Ha-Shilth-Sa December 12, 2019 by Hashilthsa

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 46 - No. 23—December 12, 2019 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Port Alberni’s connector bus depot closes, First Nations travelers urged to purchase tickets online call for salmon emergency

A succession of depot closures leaves seniors waiting in the cold, including an Ahousaht Ha’wilth

By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor

By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – Wilson’s transportation has announced the closure of its Port Alberni bus depot located at 4541 Margaret Street, effective Nov. 30, 2019. Starting Dec. 1, 2019, travelers can catch the bus around the corner at the 7-Eleven convenience store located 4934 Johnston Road. In addition to the change of the pickup/drop off location, there will no longer be a ticket agent. Instead, passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets online using credit cards or Visa debit cards. Tickets may be purchased directly from bus drivers using cash or credit cards. However, passengers run the risk of missing their bus if all of the seats were sold online prior to their arrival. Ahousaht Ha’wilth Rocky Titian is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. He and his wife Maryanne are regular bus travelers as they attend medical appointments in Courtenay and Vancouver. “The hardest part is waiting,” said Maryanne, adding that they often stand in the rain waiting for buses in Tofino. With the closure of several bus depots, the couple can spend as many as three hours waiting outdoors for bus connections. “I just wish they had proper places to wait,” said Maryanne. “Our clothes get wet, his medications get wet and we have to sit on the bus with cold, wet clothes.” For appointments in Courtenay, which is about an hour drive from Port Alberni, the couple must take the long bus route to Nanaimo to make their transfers back north to Courtenay. “Sometimes we wait three hours outside,” said Maryanne. Michelle Campbell works in the Ahousaht Administration Medical department making medical travel arrangements for members. She says that both bus depots in Tofino and Ucluelet closed several weeks ago, wreaking havoc on bus travelers unaware of the changes. For Ahousaht patients living on Flores Island a trip to town begins with a boat ride to Tofino. The Tofino Bus is heavily

Photo by Maryanne Titian

Ahousaht Ha’wilth Rocky Titian is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant due to Type 2 diabetes. He and his wife Maryanne rely on the bus service for medical appointments in Courtenay and Vancouver. used by those that don’t have their own driver. vehicles and the bus depot used to be “But I saw an old lady that tried to get within walking distance of the dock, in on the bus; she didn’t have the right central Tofino. change and couldn’t get on the bus,” he Now passengers are directed to go to the said. He added that he doesn’t do onTofino Tourist Information Centre at 1426 line banking either and neither do many Pacific Rim Highway, a distance of seven seniors. kilometers outside of town, to catch their As of Dec. 1, travelers heading to the bus. west coast by bus must catch their ride at “We learned the hard way how to get the 7-Eleven parking lot at 4934 Gertrude our passengers on the bus,” said CampStreet. bell, after hearing from angry, stranded Breanna Green of VIConnector encourmembers. ages people to purchase their tickets For Ahousaht patients traveling by bus, online to reserve a seat. Campbell contacts Wilson Transportation “They may use a major credit card or a and reserves seats, asking that the passen- debit Visa card,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa. gers be picked up in town at the Co-op Bus drivers can take cash payments, but parking lot. it’s first come, first served for walk-ups. “We send them a purchase order and For more information about local bus they issue confirmation numbers which schedules go to VIConnector.com or we give to the patients,” Campbell said. call 1-866-986-3456. The bus service Wilson Transportation then bills the naprovides daily scheduled bus trips on tion. Vancouver Island from Victoria to Port Rocky Titian says he just has to give his Hardy. name and confirmation number to the bus

Inside this issue... Road paving in Ahousaht............................................Page 2 Preparing for storms...................................................Page 4 Gooseneck barnacles: Seafood of the future?............Page 6 Trial over smudging in schools............................ Page 8-10 Real-life material needed for NY museum...............Page 14

