Ha Shilth Sa Newspaper September 19, 2024

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 51 - No. 18—September 19, 2024 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Tseshaht announces $16.45 million economic funding The First Nation sees funding for future endeavours, addressing a past dispute over cedar logging in Nahmint

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - The Tseshaht First Nation has received a major boost towards its economic endeavours with a $16.45 million agreement with the provincial government.

Announced by the First Nation on Sept.

17, the Incremental Economic Reconciliation Agreement entails over $16 million in provincial funding, spread out in annual payments until 2027. The funds are to support Tseshaht’s “near term” economic goals, with the intention to “establish a pathway for future generations,” according to a press release from the First Nation.

The funding agreement sets out payments to the First Nation of approximately 1,300 members by the end of March each year, beginning with $1 million that was given in 2024 shortly after the document was signed on March 21. This is to be followed by $4.15 million next year, $7.15 million in 2026 and $4.15 million by the end of March 2027. The funding is “for economic development interests and negotiations” undertaken by the First Nation, and “contingent on the province’s receipt of a report” detailing how the money is used, according to the agreement. Either party can terminate the agreement with 60 days notice.

“The province is looking for innovative and creative ways to collaboratively implement Aboriginal title and other Aboriginal rights,” while exploring “potential solutions to the problems that have led to conflict in the past,” notes the document.

A catalyst for starting negotiations was a dispute between the First Nation and BC Timber Sales, the provincial agency tasked with selling wood harvested from Crown land. In the past Tseshaht has disagreed with BC Timber’s management of cedar in the Nahmint Valley, an area of forest south of Sproat Lake, a dispute that led to the First Nation blockading logging roads in the fall of 2014. Frustration continued when the provincial agency sold timber from the Nahmint without Tseshaht’s consent.

The reconciliation agreement specifies that the funding represents a contribution “towards the settlement of Tseshaht’s Aboriginal rights and title claims within its territory,” including five timber sale licences in the Nahmint Valley.

“There was a sense of urgency to simply resolve an outstanding matter that’s been bothering Tseshaht for quite some time.

We saw that as an avenue,” said Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts of what

Eric Plummer photo

Tseshaht members celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on their territory on Sept. 30, 2023. The First Nation is now looking at its economic future, fueled by a recently announced $16.45 million funding agreement with the province. setting up what the First Nation calls an economic projects that will positively “economic park” along Highway 4 near impact their members, while also benefitthe Tseshaht Market. This entails clearting all who live in the Port Alberni area,” ing land to have a paved area with water, stated Murray Rankin, B.C.’s minister of sewage and electrical connections availIndigenous Relations and Reconciliation, able for light industrial and commercial in the press release announcing the new spaces – and possibly also market rental funding agreement. units.

Rankin was in Port Alberni just over a “When we look at all the different opyear ago for another funding agreement portunities that are out there for Tseshaht, between the province and Tseshaht. In we envision ourselves not just being a July 2023 the province announced over stakeholder anymore, but true partners in $5 million for the First Nation to acquire the development within our territories,” land in the Alberni Valley for the develsaid Watts. “It’s our goal to be the biggest opment of housing. landowner in our territory – not just cul“Building homes for people and creating Ken Watts turally, or traditionally or historically.” new economic opportunities are shared brought on the negotiations. “Trying to The elected chief sees the new funding priorities for the Tseshaht First Nation address that outstanding issue and tying it agreement as a means of reaching ecoand the Alberni Valley community,” to our future makes sense.” nomic self-sufficiency for future generanoted Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Tseshaht noted that a portion of the tions.

Osborne in the release. agreement will go towards projects “We don’t want to have to rely on “You’ve heard from other nations that are already in development. These government funding to take care of our across the province and country who include plans to build a hotel in Port people,” he said. “We want to create are at points where they’re producing Alberni with the Huu-ay-aht, Hupacasath enough wealth that we can do it ourselves enough revenue that they don’t have to First Nation and MasterBUILT Hotels.

- at the same time create jobs, create an rely on government funding,” reflected The franchised Microtel Inn & Suites economy for our community so we can Watts. “That’s always been our vision Wyndham would be the first hotel built in look after our own and we don’t have to way before my time. I think these are the the small Vancouver Island city since the be bound by government policies and resources that are going to help get us Barclay opened in 1980. government funding agreements.” there.”

Another development in the works is “Tseshaht is working hard to identify

Inside this issue...

Nuchatlaht launches appeal............................................Page 3 Ahousaht deals with toll of recent deaths.......................Page 5 Forestry leaders explore path forward............................Page 9 Tsow-Tun Le Lum centre re-opening...........................Page 11 Vessel interrupts killer whales hunting.........................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—September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Nuchatlaht launch appeal in continued fight for title While province was disputing the First Nation’s territorial claim, it was granting title to Haida, says Nuchatlaht

By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Vancouver, BC - The Nuchatlaht have filed with the B.C. Court of Appeal, launching the next phase of its legal battle to gain title over the northern part of Nootka Island.

The appeal was announced Sept. 16, seven and a half years after the small First Nation’s late Tyee Ha’wilth Walter Michael stood on the steps of the B.C. Supreme Court to begin his community’s claim to own what they have considered their home territory for countless generations.

The appeal challenges the extent of a decision from Justice Elliot Myers, who determined in May 2023 that the Nuchatlaht are the rightful owners of portions of the area – but not all of the 201 square kilometres that the First Nation claim Aboriginal title to. This judgment followed over 50 days in court that began in March 2022, a trial in which the First Nation’s legal team and the provincial government presented evidence concerning the Nuchatlaht’s rightful ownership of the territory. This all hinged on the legal test of proving a historical and continued occupation of the claim area since 1846, the year that the British Crown asserted sovereignty over the land.

“We have been fighting for our rights since my great grandfather told the Indian agent to stop giving away our land over 100 years ago,” stated current Tyee Ha’wilth Jordan Michael in a press release from the First Nation. “We have been determined for over a century. This is only a partial victory. We are not going to stop now.”

In March of this year Myers allowed the Nuchatlaht and the province back to court to argue the exact extent of the Aboriginal title claim. This resulted in an April 17 decision in which the judge defined the title to a small portion of the total

Eric Plummer photo

Nuchatlaht members and the First Nation’s legal team stand before the B.C. Supreme Court in August 2023 as legal proceedings in its title case were underway. claim, mainly consisting of a coastal strip the second time a Canadian court has granted a First Nation Aboriginal title. A along the west that doesn’t extend more decade ago the Supreme Court of Canada than one kilometre inland. recognized the Tsilhqot’in Nation, a A major part of the Nuchatlaht’s evihistorically “semi-nomadic” Indigenous dence presented in court was the many community, for its demonstration of betrees that were partially harvested by the ing the rightful owners of large area in First Nation’s ancestors. This included the 8,386 culturally modified trees identi- central British Columbia.

But the April 17 ruling also made it fied by archaeologist Jacob Earnshaw, but clear that court proceedings for the in his judgment Myers noted that these Nuchatlaht were far from over, as Myers’ CMTs were an average distance of 845 decision leaves most of its traditional metres from the shore. territory as Crown land currently under a “With respect to the interior, there is Western Forest Products’ forestry tenure. almost no evidence of use by the NuForestry operations in the claim area have chatlaht,” wrote Myers, who was unconceased as court proceedings progressed. vinced that the nation’s ancestors left From the beginning of the First Nation’s evidence of occupation above an elevation of 100 metres. “Confining the bound- legal proceedings management of Nootka Island’s resources have been a foremost ary to the 100-metre contour reflects concern, as large sections of the claim the distinction between the coastal and area are scalped by clearcuts, practices interior areas.” that pose a risk to salmon streams that At the time the Nuchatlaht celebrated were historically owned by chiefs. this decision as a victory, marking only

“We are a small First Nation, but we will not be bullied by the province because we forced them to answer us in court,” stated Nuchatlaht Councillor Archie Little. “Our territory used to sustain us, but it has been mismanaged. Our fish and our forests are hurting. We want to handle things differently, so that there is a path forward for everyone.”

The First Nation also noted “significant hurdles” in its court battle with the province, including having no surviving fluent speakers of the Nuu-chah-nulth language and that key evidence in the claim area has been destroyed by logging.

Nuchatlaht Councillor Melissa Jack stressed that her nation’s use of its territory went far beyond the village sites that were at the mouth of a river.

“Our territory didn’t stop at the village limits or the bottom of the hill,” she stated. “Our people used everything from the clams on the beaches to the yellow cedar on the mountain tops.”

“The mountains that guided our boats home over 100 years ago haven’t changed,” added Councillor Erick Michael. “We knew what was ours then and we know our territory today.”

For the First Nation of less than 160 members, part of its path forward could be looking north to a recent development in Haida Gwaii. In April the province and the Council of the Haida Nation finalised an agreement that acknowledges the Indigenous community’s title over all of Haida Gwaii - marking a glaring contrast to the stance that the government has taken against the Nuchatlaht in court, argues the First Nation.

