Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper May 4, 2023

Bamfield Main work on track

Major upgrades to surface the road are on schedule for completion by the late summer this year

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Bamfield, BC – Gravel is being laid on the last stretch of road at the 15.5 to 24-kilometre mark of the Bamfield Main and is expected to be complete by the end ofApril.According to Uyaqḥmis, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s newsletter, all of the ditching and culvert work is complete and the project is on schedule.

Negotiations are underway for a contractor to complete the 76.6 kilmetres of seal coat, which is expected to be complete byAugust.

Seven Lisa Marie Young signs stolen

Nanaimo RCMP investigating the disappearance of signs of Tla-o-qui-aht woman

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nanaimo, BC - Since March seven signs of Lisa Marie Young placed in Nanaimo have gone missing.

“It’s…hurtful and really disrespectful to Lisa and our family, and her friends,” said Carol Frank, Tla-o-qui-aht member and aunt to Lisa Marie Young. “It’s really disappointing because [of] the effort that went into getting the signs.”

After the first sign went missing in March, a donation came through from the Lisa Marie Young group to make a new sign, which was also stolen.

Most recently, the last sign was stolen betweenApril 16 and 18.

“There’s so many people out there that want to help us in any way they can,” said Frank.

“The signs were mounted in a grassy area next to the TD Bank and Country Grocer, and located at the intersection of Bowen Road at Dufferin Crescent,” reads a statement from the Nanaimo RCMP. The location on Bowen Road was chosen because it was where Lisa Marie Young was last heard from in 2002, said Frank.

Cindy Hall, a long-time friend of Lisa Marie Young, said that she was “shocked

beyond belief” that someone would take the signs, reads a statement.

It has been confirmed that the signs were not removed by City of Nanaimo employees.

Prior to placing the signs Hall had inquired with nearby businesses to ensure there was no objections to their installation, the statement continued.

“Alot of people aren’t really aware,” said Frank. “As much awareness as we can is important for our families.”

She notes that moving forward there is discussion in the Lisa Marie Young group about new strategies that protect Lisa’s signs.

“I just hope that our efforts are going to pay off,” said Frank.

The Nanaimo RCMP are currently investigating the missing signs. Contact Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 if you have information.

Huu-ay-aht leaders have lobbied for a better road since the treacherous dirt passage opened in the early 1970s. With its steep hills combined with heavy seasonal rains, the road is subject to washouts, deep ruts and potholes. In the summer drivers can expect to face blinding dust clouds on their way toAnacla and Bamfield.

Nine Huu-ay-aht citizens have died on the road over the years. On Sept. 13, 2019 a bus full of 45 University of Victoria students and two teaching assistants slid off the road down an embankment during an annual trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Two students were killed in the accident.

In the following February Ha-Shilth-Sa reported that Premier John Horgan travelled the road to meet with Huu-ay-aht representatives, and by September 2020 the province had committed $25.7 million to fund improvements to Bamfield Main, adding to the Huu-ay-aht’s pledge of $5 million.

Over the past year, sections of the road were closed and detours were put in place as work to improve the most vulnerable areas took place. Culverts were repaired or replaced, the road was widened in some sections, gravel was hauled in and compacted, and new road barriers and signs have been installed. Most of this work is now complete.

Aspokesperson for Chief Councillor Robert Dennis stated that he will make public comment about the project in the coming weeks.

RCMP photo

The signs were mounted in a grassy area next to the TD Bank and Country Grocer, and located at Bowen Road at Dufferin Crescent.

Eric Plummer photo

OnApril 25 the Ditidaht First Nation’s community at Nitinaht Lake gathered to particiapte in a session delving into the traditional values of connection, and the responsibility that comes along with this. Story on Page 5.

Staffing deficit closes school, expected to reopen soon

Ditidaht school closure affects approximately 50 students, more than a quarter of the Nitinaht Lake community

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Nitinaht Lake, BC -Astaffing shortage has been cited as the cause for the indefinite closure of the Ditidaht Community School, although the First Nation hopes to have the facility reopened within the next two weeks.

On Monday, May 1 residents of the small on-reserve community by Nitinaht Lake were informed through the school’s Facebook page that the learning facility would be closed for the day due to a lack of staff.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to open Tuesday, May 2nd,” stated the social media post. But later that evening another notice stated that the school would be “closed until further notice.”

“More information to follow,” said the school’s page.

The closure affects approximately 50 students who attend the school from kindergarten to Grade 12, comprising over a quarter of the community of less than 200 residents. It adds another inconvenience for Ditidaht families, as the Nitinaht general store has been closed recently as well due to a lack of staffing.

Ditidaht Chief Councillor Brian Tate said this is the first time this year that a

photo In early May the Ditidaht Community School was ‘closed until further notice’, according to its Facebook page.

staff shortage has forced the school to close. He explained that the community is currently dealing with two recent losses, but expects the school to reopen in the coming days.

“I’m hoping within the week or so,” said

Tate. “We’re working to have it straightened out as quick as we can.”

The Ditidaht Community School officially opened in 2004, after decades of students being bused an hour and a half each way via logging road to Port

Eric

Alberni. Having a school built was a longtime aspiration for the Nitinaht Lake community, which is the amalgamation of multiple groups in the 1960s that originated from traditional homes on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.

Provincial fund assists with UNDRIP implementation

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation has announced new funding to support First Nations’participation implementing the DeclarationAct.

“Across government, engagement is actively underway with First Nations on the DeclarationAct,” said Premier David Eby onApril 27. “We have heard directly from nations on the vital need for financial resources to support consultation and co-operation on action plan items and legislative transformation.”

The DeclarationAct Engagement Fund will help First Nations offset costs associated with provincial engagement on the implementation of the DeclarationAct.

The flexible fund could support staffing, training, community-level meetings and other resources required to enhance government-to-government work.

British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Nov. 28, 2019, when the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesAct was passed.

On March 31, 2022, B.C. released the DeclarationActAction Plan, which includes 89 tangible, achievable crossgovernment actions in the areas of self-determination and self-government, rights and title, ending anti-Indigenous racism, and enhancing social, cultural and economic well-being.

According to the provincial government, the DeclarationAct Engagement Fund will help support First Nations’involvement in efforts to implement the DeclarationActAction Plan and align provincial laws with the UN declaration, as required under the provincial legislation that was passed in 2019.

The one-time $200-million fund will be administered by the Indigenous-led New Relationship Trust and be available to all First Nations in B.C.

“The DeclarationAct Engagement Fund

OnApril 27 Murray Rankin, minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, announced the $200-million Declaration Act Engagement Fund, which is intended to help First Nations offset

will create flexibility for First Nations to engage with the province in ways that respond to the priorities and unique needs of their communities,” said Murray Rankin, minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and minister responsible for the DeclarationAct Secretariat.

“This new funding for all First Nations in B.C. supports our vision of a better province - one where First Nations can thrive through the full enjoyment and exercise of their inherent rights.”

In the past Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, has criticized the government’s concept of what has passed as engagement with First Nations. But he believes that this fund with help to progress relations.

“For decades, governments have dropped onerous requests on First Na-

tions for engagement, consultation and input in highly complex legal, regulatory and policy issues, often with no advanced warning and little time to respond,” stated Phillip. “Although these issues directly and disproportionately impacted our people, land and futures, these ‘opportunities’to provide input did not consider the extremely limited capacity of and immense demands on First Nations, and no response was often interpreted as approval. This announcement is undoubtedly a positive and foundational step in the implementation of the UN Declaration, but I call on Premier Eby to ensure that this funding is long-term, flexible and meets the needs of all First Nations in B.C.”

“The implementation of the Declaration ActAction Plan is a long-haul journey and the barriers to transition onto that

path are high for most First Nations, so we commend the Province of B.C. for reconsidering the role they play in empowering First Nations to meaningfully engage with them on critical aspects of the action plan,” said Walter Schneider, CEO of the New Relationship Trust.

“Today, we celebrate the leadership of the provincial government by announcing much-needed resources for Tseshaht First Nation, and other nations, to be meaningfully and respectfully engaged in implementing the UN Declaration in B.C.,” said Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts. “Kleco to all those past and present who made today a reality, and Tseshaht wishes to remind us all that we are doing this important work for future generations.”

Province of BC photo

costs associated with provincial engagement on the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesAct.

Plummer

Earth Day brings reminders of ancient stewardship

Guardians reflect on how disconnection from the ha’houlthee brings a separation from inherent responsibilities

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When Wishkey, a story-teller from Huuay-aht, was a teenager he witnessed his father, Robert Dennis Sr, compose a song about connection.

For many years Huu-ay-aht had been were living with the aftermath of clear cutting in their territory in the 1950’s, said Wishkey.After decades of impact, he recalls 1984 was the first time they had a big run of salmon.

He was sitting with his grandfather, who asked him, “What do you see?”

“I see eagles - eagles everywhere,” replied Wishkey. “They’re at the river, they’re in the trees, [and] they’re in the sky.”