Lillooet, BC - With a narrow winter window in which to clear salmon passage at Big Bar Slide, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is urging federal and provincial governments to declare a state of emergency. “Extreme efforts and resources must be put forth immediately to preserve cultures and ways of life that have existed for thousands of years,” said BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. Collectively representing B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), the council wants Ottawa and Victoria to direct more resources at a grave and immediate threat to salmon migration while ensuring First Nations have greater authority to deal with emergencies attributed to climate change. Although the slide barrier was reduced over the course of last summer in a co-ordinated response, remaining rock poses a significant obstacle to salmon on their migratory path to Interior spawning grounds. Early Stuart sockeye and early chinook runs are at greatest risk of collapse. “The remaining blockage will undoubtedly impact upstream First Nations’ access to food sources next year and has the potential to severely impair future cycles of salmon stocks, which will be cause for huge losses to First Nations, commercial and sport fisheries in future years,” said Lydia Hwitsum of the First Nations Summit. FNLC’s urgent appeal came in a news release Monday, the same day Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns called in the House of Commons for a “salmon emergency.” “This is not about blame or shame,” Johns told the House after explaining the threat to the lifeblood of B.C.’s greatest salmon resource, the Fraser River. “This is about doing the right thing, right now. We need action.” Teegee said First Nations leaders in communities along the river continue to feel a lack of communications about extensive work needed in the river channel as the water level drops. “What’s really being planned in the next few months? This is the opportune time to do something,” Teegee said. “There is a limited amount of time.”

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

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Next phase of road paving work begins in Ahousaht Flores Island First Nation lobbies for more federal unds with the long-term goal of paving whole community By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Ahousaht, BC - The next round of road paving has begun in Ahousaht, with work in the Happy Hill neighbourhood near the schools that started in early November. A crew from Nanaimo-based Hazelwood Construction is preparing 420 metres of road in the Flores Island community, plus 60 metres in a residential cul de sac. Laying gravel, grading, ditch digging and the construction of driveway culverts is expected to be complete by the end of the year. “Right now there’s not really any ditching, so people just pull into their lot, but because we’re adding ditches we have to put in a culvert,” explained Paul Noel, general manager for Hazelwood Construction. After the cold and damp weather passes in March or April Hazelwood then plans to pave the prepared surface with asphalt. Beside its new subdivision at the south end of the community and the route leading to this neighbourhood, most of Ahousaht’s road are unpaved. But the First Nation plans to change this in the coming years, a combined eﬀort estimated to cost $9 million. The Happy Hill phase of the paving is being done with $1.1 million made available by the federal government, which Ahousaht has used to hire Hazelwood and Associated Engineering. “Since this is only $1.1 million, Ahousaht is going to continue to advocate for more dollars with the federal government to continue to pave our whole community,” said Chief Councillor

Photo by Denise Titian

Work has begun to pave the roads in Ahousaht’s Happy Hill neighbourhood. The First Nation hopes to have the whole community paved in the coming years. Greg Louie. The Hazelwood crews are currently working 10 days at a time in Ahousaht, with four days oﬀ. “We have hired some locals too,” said Noel. “One of the equipment operators, Clarence Smith, he’s been consistent. We’ve also hired a few other fellows for labouring duties.” Hazelwood has been doing jobs in Ahousaht for several years, and is also currently constructing a wastewater treatment plant in the community. Other work includes the construction and installation of the 1,210-metre water main line from Anderson Creek that was completed in January, and building a transfer station for household waste that gets transported to a dump in Toﬁno. In 2011 Hazelwood

“They like the people, they like the community aspect and we never hear complaints from our guys about going there and working there.” ~ Paul Noel, Hazelwood Construction began work on 60 lots for the Maaqtusiis subdivision, including underground infrastructure, a sewage pump station and road paving. “Our guys really enjoy working there,” said Noel. “They like the people, they

like the community aspect and we never hear complaints from our guys about going there and working there.” While working in Ahousaht the construction company doesn’t have to worry about the traﬃc control issues of a city, but other challenges arise in taking on a project in the remote community. Equipment and supplies need to be barged from Toﬁno, which can cost a much as $4,000 a trip. In the spring the asphalt will require a barge from Port Alberni, due to the transportation challenges of the winding route on Highway 4. “The paving is complicated because they have to barge the hot asphalt,” noted Noel. “If the weather turns, there’s a risk component.” Fortunately, a fuel station is available in Ahousaht, but like other contracts in remote communities, up to a 50 per cent labour cost increase is expected due to travel and accommodation. “Beyond that, once you’re there, it’s similar to any other project,” said Noel. As paving spreads through the community’s roads, the First Nation expects to see more vehicles. This will require stronger enforcement, commented Louie. This issue was brought up at Ahousaht’s annual general meeting in September, when members voiced concerns over drunk drivers, pedestrian safety and RCMP response. Suggestions included bylaws that set licencing and age limits for drivers on the reserve. “Our community’s planning around road safety as we go forward,” said Louie. “Our deputy chief has put a call out for a working group to work around road safety.”

