Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper June 15, 2023

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 50 - No. 12—June 15, 2023 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Highway 4 set to reopen

by June 24 Focus is now on removal of hazardous debris and trees to make route safe

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Denise Titian photo

Dontay’s father Patrick Lucas stands with Brenda Lucas (far left), Judy Campbell, and Sherry Lucas outside the Port Alberni Law Courts on June 12, where a preliminary inquiry is underway for murder charges in his son’s death.

Hearing begins for 6-year-old’s death Loved ones gather in boy’s memory, as mother and stepfather face murder charges

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – It’s been five years since six-year-old Dontay Lucas was found unresponsive in his home in a townhouse on the south side of Port Alberni and now his mother and her husband, who have been in custody since May 2022, are appearing in a Port Alberni courtroom as the preliminary hearing begins.

In Canada, a preliminary inquiry is a judicial hearing that is used in serious criminal cases to determine whether the evidence assembled by the Crown against an accused person is sufficient to proceed with a trial.

Rykel Charleson and Mitchell Frank are facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Dontay Lucas.

It was on March 13, 2018, at about 9:30 a.m. when first responders were called to a residence on the south side of Port Alberni. The RCMP said they responded to a report of a child in medical distress at a residence. The boy was transported to hospital but did not survive his injuries.

Initial reports said the boy was injured after a fall down the stairs inside the townhouse.

Police and the BC Coroner’s Service began an investigation.

“The child’s death is being treated as suspicious and the investigation is ongoing,” stated the Port Alberni RCMP in a news release on March 28, 2018.

On May 7, 2022, the RCMP issued a statement, saying two people had been arrested the day before and are both charged with first-degree murder in the death of six-year-old Don-Tay Patrick Lucas. They declined to reveal what the cause of death was.

In their statement, the Port Alberni RCMP said they arrested the local 29-year-old man and 28-year-old woman for the murder of the six-year-old.

“On May 7, 2022, Ms. Rykel Frank (Nee Charleson) and Mitchell Frank were charged with the first-degree murder of Dontay Lucas. The investigation continues,” stated the RCMP. Rykel was Dontay’s mother, and Mitchell Frank is her husband, not related to Dontay.

The preliminary hearing began June 12, 2023 at the Port Alberni Courthouse.

Patrick Lucas, Dontay’s biological father, was there with family and friends supporting him. They carried placards demanding justice for Dontay and stood together as Patrick led a drumming circle more than an hour before the courtroom opened.

“My emotions have been all over the place,” said Patrick Lucas, with his mother and sister standing close by his side. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”

Cultural support people were on hand to lend their strength to the loved ones of Dontay Lucas, as they heard difficult testimony. The judge ordered a publication ban that remains in place for the duration

Inside this issue...

Fuel rationing, panic shopping due to shut hwy.............Page 3 Cameron Bluffs wildfire slows down.............................Page 4 Bones uncovered at Yuquot............................................Page 6 MMIWG report.............................................................Page 14 Pharmacists can now perscribe some medications.......Page 18

of the hearing, expected to take about five days.

In May 2022, when the arrests were made, Sgt. Clayton Wiebe of the Port Alberni General Investigative Services, described the investigation as complex, noting there was a lot of evidence to process.

“The volume of material was enormous, and it takes time to put it together,” Weibe stated.

He went on to say that they waited for reports from various agencies, including the BC Coroner and forensic sciences services. He mentioned cell phone records were part of the investigation.

Wiebe explained that some information, including the cause of death, couldn’t be released and would come out in the trial.

“In order to explain that properly, I would have to get into the evidence, which I’m not prepared to do right now,” he said.

Other children who were in the home at the time of Dontay’s death were immediately removed and placed in care, according to Wiebe.

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, murder is first degree if the offence was “planned and deliberate.” A person’s death can also fall under this classification if the murder occurs while someone is attempting sexual assault or kidnapping and forcible confinement.

The preliminary hearing continues at the Port Alberni Courthouse from June 12 to June 16, 2023.

Port Alberni, BC - With a forest fire still smoldering on the slope above, Highway 4 will be closed for another week and a half, according to an update from the provincial government on June 13.

In a midday press conference delivered by Rob Flemming, B.C.’s minster of Transportation and Infrastructure, a tentative reopening date for the weekend of June 24 was announced, allowing firefighting crews to further dampen the Cameron Bluffs wildfire while the hazards of a compromised mountainside over the critical highway corridor are assessed.

First discovered on June 3, the wildfire by Cameron Lake has burned 254 hectares, forcing the closure of Highway 4 after three days of growth. But some rain over the weekend of June 10 and the continued efforts of as much as 76 ground personnel at one time plus four helicopters has caused the fire to remain within containment lines, being downgraded from “out of control” to “being held” by the B.C. Wildfire Service on June 13.

Now the focus is shifting to ensure the future safety of the highway.

“They need to make sure that the cliff face is stable, and that the highway and the people who use it are protected,” said Flemming.

When the highway does open, the ministry plans to introduce single-lane alternating traffic with a metal fence held by cranes along the sections where falling debris is most likely.

“We do expect some significant delays,” said Janelle Staite, deputy regional director for the Ministry of Transportation, during the press conference. “This still needs to be essential traffic only.”

The Ministry of Transportation expects the single-lane-alternating scenario will continue until mid-July, when the normal opposing double-lane traffic is planned to resume. Until then, only essential travel is advised.

The Cameron Bluffs fire has spread along a kilometre and a half of the highway, causing nearly two-dozen trees to fall on the road, some of these old growth stands measuring up to a metre in diameter, said Staite.

Continued on page 3.

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

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Closed highway brings fuel rationing, panic buying Port Alberni mayor urges residents to remain calm, as wildfire forces disruption in supply of essential goods

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – It was less than 24 hours since Highway 4 closed on June 6 when motorists reported that a Tofinobased service station was rationing fuel purchases to 30 liters per customer.

A spokesperson for Tofino Consumer Co-op Gas Bar confirmed that the limit was implemented until they could get a fuel delivery. But nobody knew when that would be since the fuel truck was stranded on the other side of the fire zone at Cameron Lake east of Port Alberni.

“Especially what we went through overnight, we went through 2,000 liters in less than 24 hours,” said the employee on June 7.

Further up the road at the Tofino Gas ‘n’ Go, it was business as usual, for the time being. The employee there said he hadn’t heard of any rationing of fuel - yet.

Concern grew during the first week of the Cameron Bluffs forest fire that grocery store shelves in Port Alberni would go bare as people worried when transport trucks could make it past the fire zone.

While the shelves at Tyler’s No Frills looked good midday on Wednesday, June 7, the parking lot was busy. When asked if panic buying had started, the cashier said yes. She said that no specific items were being bought out but said that people were loading up on what they needed.

Fuel stations around Port Alberni were busy. There was a waiting line at the Circle K fuel pumps.

In Ahousaht, people out on patient travel stranded beyond Port Alberni were being urged to contact the band administration office for assistance.

When Highway 4 was closed a detour route was established on logging roads that lead to Lake Cowichan. However, there are restrictions due to the industrial nature of the road and drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid travel in the area unless essential. The detour extends travel by four hours and includes difficult driving conditions.

On the morning of June 8, Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions took to social media to reassure the people that supply chains to the city are not broken.

“Regular supplies will arrive in our community as normal, today, filling grocery store shelves and tanks at the gas station,” she wrote.

She went on to say that there are alternative methods of getting supplies into the city that can be activated, if necessary.