“While passing legislation acknowledging Haida Aboriginal title to all Haida Gwaii, the province spent the Nuchatlaht trial claiming the mountains are too remote and the forests too thick for the Nuchatlaht to have ownership,” stated the First Nation in its press release.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024

Non-profit looks to Icelandic model for substance use Program invokes a long-term, community approach for preventing substance abuse in young Indigenous men

By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Society has embarked on the arduous journey of youth substance use prevention by turning to an upstream initiative called the Icelandic Prevention Model.

The Icelandic Prevention Model is being used in hundreds of municipalities and communities around the world. The model is a community-based, bottom-up approach designed to deter adolescent substance use by focusing on holistic community building and long-term progress rather than standard short-term solutions.

In the 1990s, Iceland ranked comparatively high amongst other European countries when it came to youth alcohol, tobacco and drug use. By pioneering and widely implementing the long-term, community-based prevention method, the country dramatically reduced substance use amongst Icelandic youth over the last 20 plus years.

“We are using that model and adapting it to meet the needs of Indigenous young men in Port Alberni,” said Dr. Ricardo Manmohan, a Youth Warrior coordinator who served as captain in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“With this one, we want to bring everybody along. This is a long-term one. This is a multi-Nation program, and it’s got to be done slowly and it’s got to be done with the right Elders, the right knowledge givers and the right matriarchs, especially. We’ve got to go real slow,” he said.

Program funding was established through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Program, with over $3.1 million allocated to eight groups across the country to “help support the response to the toxic illegal drug supply and overdose crisis”, reads a June 2024 announcement from the Government of Canada. The Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warriors received $125,000 over 18 months to implement the Icelandic Prevention Model through an effort they are calling ‘Strengthening the Circle: Supporting Healthy Pathways for Nuu-chah-nulth Youth’.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s Leonard Nookemis, 24, has been the program coordinator for the Warriors for the last four years.

“My hope is to bring the youth up to their territories. There are some youth who don’t know their complete roots and would like to know more about who they are and where they come from. I think it’s really powerful to bless them with that knowledge,” said Nookemis.

Nuu-chah-nulth Warrior Family photo

The Nuu-chah-nulth Warrior Family Society received $125,000 over 18 months to implement the Icelandic Prevention Model through an effort they are calling ‘Strengthening the Circle: Supporting Healthy Pathways for Nuu-chah-nulth Youth’.

Planet Youth, the Reykjavik-based legal under the age of 20, and tobacco and Nookemis grew up out of community, entity that supports communities to adapt alcohol advertising was banned. Another in Port Alberni and in foster care until he law, which is still in effect today, was and implement the Icelandic Prevenwas 16. He stressed that the Nuu-chahpassed prohibiting children aged between tion Model, says the model requires nulth Warrior Society is something he 13 and 16 from being outside after 10 going from an individual perspective wished he had when he was growing up. p.m. in winter and midnight in summer.

“It’s a safe place for us to come together to a collective perspective, and from In Reykjavik, where more than a third short-term goal setting to long-term goal and fail. And that’s how I’ve gotten to of the country’s population lives, a setting. where I am in this program, just being Leisure Card gives families 350 Euro The central theme to the youth subheld up by how many times I’m allowed stance use prevention model is communi- / $525CAN per child per year to pay to fail. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without this program. I can’t say that ever ty engagement and collaboration between for recreational activities, according to Planet Youth. sectors that usually do not interact much enough,” Nookemis said.

Nookemis says the Nuu-chah-nulth with one another: researchers, policy Raven Watts, who is of Ahousaht and Warriors are aiming to get young men makers, practitioners, community servTseshaht First Nation descent, joined the together one night each week, and incoring-organizations, schools and families.

Warriors program in 2022. porating traditional canoe journeys and “We have to build a coalition of people Watts was working the night shift at a after school sports programs is in discusresort when an opportunity to take part in in Port Alberni that care about the youth, sion as well. pretty easy I think, we have a lot of good a Warriors program crossed his path.

“The goal is to bring up the youngest allies already,” said Manmohan, adding “Opportunity came towards me to do youth,” Nookemis adds. that they have connected with the Port construction, at first, I wasn’t really Manmohan says the Port Alberni proAlberni Friendship Centre. sure, my mindset was in a routine, I was gram will welcome all those who idenThe Icelandic Prevention Model is comfortable with my pay and I didn’t tify as males and as well as two-spirited have to worry about being employed. But also data-driven and “continuously links people. because I jumped through this hoop and national-level data collection with locallevel reflection and action to increase “We find the learning environment took the risk, I have goals of becoming a social capital,” according to Planet Youth. changes when we create an all-gender Red Seal carpenter,” Watts said. environment. It’s just not healthy. We’ve As a result of the ongoing survey, Ice“If there is an opportunity, be openhad enough experiences not knowing land changed laws and state funding for minded. Take whatever opportunity where the men are that we had to make comes your way,” Watts encouraged Nuu- organized sports and arts was increased. the decision not to,” explained ManmoFor example, it became illegal to buy chah-nulth youth. han.

The Icelandic Prevention Model requires tobacco under the age of 18 and alcohol a shift in thinking.

TSESHAHT MARKET GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC RIM

Hours of operation - 7:00 am - 10:00 pm Phone: 724-3944 E-mail: manager@tseshahtmarket.ca Find us on Facebook

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

Ahousaht deals with the toll of recent deaths Alcoholism and abuse remain heavy concerns, while First Nation offers ‘24-hour cultural support’ to members

By Nora O’Malley & Eric Plummer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter & Ha-Shilth Editor Ahousaht, BC - Ahousaht is drawing on support for its members in the wake of a tragic Labour Day weekend that left two unexpected deaths in the First Nation’s village - and an arrest resulting from a police investigation.

The First Nation has since declared a state of emergency for its village of Maaqtusiis on Flores Island, located northwest of Tofino, with a 9 p.m. curfew and “24-hour cultural support and counselling services,” according to a message from Ahousaht Chief Councillor n̓ aasʔałuk (John Rampanen).

The deaths are unrelated. One was a “medical” incident, said the elected chief, while the other attracted a heavy police presence in the community. On Aug. 31 RCMP were called to a residence on Robinson Avenue, where emergency responders were providing medical aid to an adult.

“He was immediately transported to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased,” stated an RCMP media release. “A short time later an adult man was arrested in connection with the incident.”

The RCMP stated that a second-degree murder charge has been laid as a result of the tragic incident. n̓aasʔałuk described the young man’s loss of life as “a very horrific and violent death” with people present in the environment.

“It was very traumatizing for those who were present on the scene. It was very messy,” he said. “We’ve taken note of everyone who was present to ensure that everyone who was directly impacted have supports.”

Court proceedings are underway, but a publication ban is in place for any “evidence taken” and “information given”, according to a section of the Criminal Code of Canada cited by the court registry.

Meanwhile, concerns continue in Ahousaht as community members try to grasp for solutions.

“This tragedy, and the issues and barriers that our people face (especially our youth) are an ongoing epidemic that requires further attention and support from all levels of government,” states the message from n̓aasʔałuk to Ahousaht members. “Critical incidents of this nature are correlated to intergenerational aspects of colonialism.”

The epidemic is alcoholism fed by bootleggers and the abuse that comes with

Eric Plummer photo

Approximately 1,000 people live in Ahousaht’s village of Maaqtusiis on Flores Island, which is under a state of emergency after two tragedies on the Labour Day weekend. “Number one, it’s our young people that our initial thoughts go toward,” says Ahousaht Chief Councillor n̓ aasʔałuk (John Rampanen). He is pictured speaking at the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Annual General Meeting in November 2023. heavy drinking, according to community it a much more difficult situation.” brought alcohol to other locations near member Tom Paul. Four months ago his A family member of the young woman Maaqtusiis. niece was severely beaten and “left for confirmed that the beating was eventually Paul said a “crazy” amount of alcohol dead” on the streets of Maaqtusiis. This reported to police. continues to be brought into the village. incident should have been a warning that “Once enough evidence can be gathered, “It’s not safe in Ahousaht,” he stressed. prevented the death of the young man on police can arrest the suspect(s) and for“This has been an ongoing issue with the Aug. 31, he said. ward a detailed report to Crown Counsel previous council and this council.”

“We’re concerned about the well befor consideration of criminal charges n̓aasʔałuk says the two losses of life ing of our community, the safety of our (in this case the individual was charged over the Labour Day long weekend have community, the addictions, the beatings, with aggravated assault and the matter had a widespread effect on the commuthe violence, the rapes,” said Paul. “It’s is before the courts),” explained Corp. nity, especially the youth. going to lead up to death and now it’s Alex Bérubé of RCMP Media Relations.

“Number one, it’s our young people happened.”

“Once a suspect has been arrested and is that our initial thoughts go toward,” he Paul said his family contacted brought before the courts, it is ultimately said. “I can say with certainty that every Ahousaht’s chief and council about the up to the judge or justice to either keep family has been impacted either directly incident, showing them a photograph of that individual in custody of release him/ or indirectly. Unfortunately, the nature the beaten young woman as she lay on her pending their next court appearance.” of both losses [are] there were a lot of the street.