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Guided by UNDRIP, Indigenous rights declaration passes into law Bill 41 ensures government will collaborate, but it does not give a First Nation power to veto a large-scale development By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Victoria, BC - The future of Indigenous rights in British Columbia will be different than how they were recognised in the past, according to legislation put into law in Victoria. On Thursday, Nov. 28 Bill 41 received royal assent, making B.C. the first Canadian province to follow a call from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to enact the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Guided by the principles of UNDRIP, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples act passed unanimously in B.C.’s Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 26 after being introduced just over a month before. The bill was developed by the provincial government in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council, a body comprised of representation from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the BC Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Summit. Cheryl Casimer, the First Nations Summit’s political executive, said that all of the over 200 Aboriginal groups in B.C. had the chance to review the legislation before it was tabled in Victoria. “Even though we’ve won numerous court cases in the province that upheld Aboriginal rights and title, it never really went far enough to be reflected in the laws,” she noted. “Now the provincial government is making that commitment to align provincial laws with the standards set out in the United Nations declaration.”

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation photo

Introduced in the legislative assembly on Oct. 24 with perfromances by Indigenous groups, Bill 41 ensures government will collaborate, but it does not give a First Nation power to veto a development. That alignment is expected to take several years, encompassing approximately 5,000 laws that need to be brought into compliance with UNDRIP. Priorities for implementations are child welfare reform, amendments to the province’s Environmental Assessment Act and forestry legislation that puts First Nations in more control over the management of their territory. “The closures that are happening are affecting all of our communities - whether you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous it’s the livelihood of many families and

we need to figure out ways how we can revive that industry,” said Casimer. “First Nations involvement has been limited in the past to addressing a referral, that’s never been acceptable. First Nations need to have a larger role to play.” Although Bill 41 passed unanimously, it didn’t progress into law without a succession of questions from the Opposition Liberals. MLA Ellis Ross, a former elected chief of the Haisla Nation who currently represents the Skeena riding, cautioned about “political fanfare” with legislation’s introduction. “Generations of Aboriginals have gone through life without hope,” he said, stressing the need of “individual band members getting their own future on their own terms.” “Our people need opportunity, economic opportunity to be more precise,” he added while the bill was being discussed in the legislature. While elected chief of the Haisla, Ross signed a $50 million deal with Kitimat LNG for a terminal to be built on the First Nation’s reserve land. As major natural resource projects are proposed in B.C., it’s yet to be determined how Bill 41 will empower First Nations who want to push forward their own developments – and what rights those who oppose large-scale initiatives will have. The province retains authority to decide on major natural resource projects if it’s deemed to be in the public interest, while Bill 41 does not give any one First Nation the ability to veto a development, according to questioning while the legislation was being clarified. The words “free, prior and informed consent” were brought up by Liberal MLA Michael Lee during a committee discussion on Nov. 21. “The usage of those five words in combination does not mean veto. Does the

minister agree with that?” asked Lee of Scott Fraser, minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “It does not mean veto”, responded Fraser, although he noted that the new law will ensure Indigenous peoples have a stronger influence on the government’s decision making process. “The time for government to say, ‘This is how we’re going to do it; take it or leave it,’ is what we’re moving away from.” On Nov. 26 a joint statement was released by the government leaders and First Nations representatives who wrote Bill 41. “It is time we recognize and safeguard Indigenous peoples’ human rights, so that we may finally more away from conflict, drawn-out court cases and uncertainty, and move forward with collaboration and respect,” reads the statement. This is exactly what the Nuchatlaht wishes the province would do with respect to a title claim currently before the B.C. Supreme Court over the First Nation’s right to territory on northern Nootka Island. But now the provincial government has applied for the court to drop the case. “The Crown lawyers of B.C. continue to make our case far more expensive than it should be, using every possible tactic of procedural delay,” wrote Tyee Ha’wilth Walter Michael to B.C. Attorney General David Eby. “This is not the honourable conduct of litigation.” Looking forward at the work required to enact the UNDRIP principles, Casimer remain optimistic that the current NDP-Green government will continue to implement laws respecting Indigenous rights. “I’m not too concerned about the existing government, who knows what happens in an election,” she said.

