Ha Shilth Sa November 16. 2023

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 50 - No. 22—November 16, 2023 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Mowachaht/Muchalaht get $15M to protect old growth Salmon Parks project marks major step forward as it aims to reverse damage from decades of industrial logging

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Nootka Sound, BC - A project to protect a significant portion of Mowachaht/ Muchalaht territory has been pledged $15-million from the federal government, fueling an initiative to save old growth and salmon populations in Nootka Sound over the next generation.

On Oct. 30 Canada’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change sent a letter to Eric Angel, project manager for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation’s Salmon Parks initiative. This confirmed over $15 million in funding for the project, payable up to March 31, 2026.

“I seek the highest level of environmental quality in order to enhance the well-being of Canadians,” wrote Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. “In this regard, one of my priorities is to advance conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.”

Other funding has been secured from the Ancient Forest Alliance, the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance, the Indigenous Watershed Initiative, Nature Based Solutions Foundation, Nature United and the Sitka Foundation, as well as other organizations providing expertise at no cost.

The project, which is titled ‘Mowachaht/ Muchalaht Salmon Parks Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area – Old Growth Estuary Protection’, is designed to conserve critical parts of the territory by changing the tide of industrial activity in Nootka Sound.

“Salmon parks, fundamentally, is about setting things right again in this wonderful part of the world so that the chiefs are in a position to look after the ha-hahoulthee,” explained Angel during a tour of the Salmon Parks in October.

A major part of setting things right is halting logging in the designated areas.

According to the Salmon Parks project application, at the current rate of harvest all old growth forests in Mowachaht/ Muchalaht territory will be logged in the next 15 years.

As industrial forestry developed in the region, wild salmon populations in Nootka Sound have declined by 90 per cent, according to the project description, and could become extinct in the next 20 years without serious intervention.

“Old growth ecosystems are salmon ecosystems. They evolved together,” said Angel.

“We’re witnessing another extirpation series, small extinctions of salmon throughout the Pacific northwest,” he added. “There’s no one cause of that, but old growth forests, the destruction of

Eric Plummer photo

Mowachaht/Muchalaht member Jamie James grew up on the shore of Muchalaht Inlet, where his father taught him how to fish. The First Nation has recently been awarded federal funding for Salmon Parks to protect a large portion of its territory. them has been nothing short of cataThe old growth forest that Ottawa Salmon Parks as well as external contracstrophic for salmon populations.” tors and guardians from the Mowachaht/ recently funded for protection is part The federal funding allows the Salmon of 66,595 hectares of critical habitat in Muchalaht community to monitor and Parks project to protect 38,868 hectMowachaht/Muchalaht territory that the report on the designated areas. ares of old-growth forest, areas in It’s possible that Jamie James could play Salmon Parks project encompasses. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht territory that a leading role in this management. The First Nation hopes to have this whole contain “critical salmon ecosystems”, First Nation’s field logistics coordinaarea protected by 2030 – the same year according to the application. The majorthat the federal Liberals and have pledged tor spent his childhood on the shore of ity, or almost $12.5 million, of the federal Muchalaht Inlet in Ahaminaquus, where to have 30 per cent of Canadian waters funding is set aside for land acquisition his father taught him how to fish. and land protected. costs, such as the buyouts of tenures held On Nov. 3 the feds put serious money “It was really about living off the land, by forestry companies on the Crown behind this promise, with the announceunderstanding what it meant to provide land. Currently Western Forest Products for the family but also for the commument of the Tripartite Framework and BC Timber Sales hold these tenures, nity,” said James, who is concerned about Agreement on Nature Conservation. The which are legally recognized under procarrying on the teachings of sustainability result of negotiations between the federal vincial law. from his father, who grew up in Yuquot. government, the province and the First “We have to deal with the existing Nations Leadership Council, this brings a “Once you start losing all of this stuff, industrial and commercial interests on you can no longer depend on the land to fund that could reach over $1 billion over the landscape,” explained Angel. “That’s make a livelihood. That’s what scares me the course of the agreement, shouldered primarily forestry, and they’re going to a lot.” equally by Ottawa and the B.C. governwant to be compensated.”

Although industrial-scale logging will ment.

The Salmon Parks are already recogno longer be permitted in the Salmon Although the Government of Canada nized under Mowachaht/Muchalaht law, Parks, other small-scale activities can cannot declare IPCAs in a province, the but provincial designation is now necesagreement could lead to such designation continue, particularly hunting, fishing sary for the areas to be protected into the and the cultural harvesting of trees. For in a First Nation’s territory. future.

“The Framework agreement supports James, these traditional practices are part “For Salmon Parks to be considered by of an interconnected way of living that a collaborative approach to landscapethe chief forester, or any other agency for he hopes the Salmon Parks will foster, a based ecosystem health and biodiversity that matter, requires some form of legisnetwork that includes animals and people conservation in B.C.,” wrote Cecelia lated protection,” said Roger Dunlop, the who rely on salmon-bearing streams.

Parsons, a spokesperson for Environproject’s technical lead and Mowachaht/ “The broader part of the whole thing ment and Climate Change Canada, in an Muchalaht’s Lands and Natural Resource about the Salmon Parks, to me, is really email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “The agreement manager. being able to protect the landscape, the will support indigenous partners estab“British Columbia made a huge mistake habitat, the resources, the environment lish Indigenous Protected and Conserved when they decided to liquidate all the the sustainability for people that depend Areas.” timber harvesting land base, which means on all those things,” he said. “It’s the This story was made possible in part by every tree in British Columbia that’s acconnection of all those things that depend an award from the Institute for Journalcessible,” continued Dunlop. “This is the on those resources.” ism and Natural Resources and the Gornation’s alternative to that mistake.”

“As humans, we need to adapt to nature don and Betty Moore Foundation.

The federal funding will also go toitself, rather than getting nature to adapt wards professional services necessary for to us,” said James.

Inside this issue...

Family accues WCGH of negligence.............................Page 3 Indigenous group pushes to alleviate housing crisis......Page 7 Fish farm talks at Tin Wis........................................Pages 8&9 Ha’wilth passes hereditary seat....................................Page 11 Tseshaht rugby player takes home silver......................Page 15

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

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

West Coast General marks completion of expansion Additional ED space brings more patient exam beds, a mental health seclusion room and triage improvements

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The newly expanded WCGH emergency department, complete with its own entrance, is now complete.

While the renovated department has been operating for several months, the $6.95 million expansion completion was celebrated by Island Health at a ribbon cutting ceremony held Nov. 10, 2023, at the main hospital entrance.

The latest WCGH opened in 2001 with 52 in-patient beds. According to Island Health, the emergency department saw 25, 715 patient visits in 2022. WCGH serves Port Alberni and surrounding west coast communities from Hot Springs Cove, Ahousaht, Tofino and Ucluelet.

“Located on the traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, the emergency department at WCGH has been expanded by 244 square metres (2,626 square feet),” Island Health stated in a news release. “The expansion includes three new patient exam beds, additional space for patients awaiting tests and results, the addition of a safe, secure seclusion room for patients in need of emergency mental health care, improvements to the triage and admitting area, increased clinical space, and a dedicated entrance for ambulances.”

When the expansion began in 2021, MLA Josie Osborne stated that the West Coast General Hospital is an important part of the community and region. She said the busy hospital saw more than 25,000 patient visits to the emergency department in 2019-20 from not only Port Alberni, but also Tofino, Ucluelet,

Denise Titian photo

Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts gives a paddle to West Coast General Site Director Derek Keller, at an event marking the hospital’s newly expanded emergency department, Bamfield and surrounding areas. system.

“It’s great to see action being taken “We need to figure out ways to respectto upgrade the emergency department, fully move forward,” said NTC Vicewhich will improve patient privacy and President Les Doiron, who was facilitatmake it easier for larger family groups ing the ceremony. to accompany their loved ones,” said Doiron had just come from a meeting Osborne. with hospital administrators and other Several Nuu-chah-nulth leaders attended community leaders to discuss these and the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. other issues.

10. All offered words of praise for the Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts investment made in the hospital, but they noted that while there is work to be done, also acknowledged that they continue to he thanked Island Health for coming to receive complaints about racism experithe table. enced by their members in the healthcare “We acknowledge that there is much

work with few resources, and I know we can always do better,” he said.

Watts presented a hand-carved paddle to Site Manager Derek Keller, inviting the hospital administration to paddle with First Nations moving forward.

Eunice Joe, regional health liaison for the First Nations Health Authority, congratulated the partners on the new expansion, and she added that she wanted to hold up the hospital staff as they continue to work toward culturally safe quality care for all people.

The cost of the expansion was shared by the provincial government ($2.55 million), WCGH Foundation ($2.4 million), the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Hospital District ($1.7 million) and Island Health ($300,000).