Shortly after the attack on the young people present who witnessed firsthand, n̓aasʔałuk says Ahousaht’s leadership woman, Ahousaht Ha’wiih held a ritual ranging from people in the household responded to the incident by connecting on the beach in front of the Thunderbird to those who responded and drove the with family members and caretakers.

Hall in Maaqtusiis, asking the Creator people to the dock and to those who were “One of the realities that we are starting and ancestors for guidance. They fed operating the boats.” to understand more, whether it’s domestic booze to a sacred fire so that alcohol In recognition of this emotional toll abuse or these violent abuses inflicted would stop feeding off their people. on the community, n̓aasʔałuk says the 9 towards our women or our girls, there is a Over 20 years ago a bylaw was passed p.m. curfew follows cultural practices of tendency to not disclose or to not follow- prohibiting alcohol being brought onto “closing things down during the evening” up with charges,” he said. “It’s challengthe reserve community, but enforceafter a loss. ing because we require that courage from ment proved to be a challenge, and “We want to ensure we’re keeping those individuals. I know that it is hard, binge drinking persisted. Most recently a night activity to a minimum during night and I don’t put those expectations on prohibition was enacted during the first hours,” he said. “We’re flooding the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and them, but when charges are laid or when community with cultural and counselling those measures are in place, from leadersecurity could be found at Ahousaht’s support during the day hours.” ship we can get behind those pieces. main dock confiscating liquor. However, When there are not charges laid, it makes some smuggling continued, as vessels

Indigenous & West Coast Food, Gifts and Art Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am to 4pm

4473 Gertrude St Port Alberni, 778-419-1144

Order in, Take Out, Grab and Go

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the contributing First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals.

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

Telephone: (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 Web page: www.hashilthsa.com facebook: Hashilthsa Ntc

LETTERS and KLECOS Ha-Shilth-Sa will include letters received from its readers. Letters MUST be signed by the writer and have the writer’s full name, address and phone number on them.

Names can be withheld by request. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to edit submitted material for clarity, brevity, grammar and good taste. We will definitely not publish letters dealing with tribal or personal disputes or issues that are critical of Nuu-chah-nulth individuals or groups.

All opinions expressed in letters to the editor are purely those of the writer and will not necessarily coincide with the views or policies of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council or its member First Nations. Ha-Shilth-Sa includes paid advertising, but this does not imply Ha-Shilth-Sa or Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council recommends or endorses the content of the ads.

2024 Subscription rates: Non-Nuu-chah-nulth, Ahousaht, Ehattesaht,Toquaht and Ucluelet members are subject to a yearly subscription fee of $40 in Canada, $50 in the US and $60 for overseas. Payable to the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Manager/Editor/Reporter Eric Plummer (Ext. 243) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 eric.plummer@nuuchahnulth.org Reporter Denise Titian (Ext. 240) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 denise.titian@nuuchahnulth.org Reporter Nora O’Malley (250) 266-1584 Fax: (250) 723-0463 nora.omalley@nuuchahnulth.org

Audio / Video Technician Mike Watts (Ext. 238) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 mike.watts@nuuchahnulth.org Editorial Assistant Holly Stocking (Ext. 302) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org

DEADLINE: Please note that the deadline for submissions for our next issue is Sept 27, 2024 After that date, material submitted and judged appropriate cannot be guaranteed placement but, if material is still relevant, will be included in the following issue.

In an ideal world, submissions would be typed rather than hand-written.

Articles can be sent by e-mail to holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org (Windows PC).

Submitted pictures must include a brief description of subject(s) and a return address.

Pictures with no return address will remain on file. Allow two - four weeks for return.

Photocopied or faxed photographs cannot be accepted.

B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure photo

Highway 4 paving is underway just east of the now complete Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project near Ucluelet.

More traffic delays coming to Highway 4 Single-lane alternating traffic began Sept. 9 for road repairs, with 20-minute delays

By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The road connecting Port Alberni to the West Coast of Vancouver Island is back to single-lane alternating traffic as of Sept. 9 for essential road repairs, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Traffic queues start about two kilometres east of Kennedy Hill and will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drivers should expect and plan for delays of as much as 20 minutes in both directions until late October 2024.

“Ministry staff have been actively monitoring the area. Due to heavy rains this last winter season, the operations team observed further degradation of the base and surface of this section of Highway 4 and began planning construction work to address this,” the Ministry of Transporta-

tion and Infrastructure told Ha-Shilth-Sa in an email statement.

West Coasters recently endured five years of daily closures, nightly closures, 24-hour closures and single-lane alternating traffic for the roughly $54 million Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project that was completed in spring 2023, but the ministry says the “planned resurfacing area was not part of the Kennedy Hill Improvement Project scope”.

“To mitigate delays and further potential impacts to those West Coast communities, work was planned in September/October instead of throughout the summer months during peak tourist season,” said the ministry. “Given the complexity of the area, this project must be conducted prior to the fall and winter rains to ensure the best result. We don’t foresee any changes to our schedule.”

The work will include excavating about

Legal Information

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

- Editorial space available in the paper.

- Editorial deadlines being adhered to by contributors.

100 metres of roadway, improving the road base and installing new asphalt to prevent erosion, reads a Sept. 6 news release from the B.C. Government.

The ministry says representatives met with key West Coast interest-holders in planning the resurfacing work, including municipal officials, regional district, emergency services and First Nations, “to ensure clear communication was established in advance of any works.”

“We appreciate the commitment to ensuring that the West Coast remains accessible for our thriving destinations.

This scheduled road maintenance will enhance the transportation safety for both residents and visitors,” said Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce executive director Samantha Hackett.

For road updates and changes to the construction schedule, visit: https://www. drivebc.ca/

Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born. A community newspaper cannot exist without community involvement. If you have any great pictures you’ve taken, stories or poems you’ve written, or artwork you have done, please let us know so we can include it in your newspaper. E-mail holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org. This year is Ha-Shilth-Sa’s 50th year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

We look forward to your continued input and support.

Kleco! Kleco!

The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisements

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Integrating ancient wisdom into modern forestry First Annual Indigenous Forestry Conference draws hundreds to Port Alberni from British Columbia’s industry

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The Best Western Barclay Convention centre was packed with Indigenous leaders and foresters who were there to share ideas, resources, and successes as they move forward in a new era of sustainable, First Nations-led forestry practices in their territories.

Sponsored by Indigenous Forestry, the First Annual Indigenous Forestry Conference brought together First Nations leaders, policy makers and industry experts to allow an opportunity to network, strategize and gain insights into traditional Indigenous knowledge.

“We underscore the crucial role of collaboration and respect for Indigenous rights and territories in achieving ecological sustainability and unlocking economic opportunities for Indigenous communities,” according to Indigenousforestry.ca.

As more and more First Nations break new ground as they enter the forestry industry, they discover there are challenges along the way. The Indigenous Forestry Conference gives them a space to share information, strategies and solutions that can empower them as they move toward sustainable forestry practices in their respective territories.

There were several panel discussions throughout the two-day conference which started on the morning of September 10.

One of the panel discussions brought hereditary chiefs together to talk about the roles of hereditary stewards of natural resources. According to Emchayiik, Robert Dennise Sr., Huu-ay-aht, chair of Iskum Investments, the Ancestral Wisdom panel discussion will help people learn about Nuu-chah-nulth history, governance, and the roles and responsibilities of hereditary leaders.

Wickaninnish, Clifford Atleo Sr., elder from Ahousaht was called in as an expert on the subject and served as moderator for the discussion.

“I admit, I am not a fan of the democratic system,” he shared. “I know a little of how it was before through knowledge shared by my father.”

Atleo said his father stressed to his son two very important teachings. One was about hereditary chiefs. “Hang onto the hereditary system because it is not a manmade system. It came to us from the Creator to take care of the resources and the people,” he was told.

The second teaching had to do with language.

“Hang onto language because that’s our identity as a people,” Atleo was told.

“Teachings from our elders are based on respect and caring for one another, loving one another and sharing with each other,” Atleo told the crowd.

Atleo showed an illustration that depicts Nuu-chah-nulth-style hereditary governance. The poster shows hereditary chiefs seated in a line at the head or top of the house. On one side are their advisors, very knowledgeable people, according to Atleo.

Seated on the other side of the room or house are the warriors, the wit wok.

According to Atleo, they are the keepers of laws.

“Every nation was independent. Some were trained from birth, taught how to care for the resources,” he shared.

“It is important to know where we come from as a people and understanding the concept of hishukish tsawok (everything is one or interconnected) – what we do

Denise Titian photo

Wickaninnish (Cliff Atleo Sr.) and Klakwagiila (Jerry Jack Jr.) share resource management information handed down the generations to the Ha’wiih of today at the Best Western Barclay Hotel on Sept. 10. upriver impacts down river,” said Atleo.