Denise Titian photo

At least one gas station in Tofino limited fuel sales, as supplies into Port Alberni and Vancouver Island’s west coast communities are disrupted by the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. A four-hour detour to the east side of the island has been established. Pictured is a lineup of cars on the east side of Port Alberni.

The best way to avoid low supply, she said, is to avoid panic buying, or buying more than you normally would. Minions says the city is asking people to buy only what they need.

“Let’s keep that Port Alberni ‘take care of each other’ attitude in mind at the grocery store and gas station today. We will get through this, as we always do,” said Minions.

Until Highway 4 is reopened later this month, trucks with essential supplies will rely on the detour route.

“The detour will route traffic from Port Alberni through to Lake Cowichan via Bamfield using forest-service and privately owned industrial roads. The gravel detour route has narrow sections, sharp curves, single-lane bridges and challenging terrain. There is no cell service, gas

stations or washroom facilities on the detour route,” states the ministry update.

They go on to say that regular passenger vehicles, such as cars, vans and commercial vehicles weighing less than 14,500 kilograms, can travel through the detour corridor. No over-height or over-weight vehicles will be permitted.

“It is strongly encouraged to wait to travel if possible,” they urge.

For those taking the detour, the province urges preparation and patience.

“Drivers should fuel up, bring extra supplies, food and water to be prepared for the high temperatures at this time of year, and note that conditions can change quickly. Drivers are encouraged to plan trips during daylight hours and to drive with caution,” advised the ministry.

There are signs and traffic-control personnel directing drivers through the detour. Government staff and maintenance contractors regularly patrol the detour to assist motorists if required.

The ministry states there will be information checkpoints for travellers at Youbou Road near Lake Cowichan and on Highway 4 at Aspeden Road near Port Alberni.

A map of the detour route will be available through an Emergency Travel Information button on the DriveBC homepage to help travellers make an informed decision about using the passage. Drivers are reminded to use caution and respect the direction of traffic-control personnel in the area.

For up-to-date information about driving conditions, visit: https://www.DriveBC.ca

Focus is now on removal of hazardous debris, trees to make the highway safe Continued from page 1.

Even on the morning of June 13 rocks the size of coffee mugs were still seen falling on the highway, she said. The most hazardous area is around Angel Rock, a large rock face at a curved section of the highway along Cameron Lake.

“In and around that area is where we see the bulk of materials continuing to come down now,” said Staite. “The slope itself remains intact, however the debris on top of the slope has been loosened as a result of the wildfire, and that is the piece we are concerned about from a technical perspective.”

Staite explained that due to the rocky

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nature of the slope landslide is not a foremost concern, but the risk of falling debris will require more attention over the coming weeks. Assessors with the B.C. Wildfire Service have progressed over halfway up the steep slope affected by the blaze, tagging danger trees that need to be removed to ensure safety on the highway.

“It is very challenging topography they are working in, and a very significant concern for debris coming down onto Highway 4,” she said. “We do acknowledge that there is an upcoming weather system coming in later this week on Thursday, we do anticipate seeing some rain there that may slow the efforts of both the assessment as well as the falling of the trees that are needed.”

Aerial images of the area affected by the fire show a mix of red and green trees.

While the red stands have been completely burned, many of the green trees could also be more affected than they appear, explained Staite.

“The green ones haven’t necessarily candled all the way up to the top, but we have heard from B.C. Wildfire Service that those trees are burning - actually in some cases from the inside at the root levels,” she said.

Despite the falling debris, Highway 4 remains intact along Cameron Lake, although some concrete barriers have been dislodged as the forest fire has progressed. Currently the Ministry of Transportation awaits clearance from the Wildfire Service for contractors to under-

take a more detailed analysis of damage to the road.

In the meantime, Port Alberni and Vancouver Island’s west coast communities will continue to rely on a detour route for essential supplies, which runs on logging roads from Port Alberni, past Nitinaht Lake, to Lake Cowichan. Using a combination of privately owned industrial roads and forestry service routes, the detour was established after the closure of Highway 4 to ensure the passage of essential supplies and travel.

“There have been some improvements on the current alternate route, which is why it was selected, that make it the most drivable, desirable alternate that we could open,” said Flemming.

Since June 6, 550-1,000 trips have been made each day on the detour, 20 per cent of which are commercial vehicles moving supplies like fuel and food. This compares to the 15,000 trips that normally occurred each day from Port Alberni to Parksville on Highway 4 in the summer.

Pilot vehicle-guided convoys are now being coordinated for the movement of essential commercial supplies, two of which leave each day from Lake Cowichan, while another two leave from Port Alberni. With 13 single-lane bridges on the detour, other vehicles are asked to allow these approaching convoys to pass to ensure the timely transport of essential goods.

“What it helps with is to warn motorists of those vehicles approaching,” said Staite

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2.

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Cameron Bluffs wildfire slows down Crews focus on hot spots and dangerous trees that still burn over Cameron Lake

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - As thousands west of Cameron Lake eagerly await when Highway 4 will reopen, the B.C. Wildfire Service is being “cautiously optimistic” about its efforts to contain the Cameron Bluffs wildfire after a weekend of some rain.

Since it was discovered on June 3, the forest fire burning next to Cameron Lake has grew to 254 hectares, according to an update issued by the B.C. Wildfire Service. Although this is more that the 208-hectare estimate issued on Friday, June 9, the Wildfire Service now has a clearer idea of the fire’s size due to a decrease in smoke.

A drop in temperatures on June 9 and 10 with some rain helped the situation, although a change in wind patterns could still reignite existing hot spots.

“Over the weekend there was a decrease in fire behaviour, however there is a ridge building which will result in an increase in temperature and lowering the relative humidity along with gusts of winds,” stated the Wildfire Service in its June 13 update.

On that day Cameron Bluffs was downgraded from “out of control”, to “being held”, thanks in part to the recent rain.

“At this stage, the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under prevailing conditions,” stated an update from the Wildfire Service on June 14.

“It temporarily slowed everything down, but you still have all of your hot spots, and that’s what the crews are working on right now,” said Noelle Kekula, an information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre. “If those winds pick up, late night with some of those hot spots, we could be back to square one.”

Highway 4 is the main land route in and out of Port Alberni and Vancouver Island communities to its west. But since Tuesday, June 6 this critical passage has been closed, as the Cameron Bluffs fire burns along the side of the road. In some cases the fire is burning on both sides of the highway next to Cameron Lake, while crews deal with steep, mountain side terrain with “unstable rock slopes above Highway 4”, according to the Wildfire

B.C. Wildfire Service photo

After a week of burning, the Cameron Bluffs forest fire grew to 254 hectares, although the B.C. Wildfire Service has since seen improvements in its efforts to control the blaze, which has been downgraded to “being held”.

Service. fire decides it wants to reactivate itself The most recent map of the fire’s spread from those hot spots, then it just burns shows it stretching for over a kilometer into the donut,” she said. along the highway, extending nearly a Much of the forest fire is in a provincial third the length of Cameron Lake. park, within a few kilometers of the mas“Due to the fire, some tree roots have sive old growth trees in Cathedral Grove been compromised and are falling onto that visitors flock to each year. Some old Highway 4,” stated the update from the growth trees near the highway are being agency. cut when this is necessary to control the Currently 76 firefighters are attackfire and protect the highway. ing the blaze, with the support of four “We’re not going to just cut trees helicopters dropping water into inaccesbecause we can,” said Kekula. “We’re sible areas, as well as 10 pieces the heavy cutting trees that are burning or threatenequipment that are being used to establish ing the highway.” containment lines along the perimeter to Now firefighters are hoping for rain in prevent the forest fire from growing. the days ahead to further mitigate the Kekula describes the tactic of building situation. Currently a drop in temperature a containment line around the fire, where and a decent chance of rain is forecasted exposed soil is free of fuel for the fire to for the weekend. burn.

