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RCMP move in on Fairy Creek
Activists report approximately 50 police vehicles and 200 protestors in the area, arrests made Tuesday morning
By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Port Renfrew, BC - The RCMP moved into the Fairy Creek Watershed on Monday to enforce a court injunction banning blockades from preventing old-growth logging in southern Vancouver Island, within Pacheedaht First Nation’s traditional territory. In a statement, RCMP said that anyone who breaches the injunction, as well as those refusing to leave the access control area, will be arrested. The Rainforest Flying Squad, an old-growth activist group, have had blockades at the Fairy Creek watershed since last summer. They were erected to prevent forestry company Teal-Jones from accessing what is considered one of the last remaining old-growth forests untouched by industrial logging. In the morning of May 18, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Chris Manseau said Mounties were sent to the watershed to read the injunction to protestors stationed at the blockades and will “make a determination on how to proceed next.” An RCMP check-point has been established at the McClure Forest Service Road, where the restricted-access area begins. “The purpose is to prevent a further escalation of eff orts to block access contrary to the Supreme Court order, and to allow the RCMP to be accountable for the safety of all persons accessing this area given the remoteness and road conditions,” reads the RCMP statement. Glenn Reid, a tree-defender with the Rainforest Flying Squad, drove to the watershed from Cowichan on Tuesday morning with a convoy of around 50 vehicles, he said. Undeterred by RCMP presence, Reid said “we’re having a peaceful protest.” Pacheedaht First Nation elder Bill Jones also joined the protest, but said he could not get past RCMP to access the Caycuse blockade on Tuesday morning. “I [was] denied my rights and freedoms of access to my own territory,” he said. Around 200 protestors were at the wa-
Photos by Marnie Recker On May 18 police moved into blockades near the Fairy Creek watershed to enforce a court injunction. Pictured are visits by the RCMP and forestry personnel to the blockades taken earlier this month.
~ Bill Jones, Pacheedaht First Nation elder
tershed to show their support against the court injunction, said Jones. While there, he said he saw one arrest being made. Jones has been an outspoken ally of the blockades from the start and said it’s important for him to fi ght for old-growth because “it’s the last of it.” “It will be all gone if [Teal-Jones] is given free reign,” he said. Fairy Creek is a spiritual place, Jones recounted of his grandfather’s teachings. “We go up there to pray and meditate,” he added. “Fairy Creek is a cleansing creek.” In a statement signed by Pacheedaht Hereditary Chief Frank Queesto Jones and Elected Chief Jeff Jones, the nation said it is concerned about the increasing polarization over forestry activities in their territory. “Pacheedaht has always harvested and managed our forestry resources, including old-growth cedar, for cultural, ceremonial, domestic and economic purposes,” read the statement. “All parties need to respect that it is up to Pacheedaht people to determine how our forestry resources will be used. We do not welcome or support unsolicited involvement or interference by others in our territory, including third-party activism.” “Like all communities, there is a diversity of opinion within Pacheedaht Nation,” added Rod Bellingham, Pacheedaht’s forestry manager. “Prior to the blockades and the media attention, it was not obvious that there was a strong desire within the community to restrict harvesting in Fairy Creek.” Bellingham said that forestry is “massively” important to Pacheedaht’s economic future. “Forestry revenues are key to the current and future of the nation,” he said. “We are surrounded by a fabulous forest resource that will continue to provide multiple benefi ts for generations to come if we manage it wisely.” But Bill Jones is worried the nation is more concerned about fi nancial gains than being stewards of the land. “They’re looking for cash fl ow and the easiest and quickest way is to cut the oldgrowth,” he said. “Their ploy is to say that ‘we don’t want the protestors there, we’re going to protect the old-growth’ … which to me is just to say goodbye to the old-growth.”