Alteo recalled the fight for Clayoquot Sound against industrial logging and the provincial government in the 1990s.

“There’s a reason that there’s CMTs (Culturally Modified Trees) there,” said Atleo, alluding to forest management practices of Nuu-chah-nulth ancestors, which left forest looking like intact, old-growth forests, even though they were continually harvested over generations.

“There were a lot of trees and salmon because we knew how to manage,” said Atleo.

According to Atleo, Ha’wiih of the Clayoquot Sound region argued with the government of BC, stating that they were concerned for the next seven generations and for the future of forests if industrial logging continued in an unsustainable way.

“The government accepted the recommendations (of the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel for sustainable forest practices, which included Nuu-chah-nulth Facebook photo elder panelists), but only for Clayoquot Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts tries out the heavy equipment simulator at Sound,” Atleo stated.

Laxel’wuts’aat, Shana Thomas, Chief of the Best Western Barclay Hotel on Sept 10.

Lyackson First Nation, on the east side of ing sustainable growth and prosperity.” how his aunts and uncles taught him his Vancouver Island, said her people are facroles and responsibilities he would have “Our ancestors were foresters,” said ing a different situation in their territory, when he took over his father’s Ha’wilth Homiskwanis, Don Svanivik, Namgis saying there is not a lot of collaboration First Nation Hereditary Chief. Trees were seat. “We are the true owners of everywith government. thing. What swims under, what flies over, used for everything from canoes and In 2003 the provincial government housing materials to clothing and baskets. all are part of hupakwanim (all that a enacted the Private Managed Forest Ha’wilth owns/is responsible for). There “We found a CMT (culturally modified Lands Act. According to Thomas, this act tree) in our territory that showed that its would be no Species at Risk Act if we failed to uphold constitutionally protected bark had been harvested seven times,” had proper (modern-day) stewards of our Aboriginal Rights and Title on private land,” he pointed out. said Homiskwanis. land and led to rapid deforestation and “We have to wrestle with these two sysHe went on to say that some trees were loss of culturally significant sites and left standing so that bark or house planks tems,” said Robert Dennis. He said there resources. Under this act, First Nations was a time when his great grandparents could occasionally be harvested, and were excluded from decision making in a some places were cleared of trees to enwould need a log or some cedar bark. large portion of their territorial areas.

When that happened, they just went out courage berry bush growth. “Our forests Because their lands are not subject to a were managed by chiefs that were trained and got it. It became a crime to do that, treaty, government must abide by preexand First Nations spent millions of dolfrom an early age about their roles and isting Aboriginal governance and rights lars in Canadian courtrooms proving their responsibilities,” he told the crowd. within their territories under Sec.35 of Aboriginal Rights and Title.

“If we’re going to leave something for the Canadian Constitution, according to The First Annual Indigenous Forestry seven generations to come, we need to do information shared by Thomas.

Conference continued the following day, it better, in a way that respects the rivers, The Lyackson First Nation is developing the animals, the fish and the hillsides,” with presentations from Nuu-chah-nulth a set of forestry management standards leaders that have entered into forestry said Homiskwanis. that protects their interests “with the goal management.

Klakwagiila, Jerry Jack Jr. Mowachaht/ of avoiding ecological stress and promot- Muchalaht First Nation Ha’wilth, recalled

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024

Generations of benefits expected from tenure purchase Tenure brings additional 104,000 cubic metres of annual cut, multiplying Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che’tles7et’h’s timber supply

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Kyuquot/Campbell River, BC – Leaders of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che’tles7et’h’ First Nations have made a giant leap in their efforts to reclaim territorial stewardship with the acquisition of a forestry tenure from Interfor Corporation.

In 2016 KCFN launched their own Tiičma Forestry LP company with a vision of managing tenures in the territory in a sustainable, efficient manner that will support future generations its people.

“Tiičma Enterprises, the KCFN Group of Businesses, was established to manage and operate the nations’ businesses, and to provide entrepreneurship support and resources for members of the nations interested in starting or growing a business venture,” reads a KCFN statement.

At a recent Indigenous Forestry Conference, Tiičma Enterprises CEO and Director of Economic Development Gary Wilson said it was important to look out for the interests of today’s 600 KCFN citizens by sustainably managing their natural resources. The purchase of Interfor’s forest license will allow the nation increased access to resources in its territory and to protect their forestry interests.

“This acquisition represents a major milestone in the nations’ ongoing efforts to reclaim stewardship over their traditional territories, restore ecological balance, and build a sustainable economic future for generations to come,” reads a statement from the nation.

Len Apedaile, general manager at Tiičma Forestry LP, has worked with the nation for years. He was at the Indigenous Forestry conference at Port Alberni on Sept. 11 to talk about KCFN and the forestry work they are doing in their territories.

Being one of the more remote Nuu-chahnulth regions, Apedaile says the KCFN

Melissa Renwick photo

In 2016 the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che’tles7et’h’ First Nations launched their own Tiičma Forestry LP company with a vision of managing tenures in the territory in a manner that will support future generations its people. Pictured is forest in Kyuquot. territory is rich in natural capitol. But being to us.” remote also poses challenges, like limited But, being a small community, KCFN capacity for the small nation and the adneeded to find the $10 million to purchase ditional costs of doing business so far away the license. That’s when Saskatchewanfrom urban centers. based First Nation Bank of Canada came to “We need companies with values and the table. principles that align with ours,” said Wil“We’re tired of seeing dividends going to son.

Toronto and beyond. We’ tired of managing It was in 2022 that Tiičma Forestry ofpoverty. It’s time to manage for prosperity,” fered to co-manage the tenure with Interfor, said Wilson. knowing that they wanted out of the forest It is the vision of KCFN leaders to build license. jobs and see their people making decent “We wanted to be bold, see where it livings, Wilson noted. lands,” said Wilson. “They offered to sell it The tenure transfer to KCFN brings an additional annual allowable cut of 104,000 cubic meters, several times greater than the volume that the First Nation could Gary Wilson previously harvest from its territory. The forestry tenure is planned to be co-managed our land,” said Wilson. “It allows us to take control of our forestry resources in a way that will sustain the nation in the and aligns with our broader vision of future. Apedaile says $10 million is a lot economic growth and environmental for a small nation but the tenure will create stewardship.” revenue for generations to come.

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che’tles7et’h’ First NaAccording to Ralph Friedrich, vice presitions are part of the Maa-nulth treaty, dent of Coastal Operations for Interfor, which was implemented in 2011. the company has worked with KCFN “on “As a treaty nation, KCFN has unique numerous forestry-related projects over the powers, authorities and resources that we past 20 years.” can bring to bear on economic develop“It is an exciting time for Tiičma Forestry ment…working towards realizing our LP and reaffirms Interfor’s commitment to continuing to build on our relationship with economic development vision – flourishing, healthy, and resilient nations leading the KCFN and other Indigenous peoples a sustainable economy in the Kyuquot throughout British Columbia, enabling Sound region and beyond,” wrote the them to become stewards of the forests in First Nation in a statement. their traditional territories and build a susThe sale of the Forest License was tainable forest economy,” said Friedrich. completed on July 29, 2024.

“We see this purchase as a strategic investment for the nation, our citizens, and

Caine Schutt photos

First Nations are claiming a growing stake in their territorial forestry interests. A logging truck (left) moves timber on Vancouver Island, while harvested wood awaits.

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

Forestry leaders explore path forward at conference ‘When people talk about reconciliation, it’s not always about money and land’, says Tseshaht’s chief councillor

By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - Sipping endless coffee under the dim lights of Port Alberni’s Barclay Hotel banquet room, Indigenous and non-Indigenous forestry professionals sat together for two days soaking in the first annual Indigenous Forestry Conference, Sept. 10-11.

They talked about closing the economic gap, innovative ways to increase market space, streamlining processes and fixing the stumpage system, the multigenerational aspect of forestry as well as creating a collective vision for the future.

Over the past two decades, B.C.’s forestry sector has been rocked by a litany of factors. These range from unsustainable harvesting practices depleting land resources, the decline in demand of paper due to digitization and the ongoing Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute to historically devasting wildfires and the mountain pine beetle infestation, according to a 2024 report by three unions (Unifor, United Steelworkers, Public and Private Workers of Canada).

The nosedive in production has sent a ripple of layoffs and sawmill closures across the province; Western Forest Products permanently closed their last Port Alberni sawmill in 2023.

“What are we going to do?” Emchayilk (Robert Dennis Sr.) asked the room full of forestry workers.

“Coming together here is the beginning. The challenge is going to be staying together to do something. And an even bigger task is going to be working together to solve it,” continued Emchayilk, a former Huu-ay-aht First Nations chief councillor and the current project chairperson of Iskum Investments. “Can we?

Damn rights we can. If we go full gear,

do the best we can, the hardest we can.”

Tseshaht Chief Councillor Wahmeesh (Ken Watts) acknowledged the diversity of the roughly 200 participants that attended the Indigenous-led event.