“We are cautiously optimistic,” said “We are trying to build a doughnut Kekula. “If the rain comes like the forearound the fire, so it’s big enough around cast is saying, it puts us in a better spot.” it that, if the wind does pick up and the

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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 49th year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

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June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

Horne Lake Connector: Why can’t this route be used?

Ministry of Transportation says 24-kilometre route out of Port Alberni is narrow, winding with steeper grades

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – As the wildfire raged on at Cameron Bluffs and Highway 4 remains closed for the foreseeable future, travelers became stranded as the emergency detour closed for several hours on Friday, June 9.

Earlier in the week a container truck utilizing the emergency detour rolled over. The emergency detour was scheduled to be closed for eight hours on June 9 as crews worked to pull the truck out of Francis Lake.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Cowichan Lake detour is the safest public route and it is ensuring commercial goods are being delivered and supply chains are not impacted.

The 150-kilometer route winds over narrow, dusty logging roads, allowing the public a safe road between Port Alberni and Duncan, B.C. The ministry reminds the public that this is an emergency detour route and not a highway. While it has challenging travel conditions, it offers the most reliable connection to keep goods and people moving through the area until Highway 4 is opened again.

At a press conference on June 13, Rob Flemming, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, mentioned the benefits on ongoing upgrades to Bamfield Main, which is part of the detour route.

“There have been some improvements on the current alternate route, which is why it was selected, that make it the most drivable, desirable alternate that we could open,” said Flemming.

But there is another route out of Port Alberni that is just over 24 kilometers long. The Horne Lake Connecter route is a logging road that would connect Port Alberni to Highway 19, near Qualicum.

People are asking why this road has not been open to the public.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, there are several reasons.

“The Horne Lake Connector is on private land owned by Mosaic and is a less safe route for general vehicle traffic,” they stated.

They went on to say that this road is not appropriate for general traffic because it is a narrow, winding road with grades

For years Port Alberni locals have pondered the Horne Lake Connector as an alternate route to the east side of Vancouver Island. Currently owned by a forestry company, the route runs to Qualicum. steeper than the designated detour route.

“Due to conditions along those routes, it was deemed that the current detour was the most reliable, safest and bestsuited for highway traffic for people who require essential travel in this area,” the ministry stated.

Mosaic, the forestry company that owns the road, is allowing some travel through this area for people related to emergency response efforts, including ministry responders, BC Forest Services and emergency management crews. It is not open to the public.

The ministry told Ha-Shilth-Sa that they are not considering opening an additional detour at this time.

The Cowichan Lake detour is allowing commercial trucks to get through, so supplies such as food and fuel are making it to communities that are counting on them.

All vehicles, including commercial vehicles, must drive with caution as the detour route is an industrial gravel road with industrial conditions.

While only essential travel is recommended at this time, this detour opens a critical link to continue the movement of goods and people needing access to the region.

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day

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June 21, 2023

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

No more sewage in the ocean with Tofino’s upgrade The project is set to build an entirely new sewage treatment plant to replace the four existing pump stations

By Konnar Oliver Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - The federal and provincial governments have announced a wave of funding to communities across British Columbia to provide upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities, and Tofino is among those.

The District of Tofino will be getting $7.5 million of the $48.6 million being given out by the federal government, which will be going towards Phase 2 of the Secondary Wastewater Treatment and System Upgrade project announced back in 2019.

“Tofitians care deeply about the natural environment and have worked for years to develop a modern, reliable wastewater treatment system to improve water quality in Clayoquot Sound, support Indigenous practices and local economies, and protect human health,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim in a release regarding the announcement.

Osborne was Tofino’s mayor when the project first received approval.

The project, which got underway late last year, is set to build an entirely new wastewater treatment plant to replace the four pump stations that were in place.

The reasoning behind it? Tofino is the last municipality left on Vancouver Island to pump raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean. Following a federal mandate that all municipalities treat their sewage by 2020, the project was put into place. It was then delayed for an extended period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a funding shortage after bids for construction came in short.

Osborne says she is thrilled to see the project coming to fruition.

“This project – the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Tofino – was possible because of the vision, collaboration and partnership between the District of Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the Province of BC, and Canada. I offer my gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved in this long-awaited achievement.”

By treating the sewage and improving water quality, the marine environment around Tofino and in the Clayoquot Sound will be greatly protected.

“I am proud to be working with all

District of Tofino image

Tofino’s Secondary Wastewater Treatment and System Upgrade project has a current cost at around $78 million. Tofino is currently the last municipality left on Vancouver Island to pump raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean.

District of Central Saanich, putting nearly half on Vancouver Island. The other four “Tofitians care deeply about are the Village of McBride, the Town of Golden, the City of Kamloops, and the natural environment and the City of New Westminster. Tofino have worked for years to is receiving the most funding out of all develop a modern, reliable municipalities in this wave.

“Investments in modernizing wastewawastewater treatment system ter infrastructure improves the health and to improve water quality in prosperity of our communities and proClayoquot Sound, support tects our local environment. Our government is proud to invest more than $26.5 Indigenous practices and local million in these wastewater upgrades economies” projects across British Columbia,” says Harjit Sajjan, the minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development ~ Josie Osborne, MLA Agency of Canada. “We will continue to Mid Island-Pacific Rim collaborate with our partners to deliver more projects like these that improve levels of government to support joint wastewater management, increase treatJosie Osborne infrastructure projects to ensure Britment reliability, and support sustainable ish Columbians have access to quality community development.”

They quickly learned, however, that the drinking water and reliable wastewater Funding for all projects is contingent on $55 million they had first estimated for systems, while also protecting our rivfulfilling consultations with Indigenous the cost was far too low. The project’s ers, lakes, and oceans. These seven new groups in their respective locales. current cost sits at around $78 million. projects will improve services for B.C. Tofino’s wastewater treatment plant is Tofino is one of seven municipalities communities and will protect critical receiving funding from the governments, expected to be operational by the end of infrastructure for years to come,” says 2024. alongside the Village of Tahsis and the Anne Kang, minister of Municipal Affairs for British Columbia.

The District of Tofino was initially given approximately $40 million in grants from the provincial and federal governments for the treatment plant back in 2020.

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June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Fairy Creek watershed protected until early 2025 The area’s temporary deferral has been extended, after protests over logging led to nearly 1,200 arrests in 2021

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Renfrew, BC - The Fairy Creek watershed, a highly contested area of old growth that saw nearly 1,200 arrests in southern Vancouver Island in 2021, is being protected from logging for another year and a half.

The deferral announcement came from the B.C. Ministry of Forests in early June, days before the existing ban on harvesting old growth trees was set to expire.

In place until Feb. 1, 2025, the extended deferral encompasses 1,183.9 hectares of Crown forest land near Port Renfrew that is entirely located within the territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation.

The nearby Central Walbran will also be protected from old growth harvesting until March 1, 2024, following a temporary ban on the logging practice that was imposed by the provincial government for the area in September 2020.