His grandfather told Wishkey, “I’ll tell you what you don’t see is… how connected they really are.”

When the eagles feed themselves, they also feed mother nature, his Grandfather continued. For the young eagles, they hide away and eat their food in the forest, so that bigger eagles don’t take from them.

“[The] remains, the skin… the bones and all the guts and stuff that is not eaten, actually feeds the forest,” said Wishkey, reflecting upon the story with his grandfather. “It was so powerful and so moving.”

The song that his father had composed depicted the scene exactly, Wishkey continued.

“I got to hear and see…my dad become a composer on that day,” he said.

“I think in the modern world we think of things so linear, and that they don’t really affect other things,” continued Wishkey. “But our teachings say otherwise… things are really, truly one and connected.”

He said that some of the most sacred principles for Nuu-chah-nulth are ‘iisaak’, meaning a greater respect, ‘uu-a-thluk’, meaning taking care of, and ‘hish-uk ts’a-walk’, meaning everything is one and connected.

“The environment will always be there for us as long as we take care of it,” said Harry Broussault, a WitWak guardian of Huu-ay-aht. “We have to maintain a balance of what we take from the environment and what we put back.”

For Huu-ay-aht, clams and crab are an important part of their diet, said Broussault. He notes that taking care of the shores are essential to ensure that their

culturally significant west coast diet is sustained.

“One of the biggest detriments to our environment was that disconnection of the Indigenous [way] to our lands and to our resources,” said Wishkey of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. they still have to have one of our crew with them.”

“If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment won’t take care of us,” he explained. “We won’t have our fish, we won’t have our cedar bark, we won’t have our timbers to make longhouses or totem poles…anything else we hunt will become scarce.”

The plants, medicines and food that is harvested is done in such a way that maintains the return for the following years, added Wishkey.

Anthony Oscar, manager for the WitWak guardian program for Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’First Nation (KCFN), said through the program they are teaching connection between water, land, trees, and all surroundings.

Among the vast amount of monitoring and assessments that the KCFN WitWak guardian program has in their territory, they conducted surveys of salmon, sea otters, seal/sea lion, deer, and elk, said Oscar.

“Anything with environmental stuff we do the monitoring for it,” said Oscar. “Even if they have a contractor in and

“I think it’s really important to have, as they say, boots on the ground. We get to see everything out here and get to monitor and take care of our territory,” he continued. “I think it’s one of the biggest…[and] most important things for our nation to have for our lands and resources in order for us to be able to live where we live, again.”

For Broussault, an important part of being a guardian is connecting the younger generation to teachings from elders and knowledge holders of their ha’houlthee.

“Then passing those teachings down - on why these areas are important to Huu-ay-aht and Nuu-chah-nulth, why they need to be protected, whether it’s sacred or it’s a harvest area for us - and learning to take better care of our land, our water and our resources in a way that hasn’t been done for quite some time,” he continued.

Broussault said that his work as a guardian has helped him pass down knowledge to the youth as a volunteer for the Warrior Program.

“[It] helps me teach that to the younger ones who are just taking it with the passion. They are loving to learn about the land and the medicines and where we hunt and fish,” said Broussault.

“One of the biggest detriments to our environment was that disconnection of the Indigenous [way] to our lands and to our resources,” said Wishkey. “We got kind of separated from that, so our responsibility also got separated.”

“I think [the] effects have been greater, whereas if we had maintained our role in our responsibility…I think we’d be in a much safer place,” said Wishkey.

“It’s not as big and as daunting as sometimes we make it seem to be,” he said when asked about what we can do in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. “There are little things that we can do as individuals, and that’s why I really like the Earth Day movement.”

Wishkey said it can be as simple as being aware of your own footprint and doing small acts like turning out the lights and unplugging electronics for a period of time.

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By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

PortAlberi, BC – Tseshaht First Nation is expected to soon have major savings on its energy bills thanks to some substantial funding from the provincial government.

It was officially announced in lateApril that the B.C. government would provide $500,000 to Tseshaht so that the First Nation could install a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system at the local building, which includes its administration offices as well as a health centre.

Tseshaht First Nation’s Chief Councillor Ken Watts said the building’s current system has a heat pump that is outdated.

“Our hydro bills can be very expensive,” Watts said, adding sometimes the monthly cost can be around $5,000.

Watts added he anticipates when the new system is installed and operational, in all likelihood by some point later this year, the First Nation will be saving an estimated 25 per cent on its monthly heating bills.

Watts said ideally his First Nation should have replaced its current heating system at the Tseshaht building years ago.

“We don’t have half a million dollars laying around,” he said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the (provincial funding). If we were able to do it we would have done it.”

The funding Tseshaht received is through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), which is part of the province’s CleanBC plan to cut down on climate-changing emissions.

Watts said his First Nation had also previously submitted an application to the FNCEBF but was denied, as provincial officials explained funds were not available at the time.

The First Nation then sent in a second application.

Though the official provincial announcement of funding recipients was made public last Thursday (Apr. 27), Watts said his First Nation was notified on March 21 that its second request for this HVAC project had been approved.

Nine First Nations throughout the province, including three on Vancouver Island, collectively received more than $1.4 million in the latest funding an-

nouncement.

Officials with Huu-ay-aht First Nations received word they will receive about $50,000 to develop a community energy plan to address regular power outages and inefficient heating for community members, improving costs and quality of life.

“Green energy is a cornerstone of responsible governance for Huu-ay-aht and British Columbia,” said John Jack, a Huu-ay-aht First Nations executive member. “As the world grapples with climate change, we need to invest in alternative sources of energy to positively affect change.”

Including the latest funding recipients, more than 150 Indigenous communities have received about $20 million in capacity and equity funding for projects since the FNCEBF began. Projects have focused on energy efficiency, clean energy, feasibility studies and fuel switching.

Watts said installing the new HVAC system is part of his First Nation’s larger energy plan, which will be presented to council later this month.

Tseshaht’s energy plan includes installing an EV charging station in the community as well as installing solar panels and more efficient heat pumps in other local buildings.

“There is a whole host of things we’d like to do our community,” Watts said, adding he’s hoping the First Nation will receive support from the private sector as well as the provincial and federal governments to implement some of its ideas.

Various politicians also speak highly of

the various Indigenous-led clean energy projects that received funding.

“The B.C. government is working in partnership with First Nations to build a better future that advances reconciliation and supports resilient communities on Vancouver Island and the central coast,” said Murray Rankin, the minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation.

Josie Osborne, the minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, is pleased to see First Nations are among those taking the lead on clean energy projects.

“Through our CleanBC Plan, we are supporting investments and projects that help communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, stimulate economic activity and promote partnerships that advance British Columbia’s growing clean-energy sector,” Osborne said. “It’s great to see First Nations on the central coast and Vancouver Island leading renewable energy projects to meet their electricity demand, reduce air pollution, improve environmental outcomes and create local jobs.”

George Heyman, the minister of environment and climate change strategy, echoed the sentiment the provincial government is working towards a cleaner and better future via its CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.

“In partnership with Indigenous peoples, these clean energy projects will support First Nations communities to improve air quality, reduce carbon-related pollution and increase their energy independence,” Heyman said.

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Eric Plummer photo

Agrant to install an HVAC system to the Tseshaht administrative building is expected to cut down on hydro bills that can be as much as $5,000 a month.

Tseshaht moves forward on energy plan

HVAC at admin office expected to save on power, EV charging station in the works

Ditidaht community reflects on value of connections

Recent session delved into traditional beliefs of integration with the environment and a responsibility to others

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

Nitinaht Lake, BC - “Connection is the correction” was the prevailing belief during a gathering at Nitinaht Lake last month, an event held to help the village work through the aftermath of pandemicera isolation – as well as the ongoing sense of disconnect that the village’s elders attribute to a technologically fixated modern world.

OnApril 25 sessions facilitated byAnita Charleson-Touchie were held at the Ditidaht Community School and the village’s main hall, delving into the importance of traditional Nuu-chah-nulth values as a Western capitalist culture continues to encroach on the First Nation’s remote settlement on southwestern Vancouver Island.

“What we’re working hard to do is rebuild our circle,” said Charleson-Touchie. “Connection is sacred.”

In her presentation she displayed a diagram of concentric circles, while explaining the meaning of the Nuu-chah-nulth phrase ‘Hišuk ma cawak’.

“That acknowledges that everything in our world, who we are as individuals, who we are as families, communities, culture, nature, the universe, we’re all connected,” she said to the several dozen in attendance. “And what happens in one part has a ripple effect on all the other parts.”

To encourage connection with what is meaningful, participants engaged in various exercises. Pictures of things like a waterfall, killer whales, the open ocean and women dancing in regalia were spread around the room so that people could walk to what imagery attracted them. On paper paddles each participant wrote their values, producing things like “sense of belonging”, “ocean resources”,

“traditional food” and “respectful coexistence”.