“When people talk about reconciliation, it’s not always about money or about land, it’s about standing up for what’s right as well,” said Wahmeesh. “From this hotel last year on Sept. 30, about 1,500 people walked with us to the former site of the residential school. Over half of those people were non-Indigenous people. Simply walking with us is a true act of reconciliation.”

Conference lead Trevor Cootes said the event was an “amazing success” that brought industry and First Nations together to have conversations and work as a collective.

“Next year, we will have more of a focus,” Cootes notes.

The future of forestry Resource stewardship from an Indigenous perspective took centre stage during the second day of the conference, with Indigenous forestry consultant Marina Rayner leading the discussionleading the discussion.

“We need to take serious consideration about what needs to be harvested,” she said.

Rayner introduced the concept of cedar Sayassim Gardens, which translates to “in the future”. The model catalogues cedars that are accessible to Huu-ay-aht citizens.

“It’s managed for Huu-ay-aht traditional use,” she said. “We use cedar throughout every stage of its life. (The Sayassim Gardens) are located along main lines. They are located close to the community, they are located within a really important sacred site for the Huu-ay-aht. You can bring your elders out to the forest and be able to interact in these Sayassim Gardens in a whole

Heather Thomson photo

Emchayilk (Robert Dennis Sr.) stands next the Sarita River, a critical resource for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations that has been heavily impacted by historical logging practices. Emchayilk was among the speakers at a recent conference in Port Alberni. different way for the next 300 years.” until we knew what our outcome is,” said Glen.

Mike Green, a forestry manager with ‘Namgis First Nation, spoke about generaGerald Cordeiro, forest development tional mistakes that impacted the Nimpkish manager for Kootenay-based Kalesnikoff Lumber Co., spoke about the potential of watershed. mass timber, an engineered wood known as “What would you do if you were starting today?” he asked. “Need is not a number. cross-laminated lumber.

It’s that total package of what you are do“There is increasing market space (for mass timber) in the market for sure,” said ing.”

Chief forester for Western Forest ProdCordeiro. ucts Stuart Glen stressed the importance of “As the Indigenous control of tenure outcome when it came to achieving govern- and the decision-making ability in B.C. expands greatly over the next few years, ment approval for Forest landscape plans figure out what you are going to do a little (FLPs). He said a recent successful plan was tackled with “open-mindedness” and differently than the people that came before did,” Cordeiro concludes. built “organically” from the bottom.

Anyone interested in learning more about “How do you write a plan that respects connectedness? It’s not easy because just the Indigenous Forestry Conference is think of all those different relationships and encouraged to visit: https://www.linkedin. how do you write in that context? We never com/showcase/indigenous-forestry-conferactually wrote the plan until the very end, ence-ifc/

Opportunities abound for Tseshaht-owned drone biz

By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Port Alberni, BC - Professional drone pilot Kawliga Watts had just been laid off from a Port Alberni mill when he saw an opportunity pop up to fly drones for Tseshaht First Nation-owned Maktlee Drone Services.

Professional drone pilot Kawliga Watts had just been laid off from a Port Alberni mill when he saw an opportunity pop up to fly drones for Tseshaht First Nationowned Maktlee Drone Services.

“I was already a recreational drone operator, so I was really happy to be part of this new venture and learn all this new technology,” said Watts at the first annual Indigenous Forestry Conference in Port Alberni in September.

Watts enrolled with Coastal Drone out of Victoria for ground school before taking his Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Certificate with Transport Canada. In Canada, anyone operating a drone with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 25 kg is required to pass the online drone pilot exam.

“You have to learn a lot of the laws,” said Watts. “For instance, in Canada drones are only allowed to fly up to 122-metres in height. If you fly beyond that you have to have SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate).”

Watts loves his new career as a drone operator with Maktlee Drone Services, noting that anyone can be trained and he

likes the fact that he gets to use his mind more than he did as a labour worker.

Maktlee, which means “higher than others” in Nuu-chah-nulth language, serves Vancouver Island with drone services for forestry, fishery, agricultural and land management sectors.

Ben Durkan is a Tseshaht forester and manager at Maktlee Drone Services. He hopes more Nuu-chah-nulth members will consider a career in drone technology.

“It’s a great opportunity for Tseshaht members and young people to get into forestry and start working with all the different professionals, like geoscientists and biologists,” said Durkan during the Sept.

11 panel discussion on technology at the Indigenous Forestry Conference.

“The drone itself isn’t new, but we are finding new things to do with it on a daily basis. Just recently, we had a discussion on firefighting; what we can do, and how we can help,” said Durkan.

He went on to explain that drones are currently used on the backend of fires to detect hot spots once the fire is out, but he thinks there could be an opportunity to use heat sensing drones to find fires before they get out.

Maktlee Drones is also working with the City of Port Alberni to map their landfill and examine the traffic flow of the marina.

“It’s not just consultation and a check box, it’s getting involved and being part of the decision that are being made in their territory. That’s been a great thing that’s followed using these drones,” said Durkan.

Nora O’Malley photo

Having fun while flying is all part of the work for professional drone pilot Kawliga Watts, who demonstrates a drone at the Barclay hotel parking lot on Sept. 11.

Another area Maktlee wants to explore is “However, there would be birds… sometree planting. Durkan says drones can help times birds just fly right by,” he adds. with that sort of labour-intensive activity.

Fellow Maktlee drone pilot Alex Gus “It could be a lot safer. They do have couldn’t hide his smile as he operated a DJI drones that are doing tree planting. They Mavic 3 Thermal drone for a demo during drop these pellets with seed in them, that the forestry conference. The smaller comworks great in fire areas with no debris on mercial drone used for mapping, firefightthe ground, but in our forest there’s lots ing, search and rescue, inspection and night of branches, logs, debris and those pellets operations buzzed around the parking lot, don’t quite make it all the way down to sounding a lot like a swarm of angry wasps. the soil. That’s the challenge in our area,” “I’m really thankful to be a part of it all,” he said. said Gus. “We’ve had such tremendous When it comes to flying drones over and support. I think there is a huge future in this around wildlife, Watts said most of the time business.” they hover well above, so the impact on Watts re-iterates the joy of working with animal life “would be minimal.” drones.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024

Huu-ay-aht celebrates construction of mother’s centre Oomiiqsu Centre is nearing completion in Port Alberni, a facility designed to help break the foster system cycle

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The near-completion of the construction of Oomiiqsu (Mother) Centre, developed by Huu-ay-aht First Nation, was celebrated by dozens of supporters at Port Alberni’s Italian Hall on September 5th. The one-of-a-kind centre, which opens later this year, will provide supportive housing and services to Aboriginal women and children in Port Alberni.

According to Huu-ay-aht leaders, plans for the centre began in earnest when their treaty was implemented in 2011, giving them the resources needed to move forward. “We needed to address a fundamental challenge – there was probably over 40 percent of children in care and that is not including those at risk of intervention,” said Huu-ay-aht elected chief John Jack.

“The work started probably in the 70s and 80s,” said Jack, “when people said something needs to change.” Too many Indigenous children were in the foster care system following the closure of residential schools in the region.

“We need to help parents and families break the cycle,” said Jack. And, with the help of the Social Services Panel, recommendations were made, and partnerships were formed.

Huu-ay-aht First Nation leadership broke ground for the new building in 2022. The Oomiiqsu Centre will provide services and support to Aboriginal mothers and children with the goal of keeping families together. But first, Huuay-aht leadership approached Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, in whose territory Oomiiqsu Centre would be built, seeking their approval and support for the centre – an important aspect of cultural protocol.

“When we were approached by Huuay-aht we were in full support,” said Hupacasath Chief Brandi Lauder. “We need many options to become a stronger community than we were in the 70s.”

The new centre is not only for Huu-ayaht families but also for other Indigenous families in the Alberni Valley. “This new centre will help women gain their

Submitted photo

Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on the Oomiiqsu Centre, which is at an undisclosed location in Port Alberni. On Sept. 5 the Huu-ay-aht First Nations celebrated the facility’s near completion with an event at the Italian Hall. strength and confidence…thank you, Huu-ay-aht,” said Lauder.

Tseshaht Elected Chief Wameesh, Ken Watts, spoke of important cultural teachings and how the word, uu-a-thluk means ‘to take care of’. Speaking to the Huu-ayaht leaders, he said, “you’re a true champion for taking care of your people.”

MP Gord Johns congratulated the Huuay-aht and their partners, reminding them that champions don’t do things on their own. He commended HFN Councillor Ed Johnson, who took the lead on Oomiiqsu Centre as part of his council portfolio.

Together, with Nuu-chah-nulth nations, the City of Port Alberni and NDP government partnerships, the new concept came to life, Johns noted.

“Oomiiqsu is going to be a place to bring children home, where mothers and children will feel safe, healthy and connected, and they will be able to look back and tell many wonderful stories,” Huu-ay-aht Council Member Edward R.

Johnson said in a Nov. 2022 statement.