“This expansion of emergency health service means that people throughout the region will have increased access to health care professionals and facilities,” said Osborne.

Dr. Robert O’Dwyer, president of the WCGH Foundation, said that the hospital’s emergency department has been working in an overcrowded space for many years.

“It is so exciting to have this eagerly anticipated upgrade to our community hospital come to fruition,” he said before thanking all those that contributed to the cost, including the citizens of Port Alberni.

He noted that the foundation set a goal of $2 million to contribute to the expansion, but, thanks to donors, $2.4 million was raised. The additional funds were used in the expansion, covering the rising construction costs.

November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Family accuses West Coast General of negligence Concerns include inconsistent care for elder, overmedicating, neglect, even a possible bribe from a top doctor Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - Island Health is apologizing to a Hesquiaht family for an elder’s treatment at West Coast General over the last two months of his life.

The family of the late Pat Charleson Jr. appeared at the hospital’s entrance on Nov. 2 before approximately 100 people, delivering a letter to Island Health executives that chronicles allegations of mistreatment. The letter describes inconsistent care towards the Hesquiaht elder, the excessive administration of painkillers, a disregard for traditional Indigenous medicine - and even what could be perceived as a bribe from the physician overseeing Pat Charleson Jr.’s treatment.

“My father was our protector for all these years, we couldn’t even protect him through this,” said Pat Charleson III, whose father passed on Feb. 25, 2023 while at West Coast General at the age of 72.

Pat. Jr. was living in Hot Springs Cove when he fell while getting out of bed, injuring his knees against the wall.

“He slipped in the bedroom,” said Pat III. “His knee jarred into the wall and his knee buckled. He went to the hospital and had fluid buildup in his knees.”

Pat Jr. was transferred from Tofino General to a hospital in Nanaimo, where he stayed for two weeks before being moved again to the medical facility in Port Alberni on Dec. 14.

When Pat III came to West Coast General to check on his father, he recalls finding the elder hanging off the side of the bed, grasping the rails and sweating heavily as nurses remained out in the hallway.

On Dec. 31, after being able to stand and converse with visitors on the day before, the father didn’t get out of bed, said his son. The family became worried that the elder was receiving too much pain medication, which they said was being

Eric Plummer photo

Pat Charleson III and other family members of the late Pat Charleson Jr. appeared at the entrance to West Coast General on Nov. 2 to deliver a letter to Island Health executives, detailing accusations of negligent care over the elder’s time at the hospital. given when Pat Jr. wasn’t awake.

Cove, Pat III got another call from the Over three years ago the B.C. Ministry Pat III then received a phone call from doctor, who explained that the father was of Health commissioned a study into the doctor overseeing his father’s care, dehydrated and that they couldn’t get an discrimination in the healthcare system, which brought shocking news. He was IV in him. But the elder’s kidneys and which resulted in the release of In Plain told his father had just a day or two to white blood cell count was normal, and Sight in late 2020. This report detailed live. the doctor told Pat III that no more infec- prevalent and pervasive instances of sysAfter hearing the family’s concerns over tion could be detected in the blood. temic discrimination against Indigenous the phone call, Pat Jr. was given an IV When Pat III eventually returned to his people in medical facilities. Former resito flush out the pain medication, which father’s hospital room, he said the doctor dential school students are particularly caused him to awaken after 15 minutes, gave him an envelope with a cheque for vulnerable, as the institutional setting of a according to Pat III. $7,000, asking that this exchange remain hospital can trigger childhood memories, Pat III then went back to Hot Springs a secret between the two of them. noted the report.

Cove for about a week, his brother and “I was really unsure to accept it or not,” Pat Charleson Jr. was a residential sister remaining in Port Alberni. said Pat III, who feared that not acceptschool survivor.

“We ran out of money from the First ing the money could bring consequences.

“We understand that racism is still Nations Health Authority,” he said. “I “I held onto it for about a week. I felt alive and well, the family is saying, ‘No went home to try and make money.” funny.” more’,” said Mariah Charleson, the NuuJust before arriving in Hot Springs Feeling stuck, the son did cash the chah-nulth representative on the First cheque, but he informed the hospital Nations Health Council. “Hopefully we administration about the money. can move forward to make changes to “The administration didn’t even know ensure that nobody else experiences what we got it,” said Pat III. Pat experienced while he was here.”

By this time, Pat. Jr. was developing The matter will now go to Island severe bed sores. The family began using Health’s Patient Care Quality Office, traditional Indigenous medicine on it. which looks into specific complaints Even though this appeared to be working regarding care at medical centres. In conon the wound, hospital staff discarded the sultation with the family, the office will traditional medicine, said Pat III. launch an investigation and question staff Shortly before his death, Pat Jr. had who took part in the care of Pat Charledeveloped a flesh wound at the bottom of son Jr. The process is not punitive, but his torso so severe that the tailbone was seeks answers about the care provided in exposed, as seen in pictures shown to Ha- order to improve practices at the hospital Shilth-Sa. The elder also had a buildup of in the future, according to Island Health. fluid in his lungs, said Pat III. However, if matters of egregious misBefore entering the hospital, Pat. Jr. conduct are identified, this would go to didn’t have a wound at his tailbone, but the relevant college or union representing had suffered from a leg ulcer, said his the medical professionals in question. son.

“Days like today have extreme signifi“That was for four or five years,” said cance for us,” said Max Jajszczok, Island Pat III. “He was borderline diabetes, it Health’s executive director of operawas hard for him to heal.” tions for Rural/Remote Strategy. “We In responding to the family’s concerns, absolutely have a commitment in Island Dawn Thomas, Island Health’s viceHealth, as healthcare providers generally, president of Indigenous Health, acknowl- to be able to learn from these experiences edged that racism still exists in the health and work together, to be able to build authority’s hospitals. upon our ability of being able to provide “I want to apologize on behalf of Island culturally safe and welcoming spaces for Health for the experiences your late everybody.” father had at this hospital,” she said to the Jajszczok also apologized to the family family. “This should never happen in our on behalf of Island Health. institutions and our hospitals. We know “I’m very much looking forward to that there is still racism alive and well at working closely in partnership as we hospitals. We are early on in our journey build upon our programs and services so and acknowledge that we have work to that these experiences aren’t experienced do.” by others in the future,” he said.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

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Eric Plummer photo

Irene Robinson, a Quu’asa outreach wellness worker with Teechuktl Mental Health, stands at the department’s Port Alberni location at Redford Street and Fifth Avenue with a display she made about Aboriginal and Nuu-chah-nulth veterans.

Indigenous Veterans’ service honoured Over 20 Nuu-chah-nulth-aht have fought for Canada and the United States in wars Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, Canada officially recognizes the role Indigenous veterans have held in international conflicts, an occasion that is about “honouring our ancestors,” says a Tseshaht member.

Nov. 8 was Indigenous Veterans Day, when the country acknowledged the Aboriginal people who fought for Canada.

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, this totaled over 12,000 in the 20th century’s conflicts, with at least 500 losing their lives.

“These determined volunteers were often forced to overcome many challenges to serve in uniform, from learning a new language and adapting to cultural differences, to having to travel great distances from their remote communities just to enlist,” states Veterans Affairs on its website.

Over 20 Nuu-chah-nulth-aht have fought for Canada and the United States in wars, according to a list compiled by Ha-Shilth-Sa, including several members of the Tseshaht First Nation.

“It’s honouring our people, honouring our ancestors,” said Tseshaht member

Aaron Watts of Indigenous Veterans Day. “Like we would honour our other ancestors for carrying forward the teachings, through the most difficult of times our war veterans have done something similar where they’ve put their lives on the line for us.”

Despite these sacrifices, in the past Indigenous veterans were often denied benefits and support programs after serving.

Until 1951 an Aboriginal vet wasn’t allowed to share a toast honouring lost comrades in a Royal Canadian Legion, according to Veterans Affairs. At the National War Memorial in Ottawa Indigenous veterans and their families weren’t permitted to lay wreathes or have their own guards until the mid 1990s.

Then, when some died, they were buried under unmarked graves with no mention of their service. In recent years the Last Post Fund and Veterans Affairs has used the Indigenous Veterans Initiative to provide grave markers for service members who have been deceased for at least five years. This fund can also help to add traditional names to veterans’ graves.