Charleson-Touchie also included a quote from the late Roy Haiyupis to further illustrate the concept of an all-encompassing connectedness.

“Acommon belief is that we are all endowed with the gift of life from the creator. We believe that the creator lives on the hills and the land; the creator also lives under the water, the rivers, lakes and oceans,” stated Haiyupis “As human beings, we are to form balance with this life that lives around us in nature.’”

Although these concepts of connectedness are commonly heard in Nuuchah-nulth circles, the societal effects of COVID-19 restrictions made connection an inherent challenge during the pandemic. For those in the Ditidaht First Nation community, a hospital visit is at least an hour and a half away via a logging road, a remoteness that heightened concerns of coronavirus infection for residents.

“We were completely locked down,” said Tina Joseph, the Ditidaht Community School’s language and culture department coordinator. “There was only allowed one person per household to leave to do the grocery shopping. We had additional restrictions in place, other than provincial and federal. It was a bit tense.” While COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, the toll of the two years of strict

measures continues to affect many families in the community.

“It’s been challenging to get community together, even for larger functions and events,” said Joseph. “It hasn’t been until very recently that we’ve had numbers rising and seeing all different parts of community members coming out again. Tonight was good example of that.”

Esther Edgar believes that the session was what the Ditidaht community has been yearning for.

“The pandemic had a big impact on my grandchildren,” said Edgar, who lived in Nitinaht Narrows as a child, a part of the several tribal groups that amalgamated in 1967 to form the current reserve community by Nitinaht Lake, she explained. “They don’t know what it’s like to have to pack water, collect driftwood, eat off the land. They think food is chicken strips and fries, we never had that. We had mussels, gooseneck barnacles, tutsup.”

As a child Edgar recalls the novelty of soda pop. Her father, who worked in a logging camp, would barter smoked fish for Coke of Orange Crush.

“We had maybe two bottles of pop a year, and as a family passed it around,” she recalled. “We would all take a sip and pass it to the next person.”

Edgar learned the Ditidaht dialect from her grandparents, who didn’t speak English. She reflects that the societal transformation into Canada’s modernity – and all its associated technology – has undermined the role of grandparents.

“Grandparents now don’t have the ability to be grandparents the way my

grandparents were,” said Edgar. “Technology. Children are busy doing whatever they’re doing from the time they’re three or four years old. Parents aren’t the way they used to be. They’re not disciplined the way I was.”

“I was corrected by all the people in the community when I was a kid, not just my parents and grandparents,” she added.

In recent years governments have stressed the need to improve telecommunications infrastructure for remote First Nations. In March 2022 the federal and provincial governments announced a plan to connect 98 per cent of Canadians with high-speed internet by 2026, and 100 per cent four years later. In British Columbia this will be accomplished through an investment of up to $830 million from the governments to improve internet in remote communities.

“We need to close the connection gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of British Columbia has access to reliable high-speed internet,” stated Gudie Hutchings, Canada’s minister of Rural Economic Development.

Nitinaht Lake is still without cell phone coverage, but Wi-Fi can be available in the community. Meanwhile, something is being lost in this process, said Perry Edgar, who has lived at Nitinaht since the mid 1980s.

“It’s a distraction from the fundamentals of life,” said Perry in his assessment of Wi-Fi technology and all of its accompanying devices.

Perry hopes to see more gatherings that draw a diverse portion of the community. He recalls the dance practices that were regularly held in the ‘80s in a gym that stood where Nitinaht’s clinic is now.

“I loved the community when it was a community, not a divided nation,” he said. “I say divided because all the families don’t gather like this.”

“This gathering could be opening a door to becoming a better community, to communicate with the older generation, with the younger generation,” added Esther.

“I think that we’re now starting to come back together as a community after the pandemic, and just focusing on our values to continue bringing us back together was the intent of this,” said Joseph.

“We’re a part of our community, but we also have responsibilities - whether they be cultural, different portions of leadership, just supporting community in general. We’re all responsible for that.”

“Hišuk nish cawak, I am one with everything,” explained Charleson-Touchie.

“That means that I have a responsibility to take care of everything around me.”

Eric Plummer photo Anita Charleson-Touchie facilitated a session heldApril 25 in the Nitinaht Lake community.

Community clinic addresses primary care shortage

Urban health centre planned for 2024, with a team of professionals and a mobile clinic for remote communities

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

PortAlberni, BC -Anew health clinic is coming to PortAlberni’s inner-city area, presenting a collaborative approach to primary care that aims to improve upon a traditional system that, for many patients, has proved to be ineffective.

The B.C. Ministry of Health has approved funding for the Indigenous Urban Community Health Centre. Launched by the PortAlberni Primary Care Network, the new clinic is planned to open in 2024 in the small city’s South Port area, between 3rd and 10th Avenue where needs were identified to be most urgent.

Like the Friendship Centre, the clinic would be open to all in need, and is intended to “address health issues and the prevention of acute illness among lowincome, street-entrenched, Indigenous and non-Indigenous priority populations in the downtown core,” according to the primary care network.

Rather than a traditional doctor’s office, the clinic is designed to offer a team of collaborating professionals, working together to increase a patient’s attachment to primary care. Positions for the facility include three physicians or nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, one licenced practical nurse, two social workers, a First Nations navigator, an Indigenous knowledge keeper, a midwife, occupational therapist, physical therapist and clinical lead.

Amental health and substance use clinic will be available at the new space as well.

“It’s well past time for this community to get some serious resources in place,” said Tina Biello, project manager of the Central Island Division of Family Practice, a non-profit society of family doctors and nurse practitioners in the region that is developing the clinic and the primary care network behind it. “There will be a clinical lead who will be running this whole show. That will be their job, is to make sure that there’s coordinated care, comprehensive communication and getting all of that organized so that there isn’t two-hour wait for patients.”

Across British Columbia the number of residents without attachment to a primary care provider has surged in recent years, increasing by 70 per cent from 2003-2017 according to Health MinisterAdrian Dix,

who himself has publicly admitted to being without a family doctor. Now one in five B.C. residents don’t have a primary care physician, and in PortAlberni this has resulted in long lineups at the walkin clinic and a constant flow of patients seeking treatment in the emergency room that could otherwise be dealt with in the doctor’s office.

“Many people in B.C. can’t get a family doctor or timely access to the full range of care they need,” stated the Central Island Division of Family Practice. “GPs are under stress and the threat of burnout is real. Meanwhile, hospitals are facing unsustainable pressures.”

In February the province worked to improve the lot of family physicians with a new payment model based on the number of patients a doctor sees and the complexity of their needs, but the primary care network’s clinic intends to present an altogether different approach. Doctors at the new facility will be paid according to a set service contract from the Ministry of Health regardless of how many patients they see, an alternative to the revolving

door of patients that family doctors face in the current fee-for-service model.

“That’s why they’re usually late and you only have 10 minutes, is because in order to get paid they have to see a lot of patients,” said Biello of the traditional system of family practice. “These come with contracts, so there’s going to be no pressure on the physician because they’re being paid by a contract.”

The Central Island Division of Family Practice held consultations in the summer and fall of 2021 to help identify the region’s main issues in access to primary care. Common concerns were a lack of treatment that felt culturally safe for First Nations, wound care for the homeless, a shortage of maternity services, the need for advocacy to help people get the health care they need and a demand for a mobile unit to serve remote communities.

To meet this need, the primary care network is also announcing a clinic on wheels that would be available for the Ditidaht, Uchucklesaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

Those behind the new clinic hope that the alternative approach to primary care will attract health professionals seeking a more manageable career than the family doctors who run a practice of over 1,200 patients.

“Especially for the physicians coming out of training, they don’t want the things their predecessors have done. They don’t want to work to the bone and be exhausted. They want that balance,” said Biello.

“If they have a nurse who can do a whole bunch of things for them, they have time to pick up another patient. Theoretically you should be able to get in quicker if they have a nurse, because the nurse is picking up so many of the duties so the doctor can see other patients.”

On Tuesday, May 16 an event is planned to announce information about the Indigenous Urban Community Health Centre. It will be held at the PortAlberni Friendship Center, 3555 4th Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Eric Plummer photo

The Indigenous Urban Community Health Centre is being planned for a yet-tobe determined location in PortAlberni’s South Port area, a high-priority part of the city for health care where there is a high density of people and low incomes.

Program aims to overcome health care elitism

Nurses that First Nations need are already living there, but there’s too many barriers to training, say researchers

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

This fall a new nursing stream is coming to six universities in B.C., offering Indigenous graduate students training that aims to empower First Nations to determine their own path to wellness.

The Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing presents an alternative to the well-established clinical approach to health care, a system that for many who live in remote communities is broken, according to input that helped the guide the new program. With the goal of training up to 24 graduate nursing students to work inAboriginal communities, the stream is being introduced in September to the University of Victoria, Thompson Rivers University, Trinity Western, the University of Northern B.C. as well as the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Plans have a minimum of two Indigenous students in the stream at each learning institution.