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Officials find warnings for storm preparedness ignored One year after the worst storm in B.C. history, study finds most people are not prepared for power outages By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Nanaimo, BC – A recent report from BC Hydro is showing the majority of people in the province are not heeding advice to prepare themselves for power outages caused by storms. That’s even though British Columbia experienced a massive storm last December, the largest in BC Hydro history. More than 750,000 customers were without power following the late 2018 storm, which hit Dec. 20. Power was not fully restored for some until Dec. 31. And about seven per cent of those BC Hydro customers that were affected were without power for more than three days. Yet a recent BC Hydro report titled ‘Weathering the storm: Many British Columbians not prepared for increasingly severe winter storms’ proves the majority of those in the province are not taking proactive steps. More than 60 per cent of those surveyed have not taken any action to be prepared for storm-related outages. And more than 50 per cent of people don’t have an emergency kit. The majority of those that took part in the survey had been affected by last December’s windstorm. “We wanted to find out how prepared people are,” said Ted Olynyk, BC Hydro’s manager of community relations for Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. “This recent study has reported that they aren’t prepared.” The study included responses from 800 British Columbia residents from across the province, both in urban and rural areas. The online survey was held over six days in mid-October. BC Hydro officials have encouraged customers to be ready for power outages caused by storms. It is recommended to have an emergency kit for each member of the household for at least 72 hours. Emergency kits should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications as well as nonperishable food and water. Olynyk was not overly surprised to see the results of the recent study. “It’s just a question of where they live and how much they were impacted by the last storm,” he said of customers’ lack of readiness for future storms. “And there’s also a feeling of it’s not going to be bad.” Olynyk, who works out of the BC Hydro office in Nanaimo, said those that

BC Hydro photo

A BC Hydro crew attends to damage on Vancouver Island in December 2018, when storms caused blackouts for several days for many customers.

“This recent study has reported that they aren’t prepared.” ~ Ted Olynyk, BC Hydro manager of community relations live in cities are less likely to be prepared for power outages. “In the urban areas they don’t expect an outage to last more than 3-5 hours,” Olynyk said, adding those that live in places with nearby grocery stores tend to not keep much extra food on hand at home. Olynyk also said those that live in rural areas could usually last longer without much hardship during outages as they would tend to have more food on hand as well as generators and or wood stoves which could be used if required. “What the study told us is when you live in a remote area your ability to withstand a power outage is much longer,” he said.

The study found that about 30 per cent of those that live on Vancouver Island think that it is reasonable to be without power for up to 24 hours following a major storm. Dianne Ignace, who has lived in Hesquiaht Harbour with her husband Dave for the past 44 years, has seen her share of storms over the years. “We’re totally prepared here,” she said. “We could survive all winter.” Ignace said each August or September her family heads to Tofino and buys enough dry goods to sustain them for several months. They also have a generator and solar panels on their porch. The Ignaces often find themselves monitoring upcoming storms. And then they start to make boat travel plans to get needed supplies. “We need a six-hour window to go to Tofino,” she said. “It takes two hours to get there, two hours to do your shopping and two hours to get back.” Olynyk said those that live in British Columbia should indeed prepare themselves for future storms as there is

evidence they will become more frequent and, in some cases, more severe. Olynyk added it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand because at some point B.C. will experience a major earthquake. “It’s not a question of if, but when,” he said. Olynyk added BC Hydro is has been upgrading its operations, making use of new technologies to better communicate with its crews and its operational centres so they can provide customers with timely information. “We do what we can,” Olynyk said, adding customers should also take an interest and do their part to be prepared for possible lengthy power outages. Meanwhile, provincial oﬃcials are suggesting that B.C. residents should also prepare themselves for conditions that could develop while driving. This includes having a road safety kit in the car. Safety kits should include warm clothes, winter footwear, a shovel, a ﬂashlight, a charged cellphone as well as food and water.