The new development includes transition housing, a childcare and support centre that will be managed and operated by the Huu-ay-aht government’s Child and Family Wellness Department. The centre will be operated by Huu-ay-aht government, providing supportive services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to Indigenous mothers facing challenges.

There will be space for up to 48 mothers and children escaping abuse, facing mental health challenges, addictions, poverty, or other barriers to wellness. The childcare centre will have eight spaces for children up to three years old and 16 spaces for children 30 months to school age.

Huu-ay-aht partnered with the government of British Columbia to develop Oomiiqsu Centre. The province has invested about $10 million through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund with an additional $88,000 in

annual operating funding. The Ministry of Education and Child Care is contributing $800,000 for childcare spaces.

“At Oomiiqsu, they (mothers and children in need) will find stability, security and access to support in a way that works specifically for the Nuu-chah-nulth people,” said Murray Rankin, Minister Responsible for Housing, in a 2022 statement.

“It is important to do what we can to keep families together. It is important that we work for our children to be healthy, safe, and connected to their community and to their culture,” said Jack.

“Hopefully, this will be replicated across Canada, this is history,” said Johns, adding that this centre will save lives and could be the beginning of the end of the child welfare system. “This is what reconciliation looks like,” said Johns.

Oomiiqsu Centre is expected to be up and running by the end of 2024.

Phrase of the week: %ušcii%iš%a> h=iinin kakaawin camaakukqin qacca%a> %iih= qwaac^a> tuh=cup tataana%išh@a> Pronounced ‘oh s cee it isḥ ałth hii nin kakaawin caamakuk kin gots caa eeh eeh tuu harp tats nah is haa wii alt suu saw,’ it means ‘Killer whales were really common in the bay at home, three of them came in one time! What excitement there was, they are so big and beautiful creatures! Could hear all the oohs and ahs from everyone, the children all rushing to get out of the water real fast ’ Supplied by ciisma

Illustration by Maddexx George

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Tsow-Tun Le Lum treatment centre marks re-opening $18-million facility has treatment beds for 32, space for staff elders, meeting rooms, a gym, sweat lodge & trails

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Duncan, BC – Ceremony, prayer and plenty of singing and dancing marked the re-opening of treatment centre Tsow-Tun Le Lum at its brand-new facility located at 2850 Miller Road, on the south end of Duncan, B.C., in Cowichan Tribes territory.

Tsow-Tun Le Lum, which means Helping House in the Hul’q’umi’num’ language, is a fully accredited, registered, non-profit treatment society offering holistic and cultural supports for people - not only in addictions, but also for survivors of trauma. Tsow-Tun Le Lum has been helping Indigenous individuals break free from addictions and heal from trauma since 1988, starting at their facility in Nanoose.

Planning for the original Tsow-Tun Le Lum began in June 1977. The original facility was built on Snaw Na As territory north of Nanaimo. It opened in June 1988. Many people credit Tsow-Tun Le Lum for helping them achieve happier, healthier lifestyles.

The new, $18-million facility has treatment beds for 32 clients at a time plus space for elders that work there. There are meeting spaces, a gym, sweat lodge, courtyards, walking trails and a pond, all tucked in forest on the side of Miller Road. Funding for the new centre is supported through a Tripartite Funding Partnership between the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), First Nations Health Authority, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to enable communities to build and revitalize First Nations-run treatment centres in B.C. Tsow-Tun Le Lum offers three programs, each with a focus on substance use, trauma or grief. All programs have a cultural healing component.

Periods of sobriety are a requirement for some programs Tsow-Tun Le Lum offers because they don’t have medical staff to help those that are detoxing. Group and individual therapy programs are directed by a professional team while cultural and spiritual healing is provided under the direction of elders.

“Each of our programs successfully integrates traditional teachings with modern therapeutic techniques,” the website states.

The first clients at the new facility came through shortly after it opened in November 2023.

The grand opening celebration started in the gym on Friday, September 13, with speeches, singing, dancing and a sacred pipe ceremony. People gathered outside to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It takes a lot of effort and a lot of love to make a place like this possible,” said Nola Jeffrey, executive director of TsowTun Le Lum Society.

Denise Titian photos

Opening to clients in November 2023, the Tsow-Tun Le Lum society celebrated its new facility in Duncan on Sept. 13.

Brennan MacDonald “Today marks a significant milestone for the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Healing House,” said Brennan MacDonald, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) vice-president of regional operations for Vancouver Island. “As we celebrate the grand opening of this new location in Cowichan, we recognize the important work delivered over 30 years at the former site in Snaw-Naw-As. The new building design reflects the importance of cultural beliefs and practices held central to Tsow-Tun Le Lum’s approach to healing from trauma and addiction. We are so proud to stand together with Tsow-Tun Le Lum Healing House and look forward to the good work that will continue in this new space.”

“We’ve created an amazing home where people can come and heal and know they are loved,” said Jeffery, adding that it’s not just a treatment centre but a healing

home.

She urged people to remind their loved ones how valuable and loved they are and how much they are needed.

“By improving access to culturally safe care and wholistic, traditional approaches to wellness, the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Healing House is a key partner to helping us achieve our vision of healthy, self-determining and vibrant First Nations children, families and communities in B.C. We look forward to supporting the continued evolution of services by the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society in the years to come,” stated Richard Jock, First Nations Health Authority CEO. According to Wade Grant, chair, of the First Nations Health Council, Tsow-Tun

Le Lum treatment centre is a concrete example of how the FNHC is fulfilling their promise to bring health care closer to home with First Nations’ culture at the centre of their work.

“The FNHC knows that culture saves lives. That is why we support mentalhealth and addiction recovery in First Nation communities,” he said.

“People need programs and services that meet their needs and Indigenous communities are in the best position to determine what services are right for them,” said Jennifer Whiteside, B.C.’s minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

“I really love our people and really want them to do well,” said Jeffery.

Mobile Hair Stylist 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.

Doreen Ryan Little

250-723-4776

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024

Usma News

Community&Beyond Pacific Rim StrongStart Fresh Air Fridays

Sept 20 - Nov 22 Port Alberni, BC September 20th: Harbour Quay, 5440 Argyle St. October 18th: Cherry Creek Park, 3720 Moore Rd. November 8th: Cougar Smith Park, 9028 Faber Rd. November 15th: Gyro Park, 3245 7th Ave. November 22nd: Williamson Park, 5081 Bishop Ave. 9:00 am – 11:00 am Rain or Shine, come dressed for the weather. Snack provided, please pack a water bottle.

+u>-ik-yuk (Be The Good Story) Since May, Usma has celebrated five permanent transfers of custody, where children or youth are permanently transferred to the guardianship of a family member.

Permanent transfers of custody occur when a child or youth are not able to return to their parents and there is a family member that is able to take on legal guardianship and parental responsibilities.

Each transfer of custody celebration is different and fits the needs and desires of each family, but typically, the celebration is over a shared meal with a blanketing ceremony. The overall purpose of the celebration is to come together to acknowledge the good work that happened.

For one of the families that celebrated their permanent transfer of custody this past August, the grandmother’s favorite part of their celebration was the cultural work that took place.

“This is the beginning of our new journey together as a family,” the grandmother said, recalling the words said by one of Usma’s staff as they brushed the family with cedar branches.

She shared that as she was brushed, they invited her to let go of any worries or negatives that would interfere with her and her grandchildren’s growth on their new journey together.

The family was gifted blankets, devil’s club necklaces with a paddle attached, and cedar bark headbands. Prior, the family shared a meal with a small group of people; and as the adults were chatting, the two kids were playing and coloring.

For this grandmother, it means a lot to her to raise her two grandchildren and have them in her guardianship permanently.

Keeping Nuu-chah-nulth children and youth with their parents, families, and in their communities, connected to their traditional and familial roots is at the core of the work that the Usma program does.

Usma is very happy to have supported these families as they celebrate their new beginning together and look forward to many more celebrations to come.

Usma’s resource team, which supports Usma’s caregivers and care providers, is looking for Nuu-chah-nulth aunties,

uncles, cousins, grandmas, and grandpas to help support Nuu-chah-nulth children and youth through short-term, long-term, relief and respite care.

Relief and respite care are short-term and intermittent care options that provide Usma caregivers and parents a short break while their child is cared for by another home for a day or longer.

The resource team is also in search of short-term and long-term caregivers that can care for Nuu-chah-nulth teens and support their life skills and independence development as they prepare to become a young adult.

Please contact Usma, and ask for a Resource Social Worker, for more information on becoming a caregiver.

Dates have been selected for Usma’s Ńaańaačtuqḥsi (Parenting 101) program for the 2024/25 year. Ńaańaačtuqḥsi, meaning “guide or to show the way,” utilizes modern and traditional practices to focus on selftrauma and developing parenting skills that support parents to be the best parent they can be. Ńaańaačtuqḥsi is a week-long program running from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m., to 4:30 p.m., with two additional evening sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

From Sept. 23 to 27 the program will be in Zeballos, Oct. 7 to 11 in Kyuquot, Oct. 21 to 25 in Port Alberni, Nov. 4 to 8 in Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nov. 18 to 22 in Ahousaht, and Dec. 2 to 6 in Ditidaht territory.