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Five nations hope Court of Appeal ruling will lead to be er allocations
The latest catch numbers from DFO are less than half of what the nations asked for
By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor
While Nuu-chah-nulth nations are celebrating a favourable ruling from the B.C. Court of Appeal, it remains to be seen how the DFO will adjust fi sheries allocations beyond the small fraction set aside for the coastal communities this spring. On April 19 the appeal court affi rmed the Aboriginal right of fi ve First Nations to catch and sell fi sh harvested in their territorial waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island, extending the scope of these fi sheries beyond what was previously set by the B.C. Supreme Court in 2018. The ruling directly applies to the Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. Now the words “small scale,” “artisanal,” and “local” have been removed by the court, which defi nes the scope of nations’ fi sheries as “a non-exclusive, multi-species, limited commercial fi shery aimed at wide community participation, to be conducted in their court-defi ned area for fi shing, which extends nine nautical miles off shore.” “It would appear from all that has been said that the plaintiff s’ rights are to a fi shery of a moderate commercial scale,” reads the recent appeal decision, the latest ruling in a court battle extending over a decade. Now the nations are hopeful that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will interpret the judgement favourably for this years’ fi shing seasons. “I’m wishing our nation and other nations do actually get back to looking after ourselves the way we used to,” said Cliff Atleo, lead negotiator for the Ahousaht First Nation. “The only way we can do that is to get our people out on the water and give them the opportunities.” The most recent allocation numbers released by the DFO have limited opportunities for the fi ve nations, compared to other harvesters on the Island’s west coast. For example, an April 21 meeting between DFO representatives and other stakeholders sets this year’s total allowable catch off the west coast at 88,000 chinook salmon. Of this amount, the fi ve nations tied to the court case were allocated 7,821, with another 5,000 pieces designated for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Meanwhile the Area G troll fl eet is allocated 31,738 chinook, and recreational boats are set at 40,000. Nations belonging to the Maa-nulth treaty were allocated another 3,441 chinook. This diff ers drastically to what the fi ve nations requested. In correspondence with DFO in recent months the nations asked for 30 per cent of the region’s total allowable catch, plus another 5,000 chinook over the winter months. “I expect more,” said Atleo, who has participated in regular negotiations with the federal department. “Indeed, the allocation policy had to be reviewed, and they’re dragging their feet on that. We told them so in our session last week.” On April 26, Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns pressed Rebecca Reid, DFO’s regional director g eneral for the Pacifi c Region, on how the recent court ruling will aff ect this year’s fi shing season. “What actions will the department be taking for the 2021 fi shing season to increase the allocations of chinook, coho and other species?” he asked. “What recommendations will you be bringing to the minister?” “We are still reviewing the court decision,” responded Reid, noting that the department does recognize the fi ve nations’ court-defi ned right. “We are also undergoing negotiations with the fi ve nations from a reconciliation perspective. They do have a fi sheries management plan in place now for their rights-based fi shery.” But the Five Nations Multi-species Fishery Management Plan, which was released by DFO in April, shows the department’s reluctance to allow the Nuuchah-nulth communities to harvest more from their territories. “For hook and line opportunities, DFO is of the view that wide community participation is facilitated by the use of small, low-cost boats with limited technology and restricted catching power,” reads the document. “[T]he use of vessels with catching power equivalent to the regular commercial fi shery can limit the opportunity for wide community participation because a few vessels catch the available allocation in a short period of time.” Atleo believes that fi sheries management needs to change from formulas that are designed to keep the First Nations poor. “The only way that we’re going to look at sustainability and looking after ourselves like we used to is actually to be able to benefi t from half of the aquatic resources,” he said. “I don’t think we should have to go to court to secure that, let’s do that through your so-called reconciliation.” He’s also not fond of the court limiting the nations to nine miles off shore. Atleo said this came from the court’s interpretation of the 19-th century journal entries of John Jewitt, a seafaring English blacksmith who was captured by the Mowachaht for two years in Yuquot. “This day all the chiefs went about nine miles from Nootka, where the natives go to catch halibut,” reads Jewitt’s entry from July 12, 1804. “Do away with that nine-mile limit,” said Atleo.