The program’s intention paper notes a “deficit” in health care reform for Indigenous people due to the existing “treatment focused model”.

Lisa Bourque-Bearskin is an associate professor in UVic’s School of Nursing and the lead researcher behind the new educational stream.

“First Nations communities are being held responsible for delivering their own health care services, so they need that Indigenous nursing leadership there to support that transition,” she said. “We know Indigenous nurses are the primary contact, are the most trusted health care professionals within our communities, but if they’re not at the decision-making table to help us co-design these, we’ve missed the boat again.”

Part of the solution is getting more Aboriginal people to become nurses and return to their communities to lead health care reform, but institutional barriers have gotten in the way, said BourqueBearskin.

“We know right now that there’s significant barriers getting into graduate education programs, so we do not have the Indigenous nursing population at that level,” she said. “I think one the biggest barriers is the stats course.”

There are no accurate counts of how

many Indigenous nurses are practicing in the province, as the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives cannot require its members to declare theirAboriginal identity. But an attempt was made in 2016 by a study from the University of Saskatchewan, which identified 1,305 Indigenous professionals out of the 43,495 registered nurses it counted in B.C.

And even the First Nations HealthAuthority employs a disproportionately low number of Indigenous nurses. Out of the 150 who directly work for the organization to support First Nations communities, only 37 declared themselves to be Indigenous.

The lack ofAboriginal nurses who are available to serve their own communities can be party attributed to a sense of health care elitism, said Joanna Fraser, a research associate at UVic and North Island College who helped develop the graduate Indigenous nursing stream.

“Elitism in that there is only one way of doing health care, which is very medical and Western,” she said. “What we’re talking about is very different approach.”

“Alot of the schools are trying to figure out how to say to Indigenous people that this is a place for you to bring your whole self,” continued Fraser. “You don’t have to try and be somebody else, because I think that’s what our policies and our educational processes really do, is try to acculturate people to a very different culture.”

Victoria Dick of the Tseshaht First Nation also helped to develop the program. In recent years she faced uphill struggles while studying at nursing school, as she commuted from PortAlberni to Comox for classes.

“I had a baby and toddler throughout nursing school, and I was working two or three shifts on weekends to support the commute down there,” said Dick. “It was a lot of work.”

But the training enabled her to serve her own First Nation and other Nuu-chahnulth communities as a front-line worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They were welcoming me and trusting me to provide this health care,” said Dick. “It is worth it when you get that reward in community feedback.”

For the young Tseshaht member, the career fulfills a role she had already found herself in with her family circle.

“My grandmothers were both nurses with the tribal council,” she said. “Also, I had the privilege to take care of my great grandfather at the end of his life, in the last decade when his health was declining. He was just a big part of my life and caring the Nuu-chah-nulth way of being really propelled me into the nursing program.”

But this is exactly what can be lacking in the health care that remote First Nations receive, according to input gathered for a presentation on “Nursing the Nuuchah-nulth Way” given inApril at UVic for advanced practitioners.

“So, you can have somebody with no training who is super loving and caring, and that has more healing properties than someone who can prescribe your medication but not look after you at all,” states a testimonial from an unidentified resident from the Hesquiaht community of Hot Springs Cove. “You are more than body; you are like heart and soul. That needs to be looked after just as much as your body does.”

Another anonymous respondent spoke of the Clayoquot Sound community’s isolation from any medical care.

“It’s costly to go in and out,” said the resident. “Most of the time I talk myself out of even going.”

The historical dilemma has been the inability of health care professionals to

understand the needs of the First Nations communities they’re serving, said Jeannette Watts, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s nursing manager.

“We have these professionals from outside the community coming to run the show,” she reflected. “That has been the historical picture, for sure, and with them they’re following all of these outside external policies that weren’t developed in any way form or shape by Indigenous people.”

“For an outsider coming in to understand that there are community protocols beyond those nursing standards that you’ve been educated in is really key,” added Fraser. “That’s why Indigenous nurses are key to leading this process.”

Bourque-Bearskin believes that First Nations need nurses who got into the profession not just for secure employment, but to help the communities they came from.

“There’s no reason why we can’t offer online education - as is done across the country - and then create an opportunity where maybe they’re just coming in for two or three weeks to do the internship academia,” she said. “There’s no reason why we’re focused on bringing them out of the community, we need to keep them in the community so that they can continue to support their community.”

University of Victoria photo Lisa Bourque-Bearskin is an associate professor in UVic’s School of Nursing and the lead researcher behind the new educational stream.

Member of Parliment // Courtenay-Alberni

The most devastating year for First Nation people

FNHA is making the opioid crisi a ‘top priority’ as the pace of fatalities does no appear to be slowing in 2023

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the province seeing 596 deaths due to the toxic drug crisis from January to the end of March, 2023 is only three deaths short of the record breaking year in 2022, which had 599 fatalities over the first three months. Since 2016, when the provincial public health emergency was declared, more than 11,000 lives have been lost.

Drugs across the province have grown increasingly toxic, leaving Nuu-chahnulth friends, family, and the broader communities grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Of the 11,000 lives lost throughout the province, one thousand are First Nations, said Nel Wieman, originally from Little Grand Rapids First Nation and First Nations HealthAuthority (FNHA) acting chief medical officer, at event for the release of 2022 Toxic Drug Data for B.C. First Nations people.

“Toxic drugs have impacted all of our families and all of our communities and left our people devastated,” said FNHA Board Chair Colleen Erickson, who is from Nak’azdli. “My personal experience is that we are losing a whole generation of young people.”

In 2022, 373 First Nation lives were lost to the toxic drug crisis, making a 6.3 per cent increase from 351 deaths in 2021.

“There is a disproportionate impact on First Nations people in this province, although we represent only 3.3 per cent of the province’s population,” said Wieman. “In 2022, we represented 16.4 per cent of toxic drug poisoning deaths. In 2021 this was 15.2 per cent.”

In 2022, 36.5 per cent of First Nation deaths were women, with a death rate of 11.2 times higher than other women residing in B.C.

“The overall trend is that First Nations people are disproportionately dying from B.C.’s toxic drug crisis and the gap continues to widen,” said Wieman.

Root causes of the toxic drug crisis among First Nation people are connected to intergenerational and ongoing trauma from colonial impacts of residential schools, the sixties scoop, and discovery of unmarked graves, said Wieman.

“[FNHA] recognize that the toxic drug public health emergency is a very visible manifestation of long-standing health inequities, including intergenerational and contemporary trauma, culturally unsafe care, unmet needs, and a disjointed mental health system,” said Katie Hughes, vice-president and public health response for FNHA.

The FNHAdata shows that some First Nations people struggle with opioid-use disorder, while others have medical conditions that are undertreated. Some are experimenting, and others use intermittently, explained Wieman.

Richard Jock, Mohawk ofAkwesasne and CEO for FNHA, notes the significant lifestyle and communication changes that occurred due to the pandemic impacted the mental health crisis.

“These changes and these different realities and degrees of isolation, have really had their impact,” said Jock. “As we

were going through COVID-19, we did acknowledge that mental health would likely be the next challenge directly coming from this. I would say that, at that point, we certainly didn’t anticipate the level of effects from toxic drugs that we’re seeing today.”

“The emergency can only be met by [a] head on response,” continued Jock. “It is now our top priority within the First Nations HealthAuthority.As part of that we’ve moved to level two response.”

For FNHAa level-two response means the implementation of a public health team to be the “chief mechanism” in expanding resources to meet the everchanging needs of the opioid crisis, said Jock.

Strategies include building on Indigenous people’s resilience, addressing root causes, and providing holistic healing to support First Nations throughout the province, said Hughes.

Among the many efforts addressed by the FNHA, Hughes highlighted treatment centers shifting to a healing and wellness-centered model and expanding to underserved regions.

“Arange of options are needed to truly meet people where they’re at in their healing journeys and to support self determination,” said Hughes.

Moving forward, Hugh said that efforts will be directed at securing funding, expanding their virtual substance use and psychiatry service, investing in a First Nation-led overdose prevention and mobile harm reduction services, expanding community capacity and harm reduction services, among others.

Hugh also said that FNHAis working with the province and local health authorities to increase the number of detox and treatment beds for First Nation people.

Longman uses the example that he now goes to police cells to administer OAT medications to help people with their withdrawal symptoms.

“Sometimes that translates into individuals that then stay on the medication and do very well,” said Longman.

“The toxic drug crisis is not just a Downtown Eastside problem, there are people dying, including First Nations people, in every corner of this province,” said Wieman when asked about how to fill the gap in services for remote and rural First Nation communities. “When we talk…at a provincial level about what types of interventions would be most helpful, we’re really forgetting the realities of First Nations people who live in very rural, remote and isolated communities.”