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

Algae blooms add to wild salmon worries Ahousaht, Cermaq hold initial discussions on possibility of transitioning to land-based facilities, chief says By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - A battle with toxic algae blooms at four Clayoquot Sound fish farms has heightened concerns for wild salmon on the Island’s west coast while renewing demands for an end to open net pens. Algae blooms occur naturally along the coast, caused by ocean upwelling that delivers rich nutrients to feed the aquatic flora. Harmful types of algae can play havoc in aquaculture where fish are contained and crowded together. Blooms occur more frequently in warm water conditions, but can happen any time of year, even in winter, according to DFO. That’s what happened at four Cermaq fish farms in Herbert Inlet and Ross Pass, where Chaetoceros convolutes and Chaetoceros concavic proliferated. These types of algae have rigid spines that damage fish gills. Blooms claimed 200,000 Atlantic salmon in November, about 10 percent of total production, Cermaq reported. Cermaq staff detected the blooms Nov. 6 and notified DFO. Meanwhile, people in Tofino reported seeing bio-waste containers loaded onto a barge at night, an indication something was not right out on the water. The company later said it delayed collection of dead fish in order to reduce stress on surviving fish. “The delay in mortality collection did result in the breakdown of the muscle tissue of the earlier fish mortalities,” said David Kiemele, Cermaq’s managing director. “When this occurs, you can see the protein breaking down and coming up as a surface sheen. This happened predominantly at our Binns Island site, which experienced the largest number of mortalities.” Farms at Bawden Point, Ross Pass and Millar Channel were also affected. By mid-month, Cermaq was reporting that elevated levels of algae were dissipating and all bio-waste had been removed. The company confirmed Nov. 29 that algae counts continue to decline in the region and feeding has resumed at its farms. “DFO is satisfied that the facility operators are managing these fish health events appropriately,” a department communications advisor confirmed via email. Department staff visited some of the sites over the last week of November as part of DFO’s aquaculture audit and monitoring program, she noted. Two earlier blooms occurred in the Clayoquot region this summer, a Heterosigma bloom in Bedwell Sound in October and a Chaetoceros bloom in Herbert Inlet in June, Cermaq noted. Millar Channel and Ross Passage sites were hit with harmful algae blooms in June 2016, also reporting 10 percent mortality. Despite past experiences with the phenomenon, the blooms have increased concerns — particularly in nearby Nuuchah-nulth communities — over possible impacts on wild salmon. The blooms are seen in the context of a succession of industry difficulties with sea lice infestations and infectious viruses, problems requiring a variety of chemical and mechanical treatments that have raised additional questions. “Tla-o-qui-aht are concerned that the die-off in the local vicinity is an indication of a significant risk to wild salmon,” Chief Moses Martin said in a news release in late November. “Increasing risk

Photo supplied by Clayoquot Action

Cermaq fish farm worker transfers Atlantic salmon carcasses into containers for removal after algae blooms killed the fish in November. is unacceptable as local salmon stocks are already stressed.” Terry Dorward, Tla-o-qui-aht deputy chief councillor, said news of the blooms was disheartening. “We can see that the marine risks of salmon farming are increasing, so the potential for negative impacts upon our wild fish is significant,” Dorward said. Cermaq does not have Tla-o-qui-aht consent to transport product through their territory, they said. Ahousaht council, meanwhile, has met with Cermaq representatives, including managing director David Kiemele, who gave an update. “I was thankful,” said Chief Councillor Greg Louie. “It was good to hear face to face instead of hearing it on the news or from other second-hand sources.” The company acted to counter what it contends was a wave of misinformation on social media. Photo by Mike Youds News reports can sometimes “narrow their lens on everything,” Louie acknowl- The latest fish-health challenge at Clayoquot Sound fish farms is another disturbance in already troubled waters for the aquaculture industry. edged. “I take everything with a grain of salt.” Johns expects to see the fish farm transiground. This is a case of a major industry For critics of Atlantic salmon open tion explicitly spelled out in the minismonitoring itself. This is a major, major net-pen farming, the blooms are further ter’s mandate letter. He’s urging her to die-off.” evidence of a pressing need to transition travel to the Island and hear directly from MP Gord Johns is asking for an urgent to closed containment fish farming, escommunities affected by the crisis. meeting with newly appointed Minispecially with wild Pacific salmon returns “They haven’t got a grip on the issue,” ter of Fisheries and Oceans Bernadette hitting all-time lows in the area. Clayohe said. “We’re in the middle of a salmon Jordan. He intends to raise the issue quot Action isn’t convinced the algae emergency. There are historic low returns of a “wild salmon emergency” when bloom problem is resolved. of fish, which we’ve never seen before,” Parliament reconvenes. The aquaculture “By our observations and monitorindustry has been unable to resolve a host he added, noting that fewer than 300 ing, the situation is far from over,” said salmon returned to any Clayoquot tribuof issues, Johns said. Bonny Glambeck of the local environtary this fall. Some local chinook returns “They have lost the confidence of local mental group. were in the double digits. “So we’re on people,” said Johns on Nov. 27, who was Glambeck has been travelling to the the brink of collapse.” appointed the next day as NDP critic for affected sites, observing and monitoring A discussion about transitioning fish fisheries, small business and tourism. “A the company’s activities. DFO staff were farms has begun, though. majority of coastal people want to see a to have been at the sites for the same “There’s talks with Ahousaht and Cermove to closed containment.” reason in the last week of November, but maq, what it’s going to look like,” Louie The Liberal government made a camGlambeck said she hasn’t seen them or said. “Really, it’s superficial.” paign promise that the West Coast industhe additional monitoring promised by Council and Cermaq management made try would transition to closed containthe federal government earlier this year. ment by 2025. That means, in view of the a commitment at the meeting to improved “I’m not seeing it in action,” Glamcommunication through more direct confour-year salmon life cycle, that industry beck said. “This has been going on for needs to begin transitioning within a year, tact and timely information, he added. three weeks and there’s nobody on the Johns said.