As Nov. 11 approached the Ha-ShilthSa compiled the following list of war veterans:

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Jack (John) Watts, Tseshaht Frank Williams, Checklesaht/Ahousaht Tim Paul Sr., Hesquiaht Earl Maquinna George, Ahousaht Edward Clutesi, Tseshaht Ramona Gus, Tseshaht Phillip Louie Sr, Ahousaht John Jacobson, Ahousaht George Clutesi Jr, Tseshaht Tom Gus, Tseshaht Fred Gus, Tseshaht Danny Gus, Tseshaht Angus Campbell, Ahousaht Thomas Jones, Nuu-chah-nulth M. Amos, Hesquiaht J. George, Hesquiaht Andrew Webster Sr., Ahousaht Frank Charlie, Tla-o-qui-aht Luke Mahone, Ditidaht George Hamilton, Hupacasath Theodore George, Ahousaht Victoria Nancy Joe-Mack, Toquaht Henry Vincent Thomas, Tseshaht, Jerid Clutesi, Tseshaht If you know of a Nuu-chah-nulth war veteran who is not included in this list, or who you would like recognized as part of Indigenous Veterans Day or Remembrance Day, please contact Ha-Shilth-Sa at 250-724-5757.

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November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

U.S navy veteran reflects on years during Gulf War Lorraine Mundy of the Yuu>u%i>%ath= First Nation served in the US Navy from 1988 to 1992 as an electrician

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Vancouver, BC - From 1988 to 1992, Lorraine Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ served in the U.S. navy as an electrician.

It was after high school when she went to visit her aunt in Los Angeles who was married to a U.S. navy sailor and who was neighbors with a naval recruiter.

Mundy’s aunt told the recruiter of the young woman’s interest in joining the navy.

“Ever since I was 16 I just wanted to get off the reserve and go do something,” she said, adding that at the time she didn’t feel like college was for her.

Mundy was first in boot camp in Orlando, Florida and then went to school in Waukegan, Illinois, where she became an electrician.

According to Naval History Heritage Command, during the time of operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990, the U.S.-led military operation to defend Saudi Arabia and liberate Kuwait, women often took on roles such as air traffic controllers, logisticians, engineer equipment mechanics, ammunition technicians, drivers and radio operators.

At the time of Mundy’s service, women were not permitted on combatant ships, she shared.

According to Naval History Heritage Command, it was in 1994 that the first women served aboard a U.S. combatant ship.

“At that time, women didn’t have much of a choice because they weren’t allowed on combatant ships,” said Mundy.

For Mundy, she would either be stationed in San Diego or Norfolk, Virginia.

She was sent to San Diego.

“What I did was preventative mainte-

Submitted photo

Lorraine Mundy served in the U.S. navy for four years, including during the Gulf War. She is pictured above in the top right on a naval ship’s helicopter deck. nance onboard the ship,” shared Mundy as she reflected on her role in the U.S. navy. “When I was pregnant with my son, I used to drive people to and from the naval hospital.”

“The kind of ship we were on had a lot of shops on it, like machine shops [and] electrician shops,” she added. “What we did was go to other ships, combatant ships, and assist with anything that

needed to be fixed.”

Mundy was watching the news at her home in San Diego when she saw that Iraq had invaded Kuwait, turning into the Gulf War. “When I got on the ship that morning they told us what the plan was for all the ships,” she said.

For Mundy, the vessel she was aboard was given a date to sail to the Persian

Gulf. Of two ships that had women on them, she recalls the destroyer tender was sent over before the submarine tender she was on.

“They were supposed to be there for six months, and then we were going to go after them,” she said.

“Every ship had a date in San Diego,” she continued. “Everything was over by the date that we were supposed to go.”

Mundy said her most memorable experience was during Fleet Week, when she departed San Diego to sail to Seattle, then to San Francisco.

“We’re out at sea going from San Diego to Seattle, and me being an electrician they sent me up to the mast to change a light that had burned out,” shared Mundy.

“And we’re out in the open ocean, it was dark, [and] I don’t know how high up in the air I was, maybe 50 feet.”

“That’s what I remember the most,” she added. “But there were so [many] other things that I would think helped shape my life.”

“Just learning from other people [and] being in the service,” she added.

Mundy moved back home to Ucluelet after her four years of service.

“I didn’t want my kids growing up in San Diego,” she shared. “The only parts of San Diego that I could afford [were] where there was a lot of gang activity.”

“I grew up in a small town and I didn’t want to see my kids grow up around that lifestyle,” she said.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, between August 1990 and July 1991 more than 6,500 service members served in the Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the Persian Gulf.

“I just think of all the people who have served, I think it’s a big sacrifice that people give to their country,” said Mundy.

Changes aim to improve Aboriginal students’ results

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor The Province of B.C. is making systemic changes to improve outcomes for Indigenous students in kindergarten to Grade 12.

Indigenous people will soon have more input into the decisions and processes affecting the education of Indigenous children and youth in B.C. public schools.

“These proposed changes acknowledge the crucial importance of First Nations involvement in the education of Indigenous students,” said Rachna Singh, minister of education and child care, in a press release. “Part of reconciliation is to listen and make the changes needed to ensure First Nations students succeed in school.”

The Province is proposing amendments to the School Act to fulfil commitments in the Declaration Act Action Plan and the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA). The changes are intended to support better education outcomes for First Nations and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, and more effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations.

“Today is an important day for First Nation learners and the provincial education system in B.C. These changes to the School Act are aimed at improving First Nation student learning outcomes through effective relationships and processes that respect the inherent authority and role of First Nation governments, parents and communities in the education of their

children and youth,” said Tyrone McNeil, president, First Nation Education Steering Committee, in the release.

The high school completion rate among Indigenous students in School District 70 (SD70) was six per cent lower than nonIndigenous students in 2021/2022 and 10 per cent lower in 2020/2021.

Superintendent of Schools for SD70, Tim Davie, said the Board of Education is well aware of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous completion rates.

“We’re fully aware that education, in the past, through history has been used as a tool for the elimination of culture and language and the destruction of family units,” Davie said. “Modern day education then is to be used as a means to bring these back, so from our perspective…it’s important that right’s holders have input into the education of their children.”

Davie said the SD70 Board of Education has recently undergone an extensive consultation process leading up to their strategic plan with five main priorities to help Indigenous students succeed.

The five priorities include: Indigenous learners success, relationships with First Nations, student achievement, mental health and social emotional wellbeing, welcoming and modern learning environments and environmental stewardship.

“In terms of helping Indigenous students to succeed, I think that all five of those areas contribute to Indigenous learners feeling connected and being part of our school environments,” Davie said.

“It’s really important as representatives

Rachna Singh of the Board of Education, staff and the school district that we take the time to listen as well. It’s not incumbent upon us to have all the answers but it is really important for us to be able to listen.”

Davie added that to ensure success among Indigenous students, the school district needs to look at means to decolonize educational systems and policies to ensure the elimination of any inadvertent systemic racism.

Jamie Hansen, SD70 director of instruction for Indigenous Education, said the high school completion rate for Indigenous students living on reserve is even lower compared to Indigenous students not living on reserve and non-Indigenous students.

“We are very well aware of this situa-

tion and we will work with the nations on how to address and capture the students,” Hansen said. “Our Indigenous people have been silenced for a very long time, not by choice, and we need to speak of the needs of our Indigenous students.”

School District 70 has an Indigenous Education Advisory Council with representation from several Nuu-chah-nulth nations who provide input and recommendations around education and budget decisions affecting Indigenous students.

All school in SD70 also partake in an Elders in Residence project.

The new proposed legislation from the province will ensure that First Nations and Treaty First Nations have the option to apply a model local education agreement (LEA) with boards of education should a First Nation request it. The agreements govern the purchase of educational services by First Nations from boards of education, and set out processes for information sharing, collaboration and decision-making.

Changes to the School Act will require all boards to establish an Indigenous education council (IEC) in their school district to ensure Indigenous people have input into decisions affecting Indigenous students. The membership and function of IECs will recognize and reflect the local First Nations in whose territories the board operates.

In addition, a new school-of-choice provision in the School Act will enable First Nations to decide which school Indigenous students who live on reserve, selfgoverning or Treaty Lands will attend.

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

Indigenous groups push to alleviate housing crisis The Aboriginal Housing Management Association calls on the federal government to support more initiatives

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Victoria, BC - As the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) calls for federal support for initiatives in British Columbia, the Victoria Native Friendship Center (VNFC) works to provide a full spectrum of services, including support for full-time workers and students amid the housing crisis. “[The] number one [challenge] is affordability,” said Ron Rice, executive director of VNFC. “It’s a crisis nationwide, it’s not exclusive to here, but it is probably one of the most extreme versions of the challenge across the country.”

“I think Victoria, Vancouver, [and] Toronto, are all sort of leading the way when it comes to the high cost of housing, and what percentage of incomes people are utilizing to even just maintain housing that they have,” he added.

Over the last 15 years the VNFC has become an active housing provider for individuals and families that “don’t fit squarely into other social housing models”, explained Rice.

The household dynamics they’ve worked to support are “grandparents raising their grandchildren, youth attending post secondary, [and] youth transitioning out of care” among others, he shared.

“Last winter, I think nine of the people who stayed in our shelter had at least one full time job,” said Rice.