Protesters began setting up blockades around Fairy Creek in early August of that year, halting the building of logging roads into what is considered one of the few areas on Vancouver Island that remains untouched by industrial forestry. Fairy Creek soon became an ignition point for a growing resistance to old-growth logging, drawing thousands of people from across Western Canada to man a complex system of blockades designed to halt forestry in the region.

The Rainforest Flying Squad emerged as the collective behind this activity, opposed to the operations of Teal Cedar Products and its contractors. Teal Cedar holds tenure over Tree Farm Licence 46, a section of Crown land northeast of Port Renfrew.

By the spring of 2021 the B.C. Supreme Court issued an injunction against protestors interfering with forestry operations in the area. As encampments continued to grow, the RCMP moved into Fairy Creek and its surrounding forests in May to enforce the injunction, bringing a wave of arrests.

Assertion of territorial authority Amid the conflict, three of Vancouver Island’s southern Nuu-chah-nulth nations stepped into the equation with the Hišuk ma c̕awak Declaration, an assertion of authority over the territory delivered according to the First Nations’ sacred

Melissa Renwick photo

A protestor is arrested at the Caycuse old-growth logging blockade established by the Rainforest Flying Squad, near Port Renfrew, on May 19, 2021. principles of “ʔiisaak” (utmost respect), “ʔuuʔałuk” (taking care of) and “hišuk ma c̕awak” (everything is connected).

These include the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

At the June 4 signing of the declaration Pacheedaht Chief Councillor Jeff Jones explained its importance.

“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,” he said. “For too many years First Nations have not had jurisdiction over their traditional territory. We must have adequate resources to meet the needs of our citizens, members, for employment, housing, education, health, social and other needs.”

Shortly after issuing the declaration, the three nations also gave notice to the province to defer all old growth logging in the Fairy Creek and Central Walbran areas for two years. On the next day former premier John Horgan and the provincial government agreed to this, allowing the

First Nations time to formulate management plans for the resources at stake in their respective territories.

“While this essential work is being carried out, we expect everyone to allow forestry operations approved by our nations and the government of British Columbia in other parts of our territories to continue without interruption,” the nations said in a statement. “Please respect that our citizens have a constitutionally protected right to benefit economically from our lands, waters, and resources.”

At the time the Rainforest Flying Squad called the Fairy Creek deferral a “small victory,” but stressed the need to protect other old growth trees in the surrounding areas. Encampments continued, as did arrests – despite a call from the Pacheedaht in late June 2021 for protesters to leave its territory as wildfire risk escalated during a month of record-breaking highs.

Not all First Nations agree with the deferrals Since November of 2021 the province has designated over 2 million hectares of old growth forest for temporary protection. This has been contingent on consultations with First Nations who call this forest home, but not all Indigenous communities have gone along with what the province has proposed.

One month after the provincial government identified 2.6 million hectares for deferral, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations

responded that it would agree to this in its territory - except for four per cent of the proposed area for protection. Of the 14,754 hectares set aside by the province, 645 was already tied to forestry plans that the Huu-ay-aht were relying on.

“These deferrals would have an impact on small portions of many different harvest areas in a variety of ways, including making entire harvest areas uneconomic or inaccessible or making the deferred portion subject to forest health concerns such as windthrow,” read a statement from the Huu-ay-aht.

Like the Huu-ay-aht, the Pacheedaht have looked to forestry in recent years as an employment opportunity for its members. The First Nation built a sawmill in Port Renfrew that is capable of manufacturing 60-foot beams, and has an agreement with Teal Cedar to purchase logs for processing at the mill.

In September of last year the Pacheedaht signed a memorandum of understanding with the forestry company, an agreement that aims to balance economic development opportunities with the need to steward old growth. The MOU includes forestry training and employment for Pacheedaht members.

Beyond the province’s temporary deferral over the next 20 months, 80 per cent of the Fairy Creek watershed is protected, according to the Pacheedaht’s Integrated Forestry Management Plan that was developed over the last two years.

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

Bones uncovered at Yuquot believed to be human Family living in village awaits decision from First Nation’s elders, as discovery appears to be human fragments

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Yuquot, BC - What appear to be human skeletal remains have been recently uncovered at Yuquot, but it remains to be seen how old the bones are and who they belonged to.

Sanford Williams grew up in Yuquot, the ancestral home of Mowachaht/ Muchalaht First Nation, and returns to the ancient village site on the southern edge of Nootka Island each summer to engage in his practice as a carver. On Thursday, June 1 he was digging into the side of a hill with his brother Darrell, who lives in Yuquot year-round, to build a back deck for his carving shed, when a discovery halted their operation.

“I was digging into the hill there and we came upon some bones,” said Sanford, who found the fragments about three feet into the earth. “We found quite a few that were with the jawbone.”

The bones have not been analyzed by an archaeologist, but photos sent to Ha-Shilth-Sa show what appears to be a piece of a jawbone with molars still intact, pieces of spine vertebrae, hip, ribs and leg or arm bones. The Ha-ShilthSa is not publishing these photos out of respect for any cultural sensitivities that may affect the deceased in an ancestral Nuu-chah-nulth site.

The Williams brothers had encountered other bones that appeared to be animal nearby on the hill, but stopped digging when what looked like human skeletal remains emerged “because they believe in their culture,” according to the family.

Sanford isn’t aware of any human burials ever taking place on the hill.

“They were quite large bones,” remarked Sanford. “The jawbone, it’s got some burn marks there, like it’s been burned, like there was a fire on top of it or something.”

The family notified the Mowachaht/ Muchalaht First Nation and the RCMP, which have since met to discuss the discovery.

“We have been in contact with local au-

Eric Plummer photo

Sanford Williams stands at his carving shed in Yuquot, where he recently discovered what appears to be human remains while digging with his brother Darrell. thorities regarding protocols that may ap- for national commemoration of the site. differences in physical type, but, rather, Rich in archaeological signs of ancient ply,” said Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna differences in cultural practice,” wrote Jehabitation, studies conducted over the in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “Our elders rome Cybulski, who authored this portion will be discussing the concerns that may past half century have revealed evidence of the Yuquot Project. of 4,300 years of uninterrupted settlerise at this time.”

Parsley isn’t surprised that bones are ment at Yuquot.

Roger Dunlop, the First Nation’s manstill being uncovered at Yuquot. ager of Lands and Natural Resources, Another two sets of bones were discov“It is totally predictable, and there will visited the site on Saturday, June 3. He ered by the ancient village site in 2017 be thousands and thousands of people believes they are two sets of old, parand 2018 at the Nootka Lightstation. buried in that archaeological site,” she Before major upgrades were undertaken tially-charred bones from a midden, or a said. historic refuse heap. Dunlop said the mat- to the Canadian Coast Guard facility, an In the centuries leading up contact with ter is being referred to the First Nation’s archaeological assessment was required, Europeans Nuu-chah-nulth people were which found the remains of a woman elders to determine what to do next. known to intern their dead above the aged 35-44 and an adolescent. Aquilla For countless generations Yuquot was ground, often in cedar boxes in caves or the summer home of the Mowachaht, Archaeology radiocarbon dated the retrees. But Parsley said that this wasn’t mains to be 1,000 years old. and was once the capital for all 17 tribes always the case.