FNHAis supporting First Nation women with harm reduction measures, such as overdose prevention sites, in communities like the Downtown Eastside, added Wieman.

Dr. Shane Longman, a physician in PortAlberni, administers medications used for OpioidAgonist Therapy (OAT), which uses methadone and suboxone to treat withdrawal symptoms so that individuals can transition away from using.

“The philosophy of care has to change in the community, in the healthcare system, in physicians offices, in the hospital, in [emergency]; everywhere,” said Longman. “The other thing that needs to happen is that access points to care need to be increased.”

“Access points mean not only the physical locations, but also timing… when individuals need it, it needs to be available for them,” he continued.

For significant changes in preventing the deaths among First Nations, the focus needs to shift from larger to smaller regions in a way that is feasible, sustainable, and effective, she continued.

Wieman notes that a lack of front-line workers in remote communities and burnout can be a barrier to implementing services.

FNHAcurrently offers a virtual substance use and psychiatry service that provides referral-based culturally safe support. For those unable to access professional support, the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day can provide referrals to this service.

“2022 was the most devastating year for First Nations people, their families, friends and communities in terms of the toxic drug crisis so far,” said Wieman. “We need to build hope that we can turn things around [and] prevent more deaths.”

“These numbers are people; people who loved and were loved,” she added.

Indigenous Students in School District 70 and School District 84 and all Nuu-chah-nulth are invited to apply for the: Heečis (Eileen Haggard) Memorial Scholarship

This year, the Haggard family would like to honour Grade 12 Graduate of Nuu-chah-nulth descendant and Indigenous Ancestry (reside in SD70 & SD84) who exemplify the qualities necessary to succeed and overcome challenges.

Honoured recipients will be students who:

• Have worked hard to excel to the best of their ability

• Have overcome obstacles in their quest to obtain a high school diploma

• Model and value their First Nation culture

• Practice iisaak (respect)

• Give back to their community

The heechis memorial scholarship application can be found: https://nuuchahnulth.org/services/useful-resources-applications-formspolicies-agreements

For more information contact Richard Samuel at 250.724.5757 or scholarships@nuuchahnulth.org

Due date for application is May 24, 2023 by 4:30PM

FNHA photo

Nel Wieman, the First Nations HealthAuthority’s acting chief medical officer, speaks in Vancouver onApril 21 at a presentation of 2022’s toxic drug results.

“Toxic drugs have impacted all of our families and all of our communities and left our people devastated”

Colleen Erickson, FNHA Board Chair

COVID study invites Nuu-chah-nulth to share stories

Data collected from the tribal council’s examination intended to help leadership lobby for be er health support

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

British Columbia – The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is conducting a research project that they hope will document the Nuu-chah-nulth experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the health care system and within First Nation communities.

“The NTC directors wanted to document the Nuu-chah-nulth experience around the vaccine and the pandemic,” said NTC Health Director, Lynnette Lucas, in May 2022, when the study was in its early stages.

According to the project website, the aim is to understand immune response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination, the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the impacts of the pandemic on Nuu-chah-nulth communities.

The study is important because it was recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic posed a serious health risk to Indigenous communities, so much so that the Canadian government prioritized them to receive vaccine.

“We want to know, what was the impact of COVID on our bodies? What is our immune response? Were we protected by vaccines? Should we continue to get boosters?” said Dr. Roger Boyer, the project’s research director.

To understand immune response to COVID-19, willing participants will have blood drawn by nurses. The collected samples will be secured by Boyer, who is anAnishinabek man from Ontario. He says he will personally drive the samples to the laboratories for analysis.

Those who prefer not to have their

blood drawn may participate in another way. Nuu-chah-nulth people are invited to take part in sharing their stories about the COVID-19 pandemic or vaccination experiences.

There are three options for sharing stories in the project and participants may choose to take part in any or all of them.

One option is the elder-led sharing, where participants look back on pandemic experiences with the health care system to inform intergenerational teaching, wellness and future vaccines.

Another option is the family sharing circle, or the Youth Photovoice, where photos are shared to tell stories of the pandemic experience.

The NTC’s project team includes community-based researchers, support workers, project coordinators, and a data manager. Simon Fraser University and the National Microbiology Laboratory are working with the team as academic partners.

Participation in the project is completely voluntary and those involved may withdraw, without repercussion, at any time.

“The study is open to any Nuu-chahnulth person, no matter where they live or whether or not they’ve had COVID,” said Boyer.

The first project clinic was held in March, and since then nearly 25 per cent of the blood samples needed to reach the

500-sample goal has been achieved. The clinics will run until September.

Clinics in PortAlberni are held every second Thursday at the Wellness Centre at 3416 FourthAvenue. More information and clinic schedules can be found at nuuchahnulthhealthresearch.org.

Each participant will receive one or more gift cards, depending on which activities they volunteer for.

Information collected from the study will inform NTC leadership about the needs of their communities and people, allowing them to advocate for health care resources. It may also be useful for Indigenous communities if they must manage another pandemic in the future.

Submitted photo

The project team includes community-based researchers, support workers, project coordinators, and a data manager.

Eric Plummer photos

Representatives and specialists covering a variety of wellness issues were available at Maht Mahs for the Tseshaht Health Fair, a free event heldApril 20-21. Heather Fenner, (above left) a tuberculosis clinical nurse educator with the First Nations HealthAuthority, offered information about the disease. MatildaAtleo hosted a booth about the Can-SOLVE Canadian Kidney Disease Network. Can-SOLVE helps Indigenous people in remote communities check for their risk of kidney disease.

‘It’s our medicine’: Dieticians on traditional food

Eating local seafood and seasonally harvested plants contribute to increased mental, social, and cultural health

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For Jennifer Cody, a Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) dietician, she comes from a family of healers. Being a dietician has come natural for her since she enjoys the way food connects to harvesting, growing, community building and nature.

“Food is sort of one of those things that’s kind of woven into everything within…culture with Nuu-chah-nulth people,” said Cody. “Many of the teachings in terms of how we respect and connect with our environment and the land and how we see other living beings as being a part of everything around us.”

Cody explained that activities that involve harvesting and fishing traditional foods all have Nuu-chah-nulth stories and learnings connected to them.

For Nuu-chah-nulth, sitting down for a meal is not only a chance to feast and connect socially, but an opportunity for cultural stories and teachings to be shared, said Cody.

“Eating is an essential part of passing along the teachings,” said Cody.

ANuu-chah-nulth diet, focused around local seafood, harvested and seasonal plants, and sea plants, contributes to a healthy diet, explained Cody.

Currently nettles which contain iron, antioxidants and soluble fiber are in season, she continued.

Alternative to a Nuu-chah-nulth diet, Cody recommends a Mediterranean diet, which is similar.

Adiet local to the Mediterranean basin emphasizes healthy fats, such as olive oil which is used as an alternative for butter and other oils, according to the Harvard diet review. The diet is primarily plantbased focusing on the daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans and legumes, nuts, herbs, and spices. Seafood and dairy products are consumed in smaller quantities.

“Without certain foods, there’s just no

way that we can be healthy,” said Cody.

Fruits and vegetables provide fiber which are significant to bowel health, while carbohydrates provide energy, said Cody.

Proteins are essential to rebuilding muscle and to help with healing after surgery or an accident, she said. Protein also serves to carry nutrients throughout the body, which then help with brain devel-

Wikimedia Commons photo opment and maintaining healthy oxygen, she continued.

“All of it just ends up being entirely connected,” said Cody.

In recent years the gut microbiome, where trillions of bacteria live within the gastrointestinal tract, has been studied for its connections to immune function, metabolism, hormone regulation, and neurological health, according to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

Through microbiota-gut-brain-axis, the pathway that the gut and brain communicate interchangeably, is controlled by the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

According to recent studies, because of this connected pathway, the gut is able to influence the brain and mood, cognition, and mental health of an individual while the brain can influence intestinal activities.

“Our gut and our minds are intimately connected,” said Cody.

Cody explained that according to studies, shifting to a nutritious diet has the ability to impact mental health long term.

“The nutrition piece is something that has a great power to be able to directly address people’s mental health in that regard, at least for anxiety and depression,” said Cody. “It’s not the only tool but it’s a very powerful tool.”

Cody continued to note that stress developed from food insecurity also impacts overall mental health.

“If you are food insecure or take care of children, and you’re not able to provide enough, or you’re having challenges in providing enough food for yourself or for your children, the stress that’s created from that is very significant,” said Cody.

For Michael Wesley of Gitxsan, he grew up on a small reserve in northern British Columbia. Food insecurity was something that was prominent for him in his youth, which would lead him to go to school for dietetics so that he could address the issue.

Now a registered dietician, he recently heard a knowledge keeper speak about the interconnectedness of land, food, and people.

“We eat the land’s food and we are the land,” said Wesley reflecting on the story.

“From my perspective, in addition we’re made up of all the same things: carbohydrates, fats, [and] proteins.”