Gord Johns
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An altercation pauses logging in Walbran, as Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht meet to discuss the incident
By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Walbran Valley, BC - After months of peaceful protests calling for an end to old-growth logging near Port Renfrew, tensions between activists and forestry workers have come to a head. Logging in the Walbran Valley has been paused following the release of a video revealing an altercation between forestry workers and those protesting the harvesting. The footage was shared by the Rainforest Flying Squad, an old-growth activist group. Since last summer, they have set-up blockades at the Fairy Creek watershed, as well as elsewhere in Southern Vancouver Island, to prevent Teal-Jones from accessing what is considered one of the last remaining old-growth forests untouched by industrial logging. In the video, forestry workers yelled racial slurs at the protestors and an altercation ensued. An Indigenous youth was allegedly assaulted. Kati George-Jim, who’s part of the blockade, said “Indigenous peoples are targeted with violence for disrupting industry.” The forestry staff were working on land managed by Tree Farm License 44 LP, a partnership between Huu-ay-aht First Nations-owned Huumiis Ventures LP (Huumiis) and Western Forest Products Inc (Western). “TFL 44 LP is moving quickly to take appropriate actions to independently review this incident, determine the facts and act on resulting recommendations,” said Don Demens, Western president and CEO, in a release. Huumiis and TFL 44 LP issued a joint statement, saying the “use of racist language, intimidation, and acts of violence have no place in our society or our workplaces, and we have zero tolerance for such behaviour. We are fully supportive of the right to peaceful and legal protest
Photo submitted by Rainforest Flying Squad Protesters with the Rainforest Flying Squad are pictured at a blockade in Ladysmith in December. A recent incident where activists with the group were stationed has paused logging in the Walbran Valley. Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht have met to discuss the altercation, while Western Forest Products is investigating. and the obligation of all forest compa- Chief Councillor Jeff Jones stated deci- vital old-growth stands while supporting nies, including, TFL 44 LP, to provide a sions over forestry resources need to be workers and communities.” safe work environment.” made by the First Nation, adding that the Despite the province’s commitment, Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht Pacheedaht has always harvested old- recent mapping done by the Wilderness First Nations met with Western on Thurs- growth trees for various reasons, includ- Committee indicates that old-growth logday, May 6 to discuss the incident. ing economic purposes. ging approvals have gone up by 43 per “The territory where there were in- “Our constitutional right to make deci- cent this year, compared to last. truders belongs to [Hereditary Chief] sions about forestry resources in our “The government is not keeping its Queesto of Pacheedaht,” said Huu-ay-aht territory, as a governing authority in our word,” said Torrance Coste, Wilderness First Nations Chief Councillor Robert J. territory, must be respected,” reads the Committee campaign director. “We’re Dennis Sr. “And I believe those people statement. “We do not welcome or sup- calling on the government to defer oldshould be asking Queesto, ‘can I protest port unsolicited involvement or interfer- growth logging and provide support in your land?’” ence by others in our territory, including for communities that currently derive Historically, Nuu-chah-nulth people par- third-party activism.” benefi ts from old-growth … to just say ticipated in canoe journeys, where they On Friday, Huu-ay-aht First Nations that we need to change the way we’re would canoe to neighbouring nations’ ter- announced it will be implementing access managing old-growth, but not actually ritories. Upon landing in a new territory, restrictions and safety measures within change anything on the ground leads permission to land was required by the the nation’s territory starting Monday, these companies to go and get it while hereditary chief, explained Dennis. May 10. they can.” “To me, the protestors and those loggers The step is in response to an alleged for- The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural are disrespecting the roles and responsi- estry operations incident that took place Resource Operations and Rural Develbilities of Queesto,” he said. on Thursday, May 6. opment responded by saying it does not In mid-April, a letter signed by He- “Eye-witness accounts confi rm a for- feel the Wilderness Committee’s analysis reditary Chief Frank Queesto Jones and estry protester drove through safety bar- accurately refl ects what is happening in riers into an active logging area, putting B.C.’s old-growth forests. the safety of the driver and the forestry “The fact is, 10 million hectares of Les Sam Construction workers at risk,” read a release issued by Huu-ay-aht First Nation. old-growth is already protected and since coming into offi ce our government has “Protesters, forest workers, companies, protected hundreds of thousands more,” other governments, or Indigenous or non- the ministry said in a release. “We are Residential . Commercial Indigenous individuals who do not con- committed to work with the committee & Architectural Structures duct themselves in accordance with our to better understand their results and to
Construction Management & Consulting nation’s three sacred principles – ʔiisaak (Utmost Respect), ʔuuʔałuk (Taking Care provide a true account of our old-growth forest.” Forming & Framing of), and Hišuk ma cawak (Everything Following the altercation, all TFL 44 Ph/Txt: 250.720.7334 les sam@shaw.ca is Connected) – are not welcome in our ḥ ahuułi (Territory),” said Huu-ay-aht LP contractors and their crews received a briefi ng on Wednesday, May 5, covering Tayii Ḥawił ƛiišin (Head Hereditary “the critical importance of adhering to Chief Derek Peters), in the release. forest operation safety and already-es-
TSESHAHT MARKET Prior to Tuesday’s altercation in the Walbran Valley, Huu-ay-aht had been tablished public protest protocols which focus on respectful non-engagement,” GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC RIM prepping to provide a virtual course, read the joint statement by Huumiis and titled “Huu-ay-aht 101” for Western TFL 44 LP. workers. As the incident between forestry workThe course will cover cultural traditions ers and protestors continues to be investiand historical information related Huu- gated, tensions remain high. ay-aht, said Dennis. “There’s a lot of charged emotions on “A lot of people don’t realize that there this issue,” said Coste. “But there’s no was a very functioning and well-orga- place for violence or intimidation or racnized governance structure in place long ism.” before white settlers got here,” he said. “The loggers broke our laws, and they Forests minister Katrine Conroy said broke colonial law as well,” said Kati she is “disgusted” by the racist language George-Jim in a release issued by the used by some of the forestry workers in Rainforest Flying Squad. “The fundathe video, adding there is “no place for mental laws of our coastal peoples are Hours of operation - 7:00 am - 10:30 pm racism, period.” based in reciprocity and respect for all Phone: 724-3944 “How old-growth forests are managed is an emotional and complex issue,” relatives, and consensual relationships. We honour all past, present and future E-mail: claudine@tseshahtmarket.ca she said. “Our government is commit- generations by protecting the integrity of Find us on Facebook ted to doing things diff erently to protect our shared mother earth.”
