we get there,” said Paulson.

“Underwater earthquakes can not only topple existing sulfide towers, but also alter the way fluids travel beneath vent systems, changing the chemistry and temperature,” reads the statement from March. “Although not expected at Endeavour, if magma breaches the seafloor, pillow lava may pave over existing vent structures, much like the Hawaiin seafloor.”

In partnership with ONC, an initiative of the University of Victoria, and the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), this annual expedition will visit sites along their 800 kilometers ocean observatory to map the seafloor while also performing maintenance on their deep-sea scientific instruments, shared Paulson.

The expedition plans to visit Clayo-

quot Slope, Middle Valley, Endeavour, Cascadia Basin, and Barkley Canyon, and will be live streaming on both the Ocean Networks Canada website and Nautilus live website.

Paulson shared that with the expedition OCN and OET want people to “come with us on this journey to the bottom of the ocean”.

“This expedition in particular, we facilitate Ship to Shore interactions where schools, camps, [and] different groups are able to interact with the crew at sea, in real time,” said Paulson. “If people have questions or have an interest, while they’re watching, they’re really able to just hop on the chat and get involved.”

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