Those bones were found in a garden by of the Nootka Sound region, according “Before 1,800 to 1,200 years ago - in to the Yuquot Agenda Paper that was the lighthouse, leading archaeologist Col- that range - in-ground internment was published over 20 years ago to advocate leen Parsley to determine that they were more typical and could be expressed in probably deposited there decades ago by a variety of different ways,” she said. a past lighthouse keeper who was moving “Sometimes people were buried in boxes soil from the Mowachaht village site to within an excavated pit internment grave, the facility’s garden. other times there would be rock cairns During the winter that followed the dis- built over top of the graves. Sometimes covery of the second set of remains, the people were placed in a shallowly excabones were placed in cedar boxes and re- vated setting with rocks placed over top.” interned at an undisclosed site on Nootka As the centuries pass, feet of earth could Island by Mowachaht/Muchalaht elders build up over even the shallow graves, according to the First Nation’s protocol. explains Parsley. These wide variations The recently discovered jawbone piece over thousands of years indicate that appears similar to what is documented coastal peoples were constantly evolving in the Yuquot Project, a multiple-volume as groups migrated and mixed. archaeological study of the village site “It’s not a static culture,” said Parsley. that was conducted from excavations in “People are moving in, people are mov1966. That dig uncovered the remails of ing out, the environment is changing, all nine people, which were found between kinds of things. It’s ever evolving.” six inches and three feet underground.

“There’s a lot more to mortuary pracThe study determined that the remains tices than what people realize when it belonged to multiple populations, due to comes to northwest coast people, and signs of the deliberate alteration of the that’s including Nuu-chah-nulth,” she skull that was practiced in the past by added. “Most northwest coast people folvarious tribes on the Pacific coast. lowed pretty similar burial traditions and “It should be remembered that the diffunerary practices.” ferences in head form do not represent

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day From the staff at Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

Canoe carving project underway for Ditidaht Warriors June 12 a six-month canoe project began for the group, with the goal of building a vessel for their community

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nitinaht Lake, BC - Just behind Ditidaht Community School sits a 36-foot western red cedar log that, in just six months, will be carved into a canoe by the Ditidaht Warriors.

As lead for the canoe carving project Tom Patterson of the Ditidaht First Nation will be guiding the way for seven to ten young Ditidaht members.

Youth participating in the project are excited as they anticipated it’s start.

Ditidaht member Randall Tate, who is a Grade 12 student, has been a warrior for just over two years. For Tate this will be the first time participating in a canoe carving project. “[We’re] going to be able to see it next Paddle days,” he said, when reflecting on what he is most excited about.

He looks forward to learning the techniques used to carve the canoe.

“It’s a pretty good opportunity for us… to be getting the experience to carve a canoe,” said Jimmy Joseph, of Ditidaht, a Grade 10 student.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” added Levi Sutherland, Ditidaht Warriors coordinator. “I don’t know the last time a canoe was built around here.”

The youth are fearless in their approach to learning and engaging with the activities through the Ditidaht Warrior program, said Sutherland.

The program teaches youth leadership, traditional knowledge and practices, and wilderness survival skills through activities connected to land and culture, such as archery, fishing, and harvesting.

Alexandra Mehl photo

Tom Patterson, Levi Sutherland, and some of the Ditidaht Warriors at Ditidaht Community School with the Western Red Cedar log to be carved into a canoe for their community.

Sutherland is excited to see the youth said Tina Joseph, language and culture we can,” he said. “getting their hands in there and learning coordinator at the Ditidaht Community He explained that the excess wood will something new each day.”

School in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. She be used to make seats.

They’ll likely be meeting every day for added that through the Sharing TradiOn Monday, June 12, the Ditidaht Warthe six-month period, he added. tional Arts Across Generations grant, the riors planned to gather to bless the log “The whole log belongs to the school First Peoples’ Cultural Council provided and then officially begin their work carvand the kids,” said Patterson, who has funding for the project. ing the Western Red Cedar into a canoe been a carver since 1977.

Once finished, the canoe will be about for their community.

The Western Red Cedar was donated 20 feet long, explained Patterson. He pre“The canoe will be for our community

by C̕awak ʔqin Forestry and facilitated dicts the Western Red Cedar is roughly to use and hopefully one day it could be

by Ts’aa7ukw Forestry of the Ditidaht 600 years old. used in canoe journeys as well,” shared Economic Development Corporation, “We’re going to utilize as much wood as Sutherland.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

Alexandra Mehl photos

Students and guests partake in 200 m canoe races at Gus Bay on Nitinaht Lake on June 8, including Grade 8 student Karen McGregor (below), who heads to the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax this summer.

Ditidaht school welcomes 100 guests for Paddle Days For two days community school and guests gathered at Nitinaht Lake for races, performances and shared meals

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nitinaht Lake, BC - For two sunny days, community members and guests gathered at Nitinaht lake to celebrate Paddle Days on June 7 and 8.

Each day began at Gus Bay, where Ditidaht Community School and guests partook in 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m canoe races.

Students and teachers battled for first, second, and third place while laughter, chanting, and cheering filled the North-East corner of the Lake.

Following the first morning of races were performances, shared meals and activities such as screen printing, axe throwing and archery, among others. “[It] was really humbling to see so many guests here because we haven’t been able to have events where we’ve been able to welcome other people for a long time,” said School Principal Emily Maclennane.

In the lead up to the event, students trav-

eled to deliver traditional invitations in Ditidaht dialect to Nanoose Bay Elementary and Port Renfrew Elementary School to attend the event, she said.

Peter Amos of Squamish Nation, with roots in Hesquiaht, is an education assistant at the community school and coach for the Nitinaht Lake Paddle Club.

“I love the interaction that happens on the water when kids are competing,” said Amos. “You see them in a different light, [and] you see them in a different element on the water, and interacting with each other, making friends.”

Nitinaht Lake Paddle Club meets twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, to practice. Currently there are 12 registered members between the ages of 10 to 18, with one student, Karen McGregor, going to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) for canoe/kayak.

McGregor is a member of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation and a Grade 8 student at the Ditidaht Community School. She had fun

at the two-day event and said that canoeing and basketball were her favorite activities.

“They’re my favorite things to do,” she said.

When asked what she was most proud of, she said “working together with different people.”

For Levi Wilson of Gitga’at is a humanities teacher and coach with the Nitinaht Lake Paddle Club. He’s most proud to see the kids take leadership roles, get in the back of the canoe to steer, and take care of others. “[I’m] just really proud and honored to be able to work with our students and so happy to see them out there doing what they love to do and welcoming our guests in a respectful way,” added Maclennane.

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

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Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

Ditidaht paddler brings experience to NAIG event Introduced to canoeing and kayaking when he was just six, Mazzari Tate awaits his second Indigenous games

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Nanaimo, BC – For some Indigenous athletes competing in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) is the highlight of their athletic careers.

And some athletes are fortunate enough to participate in the multi-sport games more than once.

One of those athletes is Mazzari Tate, a Ditidaht First Nation member. He represented British Columbia in both canoeing and kayaking events at the 2017 NAIG, held primarily in the Ontario capital of Toronto.

Tate, a Grade 12 student at Nanaimo District Secondary School, is now gearing up for his second NAIG appearance.

He’ll take part in both canoeing and kayaking races at this year’s NAIG, scheduled for July 15-23 in Nova Scotia.

Fourteen other sports will also be contested at the games, which will primarily be held at venues throughout Halifax.

Millbrook First Nation and the city of Dartmouth will serve as additional venue hosts.

Tate, a 17-year-old who will begin kinesiology classes this September at Vancouver Island University, is hoping to have some impressive results at this year’s NAIG. He believes already having some games experience could prove to be beneficial.

“Hopefully it’s going to help as I’ll know what I should expect,” he said.