In 2022 Victoria saw the living wage increase by 18.7 per cent from the previous year due to increased rental and food costs, reaching $24.29, higher than metro Vancouver. Whereas the minimum wage in British Columbia sits at 16.75 per hour.

According to Zumper the average cost for a one-bedroom rental in Victoria is $2,000 per month. While Canada’s 2023 Food Price Report reads that in 2022 the province saw a 9.2 per cent increase in cost of food and projected that costs would further increase throughout 2023.

“The full spectrum of housing needs in the community is shifting in the wrong direction,” said Rice. “It’s not enough to have a full-time job or more than one job.”

“You sort of have to win the lottery when it comes to finding the right situation,” he said.

“One of the challenges that we face as Indigenous communities is that housing is sort of the first ripple in other challenges in parts of your life,” continued Rice. “Housing becomes connected to your academic success, it becomes connected to your ability to keep your family

Eric Plummer photo

Ron Rice is executive director of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, where some clients staying in the facility’s shelter last winter had full-time jobs. unified, it becomes connected to your vid, pre-financialization, pre-supply chain earners, they would like to see initiatives physical health and your emotional health issues that we’re seeing, and so now, and wraparound support for low-income and housing becomes… the pebble in three to five years after Covid, and fires and vulnerable URN Indigenous populathe pond, where if you have it, the rest of and floods, we see our real estate market tions. your life can become successful but the have this massive increase - both for “Low-income earners and vulnerable groups must be prioritized in the budget, moment it becomes precarious or unreliacquisition of houses, so buying into the able, it starts to have major impacts.” real estate - but also in the rental market,” especially in an environment where inflation is soaring, interest rates are high, the In mid-October, the Aboriginal Houssaid Pfoh. cost of living is growing, and housing is ing Management Association published URN Indigenous people face racism a formal call to action for the federal when finding homes and places to belong, unaffordable even for those with higher means,” reads the press release. government, highlighting the need to she added.

Other calls to action outline the need support housing organizations that help “People just don’t want Indigenous for the federal government to designate Indigenous populations. people living in their homes, or implicit resources for AHMA’s URN Housing “The [Urban, Rural, and Northern] Inbiases because they believe the stereodigenous population (URN) faces unique strategy, the creation of a federal acquitypes that have been told generation over challenges accessing safe, affordable, cul- generation,” said Pfoh. sition fund for the community housing turally supportive housing, and does not sector to acquire rental housing properIn the 2023 budget, the federal governqualify for the support that is provided ties, and the adjustment of the budget to ment promised $4 billion, over seven to Indigenous people living on reserve, years beginning in 2024-25, to implement accommodate lost capacity due to interest which is why expert organizations like and construction rates for Co-operative a Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous the Aboriginal Housing Management As- Housing Strategy.

Housing Development program. sociation (AHMA) exist,” reads the press “We are one less barrier for Indigenous Among AHMA’s calls to action was release. peoples when they’re seeking a place to for the federal government to make a For nearly 30 years, the AHMA has belong [and] a place to rest because we’re commitment to support National IndigIndigenous organizations, we’re led by been overseeing URN Indigenous housenous Collaborate Housing Incorporated Indigenous practices [and] awareness,” ing programs including shelters, transi(NICHI), created in 2022 to support the said Pfoh. tion housing, first, second, and third-stage organization’s goals to ‘advance housing housing, as well as supports in home for URN Indigenous population’.

“It’s only going to take us another ownership, explained Margaret Pfoh, Additionally, AHMA wrote that while generation or two to work this out,” CEO of AHMA. the 2023 budget focused on the improvesaid Rice. “But I swear to God, when “We could barely afford the rent pre-Co- ment of conditions for middle income we get there, it’s going to be beautiful.”

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November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Living wage on west coast jumps over $5 in two years Clayoquot Biosphere Trust releases their vital signs report with a $26-an-hour living wage, the highest in B.C.

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, BC - On Nov. 9, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust 2023 vital signs report was launched, revealing an over five-dollar increase in the living wage for Vancouver Island’s west coast communities.

The living wage grew to $26.51 per hour, while in 2021 it was $21.25.

According to Living Wage BC stats, Clayoquot Sound’s living wage is the highest in the province.

“The rising cost of food, shelter, and transportation were the most significant contributors to the increase in the living wage,” said Rebecca Hurwitz, executive director of CBT. “The cost of shelter continues to climb in our region, and as does food,” said Hurwitz. “But when it comes to transportation, the living wage for families actually changed the way that the calculation is done for rural and remote communities.”

Previously the living wage was calculated based on one vehicle per family, she shared, but due to the lack of public transportation methods throughout the Clayoquot region, the calculation is now done based on two vehicles per family.

“Realistically, both parents are going to need a vehicle in a place like this in order to be employed,” said Hurwitz, reflecting on the calculations done in collaboration with Living Wage BC. “Many of the folks who are earning a living wage would be working shift work or service work, where they’re required to be at a certain place at a certain time, and they would need a vehicle to do that in a rural

Alexandra Mehl photo

Rebecca Hurwitz, executive director of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, and Erika Goldt, lead for CBT’s Eat West Coast food security initiative, present the latest Vital Signs report in Tofino on Nov. 9. place.” water taxi or vehicle. the Tofino Coop,” said Frank.

“It really just shows the importance Return costs for Esowita amount to According to the CBT website, the livof transit to living-wage families,” she $18.50, Opitsaht, $14, Ahousaht, $60, ing wage is the hourly wage required in added.

Macoach, $40, and Hot Springs Cove, a two-parent household to cover basic For Nuu-chah-nulth communities, there $150, reads the Vital Signs report. expenses for a family of four, which are additional transportation costs by Saya Masso, a member of the advisory includes housing, food, transportation, committee for the Vital Signs report, lives childcare, health care, and recreation. in Opitsaht and takes a water taxi to and This is the “bare bones” that a famfrom town. ily needs to live an “adequate quality of “Even for people to go to work [in Tolife”, reads the site. fino], between your taxi there and back, In 2021, 51 per cent of residents that’s 15 bucks,” said Masso. “Your first throughout the region earned less than the hour of work is gone, before you get to living wage. work.”

“On the west coast, median income per “It is a lot to overcome,” continued person varies between communities and Masso, adding that for youth who want ranges from $22,400 and $42,800,” reads to ride their bike on the trail, they have the Vital signs report, while the median to account for the cost of the boat ride to income for BC is $40,800. town which creates barriers.

“Living wage is what we here as a com“It does affect how you live your life,” munity decide is what is needed to have he said. “You go home from work with a family live a good, healthy, happy life,” groceries, you don’t go [on] special trips said Erika Goldt, lead for CBT’s Eat West over for groceries, you make those return Coast food security initiative. “It’s not trips with them.” just about your housing and your food, For groceries on the west coast, it is but you need to educate your kids, buy 21 per cent more expensive than Port kids’ clothes, maybe take some continuAlberni, reads the report. ous learning opportunities.”

“To buy a bottle of water it’s worth “We’re seeing lots of challenges with more than gas,” said Elmer Frank, elected the cost of living, but at the same time, chief of Tla-o-qui-aht. “If you take a look we’re also seeing many more people livat gas being two dollars a litre and if you ing above the poverty wage, [and] we’re take a look at buying a bottle of water for seeing some of the wages go up,” said 500 milliliters, that’s over two dollars.”

Goldt. “We’re seeing a lot more families “It’s really beyond our control, unforstaying in the region, we’re seeing our tunately, because we don’t control the school population increase a lot; there’s a markets of the products that come into lot of positive things too.”

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

Broughton First Nations discuss f

As British Columbians await the Government of Canada’s plan to tran

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Canadian Coast Guard photo

On the morning of Oct. 2, a trawler fishing boat was reported to be sunken in Port Alberni’s Fisherman Wharf, near the Harbour Quay.

Sunken trawler vessel removed by Coast Guard at Port Alberni harbour The commercial fishing vessel was taken from the water three weeks after the sinking was reported, then taken apart Nov. 1

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - On the morning of Oct. 2, a trawler fishing boat was reported to be sunken in Port Alberni’s Fisherman Wharf, near Tseshaht’s traditional winter village, ƛukʷatkʷuuʔis.

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) was contracted by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to respond to the incident, where booms were placed to contain any potential pollutants from the vessel, CCG wrote in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. The vessel was constantly monitored, and no oil sheen was reported outside of the boom.

By Oct. 19, the vessel was recovered and secured at the harbor authority dock, and on Oct. 21 the boat was removed entirely from the water, CCG wrote. By Nov. 1, the vessel’s deconstruction began.

According to Darrell Ross, Tseshaht’s natural resource manager, the First Nation was notified of the sunken boat, although they have not yet seen a report on pollutants or impacts of the incident.

“Anything around [ƛukʷatkʷuuʔis]… because it’s a high-value winter village, you get concerned about it,” said Ross.