For 2025 the program will run from Jan. 20 to 24 in Tla-o-qui-aht, Feb. 3 to 7 in Ucluelet, Feb. 24 to 28 in Port Alberni, March 10 to 14 in Tseshaht, March 24 to 28 in Uchucklesaht, and April 7 to 11 in Port Alberni.

For more information, call Usma and ask for facilitators, Ramona Mark and Dave Jacobson, or request a referral from your community family care worker or social workers.

Usma can be reached at 250-724-3232, or at 1-877-722-3232 (toll-free).

The Usma team wishes all students, parents, and families a warm welcome back to school. Until next month!

Les Sam Construction Residential . Commercial & Architectural Structures Construction Management & Consulting Forming & Framing Ph/Txt: 250.720.7334

les sam@shaw.ca

October 12 Gyro Youth Center – 3245 7th avenue, Port Alberni Drop in and get a free kids Halloween costume generously donated by the community with a heart – for children 12 and under. Everyone welcome while supply lasts. Contact Karlene to donate rosmom2022@gmail.com DAC Health Ability Fair

October 23 & 24 Alberni Athletic Hall – tentative venue More information to follow closer to the event date

Women in Trades – Social and Information Fair

Nuu-chah-nulth Baby Group

September 26th

Every Monday

Kwa’lilas Hotel, Port Hardy BC

CYS - 4841 Redford Street, Port Alberni

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Are you a local youth interested in a career in the trades? Join us for our social and information fair later this month to learn more about these industries. This session is led by women, for women and is a safe space to ask questions and dream big. If you require more information or would like to speak to someone about the event, please reach out to: Barbara James - barbara.ashleyj@ gmail.com Ditidaht First Nation AGM

September 28 Hupacasath Hall – 5500 Ahahswinis Drive, Port Alberni 11:00 am – 3:30 pm The Annual General Meeting will include presentation of the annual financial report, Chief and Council update, displays from staff members and others. For those who cannot attend in person, a Zoom link will be provided near the AGM date.

Open Invitation - Indian name giving

Sept 28 Thunderbird Hall, Campbell River Starts at 10am, lunch be served at 12pm and supper at 6:30pm. Please come Share a meal with my family & friends. Hosted

by Barb Wells(Amos) and family National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event

September 30th 11:30 am at the house of Huu-ay-aht, lunch will be provided, Everyone is welcome.

Free Halloween Costume Event

10am-12pm. We offer Prenatal and infant development information, special guests, snacks provide and $20.00 food voucher per family. 250-724-3939. Enter from 4th avenue side, building with orange stripe.

Girls Group

Every Tuesday Usma culture space, Port Alberni 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!

Eating in Balance

Wednesdays Port Alberni Friendship Center Group works together starting with planting seeds up until preserving the food. Participants will receive a $10.00 grocery coupon that can be used at Quality Foods and Buy Low Foods.

Open to all families with children 0-6. To register please contact Amber at 250-723-8281 ext. 233 or aflaro@ pafriendshipcenter.com or on FB Amber PAFC

Cultural Brushings with Quu asa

Every Friday Redford Administration Building, Port Alberni 9:00am-12:00pm Cultural Brushings in support of the Tseshaht Community.

Please call 250-724-1225

September 19, 2024—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

View more job postings at www.hashilthsa.com

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024

Tseshaht continues free kids tickets for hockey games First Nation’s businesses sponsor Bulldogs and Bomber junior games over the 2024-25 season for fans under 18

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC – Tseshaht First Nation is among those who have stepped up to ensure youth can continue to attend junior hockey contests in Port Alberni for free.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs, a Junior A squad that competes in the British Columbia Hockey League, and the Port Alberni Bombers, a Junior B club in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, had a previous sponsorship deal with the San Group in place to allow those 18 and under to come to their home games for free when accompanied by an adult.

That deal, however, ended at the end of the last hockey season.

But Tseshaht First Nation officials joined forces with two of their businesses, Tseshaht Market and Tseshaht Forestry, to make sure that the program offering free tickets for youth continues for the 2024-25 season.

Tseshaht First Nation Chief Councillor Ken Watts is among those pleased to see a new deal was struck to keep the program running. More than 7,000 tickets were provided for free to youth that attended Bulldogs and Bombers home contests last season.

“It supports families coming together,” Watts said of the program. “We were proud to step up and contribute.”

Watts said he himself has taken advantage of the ticket program in the past and has attended Bulldogs’ games with his 12-year-old son Kailand and 17-year-old daughter Noelani.

“Every game we’ve gone to has always been a great time,” Watts said. “This is giving youth an opportunity to get out and do something with their families.”

Watts added going to junior hockey

Submitted photo

Tseshaht member Riley Hassell drops the puck at a bulldogs game back in 2022. games is indeed a huge deal for a lot of local youngsters since many of them view the players as role models.

For now, Watts said the current sponsorship agreement is in place for one season.

“We’ll see how it goes after the first year,” he said.

Stefanie Weber, who is the director of business operations for both the Bulldogs and their affiliate Bombers, is also thrilled the free tickets for youth initiative is continuing.

“It’s become like a flagship program for our organization,” Weber said.

Both the Bulldogs and Bombers play their home contests at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. The facility has a capacity of about 1,850.

An adult ticket for a Bulldogs’ match costs $20. Every adult that purchases a ticket can receive up to two youth tickets for free. Weber added if a pair of adult tickets are bought, then four youth can also attend a match for free. That translates into six people coming to a contest and paying $40 in admission.

“That is very reasonable,” Weber said.

Bombers’ tickets are even less expen-

sive. Adult tickets to watch the Junior B club are just $10 each. And again, up to two youth can attend a game for free for every adult ticket bought.

Weber said that in the past the majority of free tickets that have been given away have been for the Junior A Bulldogs, who play in a higher-calibre league.

Early indications are the Bombers might just have a rather successful season. As of mid- September the club had a perfect 4-0 record after a couple of weeks of regular season action. The Bombers, who compete in the VIJHL’s North Division, were tied atop the divisional standings with the Campbell River Storm with eight points. The Campbell River squad, however, had played one extra match and had a 4-1 mark.

Weber is hoping the Bombers’ torrid start will mean more people will also start going to their matches.

The Bombers’ six-team division also includes the Nanaimo Buccaneers, Comox Valley Glacier Kings, Oceanside Generals and Lake Cowichan Kraken.

The VIJHL also features a five-team South Division.

As for the Bulldogs, they compete in the BCHL’s 10-team Coastal Conference.

The league also has an 11-squad Interior Conference.

The Bulldogs will commence their regular season on Sept. 20 with a home game versus the Nanaimo Clippers. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Another key date on the Bulldogs’ schedule is Sept. 28 when they square off against the Chilliwack Chiefs. That tilt is the Bulldogs’ Truth and Reconciliation game. It is the closest Bulldogs’ home contest that is staged ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is on Sept. 30.

Bamfield ge•ing new, improved water pipe in 2025

By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Bamfield, BC – The Barkley Sound community is adjacent to Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

The Barkley Sound community is adjacent to Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

The $1.2 million project is expected to commence next spring and expected to be completed by next June.

The federal government is providing $470,095 towards the project, the Province of British Columbia government is chipping in with $391,707 and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ARCD) will contribute $313,436.

The project will replace 400 metres of underwater piping that was built in 1981.

“It’s been problematic with numerous leaks,” said Bob Beckett, who is Bamfield’s electoral area director for the ARCD. Beckett said those leaks have become more frequent in recent times.

“I know every year we’ve had one or more leaks,” he said. “But I don’t know the volume of water lost.”

West Bamfield is a relatively small community with approximately 100 households.

Beckett said it’s unlikely that next year’s project would have gone ahead without both provincial and federal funding.

“That’s a huge hit on the community,” he said. “I don’t know if we would have been able to afford it on our own. We’d have to do repairs, which would have

been a huge problem.”

The federal funds were made available via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which aims to enhance infrastructure across the country, with a focus on green initiatives.

As for the money provided by the B.C. government, that’s coming through the Environmental Quality Program.

Bennett said the last leak in the current piping was about a month ago.

“This wasn’t a once-in-a-while thing,” he said.

It is believed that the current piping is near the conclusion of its useful life, having served the community for 43 years.

Some recent leaks have been caused by the failure of existing welds.

Twice major leaks resulted in a substantial amount of water loss. West Bamfield then had boil water advisories.

The new project will help guarantee the community receives decent potable water and that it has an adequate system pressure. It will also be a boost to the community’s firefighting efforts.

The old piping had a diameter of 150 millimetres. The new project will feature 200-millimetre piping.

The new pipeline will also be weighted.

Concrete armouring mats will also be installed over the pipes to protect it from the environment as well as boat anchors.

Bennett added a large vessel did have its anchor caught up in the current piping years ago, which created a shift in it.

Bennett also said the new piping will be constructed following both provincial and

Bob Beckett federal coding.