Tate was just 11 years old at the 2017 Games and he competed in Under 14 races. He’ll be in the Under 19 grouping this time around.

Tate believes he took part in six races at his games’ debut. He thinks he registered Top 6 finishes in his kayaking events and Top 8 results in canoeing races.

Tate was named to the B.C. squad for this year’s NAIG following his performances at the team tryouts held in April of 2022 on Nanaimo’s Long Lake.

Though he’ll be racing in both kayaking and canoeing events in Nova Scotia, Tate is not sure quite yet which events he’ll do.

“They’re talking about having some doubles events too,” he said. “I like individual events. But doubles are fun also.”

Tate, who has a slight preference for kayaking, said the 1,500-metre race is perhaps his favourite.

Tate was introduced to both sports when he was just six years old.

“Our nation put in some money for canoes and kayaks,” he said. “And they

made a club.”

Tate has been a club regular ever since.

“I really like the racing and being with people I know,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for quite some time now.”

Tate is hoping to continue his kayaking and canoeing careers while he is at university. Vancouver Island University does not have varsity teams in either discipline, but the school’s outdoor recreation program does offer some activities that include kayaking.

“I’ll probably look into it,” Tate said of his post-secondary athletic pursuits.

As for the upcoming NAIG, Tate is hoping his schedule will includes some breaks which will allow him to also catch some action in some other sports being contested at the games.

In 2017 he was able to watch some soccer and volleyball matches when he wasn’t competing himself.

As for this year, there are some other sports that he would ideally prefer to attend.

“Seeing basketball would be cool,” he said. “And archery would be cool to see.”

Other sports being contested this year are athletics (track and field), badminton, baseball, beach volleyball, golf, box lacrosse, rifle shooting, softball, swimming and wrestling.

About 5,000 athletes from across Canada and the United States are expected to take part in the Games.

All of the athletes will be representing their province, territory, state or regional area.

This marks the 10th time the NAIG will be held. The inaugural Games were staged in 1990 in Edmonton.

The original plan was to have the NAIG alternate between Canadian and American host cities. But the Games have only been held in the U.S. twice, in Blaine, Minnesota in 1995 and in the Colorado city of Denver in 2006.

Milwaukee was supposed to host the 2011 NAIG. But those games were cancelled when the host society withdrew its involvement a year earlier.

As for the upcoming games, Nova Scotia officials have been waiting for quite some time to welcome athletes from across North America.

The games were originally scheduled for 2020. But they were postponed for a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was postponed again, in 2021, this time indefinitely, since organizers were unsure when it would be safe to put on the games, following the lifting of health and travel restrictions that had

Peggy Hewa Marambage photo

Ditidaht First Nation member Mazzari Tate is preparing for his second appearance at the North American Indigenous Games. been put in place.

To prepare for the upcoming games, Tate gets out onto the water whenever he can. Plus, he is doing some land training

every day, usually consisting of upper body work, either at home or at a local gym.

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

Mowachaht/Muchalaht teen makes volleyball squad Seventeen-year-old selected from 40 for the team, joining 5,000 athletes from Canada and the U.S.A. at NAIG

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Campbell River, BC – Karleigh LucasJohnson has been given another opportunity to pick up some additional hardware from a prestigious Indigenous multi-sport games.

Lucas-Johnson, a member of Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, has been named to the British Columbia girls’ under 19 volleyball squad that will participate in next month’s North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).

The games, which are expected to feature about 5,000 athletes from across Canada and the United States, will be held July 15-23, primarily in the Nova Scotia capital of Halifax.

Competition venues will also be in the Millbrook First Nation and the city of Dartmouth.

Besides volleyball, 15 other sports will also be contested at the games.

For Lucas-Johnson, a 17-year-old who is finishing up her Grade 11 studies at Carihi Secondary School in Campbell River, this will mark the second time she’s participated at the NAIG. She was a member of the B.C. club that placed second in the girls’ under-16 category at the 2017 NAIG, held primarily in Toronto.

For Lucas-Johnson, predicting how her team will fare this time around is difficult since she has no idea about the quality of play of any of the other entrants.

“If we do place, that would be a good experience,” she said.

Lucas-Johnson was one of 12 players named to the B.C. under-19 side following a pair of tryouts earlier this year.

About two dozen team hopefuls attended in the initial tryout. And then about 40 individuals were at the second tryouts.

Lucas-Johnson, a 5-foot-5 outside hitter, thought she fared well at both sessions.

But she wasn’t sure if she would be named to the NAIG-bound squad.

“There were a lot more girls (at the second tryout) that weren’t at the first one,” she said. “They were super tall. Some of them were like 5-foot-11.”

Rob Behrouzian, who will serve as the B.C. girls’ under-19 head coach at NAIG, obviously was impressed with LucasJohnson’s efforts and selected her to his club.

“She is a talented volleyball player who possesses a unique combination of technical proficiency, strategic thinking and natural athleticism,” Behrouzian said in a letter for Lucas-Johnson, who

Submitted photo

Karleigh Lucas-Johnson is gearing up for her second appearance at the North American Indigenous Games.

Karleigh Lucas-Johnson is seeking sponsorship funds for her trip to Halifax. “She has exhibited a strong understanding of the game, displaying excellent court presence, anticipation and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.”

Behrouzian added Lucas-Johnson is more concerned about team goals than her individual aspirations.

“Karleigh is a team player, putting the team’s goals ahead of her own and inspiring her teammates to strive for excel-

lence,” he said.

Lucas-Johnson was introduced to volleyball while attending a local camp when she was in Grade 5.

The following year she started playing for her middle school.

Lucas-Johnson had also taken dance classes for about a year. And she played rugby and was a track and field participant when she was younger.

But she opted to stop all of her other extra-curricular activities to concentrate on volleyball.

“From Grade 6 on that’s the only thing I focused on,” she said.

Lucas-Johnson suited up for the Carihi Tyees senior girls’ team this past season.

That squad placed second at its Vancouver Island championships.

Lucas-Johnson, who has one more year of high school studies remaining, is hoping to continue playing volleyball at the post-secondary level.

“I think I’m going to stay close to home and play,” she said.

Lucas-Johnson is hoping to attend the University of Victoria. If she is indeed accepted into the university, she is not quite sure which program she would enroll in.

“I’m still figuring that out,” she said.

“I’m thinking of becoming a lawyer.”

As for the upcoming NAIG, LucasJohnson and her teammates are expected

to converge in Vancouver on June 24-25 and have some practice sessions together.

“And then I’m pretty sure we get another practice day when we arrive in Halifax,” she said.

Though her team will have its own hectic schedule in Halifax, Lucas-Johnson is hoping to have opportunities to catch some of the other sports as well.

“If we have the extra time I hope to go and support the other B.C. teams,” she said.

Lucas-Johnson also offered her thoughts on how she’ll prepare for her own event, even though she is uncertain of the competition.

“I just try to go in with a positive mindset and watch them in warmups and see where the majority of their hits go,” she said.

This will mark the 10th time the NAIG have been held. The games were first staged in 1990 in Edmonton.

The original plan was to have the games alternate between Canadian and American locations.

But the event has only been hosted by U.S. cities twice, in Blaine, Minnesota in 1995 and in Denver, Colorado in 2006.

Games’ officials now only consider Canadian locations when selecting future hosts.

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

Are governments keeping promises to end violence?

National issue affecting Indigenous women & girls has seen the implementation of just two TRC calls in 4 years

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter For many generations Indigenous women and two-spirited people have been the victims of violence in disproportionate numbers across Canada. This fact prompted the federal government to launch a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in December 2018.