Cody explained that processed foods, such as chips and pop, from Western systems contribute to unhealthy lifestyles.

Wesley explained that food insecurity promotes illness such as diabetes and obesity.

“I think a lot of communities are food insecure in a lot of ways that people don’t realize,” said Wesley. “That’s demonstrated through health disparities from what I’ve come across for the past couple of years of my experience as a dietitian.”

For Wesley, food security is having access to enough quality and nutritious foods that promote a healthy life.

“It’s our medicine, for sure, because it takes care of us,” said Wesley. “I guess the old saying was, ‘you are what you eat’.”

Phrase†of†the†week:†%aa%iik’waa>h=si@a+quk†%uuš†c^ak%its†tiic^@aq+up†niwa

Pronounced ‘Aa ee qwa alth alt kook ooh sh chuck ish alth who pii knee wha teach ugk lah up’, it means ‘Nurse’s are very important to us. They help a lot of people, we need them, they help keep us healthy.’Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Ivy Cargill Martin

Jen Cody

National Nursing Week

Wiisahii%ap

(Keeping†Healthy) “Huppiipc>at`”

(Helping†Each†Other)

(Be†comfortable,†be†well)

President’s Message &Community Beyond

Another month has flown by, the cherry blossoms are on the trees, the sockeye have started arriving in the Somass River and you know spring has arrived. Atime of renewal.

My deepest sympathies to losses in our communities of precious loved ones that were an integral part of our families and communities.

One of our long-time employees retired in lateApril after 26 years of service.

Robert Cluett, our Health Benefits Program coordinator, has decided it is time for him to retire. We thank him for all he has done for Nuu-Chah-nulth-aht over these years and wish him the best in his retirement.

The toxic drug crisis is a huge issue we must tackle in some way. Tseshaht held a two-day forum, which I was able to be a small part of. I haven’t seen the final report on recommendations but hope to do so soon.

Toxic drugs are hitting our communities in a big way. First Nations members represented 16.4 per cent of toxic drug deaths in B.C. in 2022, despite making up only 3.3 percent of the province’s population, according to the FNHA’s Toxic Drug Data report.

373 First Nations people lost their lives to drug toxicity last year, meaning First Nations people in B.C. are dying from toxic drugs at 5.9 times the rate of the general population. The B.C. Coroners Service that showed almost 600 people in B.C. died in the first three months of 2023 because of the toxic drug supply.

At least 11,807 lives have been claimed by toxic drugs since a public health emergency was declared over the issue seven years ago. Seven years ago in a state of emergency and the deaths keep climbing. Obviously the government is not doing the right things to stop the emergency or is not doing enough. We need to find solutions for the this crisis and stop the deaths in NCN.

I had a meeting with the Maa-nulth Nations on policing to find ways to work together on the bigger issues like trauma informed teams, de-escalation and other policies.

TheAssembly of First Nations had a four-day special chiefs meeting at the beginning ofApril. Resolutions that had not been dealt with from meetings last July and December had not been considered and so two days were set aside to deal with 38 motions. Two days were set aside to talk about the NationalAction Plan for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesAct. One of the significant motions considered was with regard to the settlement of the human rights complaints on children and families.AnAdditional 3.3 billion dollars had been added to the settlement to ensure that all children who had been in care would get compensated. The chiefs voted in favour of the settlement but it still has to get approved by the Human Rights Tribunal and the court. Children’s payments will go into a trust until they turn 18.

Other discussions and motions were with regard to supporting digital connectivity, upgrades to airport runways and infrastructure in remote communities, support for actions with regard to Indigenous languages support for education, the enforcement of bylaws and BCR’s on reserve, distinctions-based health legislation, and quite a few more. It is difficult to get all resolutions passed as it takes a long time for discussion and proposed amendments and then the voting. Better systems need to be developed.

Memorial Potlatch

May 6, 2023

Thunderbird Hall, Campbell River

We are extending an invitation to you and your family to join us as we celebrate the life of our late mother

MARGARET JACK and my perfect late son TREVORANTHONY JACK on May 6, 2023, starting at 10am at the Thunderbird Hall, 1420 Weiwaikum Road, Campbell River. If you have any questions, please messageAnita Baker on Facebook or text/call 778-676-1012

Loonie Toonie Fundraiser

May 6, 2023

fundraiser will assist Tseshaht Elders with their travel expenses for upcoming event trips. For donations, volunteers, cleanup, or further information please contact: Elders Coordinator, Gina Pearson at 778421-8867 or gpearson@tseshaht.com

Tseshaht Community Meeting

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

Tseshaht Great Room and Zoom

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Our next Community Meeting is coming up soon!Agenda to be announced.

There was discussion and a motion with regards to the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery by the Pope. First Nations really need to direct the government in changing its laws and policies that relied on Canada taking title to Indigenous lands because of this doctrine. One example is with regards to the Heritage Conservation Act in B.C. They use 1846 and prior as to when they will preserve things. This is unacceptable and must be changed. There is a draft out on the National Action Plan under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These actions are very general and motherhood kinds of statements. I asked Justice Minister Lametti how he was going to take into consideration specific actions from different nations. For example, Nuu-chah-nulth asked to have the container ships report recommendations implemented as the cargo that was dropped from the ship off of Victoria had containers floating in and by Nuuchah-nulth territories. We also ask for full implementation of court cases such as theAhousaht case. Also to have better regulations in Tofino harbour as we had two serious accidents in the space of three months. There are other specific Nuuchah-nulth asks that we want done. The minister basically said they would have to fit under the more general categories and this is not acceptable. More work needs to be done on this and the federal government has to table an action plan by end of June 2023.

The action plan is important as it makes the government do things that are needed to be in keeping with UNDRIP. Nene Van Volsen and her group are having a Nuu-chah-nulth dialogue on the action plan as it relates to health, children and families, transportation and climate change. This is happening May 2 and 3 at Tigh Na Mara. If interested, contact the NTC.

The federal government is working on new laws for drinking water on reserve and our housing manager has been involved in putting in input. There is more work to be done. There was also a class action on the quality of drinking water on reserve. Five Nuu-chah-nulth nations were part of this and the settlement is being worked out for communities that have had issues with drinking water.

Take care everyone, Respectfully Cloy-e-iis

Maht Mahs Gym, PortAlberni

10:00AM – 4:00 PM Tseshaht Elders Fundraiser Loonie Toonie and Concession. Donations are appreciated and will be accepted until May 1, 2023. We are also looking for volunteers to assist on the floor and a team to take care of clean-up.All proceeds from this

We hope to see you there! You can register to attend via Zoom in advance at https://tseshaht.zoom.us/meeting/ register/After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Marcy Keitlah Memorial Potlatch

September 23, 2023

PortAlberni, BC

Employment and Training

Employment Opportunity

School District 70 Pacific Rim is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Casual On Call Custodian

• Casual On Call Clerical

• Casual On Call Education Assistant

How to apply: Please forward *application form, resume, cover letter and supporting documents to: School District 70 Pacific Rim Attention: Trisha Wilson, Executive Assistant - 4690 Roger Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 3Z4 or email to twilson@sd70.bc.ca *Application forms are available on our website (www.sd70.bc.ca) or at the School Board Office on Roger Street.

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

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICER TECHNICIAN

The Tseshaht First Nation Administration Office is now accepting applications for the position of Resource Management Officer Technician. The job is based out of Port Alberni, BC on beautiful Vancouver Island.

POSITION SUMMARY

Tseshaht First Nation is seeking a Resource Management Technician

Officer supporting the monitoring and protection of chinook, sockeye, coho and chum salmon populations within Tseshaht Territory. This position reports to the Fisheries Manager and is intended to strengthen Tseshaht First Nation’s monitoring skills through standardized training and sharing of operational tools, practices, and networking, and enhancing monitoring capacity. This is a seasonal position from May to October.

PRIMARY/CORE

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes part in regular habitat monitoring, stream surveying, monitoring of community harvests of chinook, sockeye, coho and chum salmon populations within Tseshaht First Nation Territory.

• Observes and reports on new and ongoing threats related to climate change, chemical substances, and human interference.

• Assists with Tseshaht First Nation fisheries stewardship initiatives.

• Addresses issues where appropriate and, when needed, records and/or reports incidents and issues to the appropriate authority.

• Willingness to complete training and certifications to increase skills including Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) and other boating skills, swift-water rescue, first aid, safe fish harvesting, catch monitoring, survey techniques, office skills, and/or communication skills.

• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with boat maintenance and basic maintenance of equipment and facilities.

• Current First Aid Level 1 Certification

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Tseshaht territory, including marine territories and waterways.

• Strong customer/visitor service skills. Friendly, positive, responsive, professional and helpful.

• General maintenance skills including boat, equipment and facilities.

• Ability to operate and use a variety of tools and equipment; aptitude to learn and use new equipment and tools as needed

• Strong focus on safety and ability to follow safe work procedures is required

• Good communication skills (reading and writing); ability to communicate effectively with visitors and Tseshaht community members.