“Any type of spill or sinking of boats, it’s a concern.”

But this is not the first of sunken commer-

cial vessels in the Alberni Inlet in recent years.

In July of 2022, a 34-foot gillnetter sank near Hocking Point with 500 liters of diesel onboard, leaking into the surrounding marine environment and at the time during an active salmon run, reads a 2022 Ha-ShilthSa article.

In 2019, Canada’s Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act came into royal assent. This prohibits vessel abandonment, while also preventing, mitigating and eliminating the risk of vessels that pose concern.

For Ross, it’s important that vessels coming in through the Alberni Inlet have a proper license and inspections.

“The bigger the boat, the bigger the harm,” said Ross, adding that it’s important that people take preventative measures.

“Hopefully… whoever comes in has the ability to be able to make sure that their boats are safe and not susceptible to sinking.”

Ross hopes that in the future the First Nation can be more aware of the larger boats that come into the Alberni Inlet, with harbour inspections done even before they’re moored.

“Hopefully over time, we’ll be involved in more management and safety measures in the future,” he said. “Hopefully during the rainy season people keep better care of their boats.”

Tofino, BC - In early October, Clayoquot Action organized a showing of a new documentary, Mi’ma’omakw: People of the Salmon, showcasing the phase-out process of 17 fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago, followed by a panel discussion.

The Tin Wis conference center was filled with people from coastal communities to discuss fish farms, including members of the Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht and Hesquiaht First Nations.

In June of 2018 the Namgis, Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa’mis and Mamalilikulla First Nations, also known as the Broughton Nations, signed a letter of understanding (LOU) with the province after months of discussion, to outline a government-togovernment process which would lead to removing all fish farms from the Broughton Archipelago by late 2023.

“Our mantra was simple: What’s the best thing we could do for wild salmon?” said Don Svanvik, hereditary chief of ‘Nagmis First Nation, in an interview with HaShilth-Sa. “There was an agreement worked out that said, ‘Okay, there’s these farms in different areas [on] migration routes, we’re going to move some of them now, we’re going to do some science, and by the end of this specified amount of time, which was late last year, if industry could demonstrate to us that there was no impact [on] wild salmon and the environment… farms could stay,” continued Svanvik. “That didn’t happen, so the nation’s did not agree to renew the leases.”

“This is a really significant agreement,” he emphasized. “This is where we had say.”

To date, one fish farm throughout Broughton archipelago remains, with plans for its removal by December, shared Svanvik.

Concerns of sea-lice, viruses, and disease from open-net fish farms impacting migrating wild salmon and the surrounding environment have been the leading cause for conservationists and activists’ push for the removal of open-net sites.

Terry Dorward (Siet-cha) of Tla-o-quiaht is the conservation director of the West Coast IPCA support program at the Naa’waya’sum gardens. He would like to see more conversations regarding solutions

A panel of leaders involved in the removal of 17 fish farms f to fish farms for Nuu-chah-nulth.

“Those in support of the current status quo with open-net fish farms, and those who do not agree with its negative impacts on our coastal communities, need to take the necessary steps, I believe, to come together and openly discuss the issues around this industry,” shared Dorward.

“We as Nuu-chah-nulth need to seek our own resolution, I believe, when it comes to the fish farm issue that can satisfy both opposing views with a decision that we all could live with,” he continued. “If that means jobs in closed-containment fish farms, or transitioning into healthier industries, such as kelp or oyster farms,

Salmon farms are operated throughout Nuu-chah-nulth waters, including this site in Nootka Sound, wh holds tenures.

November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

ons discuss future of fish farms after sites removed from area

t of Canada’s plan to transition from open-net fish farms by 2025, First Nations discuss what it would mean to phase out the sites

Alexandra Mehl photos

lved in the removal of 17 fish farms from the Broughton Archipelago appeared at Tin Wis showcasing film, Mi’ma’omakw: People of the Salmon.

17 First Nations throughout British Cowe need to find that.” tion, who is a spokesperson for CFNFFS. lumbia have formal agreements in the The process began in 2019 when the “Not only does it bring economic opportuaquaculture industry, with 276 employees minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the nity to families and to the workers, it also identifying as First Nation. Additionally, Canadian Coast Guard was tasked with takes the stress off social service systems constructing a plan which would transition the aquaculture industry holds 21 contracts that are already overburdened in some of with Indigenous-owned businesses and the aquaculture industry from open-net our remote communities.” fish farming by 2025. The process would suppliers, spending a total of $24 million “There’s a whole social side of this equainclude consultation with First Nations, on Aboriginal-owned operations, and contion that needs to be examined as we make the aquaculture sector, surrounding comtributing $12.1 million in financial support decisions about the future of aquaculture,” munities, conservation organizations, and through protocol and benefit agreements. he added. academia.

“In remote communities, full-time, meanThe CFNFFS has called upon the federal Though a transition plan was expected to ingful employment is almost like having government to conduct a “full social and be finalized in June of 2023, it has yet to three jobs in the city just for the impact that economic impact study” of the coastal be completed. it has,” said Dallas Smith of Tlowitsis Nacommunities that will be affected by the According to the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship (CFNFFS),

pending transition plan.

Throughout Clayoquot Sound, fish farms continue to operate under the protocol agreements.

Ahousaht and Cermaq have a protocol agreement, which was renewed in May 2022. Similar to previous agreements, it outlines operational plans, environmental stewardship, as well as employment, business opportunities and monitoring.

Tla-o-qui-aht and Creative Salmon’s protocol agreement, signed in 2014, outlines that the company must only raise chinook salmon. It prohibits the use of antifouling agents on the nets as well as underwater night lighting, and the fish must make up less than one per cent of the space in each pen.

In an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa, Tim Ruddle, managing director of Creative Salmon, wrote that the organization employs 55 people from Tofino, Ucluelet, and other surrounding areas, with thirty per cent of Tofino-based employees identifying as First Nation.

From 2014 to 2022, Creative Salmon has contributed $600,000 in community support for salmon habitat and restoration, for Tla-o-qui-aht health and wellness, emergency response, clubs, sports groups, elders’ projects, arts and culture, among others, wrote Ruddle.

The inclusion of First Nations throughout the aquaculture industry has brought “traditional ecological knowledge” that has offset the problems seen in the industry’s early years, said Smith.

“I think nations are finding a way of working with all the operators in their territory, and fish farms are one of many, that can bring some opportunity to achieve some of their own community goals,” said Smith.

“Nations who don’t want fish farms in their territory shouldn’t, but nations who have decided to make that step and be part of it need to continue to have the opportunity to do what’s best for their community.”

“We need to have employment for our people; however, the open-net fish farm industry is destroying, I believe, our Nuuchah-nulth way of life to have an abundance of wild salmon and healthy ecosystems,” said Dorward.

Eric Plummer photo

luding this site in Nootka Sound, where Grieg Seafood

Broughton First Nation leaders close a panel discussion at Tin Wis in early October with song and gifts.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

Melissa Renwick photo

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is seeking the public’s support in changing the name of Mackenzie Beach in their homeland of Tofino back to its Indigenous name: Tinwis.

Tla-o-qui-aht propose name change for Tofino beach Mackenzie Beach, named after a lighthouse keeper, should bear the traditional name Tinwis, says First Nation By: Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is seeking the public’s support in changing the name of Mackenzie Beach in their homeland of Tofino back to its Indigenous name—Tinwis.

Mackenzie Beach in Tofino is where you’re likely to spot paddle boarders or kayakers rather than surfers because of its calm sheltered waters and gentle waves.

The beach is home to several campgrounds and resorts including the Tla-oqui-aht-owned Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort.

In Margaret Horsfield and Ian Kennedy’s book, Tofino and Clayoquot Sound, it states the beach was named after Donald MacKenzie, a veteran of Vimy Ridge, who came to work as the Lennard Island light keeper in the mid-1920s. In 1929, for $250, MacKenzie purchased 400 metres of shoreline on sixteen hectares of land at the beach now bearing his name.

The book states the beach was formerly

known as Garrard Beach, named after Francis Garrard, Lennard Island’s first light keeper.

For thousands of years before the beach was named Mackenzie, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation called it Tinwis—meaning calm waters. The First Nation has now set up a petition in hopes to garner as many signatures as possible and eventually have the beach renamed.

“It’s an important step for reconciliation.

It puts the name on the land that has been on the land for thousands of years,” said Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation lands director.

Tla-o-qui-aht people’s ancestors have occupied the area of Meares Island, Tofino, Long Beach and Sutton Pass, that is now known as Highway 4 west of Port Alberni, for more than 5,000 years.

Masso said Indigenous place names, for the most part, all speak to the natural name that the earth is trying to give itself.

“They aren’t arbitrarily selected,” he said. “Tinwis of course is calm waters… when you’re looking at the rugged coast

and where you’re able to land a canoe… it’s nice to know where there’s a beach called Tinwis. It seems pretty important to have names that speak to the natural environment.”