Indigenous people are prioritized for housing spots, as nearly half of a hotels’ residents identify as Aboriginal
By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor
Victoria, BC - Close to 100 temporary supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness are in the works for Victoria’s Capital City Center Hotel. The Province of BC purchased the hotel, at 1961 Douglas St., through BC Housing and plan to redevelop the site into aff ordable rental units over the long term. Since April 2020, BC Housing has been leasing 83 of the hotel’s rooms for use as temporary homes for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this purchase, BC Housing will convert 94 of the of the hotel’s 96 rooms into temporary supportive units. Current residents will remain in the building. The vacant units will be fi lled through BC Housing’s Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) process, including people living outdoors at Beacon Hill Park. The remaining two units will be used for administrative purposes. Our Place Society, an experienced non-profi t operator, has been running the building since October 2020 and will continue to manage it as supportive housing. The society will provide residents with wraparound supports, including meal programs, life skills training and health and wellness services. The site will feature 24/7 staffi ng to provide security to residents of the building and the surrounding neighbourhood. “The purchase of this hotel creates stable housing options now and opportunities for rental housing in the future that will serve people in Victoria for decades,” said David Eby, attorney gen-
Photo submitted by Grant McKenzie of Our Place Society Close to 100 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness are in the works at Victoria’s Capital City Center Hotel. eral and minister responsible for housing adjacent lot. in a press release. “Because this hotel In a statement, BC Housing said currentis now in public ownership, the almost ly just under half of the current residents 100 people who are safely housed with at the former Capital City Center Hotel supports now can breathe a sigh of relief have identifi ed themselves as Indigenous. - they won’t have to move at the end of “Specialized Indigenous outreach the lease.” workers from several organizations are Included in the purchase is the adjacent supporting people in the hotel, providing parking lot at 722 and 726 Discovery St. them with individualized support to meet Over the long term, BC Housing plans to their needs,” BC Housing said. “This redevelop both the hotel and parking lot includes members of Portland Hotel to create additional rental housing in the Society outreach, Victoria Native Friendcommunity. BC Housing will engage the ship Centre (VFNC), staff from PEERS community when it is ready to redevelop Indigenous outreach and the Aboriginal the two sites. Coalition to End Homelessness.” This purchase is part of the commit- On April 14, the building operator, Our ment between the province and the City Place Society, worked with PEERS to of Victoria to move the more than 220 hold a cultural welcoming and drumming people living in encampments indoors. event for residents. The province is investing approximately “In addition, Our Place Society and BC $25 million to purchase the hotel and Housing have set up a meeting with the local Indigenous Health Network at the end of May,” said BC Housing. “Together, they will work to determine how best to continue to support Indigenous persons living in the hotel.” BC Housing said the assessment process for new residents defi nes tenant support needs and outlines barriers to housing such as physical health issues, mental illness or addiction. The assessment includes the history of homelessness over the past several years, such as shelter or encampments, treatment or time in hospital or corrections. “Indigenous applicants have been prioritized for this building through our local CAA process,” said BC Housing. “The other priority group includes individuals aged 55 and over experiencing homelessness and individuals experiencing long-term homelessness with high vulnerability.” According to BC Housing, once settled, supported and stabilized in supportive housing, many people move out to independent subsidized units or market housing, while others stay in supportive homes as part of a long-term solution where they can continue to receive onsite staff support. “I congratulate BC Housing for yet again stepping up to purchase and bring more supportive housing to the Greater Victoria region, something that has been chronically lacking for years,” said Julian Daly, CEO, Our Place Society in a press release. “We know this investment will pay dividends when it comes to giving some of our most vulnerable citizens a place of hope and belonging: a home.”