“It’s a much more robust system that we will have,” he said. “The standards are much more rigid than originally installed.”

Though all of the work done will be in West Bamfield, Bennett said Huu-ay-aht First Nations will also benefit.

“Huu-ay-aht does own some property in Bamfield,” Bennett said. “The two communities are closely connected from a tourist standpoint and a business standpoint.”

Since the new project is not expected to commence until the spring, Bennett said leaks in the current piping could still materialize in the coming months.

“There’s always that risk,” he said. “But the (project) team and the engineering

consultants are moving as quickly as they can. Everyone realizes this is a highly important need.”

GreatPacific Engineering & Environment, based in Colwood, is the firm that has been hired to do the design work for the project.

John Jack, Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ chief councillor who is also the ARCD board chair, is pleased to see the project get the green light.

“Replacing the existing waterline will improve the reliability and offer assurances that the delivery of high-quality potable water to the residents of West Bamfield continues,” Jack said. “This is the most critical infrastructure replacement project within the Bamfield Water System, and it will ensure the continuity of this essential service while protecting the Bamfield Inlet from the release of treated water.”

Josie Osborne, the MLA for Mid-Island Pacific Rim, also believes the watermain project is much needed.

“Having clean, reliable drinking water is essential for our communities,” Osborne said. “This funding will help replace a key watermain in Bamfield to make sure drinking water for people is accessible and reliable for years to come.”

The West Bamfield project was one of four water infrastructure projects in B.C. announced by federal officials earlier this month.

The other projects are in Richmond, the District of Hope and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.

September 19, 2024—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Vessel interrupts killer whales as they hunt sea lions Regulation says boats must stay 400 metres from orcas, while vessels are advised to idle and allow them to pass

By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, BC – A pod of transient killer whales recently ventured into the Ucluelet harbour, chasing a sea lion for dinner, but dinner got the best of the apex predators when a vessel seemingly interfered with the hunt.

Ucluelet Aquarium curator Laura Griffith-Cochrane captured the exciting scene on her phone from Alder Park, which overlooks the harbour.

“I think the sea lion was trying to use the boat as a refuge area and them moving definitely affected it, but it would be hard to say exactly what its affect was,” said Griffith-Cochrane, who witnessed the astonishing moment with her two children and husband. “But I think they took a very dangerous risk and they made a bad decision by moving. They should not have been running their motor at all near the family of killer whales. They should have turned it off and chilled.

They should have become plankton.”

Griffith-Cochrane reported the incident to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

“We have to take our responsibility seriously,” she said. “We share this world, and I think we have our human-community responsibilities and we also have our shared ecosystem responsibilities. It’s really important that we don’t forget that.

The rules are there for a reason; to protect these killer whales.”

“I remember my grandad telling me that there used to be a gun mounted at the Comox harbour and they used to shoot killer whales when they would pass. It’s within

Laura Griffith-Cochrane video still

A boat slowly moves through a pod of killer whales hunting a sea lion in the Ucluelet harbour on Sept. 4, 2024. my lifetime that the transients are starting Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ local Tyson Touchie says to stabilize,” Griffith-Cochrane adds. the boat operator should have given the Under Canadian law, boaters in Canakiller whales – or kakaw̓in as they’re dian Pacific waters must stay 400 metres called in Nuu-chah-nulth language – away from all killer whales in the waters space. south of Campbell River, down to the “They deserve it. This harbour is so southern tip of Vancouver Island, up to special because it’s safe enough for them an area just north of Ucluelet. Be Whale to come in and train their young how to Wise, an educational partnership between hunt. That’s special. They could do that B.C. and Washington state, recommends anywhere, but they do it here. Sooner or placing the engine in neutral and allowlater if there is interference, they’ll stop ing the animals to pass if the vessel is not coming,” said Touchie. within the mandatory avoidance distance.

“You treat them as a human,” Touchie

shares. “The teachings that I got was that the kakaw̓in and qʷayac̓iik (wolf) are considered like a relative to humans.

Those three share that same mentality as living in families, hunting, fishing…

They are really highly respected within First Nations communities up and down the coast. They are just like us. We are practically the same. You can even see in our culture the transformation from killer whale to wolf, wolf to killer whale. There is always that respect within the nations.”

“When the killer whales come in here, you are lucky if you get to see it, but you definitely don’t interfere,” he added.

“You could feel sorry for the seals, but that’s what they are there for. When the kakaw̓in come into the harbour, they are usually teaching their young ones to hunt.

There was a young one in there. There was a mother and their baby. They are teaching them something really important in their life cycle and that is to hunt, so any interference in that is disrespectful.”

In Griffith-Cochrane’s video from Alder Park, the sea lion attempts to jump on the boat to save itself.

“Anything would. That survival instinct kicks in. But sooner or later, in my opinion, the killer whales are going to start thinking, ‘How do I get them off’?” said Touchie.

DFO is not pursuing any charges.

“Conservation and Protection fishery officers looked into this report and found nothing to indicate that the vessel was purposely trying to interact with or approach the orcas in Ucluelet harbour on September 4,” reads an email statement from DFO.

Fishermen ‘grind’ through the season on the Somass

By Alexandra Mehl Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC- While a crisp air greets the Alberni Valley marking the beginning of autumn, chinook, sockeye and coho salmon continue their annual migration up the Somass River. But this season has been “an interesting year” for fisheries, with commercial, sports, recreational, and First Nations fishing less chinook than what’s been expected.

“The fishing season has been a little bit of a grind this year,” said Nasimius, Ed Ross, a Tseshaht elected councillor and fishermen, noting that though the chinook season was anticipated to be good this year, they’ve been hard to catch.

“The chinook started coming, and they started coming pretty quick and hard,” he said. “There [were] a few guys that did really well with the fishery and then we had that cold spell, so the fish were kind of just shooting through.”

“All of a sudden they kind of stopped coming in really thick,” said Ross.

“It’s been an interesting year, for sure,” said Graham Murrell, fisheries manager and biologist for the Hupačasath First Nation. “We started with pretty high expectations.”

Murrell echoed Ross, sharing with Ha-Shilth-Sa, that it’s likely that chinook made their way up the Somass in August with the cooler weather conditions, despite typically pooling up in the Inlet.

“We haven’t seen a large aggregation of fish anywhere, really, up the Inlet,” said Murrell. “Maybe they’ve gotten smarter, and they know how to avoid fisheries.”

“I think they’ve also been fairly deep,” Murrell noted.

“They want 18,000 up top and we got [10,509] so far,” said Ross of the Robertson Creek Hatchery escapement numbers.

“It’s showing us that there [aren’t] a lot of chinook out there right now, because the coho and sockeye are all in there right now.”

Ross hopes that the chinook have been temporarily pushed out due to the high numbers of sockeye in the Alberni Inlet.

According to the most recent Robertson Creek Hatchery Chinook Bulletin, the “pre-season management forecast” for Chinook was 125,000, and the “in-season reforecast” is reported as 110,000 of the salmon species.

As of the Sept. 12, the publication date of the latest bulletin, the total chinook catch estimate stood at 54,330 with Chinook Escapement at 10,509.

The report goes on to share that the chinook catch estimate for this season among Tseshaht and Hupačasath sits at 24,583, Area D gillnet with 8,623, recreational with 10,620, Maa-nulth First Nations with 1,058, Area B seine with 8,463, and a test boat has caught 983 chinook.

“It’s scary, because the sport fishery didn’t do very good, the commercial guys haven’t done good - I mean, usually they catch their quota pretty quickly, but they still have 14,000 left on their TAC, and that’s a total allowable catch,” said Ross.

But for Ross, it’s most important to have good escapement numbers of salmon making their way down the river system to procreate.

“Those escapement numbers are important because it ensures that we will have chinook four years from now,” said Ross. “If we don’t get those numbers up

Alexandra Mehl photo

A First Nation boat casts its net on the Somass River in early September, hoping to catch chinook salmon that are making their annual migration from the Alberni Inlet up the river system. there… we won’t get the abundance that ment.” we’ve been getting of chinook.”

“Chinook is harder,” said Murrell. “A “I think a vast majority of them went lot of uncertainties until we actually get by already,” he added. “But I hope I’m the fish through the tunnels and through wrong… it’s about the escapement, it’s counters.” about getting our fish up there in the Ross said that the fisheries allow Tsebank.” shaht fishers to secure their “financial Murrell shared that Chinook typically needs throughout the year.” run through the Somass between mid“This year might be a little bit of a August through to mid-October and struggle,” he added. that final escapement numbers won’t be “[Chinook are] so big that you can get a determined until then. lot out of them, right from dried upskwii “We won’t know what number we’ve to salmon steaks,” said Ross. “It fills your hit until all our escapement gets through, freezer really fast.” which won’t be [until] October,” he said, “The fishery is a real life force for adding that though fish have been harder our people,” said Ross. “They bring us to catch, escapement has been doing well. together.”

“We’re ahead of the game on escape-

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—September 19, 2024