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the NTC-member First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals. Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2. Telephone: (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 Web page: www.hashilthsa.com facebook: Hashilthsa Ntc

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Photos by Irine Polyzogopoulos / Uu-a-thluk

Billy George harvests gooseneck barnacles on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Gooseneck Barnacles: Seafood of the future? Plots of regrowth curve of gooseneck barnacles, making them a sustainable and healthy By Deborah Potter Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Campbell River, BC - At the Food Connections conference on Nov. 28 T’aaq-wiihak gave a presentation on the sustainability and ecology of gooseneck barnacles. Gooseneck barnacles live attached to rocks in intertidal zones. They have hard plates that protect the body and organs, and a ﬂeshy long stalk that attaches to the rocks. They are high in calories and packed with protein, and are known to taste like lobster or clam. They have been apart of the Nuu-chahnulth diet for centuries, but today they can’t be found in any grocery store. High end restaurants oﬀer them as appetizers, sold as “percebes”, and prepared steamed in heavily salted water, with just a squeeze of lemon. Jessica Edwards is a technician for T’aaq-wiihak, and is a master-level student with Simon Fraser University. She has been working with the team for around two years, and gave a presentation at Food Connections.

Edwards has been studying the regrowth pattern of the barnacles since she started at T’aaq-wiihak, and has closely monitored five rocks, or plots, that have gooseneck barnacles living on it just off the Tofino coast. It is considered to be quite dangerous, though. Harvesters have to hop onto the slippery rocks, and it is only accessible for a few hours while the tide is low. “There’s not any possible way I could have done this without the help of traditional harvesters,” she says, “they have decades of traditional knowledge to share.” Edwards’ research on the barnacles and their natural regrowth pattern echoes a lot of the traditional knowledge. Because gooseneck barnacles need to still be alive before being sold, how they get harvested off of the rock is very important. It isn’t just the mussel that gets harvested, the acorn barnacles are picked as well. The acorn barnacles have to be pried up off of the rock, otherwise the gooseneck will rupture and die. “They haven’t quite made it on to the seafood radar yet,” Edwards says, “which

is a shame…they are a delicious marine protein.” With Edwards’ study on their regrowth rate and recovery time, gooseneck barnacles could become a deliciously sustainable seafood snack.

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December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

‘Political alignment’ accelerates treaty negotiations Ditidaht work out details for co-management of traditional territory outside treaty se•lement lands, including forests and water Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor British Columbia - Those engaged in treaty negotiations are looking to the new year with a renewed sense of hope, after 2019 marked major developments for several First Nations pushing for formal agreements that recognize their territorial rights. Celeste Haldane, chief commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission, points to “political alignment” between British Columbia and the federal government. An announcement from Ottawa in late March that the federal government would be forgiving loans taken out to ﬁnance treaty negotiations has helped to bring multiple First Nations back to the table, she said. “That’s changed things signiﬁcantly, and so we’re seen seven tables representing 21 Indian Act bands this year alone moving to Stage 5,” commented Haldane. The Ditidaht and Pacheedaht are the Nuu-chah-nulth nations among this group, as they signed an Agreement In Principle in late June with the feds and the province. The AIP entails the province build a 54-kilometre gravel service road from Lake Cowichan to Nitinaht Lake, capital transfers of almost $20 million and $40 million for the Pacheedaht and Ditidaht respectively, as well as treaty settlement land that includes portions of the West Coast Trail, which currently lies within Parks Canada’s jurisdiction. Since the AIP was announced the Ditidaht have been hammering out an Engagement Framework Agreement, which stipulates how traditional territory outside of the treaty settlement land would be comanaged by the government and the First Nation. Ditidaht negotiator Robert Joseph foresees this tripling the First Nation’s