The inquiry panel traveled the country taking statements from more than 2,000 people. But their mandate covered more than missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, expanding to encompass sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, bullying and harassment, suicide, and self-harm.

“This violence is interconnected, and can have equally devastating effects,” states the MMIWG website.

The final report, issued in 2019, reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

The report contained 231 recommendations, calling for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country. In the four years since, Canada has completed two of the 231 calls to action and less than half have been started, according to a CBC report card on MMIWG Inquiry’s calls for justice.

On June 9, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that funding to the tune of $2.6 million will be allocated to 10 Indigenous women’s organizations and 2SLGBTQI+ groups that are working to end the national crisis.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that the ten selected Indigenous women’s organizations have a unique knowledge and expertise on how to best protect and empower Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Marc Miller, minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, stated that this funding is part of the $36.3 million over five years provided in Budget 2021 to a program supporting attention to the national issue,

Alexandra Mehl photo

Supporters fill the Downtown Eastside on Feb. 14 for the women’s memorial walk in honor and remembrance of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse peoples. support initiatives to end the violence.

On June 3, it was announced that $5.5 which includes $8.6 million ongoing Part of this is the Federal Pathway to million would be allocated to the Britto ensure that Indigenous women’s and Address Missing and Murdered Indigeish Columbia Association of Aboriginal 2SLGBTQI+ organizations can rely on nous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Friendship Centres as part of this fund. funding to continue their critical work.

“Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBut the NDP Critic for Women and Gen- People, which was launched in June BTQQIA+ people experience violence der Equality Leah Gazan says the Liberal 2021.

“The Government of Canada has come at a much higher rate than other populagovernment is failing Indigenous women, together to create a plan for departments tions,” said Mike Farnworth, minister girls and two-spirited people with their to support systemic change to address of Public Safety and Solicitor General. lack of progress on the Calls for Justice. the crisis,” stated the federal government “Understanding and breaking down “It’s completely unacceptable that four when the pathway was launched. the underlying and systemic causes of years after the National Inquiry into The federal government says it has inviolence is key to our government’s work Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womtoward lasting reconciliation and advancen and Girls, this Liberal government has vested over $2.2 billion in Budget 2021, with more contributions in 2022 and ing gender equality, and this funding will only completed two of the 231 Calls for 2023. In addition, the Canada states it has serve to further that work.”

Justice, and more than half haven’t even invested in more housing, shelters and As executive director of the Port Albeen started,” she stated. “Families and transportation to ensure immediate safety berni Friendship Center, Cyndi Stevens, survivors cannot wait any longer for acof those needing to escape violence. will welcome the new funding, when it tion to end the violence. While this govMeanwhile, the Province of British Cocomes. ernment fails to act, Indigenous women, “The allocation to the National Office girls and two-spirit people continue to go lumbia has committed more than $10.8 million to support Indigenous organizais still in progress to be allocated to the missing or be murdered.” tions through the development of A Path provinces,” she noted. “We will likely Forward Community Fund. Created in know more in the fall how individual One of the Calls for Justice that the fed2021, the fund helps to end violence and allocations to each Friendship Center will eral government has accomplished is the support Indigenous-led community diaroll out, I expect.” recommendation that “all governments logue sessions to inform this work. create specific and long-term funding” to

Phrase of the week: %ušc^akuk niiš himwitsa qii%a+%ukniš %uunak Pronounced ‘Oohs chuk ugh nish him wits saa kee alth nish ooh knock’, it means ‘We value our history, by telling stories and keeping them alive. We have had for a long time!’ Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Koyah Morgan-Banke

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Tseshaht applying to add properties to reserve land First Nation looks to expand onto land it already owns to meet a ‘desperate’ housing need among its members

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor The Tseshaht First Nation is applying to the federal government to add properties to their reserve land.

The expansion would include adding properties adjacent to the current Tseshaht reserve land on the former Sproat Lake school grounds that the First Nation purchased years ago, and on the original airport grounds on the west side of the Somass River.

There are several reasons why the Tseshaht want to add to their reserve, but most notably because of housing needs, said Ken Watts, Tseshaht First Nation chief councilor.

“Tseshaht has a desperate need for housing, and we are currently facing infrastructure and geotechnical issues in some of this year,” Watts said. “So, we need to expand for land we already own, just adding it to reserve improves this housing issue.”

Watts also noted climate change as a reason for applying for the expansion and waiting for unmarked graves on their reserve land to be scanned.

“Tseshaht is facing the impacts of climate change and needs to prepare for our future as our current lands may continue to be impacted,” Watts said. “The Alberni Indian Residential School is 100 hectares roughly in size and we have an unofficial moratorium that we will not excavate or build until the land has been scanned for unmarked graves and burials.”

The Tseshaht First Nation has more than 1,200 members with only roughly half living on-reserve.

“Many of our people want to return home but we have a substantial waitlist of members who have applied for nation housing rentals and those that want to build themselves,” Watts said. “While we are pursuing subdivision expansion, that often takes time with governments

Karly Blats photo

The Tseshaht First Nation have applied to the federal government to add properties to their reserve land, including at the former Sproat Elementary ground. with various feasibility and design work. economic exploration,” Watts said. “The of B.C. as the land is in the Agriculture Tseshaht however is pushing for housing highest and best-use study determined a Land Reserve. What complicates things development off-reserve in our territory mix of commercial and residential, addis this property is split between two juwithin the City of Port Alberni.” ing this to reserve makes all of that easier risdictions, the City of Port Alberni, and Watts said Tseshaht has done a lot of for Tseshaht.”

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and work at the former Sproat School lands, Plans for the former airport lands inthe approval process at all government including securing funding to do a trainclude a campsite that would allow for 50- levels will take time. We believe it will ing program on HazMat removal. Mem100 sites. Watts said this idea came from be quicker added to our reserve.” bers and non-members were trained in the Tseshaht’s Comprehensive CommuniAdding these lands to reserve will also how to safely tear down the old elementy Plan (CCP), a four-year strategic plan help Tseshaht connect to city water and tary school, which is now complete. and consistent community feedback. sewer, Watts added.

“We are also finalizing and will be Port Alberni city council has stated it “Tseshaht also did a lot of other work on having members approve a land-use will provide a letter of support to the this land including a highest and best-use plan,” Watts said. “We have put forward Tseshaht First Nation to add properties to study, various feasibility work and other a Non-Farm Use Permit application their reserve land. with the Agricultural Land Commission

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

SD70 cautions parents after kids approached

2023 Men’s Health Day

RCMP question man in Tofino in response to reports of an adult ‘acting strangely, asking questions about kids’, school district cautions parents to be vigilant

Wednesday June 14, 2023

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Port Alberni Friendship Shelter – 3989 8th Avenue in the courtyard

Tofino, BC - The RCMP and School District 70 are reminding parents to prepare their children for potential approaches from strangers, after reports of a man questioning children in Tofino on Monday.

On the morning of June 5 accounts surfaced of an adult “who was acting strangely, asking questions about kids” near the intersection of Arnet Road and First Street in Tofino, according to RCMP media relations.

“Though no criminal offence was committed, officers from the Tofino RCMP were able to locate the man in question later in the day and had a conversation with him,” continued Corp. Alex Bérubé in an email to Ha-Shith-Sa. “He was explained that his behaviour was concerning to the public – to which he understood.”