Tofino’s Wickaninnish Beach is named after the former Tla-o-qui-aht chief, Wickaninnish, from 1780-1790. The name means ‘He-who-no-one-sits-infront-of-in-the-canoe.’

Cox Bay, which borders the Pacific Rim National Park at the South end of Tofino, was named in 1934 to honour British merchant John Henry Cox—a fur trader and organizer of the earliest expeditions to the pacific northwest.

Tofino’s 2.7-kilometre-long Chesterman Beach got its name from John Chesterman, who was a white settler who acquired grants from the Crown for the area in 1915.

Tonquin Beach, near the town of Tofino, was named after a ship that was destroyed in the channel. The ship’s crew were killed by Tla-o-qui-aht people over a dispute involving the trade of sea otter

pelts, according to royhenryvickers.com.

Masso and the Tla-o-qui-aht lands department are tasked with replacing many place names in their territory, from lakes to rivers to beaches.

“We think [renaming Mackenzie Beach] will be a kick starter for us to get the right people involved and contacts formed for us to be able to take on other ones,” Masso said. “I know we’re going to have lots of support from local leadership and local businesses and such. I imagine there will be some steps to take with the province, ACRD and municipality.”

In addition to Mackenzie Beach, the Tla-o-qui-aht are looking at Kennedy Lake and the upper Kennedy River to be renamed.

The Tla-o-qui-aht’s petition to have Mackenzie Beach renamed can be found at change.org by searching Tinwis.

Anyone who signs the petition by Nov. 1, 2023 will be entered to win a two-night stay at the Tin Wis resort. So far, just over 1,200 people have signed.

Phrase of the week: %ay’iic`h= %aakpa> kaapups%a> %ayiic`h= %a+quu Pronounced ‘kaa pup ish alth Ah each hr Clu que ’, it means, ‘Fall Time is my favourite time of the year ’ Supplied by ciisma.

Illustration by Koyah Morgan-Banke

November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Huu-ay-aht Ha’wilth passes hereditary seat to son Huu-ay-aht’s head whaling family display their Hupaqwinum for the first time in over a century during event

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – He was 10 years old when he saw a cedar chief’s hat being placed on his father’s head, marking the generational transfer of the Happynook hereditary chieftainship. On Nov. 4, 2023 Tommy Happynook Jr., with his own 10-year-old son standing by his side, stood proud as his father placed that same hat on his head, marking the official transfer of the Hup in yook seat from one generation to the next.

“Today, I passed on my Hereditary Chieftainship and Hupaqwinum to my eldest son Tommy, who now carries the name Hup in yook and I go back to Mexsis, Mauksisanoop - Sperm Whale Hunter,” Mexsis (Tom Happynook Sr.) wrote in a social media post.

Happynook says his house, čaačaac̓iiʕas, is part of the Huu-ay-aht amalgamation made up of the eastern tribes of Barclay sound.

“We are the head whaling family,” said Mexsis, adding that his son now holds the third seat in the Huu-ay-aht nation.

This Tiquuwiłtuuła was especially important for the family given the relatively recent history of an attempt to cancel the cultural order of čaačaac̓iiʕas governance.

It was in 1959, said Mexsis, when his grandfather Billy Happynook fell ill and landed in the hospital. While there he was visited by a cousin and converted to Christianity, said Mexsis. Immediately afterward, the minister in Bamfield went to the Happynook home, collected the Ha’wilth regalia, piled everything on the beach and burned it.

According to Mexsis, what was destroyed was his father’s Hupaqwinum, the items used to show their history, perform their chiefly duties and show what is theirs.

Starting from scratch, Mexsis started to rebuild the Hupaqwinum.

“I’ve been putting it together over years,” he said. “I was able to gather 13 pieces of Hupaqwinum that was on display in front of guests.”

According to Mexsis, the pieces of the Hupaqwinum allow Ha’wiih to conduct their cultural business publicly. It could include shawls, masks, rattles, songs, chants and ceremonial curtains.

All of these items were handed over to his son, Tommy at the Tikawith potlatch, which he said is the seating of a chief and the highest form of Nuu-chah-nulth ceremony.

When asked how a Ha’wilth knows it’s time to pass his seat on, Mexsis answered that the decision is up to the sitting chief.

“He keeps an eye on his replacement and teaches him as he’s growing how to be a Ha’wilth.”

The young future Ha’wilth is taught values and morals that the Happynook live by.

“In our family we’ve been taught to pass

Submitted photo

On Nov. 4 the hereditary chieftainship was passed from Tom Happynook Sr. to Tommy Happynook Jr. at the Hupacasath House of Gathering in Port Alberni.

“It’s time. He is well educated, well spoken, thinks about things carefully and I am excited and happy to pass it on.” ~ Mexsis (Tom Happynook Sr.)

Tom Happynook

Tommy Happynook

it while people are still alive, ensure there are no questions about succession,” said Hup in yook.

“I knew Tommy was ready after he got his PhD,” said Mexsis. “It’s time. He is well educated, well spoken, thinks about things carefully and I am excited and happy to pass it on.”

The ceremony took place at the Hupacasath House of Gathering on November 4.

“We chose to have our potlatch at the Hupacasath House of Gathering because they are my family,” said Mexsis. “My great grandfather Mauksisanoop (Sperm Whale Hunter) had four sisters.”

One of his sisters married into the Bill family from Hupacasath.

“I always feel comfortable and safe in their house,” added Mexsis, thanking them for allowing the family to do their important business in Hupacasath’s homelands and house.

With hupakwanim and curtain on dis-

play to an invitation-only crowd, Mexsis sat in front of the curtain with his son, Tommy, and grandson Mahihkan, age 10.

“When I put the whaling hat on his head, the transfer was displayed to all the people that were there as witnesses,” said Mexsis.

It was an especially important moment in history because, according to the Happynooks, it’s been over 100 years since their Hupaqwinum has been shown.

Hup in yook (Tommy Happynook Jr.) was grateful that they were able to take care of this important business, saying they couldn’t bring out their Hupaqwinum until now.

“We’ve started a process of reclamation – we are reconnecting to our hahulthi (chiefly territories/resources), to our house members and to those that joined after the implementation of our treaty,” said Hup in yook, referring to when the Maa-nulth Final Agreement came into effect on April 1, 2011.

The Hup in yook songs, according to Mexsis, were lost. Nobody could remember them.

“Our songs were never passed on,” said Mexsis, adding that the songs record history and tell of important events.

It is difficult to accept that this happened over the decades, but all is not lost. Hup in yook, in preparing to step into his new Ha’wilth role, made two new songs.

Hup in yook said that over time he came to the realization that Nuu-chah-nulth songs are their way of recording history.

The songs tell very important events.

He wondered how people come up with

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these songs. Hup in yook realized it was through experiences and so he set about creating songs anew, based on family history.

“One is about our family becoming part of Huu-ay-aht… and the other is about coming home and taking care of the hahulthi,” he shared.

The Happynooks have other plans for their house. In reclaiming responsibility of a Ha’wilth, Hup in yook says it is important to reconnect to their hahulthi and also reconnect with their house members.

“Two wonderful families in our house are the Sports and Johnsons and we are beginning the process of naming them all,” said Hup in yook.

This is part of ensuring that all members of the house are recognized. The members will have traditional roles as the Ha’wilth works to rebuild the house.

Hup in yook says that, with the Johnsons and the Sports, they have amazing singers and dancers. With their help, the family will continue to grow their house in a positive way.

Another order of business is to update the ceremonial curtain.

“We will need to add an image on Tommy’s curtain to document this event,” said Mexsis.

And with the seating, names have changed.

“Tommy is now Hup in yook. And I have gone back to Mauksisanoop, Mexsis for short. Mauksisanoop means sperm whale hunter,” said Mexsis.

The Happynooks thank all the people that came to witness the historic event.

That evening after arriving home from the ceremony, Mexsis wrote: “It is with deep pride and deep love that I introduce to you Dr. Tommy Happynook (Phd) and as of today, November 4th, 2023, cha cha tsi us (name of house), ta’yii ha’wilth, hup in yook. I am really happy, excited, and looking forward to your future accomplishments. Love you, Son. Remember to be kind, thoughtful and compassionate.”

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023 Non-Insured Health Benefits - NIHB Coverage – Travelling Out Side Of Country General Principles 1.

Community&Beyond Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

Administration Building

Every Monday

9:00am-12:00pm Cultural Brushings in support of the Tseshaht Community.

If you have any questions, please call Leanne Harding, Administrative Assistant 250-724-1225

Prior approval is required.

2.

The client must: a.

Be eligible for the NIHB Program; and b.

Be currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a provincial or territorial health insurance plan and continue to meet residency requirements for provincial/territorial health coverage.