• Ability to perform physical work including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, standing, and stooping; able to work in variable environments including dusty and hot and cold temperatures

• Able to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision as well as working within a collaborative team framework.

• Basic computer skills.

• Genuine respect for Tseshaht First Nation culture and protocols

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Regular bending, lifting, standing, stooping, climbing is required.

• Work hours will vary during the Season, including evening, weekend, nights, and holiday’s.

HOW TO APPLY

Closing Date: May 17th, 2023

Submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) current references to: Tseshaht First Nation, Attention: Vicky White, Executive Director by mail: 5091 Tsuma-as Drive, Port Alberni BC, V9Y 8X9; or by email: apply@tseshaht.com

FISHERIES GUARDIAN ASSISTANT

The Tseshaht First Nation Administration Office is now accepting applications for the position of Fisheries Guardian Assistant. The job is based out of Port Alberni, BC on beautiful Vancouver Island.

POSITION SUMMARY

Tseshaht First Nation is seeking a Fisheries Guardian assistant who is responsible to perform Guardian duties for the running of Tseshaht Fisheries as per the requirements of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS). This position reports to the Fisheries Manager and the seasonal position runs from May to October.

PRIMARY/CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assistant Fisheries Guardian works both on the water and in the field to ensure that all Guardian duties are handled in accordance with Tseshaht fisheries rights and protocols and with DFO regulations for the duration of the fisheries.

• Fisheries Guardian Assistant, support Lead Guardian with enforcement role in communicating, informing and instructing commercial fishing vessels and sports fisherman and for liaising with DFO and the Catch Monitors on Guardian and Tseshaht fisheries matters.

• Fisheries Guardian Assistant, support Lead Guardian with operational support that includes: the maintenance of fisheries vessels, equipment and supplies, the administration of seasonal fishing licenses, fisheries counts, statistics and reports and generally provides operational field support for a range of stewardship initiatives for the protection and monitoring of Tseshaht fishery habitats and aquatic environments.

• Assist with the completion of various operational and administrative tasks associated with the setup and operational administration of the annual schedule of Tseshaht Fisheries for Salmon, Chinook, Chum and Coho.

• Assists the Lead Guardian with coordinating and running of Community Fish Days, community fish distribution, and administering of fishing licenses.

• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 or GED with Aboriginal Guardian Training/ knowledge and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Other courses or training seminars considered of benefit: project management, diving certification, water safety and first aide.

• A current SVOP and Motor Vehicle Driving License. 1year of proven Fisheries Guardian work experiences relevant to First Nation Fisheries resources.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of office systems and use of computers, including: Microsoft Office, Excel, and other Fisheries database applications.

• Practical knowledge of the requirements of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy.

• Knowledge of Tseshaht Fishing and Fisheries history, including traditional ways, culture and spiritual beliefs.

• Fully familiar with Tseshaht First Nations fisheries and knowledge of fish species.

• Good communication and conflict resolution skills.

• Able to interact positively and display integrity when dealing with membership, fisherman, DFO and the public on fishery guardian matters.

• Able to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision as well as working within a collaborative team framework.

• Genuine respect for Tseshaht First Nation culture and protocols

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Regular bending, lifting, standing, stooping, climbing is required.

• Working irregular hours, including extended work days and weekends and by effective scheduling of available resources.

HOW TO APPLY

Closing Date: May 19th, 2023

Submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) current references to: Tseshaht First Nation, Attention: Vicky White, Executive Director by mail: 5091 Tsuma-as Drive, Port Alberni BC, V9Y 8X9; or by email: apply@tseshaht.com

Newfoundlander tips hat to Nuu-chah-nulth

Robert Clue transitioned from a career in the military to 26 years in health benefits with coastal First Nations

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor

PortAlberni, BC - During his lunch break, Robert Cluett sits back in a lawn chair in the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s parking lot. With closed eyes, the 70-year-old tilts his head back, catching a springtime sun.After a long, rain-filled Vancouver Island winter, the few rays that break through the clouds illuminate the white in Cluett’s thick, carefully trimmed beard.

“I’ve always had the patience of a crocodile,” reflects the native of Trout River, Newfoundland, a Maritime accent still very much apparent despite his 30 years on Canada’s West Coast. It’s the last week of Cluett’s 26-year term with the tribal council, a time taken up by helping Nuu-chah-nulth people navigate through the complexities of health benefits.

“They’ve been very respectful of me and open to learning what I had to offer,” reflects the NTC’s Health Benefits Program coordinator. “Certainly, they took me under their wing with their culture and ensured that I knew it.”

In the role Cluett has worked individually with Nuu-chah-nulth-aht, helping to guide them through a network of health benefits that involves multiple government agencies, pharmacies and insurance providers.

“There’s no program on the planet any more complicated, because you’ve got six, seven programs into one,” reflects Cluett of B.C.’s system of health benefits for Indigenous people. “Through First Nations HealthAuthority they made it a little bit easier, a little bit smoother, because the benefits became more pronounced and enhanced. That took a fair bit of pressure off me to explain why you can’t get this stuff.”

Although Indigenous people in B.C. are eligible for health services, details are not black and white around what types of medication are covered, and proof of eligibility can be a challenge as well if

a patient is lacking an up-to-date status card.

“I don’t give up with them,” says Cluett of how he handles frustrated clients.

“You’ve got to have a thick skin, you’ve got to deal with them and their frustrations - but you’ve got to balance the frustration with saying, ‘Okay, I understand you’re frustrated, but we’ve got to move forward.’It’s dealing with people and learning to understand their situation, but you’ve got to be a people person, and a good one, to do this job.”

Before his tenure with the tribal council, the Newfoundlander had a 25-year career in the CanadianArmed Forces. He had left Trout River at 17, and was working with his father in Toronto, when a TV commercial caught his attention while watching a hockey game.

“I was watching TV while eating ice

cream, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game, and this add came on,” recalls Cluett, who remembered the commercial’s slogan: ‘No life like it.’

Although he was just 19, the security of a pension attracted the young man, as did the possibility for adventure.

“It was mostly to learn and to travel with an organization that’s looking after the country,” he says. “That’s what appealed to me.”

Cluett joined the military in 1970, specializing in administration and security. He was posted in Petawawa, Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland at a recruiting centre, followed by stints in Ottawa then Victoria for a final four years. Over this time he dealt closely with military families, helping them coordinate moving when a member of the Canadian Armed Forces was stationed overseas.

“It would become a split decision in sending one part of the family over, and then six or eight months later the rest of the family goes over. You’d have to keep the file open,” says Cluett. “Huge pile of work.Alot of involvement, you’ve got to know the rules of going to another country. You’ve got to make sure they have their passports and their visas, their needles and all that.”

Cluett’s military career also entailed posts overseas, including a year in the Middle East, working in Egypt and Syria.

“Their culture was extremely interesting,” he says. “There was 26 different cultures in Damascus, Syria alone.”

“One thing I did learn was how much Canada, as a country, was respected,” he added. “Democracy, freedom, that type of thing that’s not in these other countries that are under martial law.”

After his military career was over, Cluett answered two NTC job postings while he was volunteering as a career counsellor with the John Howard Society. He was interviewed by a room of 17 people, and after offers for both positions came in he started working for the tribal council in health benefits four days later.

It soon became apparent that Cluett’s experience of working in the military was directly relevant.

“The string of similarity is dealing with people, their lives and their benefits that they’re entitled to,” he says. “When you help people in these circumstances, it goes a long way.”

Looking ahead, Cluett expects to continue with music, a passion that has engaged him for his whole adult life. He plays the accordion, guitar, harmonica and some fiddle, performing with the Old Time Fiddlers and new band called Eastern Tradition, which specializes in Newfoundland folk and Irish music.

“Music is the entrance to the soul,” says Cluett of the daily practice. “Every time you pick up an instrument and play, you’re making yourself happy, you’re occupying your bean. You’re leaning something.”

Hupačasath council prioritizes on reserve housing

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contibutor

PortAlberni, BC - Building more housing for Hupačasath members is a continued priority for the First Nation’s recently re-elected Chief Councillor Brandy Lauder.

Hupačasath First Nation held an election for chief and council in earlyApril, resulting in three new councillors, only seeing Lauder re-elected to serve a second term as chief councillor.

Lauder, Serena Mayer, Cameron Tatoosh and Leah Wrigley will make up the First Nation’s chief and council for the next two years.

In a press release from the nation, Lauder said she’s excited to continue working on the projects she and the previous council had worked on over the last two years, with a focus on the Gill School purchase and building more housing for members.

“Currently we have many homes on reserve that are overcrowded as many of our young adults cannot find affordable housing/apartments in PortAlberni,” Lauder said. “Many of Hupačasath’s members have full-time jobs and still struggle with making all their bills, food and rent payments. They are unable to

save up a down payment for a home of their own.”