Later in the day a letter about the incident was issued to parents from SD70 Superintendent Tim Davie. He wrote that the neighbourhood school was notified that the man was approaching children, and that this person drove a back Ford Mustang with an Alberta licence plate.

“Schools are encouraging families and students to be vigilant and review personal safety with strangers,” stated Davie.

“As we prepare to enter summer vacation, we know our west coast and Alberni Valley communities often observe an increase in visitors during the summer months.”

Parents and caregivers are being encouraged to talk to their children about safety around strangers, including the need for youngsters to play or walk to places with a buddy.

“If they become separated or lost, they should tell someone with a nametag (for

12:00pm – 2:00pm Everyone Welcome!

In support of National Men’s Health Week Canada, there will be local support programs in attendance as well as games, prizes and giveaways! Services available, Health and Wellness information, wound care harm reduction supplies, HIV testing and more!

Community&Beyond

Hesquiaht Language Program – Language of Cedar Weaving

Tim Davie example a cashier or security guard) immediately,” explained the RCMP. “If there is no one with a nametag, preferably, they should tell a female.”

Children are advised to avoid long conversations with strangers, and to not answer personal questions, such as where they live.

“It’s okay to say ‘no’ to adults who ask you to do something for them, such as help them find a lost pet, join them in an activity or game, or give them directions,” continued Bérubé, stressing the need for kids to keep a safe distance of two arm lengths away from those they don’t know. “Never walk with or accept a ride, money or gifts from strangers or even someone you may know, without checking with your parents.”

If a person does manage to grab you, children are told to scream and make a disturbance to draw attention to the confrontation, running to a safe location like an open store.

“If a vehicle is involved, try to take notes describing the suspicious vehicle, licence plate, and the stranger’s description,” stated the RCMP. “Call 911 for help.”

Sunday June 18 and Monday June 19, 2023 Four Elements Frank’s B & B in Ahousaht Instructors Delores Bayne and Maria Desnoyer will teach their Hesquiaht Language workshop. Please message “Hesquiaht Language Program” on Facebook to register. Accommodation available

members to come together on this day!

The last several years we have had a lot of difficult times, today let us focus on lifting each other up and celebrate who we are as Tseshaht! Dance performances – Jessica Sault, Lunch – fish bbq, salads, hotdogs and hamburgers, bouncy houses for the kids. All Tseshaht welcome.

Ahous Adventures Grand Opening

Wednesday June 21, 2023 Ahous Adventures – 368 Main Street, Tofino & 637 Industrial Way, Tofino, B.C. 11:00am – 7:00pm Maaqtusiis residents only. Food provided and cultural sharing all day. Boat schedule: First boats out of Ahousaht 9am, Starting at 3pm boats will start doing return trips for those wanting to leave the event. Complimentary boat rides are for those who register to attend the event. Registration is available through Kylee Keitlah, 250-725-0650 or officesupervisor@ahousadventures.com We would love it if you would join us on this day!

2023 Award Ceremony

Pole Raising at Loon Lake

Tuesday June 20, 2023

Saturday July 1, 2023

Maaqtusiis Elementary School Gymnasium 9:00am – 12:00pm Grade 1-6 Award Ceremony. Thank you all for your support throughout the 2022-2023 school year.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Wednesday June 21, 2023 Tseshaht Paper Mill Dam 12:00pm- 3:00pm Tseshaht Council and staff invite Tseshaht community

Loon Lake, Port Alberni 10:30am Please join Hupacasath First Nation and Mosaic Forests for a poleraising event at Loon Lake. Lunch and water will be provided.

Marcy Keitlah Memorial Potlatch

September 23, 2023 Port Alberni, BC Your hosts; Calvin Keitlah, Cory Frank, along with Grandparents Marilyn Watts and Rudy Watts Sr.

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 17

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

View more job postings at www.hashilthsa.com

Page 18— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023

Pharmacists can now prescribe some medications Pharmacists have gained an expanded scope of practice; FNHA hopes for a ‘team-based care’ to include nurses

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On June 1 pharmacists across B.C. officially expanded their scope of practice, which now allows them to prescribe contraceptives and medications for 21 minor ailments.

The aim is alleviating challenges accessing prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for residents of British Columbia.

“When a person can go to the pharmacy and talk with their pharmacists, they have a new location where they can receive faster service,” said Cindy Preston, Director of Pharmacy at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). “It really is faster access, easier access, [and] earlier intervention.”

Minor ailments include allergies, shingles, sprains and strains, nicotine dependence, cold sores, pink eye, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and contraception, among others.

According to the Ministry of Health, pharmacists can now assess patients’ symptoms, check their medical history, and recommend treatment.

“Pharmacists are responsible for continuity of care,” said Preston. “Pharmacists will reduce those interruptions in treatments.”

As pharmacists expand their scope of practice, they also can renew prescriptions, adjust dose and timing for how medications are taken, alter the form of medication - such as from a tablet to a capsule - and substitute medications for others, reads the Ministry of Health website.

Additionally, pharmacists can adminis-

Ministry of Health photo

As of June 1, Pharmacists across B.C. expanded their scope of practice to prescribe medications for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives with aims to improve accessibility. ter routine vaccinations and prescriptions the patient, determine what needs to hap- if, ideally, this is expanded to, at least, that are injected. remote nursing.” pen, and what needs to be sent out on the Although the new practices that pharma- next delivery for them?”

The Ministry of Health notes that cists are offering will improve access for residents of B.C. can visit their local “Now that we have the basics, we need remote First Nation communities, Preston to look at how we’re actually going to pharmacy in person or call to schedule believes there is still opportunity to make address that gap that still exists for the an appointment, though, beginning on changes so that they are more accessible.

June 29, 2023, the province will be the remote communities,” she added. “That “If we can continuously improve that first jurisdiction to launch a provinceaccessibility is what we’re looking for.” team-based care, the collaboration wide online appointment booking system, “I hope that moving forward, the govbetween [doctors], nurses, [and] pharmainclusive of a self-assessment guide. ernment looks at [nurses] being able to cists, we will be able to better serve the For a full list visit https://www.bcphardo that too and prescribe it for the things remote First Nations,” said Preston. “Can that we’re certified for,” said Kelsey Rix macists.org/ppmac you imagine if a nurse, in a remote health (Hahahtmaq aqsa), a community health center, can call up a pharmacist and, with nurse in Ahousaht. “That would be cool

Proudly celebrating the unique hertitage and diverse culture of Canada’s First Nations this June 21st.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! Visit our pharmacy team to discover how we can help advance your health care needs through: l Lots of gifts under $25

l One on one private counselling

l Professional knowledge and advice

l Personalized medication reviews

l Free delivery

l Covid vaccines are available at our 10th Ave location.

l Injection services

You can register on line “ get vaccinated BC” or by calling 1833-838-2323 . Also, as of June 13, walk-ins will be accepted Monday- Friday ( 11am-5pm).

l Supporting our First Nation Community with their health and wellness concerns

2 LOCALLY OWNED LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU l

l

PORT ALBERNI PLAZA

3717 10th Ave. MONDAY TO SUNDAY, 8:00 AM - 10:00PM

250-723-7387

PORT ALBERNI CLINIC

250-723-6641

MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Unit 1 3855 9th Ave.

June 15, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 19

Friendship Center celebrates National Aboriginal Day The ever-popular Animal Kingdom play was part of the lineup at PAFC for Aboriginal Day on June 21, 2010.

Denise Titian photos

HAPPY NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY JUNE 21

Page 20— Ha-Shilth-Sa—June 15, 2023