3.

For Transportation to Medical Services: For transportation to medical services outside of the country the client must be referred for provincially/territorially insured medical services by a provincial or territorial health care plan for treatment Shaganappi Plaza: wage change for Building Maintenance and Superintendent Windspeaker.com http://www.windspeaker.com/news/sweetgrass-news/building-maintenanceand-superintendent/ ammsa.com http://www.ammsa.com/content/careers/shaganappi-plaza-ltd-calgary outside of Canada.

4.

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: Full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution to study outside of Canada must provide a letter of confirmation that tuition, which is not an eligible benefit under the NIHB Program, has been paid.

What is covered?

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: The cost of privately acquired health insurance premiums for approved students or migrant workers and their legal dependents will be reimbursed.

For Transportation to Medical Services: Transportation benefits when eligible clients are medically referred and approved for treatment outside of Canada by a provincial or territorial health care plan.

For further information on coverage outside of Country you are encouraged to call First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Vancouver BC toll free @ 1-800-317-7878

CYS - 4841 Redford Street 10am-12pm. We offer Prenatal and infant development information, special guests, snacks provide and $20.00 food voucher per family. Referrals when needed. NTC Nursing and Doula’s 250-724-3939.

Enter from 4th avenue side, building with orange stripe.

7:00 – 9:00pm Opitsaht, Meares Island Culture Center, Tuesdays.

Every Tuesday

7:00 – 9:00pm Tyhistanis, Tiic-misak”in health center, Thursdays.

Port Alberni – Usma culture space 5:00pm-7:00pm Girls ages 13-18. Need a safe space? Want to express yourself?

Looking to learn to bake and cook? Do you enjoy doing crafts? Come join us for fun activities with food and refreshments every Tuesday!

Port Alberni Friendship Center – Eating in Balance

Every Wednesday PAFC 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Participants work together to make a meal, discuss health and food related topics. Participants who work (cook and clean) with the group will receive a $10.00 grocery coupon that can be used at either Quality Foods or Buy-Low Foods. Childminder on premises. A drop-in group, no registration required. For more information about our program, please call and ask for Amber – 250-735-6276 ext. 233. A part of the ASI Early Years program.

Westcoast Community Resources Society Community Lunch

If you are leaving the province, you should be aware that your coverage may not pay all health care costs.

Every Thursday

In addition, some items/services that may be a benefit in BC are not covered outside the province; for example, prescription drugs and optometric services. Further, the Ministry does not subsidize fees charged for ambulance service obtained outside BC. We advise you to buy additional health insurance to supplement your basic coverage before you leave the province, regardless of whether you’ll be in another part of Canada or outside the country – even if your company or travel agency can advise you about extra coverage to pay for any difference in fees and to provide benefits not covered by the Ministry. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must mention this when purchasing additional insurance as most policies will not cover treatment of that condition outside the province.

In some cases you may purchase an insurance policy where the insurance company has a signed agreement with the Ministry. This permits the company to pay physician and hospital claims and receive reimbursement on your behalf thus eliminating the need for you to handle your own claims.

NOTE: Ambulance – If you require ambulance service while in another province or outside Canada, you will need to obtain service from an ambulance company in that jurisdiction and will be charged the fee established by the-out-of-province service provider. Fees range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

When purchasing additional out-of-province health insurance you are advised to obtain insurance that will cover emergency transportation while you are away and, if necessary the cost of transportation back to BC. MSP Contact @ 1-250-386-7171 or fax 1-250-952-3427 – In case the number s have changed the web site is: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp

6:00 – 8:30pm Port Alberni, 3737 Church Street, every other Sunday.

Girls Group

What You Should Know- “Before” Leaving British Columbia

Health services provided outside Canada often cost more than the amount paid by the Ministry of Health Services. Sometimes the difference is substantial; for example, the amount we pay for emergency inpatient hospital care will not exceed $75 (Canadian) a day for United States of exceeds $1,000 (US) per day and can be as high as $10,000 a day for intensive care.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Culture Nights

Westcoast Community Services hub – 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet 11:30am – 1:00pm. 250-726-2343, admin@wccrs.ca, www.wccrs.ca

Cultural Brushings with Quu asa

Share songs, dances and chumas. Contact Gary Tom for more information 250-7253335 Tseshaht Parenting Program

December 4-8 Port Alberni – Family Center Preventions Services is offering a Parenting Program for parents of children ages 0-5 with childminding available.

This program is designed to target self-trauma & parenting skills through modern & traditional guidance. The program runs over a 1-week period: 9:00am – 4:30pm daily & Tuesday & Wednesday 7:00pm – 8:30 pm. 100% commitment to the program, Graduation certificate & $300.00 prepaid credit card upon completion. Lunch and snacks are provided daily. Limited seating. For more information and to sign up contact Gail K. Gus at 250-731-6622 or gkgus@ tseshaht.com Tseshaht Community Christmas Dinner

Sunday December 10th Maht Mahs Gym Doors Open 4:30pm. Dinner 5:00pm.

We are looking for a family to step up and cook for everyone this year! We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday!

We heard that even Santa may make an appearance.

Every Friday

Hair Stylist Available Doreen Ryan Little, 27 years as a licensed hair stylist. Able to go to elders/ handicapped homes to cut, perm or color hair. Would also do in own home.

Call: 250-723-4776

November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

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

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

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

Ball hockey back at Maht Mahs with intense tourney Tseshaht gym sees first competition since before COVID, the return of a sport that engaged players for decades

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - In an effort to rekindle a sport that for over a generation packed Maht Mahs with a particularly intense style of ball hockey, a tournament was held at the Tseshaht gym for the first time in four years.

Celebrating 30 years since the team was founded, the Thunder hosted a ball hockey tournament on the First Nation’s reserve Nov. 11. The competition attracted seven teams, with players coming from as far as Port Hardy, Ladysmith and Ahousaht.

“It went really well. It was a really packed house all day,” said tournament organizer Les Sam. “From start to finish it was a big crowd, lots of excitement.”

In their fourth game of the day, Notorious came out on top, with the Ladysmith team coming from behind in the closing seconds of the final to narrowly beat a squad from Port Hardy.

“They scored two golds in 23 seconds to win. They came from behind,” said Sam. “It was one of the best games ever in that gym for a finish.”

It was an appropriate conclusion to a packed, one-day tournament, where tensions often were on the verge of snapping during fast, physical games. Playing on an enclosed, basketball court-sized surface, goalies had to be constantly alert, as slap shots came from anywhere on the court.

“You could score from anywhere. Some of those guys could smack that ball off you in a second from one end to another.

They tee it right up,” said Sam. A few scraps erupted over the day, but severe injuries were avoided, said Sam – except one popped knee that warranted a hospital visit.

Eric Plummer photo

The Ahousaht Islanders and Indian Outlaws faceoff on Nov. 11 at Mahs Mahs during the one-day, seven-team ball hockey tournament. The Thunder hosted the competition, marking 30 years since the Tseshaht team was founded. where off-sides proved to be an unnecesBut after a four-year break due to the “Somebody popped his knee out and sary delay to the action.

COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tournathere was a couple of scuffles that re“It’s easier for the refs to not call offment was almost called off when only sulted in a black eye or two, but it was sides and have that controversy,” said seven teams registered. Sam hopes that pretty controlled,” he said. momentum will continue, starting with Sam started playing ball hockey in Maht Sam. He recalls years when two ball hockey the local Thunder team.

Mahs 50 years ago when the gym’s own“We had trouble getting players out ership transferred from the Alberni Indian tournaments were hosted at Maht Mahs, attracting teams from across Vancouver right before the tournament and I think Residential School. Over the ensuing Island and B.C.’s mainland. it showed in our play,” he admitted. “If years the sport developed at the location, “Most of the time we had 12 men’s they want to be competitive in sports they resulting in a unique, fast version with teams and six women’s teams, and we have to practice. You have to put more non-stop action. As the game developed went from Friday to Sunday evening,” into it you want to get something out of a runner was dropped to give more space said Sam. it.” for four-on-four matches with goalies,

Alberni schools converge for final wrestling tournament

By Alexandra Mehl Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - On Friday afternoon Alberni District Secondary School filled with students from local elementary schools and their families for their final wrestling tournament of the season.

Match after match, students shook hands and then took to their wrestling stance. As the whistle blew they tried out the offensive and defensive skills they had been working on at practice against their opponents.

For Liam Horbatch of Ahousaht, a Grade 6 student at EJ Dunn, he was in Grade 4 or 5 when he first tried wrestling and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I found out that I really liked it, and it was really, really fun,” he said, adding that he also enjoys wrestling at other schools.

His favorite move in wrestling is a double-leg takedown into a half-nelson.

“I can just pick them up and take it into a half nelson and pin them,” said Horbatch.