Lauder said the nation’s list for members waiting for homes on reserve has averaged around 30-plus families every year. She added that single members are of a greater need and not as prioritized as single parents, families and elders.

“We are considering smaller more affordable homes (two bedrooms one bath), townhomes and apartments,” Lauder said. “However available building lots are in very short supply on our main reserveAhahswinis, and sewer, water and transportation are a problem on our second reserve at Klehkoot.”

Lauder said the nation’s Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) gave Hupačasath council direction to acquire more land from members and off reserve to build more homes.

“Our council has started to do this over the years and is the priority of our new council to start building when we can,” she added.

There are several affordable housing projects currently in various stages in the Alberni Valley and surrounding areas for Nuu-chah-nulth and others. The Walyaqil

Tiny Shelter Village on lower Fourth Avenue will soon provide homes for 30 individuals, helping with the town’s

homelessness population. The former Cedarwood Elementary School near the Fall Fair grounds will become an affordable housing complex forAhousaht members living in PortAlberni.Also, 19 affordable housing units are being built within the Huu-ay-aht First Nations’and Uchucklesaht Tribe’s communities.

In November 2022, the BC Indigenous Homelessness Strategy Steering Committee published the BC Indigenous Homelessness Strategy, which made 33 recommendations for addressing housing issues for the province’s Indigenous community.

The report states Indigenous community members continue to be widely over-represented across the homeless population in B.C. The 2018 Report on Homelessness Counts in BC found that 38 per cent of those reporting homelessness identified as Indigenous.

“High rates of Indigenous homelessness are attributed to the lack of affordable, safe, and accessible housing and intergenerational trauma resulting from colonization, cultural genocide and policies that actively sought to dismantle Indigenous culture, families and communities,” states the report.

During a thorough engagement process with more than 130 respondents from across B.C. who had experience with

homelessness, the BC IHSSC heard several key themes.

Among those included that Indigenous peoples are negatively impacted by service systems that fail to care for and protect them physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, intersectionally and culturally. These service systems include shelters, child protection, health and social housing.

Respondents noted that Indigenous peoples have mixed feelings about their journey to acquire housing. Their negative experiences and feelings are impacting their health and ability to thrive. It was also heard that Indigenous people need more affordable homes and need to be included in decisions about what housing for them looks and feels like.

To address affordable housing shortages and homelessness amongst the province’s Indigenous population, the BC IHSSC recommends rent supplements for Indigenous peoples, promoting cultural safety in the housing sector, equitable funding for Indigenous-led complex care housing - designed and determined by Indigenous communities - and funding to help Indigenous tenants access legal clinics about rights and responsibilities.

Eric Plummer photo

“Music is the entrance to the soul,” says Robert Cluett, who is retiring after 26 years of working in health benefits with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

Port Alberni’s career fair back after a three-year break

Employment centre posts double the number of jobs than before the pandemic, offers cab rides to career fair

By Holly Stocking Ha-Shilth-Sa EditorialAssistant

PortAlberni, BC -At 8:30 a.m. on ThursdayApril 27 theAlberniAthletic Hall was loud with the buzz of dozens of employers setting up their tables in hopes to reach new employees. Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program has partnered withAlberni Valley Employment Center/Work BC for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in setting up this career fair.

It was a long, busy day for the 52 companies participating in the Career Fair, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., drawing nearly 400 job seekers. Frisco Lucas, a Mowachalaht/Muchalaht member, showed up resume in hand and ready to find a job.

“I miss the days where you could just hand out a resume and get a job, everything now is online and it makes it very confusing,” he told Ha-Shilth-Sa.

The wide variety of employers ranged from the food service industry to local mills, including Ha-Shilth-Sa having their very own table. It seems most businesses in PortAlberni are seeing a lack of workers.

“It’s all areas, I can’t think of any area that doesn’t have a worker shortage,” said Bill Brown with theAlberni Valley Employment Center, when asked which areas have the biggest worker shortages.

“We post double the amount of jobs every month compared to pre-pandemic.”

The top 10 job fields with employee shortages are cleaners, cooks, nurses, kitchen helpers, retail sales, servers, truck drivers, social workers, health care aids and construction laborers. With a popula-

OnApril 27 at theAlberniAthletic Hall members of the CanadianArmed Forces handed out information about their Raven program, a six week session for Indigenous youth run out of Nanoose Bay. picked up the tab.

tion more likely to age out of the workforce, theAlberni Valley has a higher percentage number of people over 65 than the B.C. or even Canadian average.

“This year we are trying to put a little bit of an emphasis on hiring people with disabilities at this hiring fair and we are making an effort of the hiring fair itself to be inclusive,” said Brown.

The employment centre worked out a relationship with United cabs where if someone couldn’t get to the fair, they could call the cab company to get a ride to theAlberniAthletic Hall andAVEC

As special project coordinator with NETP, Shan Ross has been organizing hiring fairs since 2016.

“We hear it from both sides, job seekers have trouble finding work and employers have a hard time finding and keeping workers,” he said about the high number of open jobs.

Even though the Career Fair is over, NETP is still helping members of the community find work

“We offer help from the creating a resume stage to adding certification,

short-term certification courses like first aid, WHIMIS, food safe, these expire in three to five years, and long-term certification such as traffic control, basic security, driver’s license. Certificates you can create a career out of,” said Ross.

“We also see there is a high demand for trades people and NETP can support you with trades training.”

For more information or to have NETP help they have offices in PortAlberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and Gold River.

Huu-ay-aht invests in Timber Tiles for interior spaces

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

PortAlberni, BC - Huu-ay-aht is the proud new majority owner of a Port Alberni-based manufacturing business that creates wooden tiles for use in finishing homes and commercial spaces. Timber Tiles is a specially manufactured product made from wood that is less desired in the construction market, in this case, hemlock.

According to MarkAnson, CEO of HFN Timber Tiles LP, the product started with a scientific understanding of wood. “How we cut, dry, shape and finish the wood makes it exceedingly appropriate for use on interior walls,” he told HaShilth-Sa. “We expose end-grain in a way that allows the wood to dry without internal stresses, absorb finish like a sponge and lastly remain stable through its life.”

The tiles are completed with a UV-cured commercial floor finish, making them water repellant and suitable for use in interior spaces, including washrooms and kitchens.

The first timber tiles were created in 2015 when FP Innovations, a not-forprofit group, explored ways to create value-added products to strengthen the forest industry in British Columbia. Mark Anson and partners ran with the idea and settled on PortAlberni as a suitable location to manufacture the product. They opened ReaplyWOOD in 2019. Huu-ay-aht became self-governing in 2011 after they signed a treaty. To manage its resources and provide economic sustenance for its members, the nation developed more than a dozen businesses which operate under the umbrella of the

Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses.

One of those businesses is HFN Forestry LP, which manages four forest tenures as well as a log sorting yard. The tenures include private lands and Huu-ay-aht First Nations’woodland licence, a community forest agreement and treaty settlement lands.

All lands managed by HFN Forestry LP are subject to provincial standards under the Forest and Range PracticesAct (FRPA).

“Our forestry plans respect cultural and environmental objectives of both Huu-ayaht First Nations and those covered under provincial legislation,” says the HFN Forestry LP website.

With its forestry company, the Huu-ayaht Group of Businesses has a steady supply of wood.

ReaplyWOOD approached Huu-ay-aht First Nations seeking help to operate the business.

“I knew Huu-ay-aht was forward thinking – the story of Timber Tiles is so much stronger with this partnership,”Anson said.

“Huu-ay-aht is already invested in the forest industry, and this offers an opportunity to close the circle by getting involved in the value-added end of the business,” said Huu-ay-aht First Nations Elected Councillor Evan Cook. “Timber Tiles is part of a move toward carbonneutral home construction and addresses the consumer’s desire for socially purposeful purchasing.”

OnApril 25, HFN Forestry LP announced its partnership with ReaplyWOOD Research and Design Inc.

“Together the two businesses will continue to produce Timber Tiles, a product

that promises to challenge the dominance of ceramic in the wall tile industry,” they said in a prepared statement.

“Our story is really centred around social purpose and eco responsibility, both items are intrinsic to the formation of the company,” saidAnson.

The special cut of the wood tiles also creates a sponge effect, allowing for uptake of fire retardant or termite repellent, which is important to commercial installations and global export, saysAnson.

“Our primary target market is to export

to the commercial/retail construction space and replace the specification of ceramics whenever possible,” he added.

HGB and ReaplyWOOD has support from Indigenous Opportunities, Innovation, Bioeconomy and Indigenous Opportunities as well as the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation’s Aboriginal Capital Fund.

The factory, located on SecondAvenue in PortAlberni, will employ up to 30 fulltime workers. The finished tiles will be shipped around the world.

Holly Stocking photo

Timber Tiles photo TimberTiles is a specially manufactured product made from wood that is less desired in the construction market, in this case, hemlock.