This year Horbatch has been learning about teamwork, adding that he will be cheering his friends on throughout the tournament.

For Kylie Gallic of Tseshaht, a Grade 5 student at EJ Dunn, it is her second year participating in the sport.

“I’m very excited,” said Gallic, going into Friday’s tournament.

“My dad explained to me what wrestling was when I was really little, and I just wanted to join because it sounded really fun,” said Gallic.

Similar to Horbatch, Gallic’s favorite move in wrestling is a half nelson.

Leading up to this tournament the students played in some mini tournaments, though this was the big and final season tournament for the students.

Brianne Charles of Hupačasath is one of the coaches for the EJ Dunn Wrestling team. For Charles it’s important to be a good mentor for the students.

“Our program has a lot of great mentors Alexandra Mehl photo and other coaches On Friday Nov. 3 wresting teams from elementary schools across Port Alberni came together at that I’ve looked Alberni District Secondary for a tournament to end the season. up to,” said Charles. “The program, its coaching is teaching wrestling skills and Charles reflects on a positive season of quote is ‘the tradition continues’, so we watching students improve. coaching the students. are always striving to ask our wrestlers to Horbatch was most excited to “have fun “I think they’ve learned a lot,” she come back and teach.” and win” going into Friday’s tournament. said, adding that her favorite thing about

November 16, 2023—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Tseshaht rugby player takes silver at Pan Am Games Months of international competition lie ahead, with a possibility to represent Canada in the Olympics next year

By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor In the wake of a silver medal win at the 2023 Pan American Games, Tseshaht member Shalaya Valenzuela and the rest of the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team is gearing up for another elite competition in Dubai and Cape Town this December.

Valenzuela, who grew up in Abbotsford and has family in Port Alberni, said that although her team didn’t take top spot at the Pan Am games, held in Santiago, Chile on Nov. 3 and 4, they were more than happy with making the podium with a second-place win.

“Going in we knew our biggest rivals would be U.S.,” Valenzuela said. “We finally did play U.S. in the final and basically our whole game was pretty back and forth. Then it was two minutes left and we were up by two points, and unfortunately things just didn’t go our way in the last couple minutes of the game. [U.S.] ended up winning the gold but overall getting silver was exactly what we wanted, we wanted to be on the podium.”

According to Rugby Canada, rugby sevens is a stripped-down version of the sport with just seven players, instead of 15, on each team playing on a full-sized pitch.

The Canadian women’s team opened the tournament with a 36-0 win over Chile on Nov. 3 and then another win against Mexico 69-0 later that day. They finished the first day with a 29-21 win over Brazil.

Valenzuela and her Canadian teammates were then advanced to the final four.

They beat Columbia 45-14 in the semifinal on Nov. 4 which sent them to the gold medal match against the U.S., which they lost 19-12.

“It wasn’t the outcome that we desired, but I thought that the performance throughout the weekend was excellent,” said head coach Jack Hanratty in a Rugby Canada article. “We had a lot of control and possession throughout the entire game, but a score [against] in the last play of the second half and last play of the first half, that was 12 points of the 19 that we conceded. We’re disappointed, but we’re a group that’s building for Paris and with that we want to be in these gold medal games.”

The Canadian women’s sevens team have qualified for the 2024 summer Olympics to be held in Paris next July.

Valenzuela hopes to be selected to go to Paris with her team.

Leading up to the Pan Am games, Valenzuela said the Canadian team had quite a grueling training schedule. The women would train six days a week with some

Submitted photo

The Canadian Women’s Rugby Sevens team received a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile on Nov. 3 and 4, 2023. days having double sessions, conditioning, weight training and combat fitness.

“This team going in was basically a new team, half of our team went off to do a tour of 15’s so we were kind of playing with a whole new side, mixing positions…so the fact that we ended up on the podium was just a huge accomplishment in itself,” Valenzuela said.

Canada’s sevens women’s and men’s teams return to action Dec. 2-3 for Dubai SVNS. The 2024 HSBC SVNS is the first of eight stops between December and May, with both teams competing on home soil at Vancouver SVNS over Feb. 23-25, 2024.

“Dubai and Cape Town will be our first series competition, so the beginning of our season,” Valenzuela said. “We will get to rematch USA in a couple weeks in Dubai and Cape Town and hopefully beat them and secure the win against them.”

This is Valenzuela’s second season with the Canadian women’s sevens. Before becoming a member of the national team in 2022, the 24 year old played with the Abbotsford Rugby Football Club, Victoria Vikes and she spent two years in the Rugby Canada Maple Leaf Academy.

Being an Indigenous rugby player at a national level is not something Valenzuela see’s often, or at all. She said that although her team acknowledges the First Nation’s land they play on, there’s very little Indigenous representation among

the players.

“I’ve been here for a couple years on team Canada and there isn’t anyone else that identifies as being Indigenous,” she said. “If there’s a tournament or event going on there’s always someone from a band from whatever area it is… someone will always come in and do a welcoming song.”

Valenzuela said she didn’t grow up having a deep understanding of her Nuuchah-nulth roots and only visited other members of the Tseshaht First Nation when her dad would bring her to Port Alberni for “fish days”.

“It was so new to me but it was so cool.

When I went there I didn’t know who anyone was but my dad had so many friends and family who knew me when I was a baby,” Valenzuela said. “It was super welcoming… a whole side of my identity that I didn’t know.”

Valenzuela didn’t always have it easy growing up. She spent time in foster care

as a youth and her mother was struggling with substance use issues. Turning to sports was a way for Valenzuela to feel equal to her peers.

“Growing up I didn’t want to be judged by my parents’ decisions…I didn’t want to be defined by certain things,” Valenzuela said. “I always looked to school and sports and I always thought that if I did good in school and sports that people would look at me as equal.”

Now, Valenzuela wants other Indigenous youth to believe in themselves, follow their dreams and not let their struggles get in the way of what they want to achieve.

“It sounds so cliché to say that anything is possible or follow your dreams, but it literally is. You have to just go for it,” she said. “If I thought when I was younger that I can’t do that because I’m not from a well-off family or I don’t have the same things as other people…I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—November 16, 2023

November is Diabetes Awareness Month!

The NTC Dietitian’s are happy to share some great resources for anyone living with type 2 diabetes, and their families.

We all have a role in supporting our family and our community in their diabetes care. When we all work together, this can result in much more success for those living with diabetes, and also help prevent diabetes in family members.

“There is no special diabetes diet, it is really just healthy eating. We should all be eating this way for our health, the health of our children, and our family’s well-being”

If you have diabetes, try to choose 3 changes from this list that you can focus on this month.

• • • • • • •

Switch from white bread to whole-grain bread (the more seeds the better!)

Stop all soda, juice, energy drinks, iced tea and sports drinks. These are really hard on blood sugars and can lead to complications of diabetes much earlier.

Move your body! Try to aim for body movement at least 5 times per weeks, for 30 minutes. A walk, some yoga, a session at the gym.

Switch from boxed cereal to oatmeal. Cereal is often full of sugar, or refined rice, corn or wheat, making it really hard on blood sugar levels.

Try fruit as a dessert, even better if you pair it with some nuts.

Enjoy fish at least twice per week - fish soup, fish sandwiches, baked, BBQ’ed.

Find a way to enjoy more vegetables - try them dipped in ranch dip, a winter style salad, or add some extra vegetables to your next soup (peas in stew, mushrooms in chili).

Here are some community ideas for diabetes month. Ideas to ask your Nation or local diabetes team: --Host a diabetes event: Diabetes awareness conversation. E.g. Host a community dinner to discuss what is working well, where some gaps are, and what people, family, and community hopes are for diabetes --Education sessions: E.g. Invite diabetes educators (Dietitians or Nurses or Pharmacists) into your community to share about their pro grams and services, and provide education E.g. Foot check workshops – what is basic diabetes foot care? Daily checks, what to look out for.

--Sharing circle for people and families affected by diabetes – building peer support and gathering wisdom.

--Cooking workshop for families: Different potential meal themes: focus on low-glycemic index foods, or local and traditional foods, or one-pot meals etc. FNHA Food is Medicine Recipe Book could be a useful resource to use, and there are YouTube videos that complement many of the recipes.

--Host a film screening of The Gift of Diabetes with a discussion afterwards.

--Ask your Nation or NTC Healthcare worker to host a diabetes screening event.

--Organize a community walk or movement activities for the month of November

•

Share some Indigenous specific diabetes information and resources: QR code handouts (links to 6 resources) ISPARC diabetes handout Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle Make it Sacred Diabetes guide and wellness log Nuu-Chah-Nulth Diabetes Cookbook Health Feet Checklist for people living with diabetes

For more information call Rachel Dickens, NTC Diabetes Dietitian (Central Region) and Jen Cody, NTC Dietitian (Southern Region) with support from FNHA Dietitian. 250-724-3939

•