influence over this territory, including forestry interests and water protection. “We’re going to need to be able to say we would have control over a significant portion of our traditional territory,” he said, noting that he expects this agreement will develop until the treaty is finalized. “It’s going to be a negotiation right to the bitter end.” Other side agreements are also in the works concerning federal and provincial parks. After the Trudeau Liberals were elected in 2015 Joseph has seen Parks Canada take more initiative to understand what meaningful management would mean for the Ditidaht. Part of the AIP is an agreement to preserve the most used sections of the Pacific Rim National Park reserve than run through Ditidaht territory along the coast. “Parks Canada has been absolutely crucial to forwarding our agenda and our principles,” Joseph said. “They shocked me actually, the distance they came from five years ago to now.” And after an unwillingness from the B.C. Liberals to co-manage provincial parks with the Ditidaht, Joseph has seen an willingness from negotiators working under the current NDP government. “I think they have gotten way better,” he said. Cheryl Casimer, political executive for the First Nations Summit, has also seen a complete shift in the provincial approach since the NDP-Green alliance took power in 2017. “It’s like a breath of fresh air,” she said. “We have a government that’s a willing partner and has different views in terms of what recognition of Indigenous rights looks like.” Along with the First Nations Summit and the federal government, the province

Photo by Eric Plummer

Robert Joseph (front) of the Ditidaht First Nations and Jeff Jones of the Pacheedaht signed an Agreement in Principle with Premier John Horgan on June 28. signed the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in September, which aims to give Indigenous groups more flexibility to incrementally develop agreements with governments. “I think it’s cleared the path for nations that have been in the hold pattern for quite some time to be able to advance their negotiations,” said Casimer. “All of those major things that stopped people from participating, those obstacles are now removed.” But the most newsworthy announcement from the province in 2019 concerning First Nations rights was legislation guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. When it received royal assent in November, Bill-41 made B.C. the first province to adopt UNDRIP, following calls from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Haldane expects that this act will advance reconciliation in B.C. “We’re already seeing tables implementing the declaration directly into treaty negotiations,” she said, adding that this is the most progressive time she’s seen

in the recognition of Indigenous rights. “You have governments willing to collaborate and co-develop policy, and codevelop mandates. I’ve never seen that before.” But Joseph remains unconvinced Bill-41 will protect First Nations’ rights from the aims of politicians. “There’s the word ‘may’ with regard to what the minister has to do,” he said. “That means that the minister is allowed to help us if he wants to, and that was always the case. So, what’s going to be different?” “It’s going to be leverage,” continued Joseph. “But the reality is that Ditidaht has a way of not celebrating all of these big announcements the way everybody else does.” Since a B.C.-specific treaty process was created in 1992, relatively few of the First Nations involved in negotiations have reached implementation of a formal agreement with the province and Ottawa. Those who have signed a modern-day treaty include five Nuu-chah-nulth nations, who began the Maa-nulth Final Agreement in 2011.

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Religion, culture and spirituality in the classroom Mother’s counsel argues that Charter religious rights were infringed when sage smoke was burned at school By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Nanaimo, BC - Is spiritual cleansing by burning sage a religious act? This was the central issue explored on day four of the trial in which a Port Alberni mother is challenging the use of Indigenous cultural practices in the classroom. Represented by Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, Candice Servatius seeks an order that the Alberni School District prohibit religious practices during instructional time or assemblies, including Indigenous cleansings, ceremonies and prayer. The issue came to the B.C. Supreme Court after a smudging ceremony was performed by a Nuu-chah-nulth elder in September 2015 at John Howitt Elementary to cleanse a Grade 5 classroom of negative energy left over from the previous school year. On Nov. 21 the fourth day of the weeklong trial began with Brandon Langhelm of the Justice Centre arguing that smudging is “spiritual in nature, therefore religious.” “Religious practice was exercised in the classroom, and mandatory,” he said. “That’s your classroom space, that’s your neutral government safe space.” A foundation to the Justice Centre’s submission is that the cleansing performed in the John Howitt classroom broke the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which requires that public schools not “favour nor hinder any particular belief, and the same holds true for non-belief.” When asked by the judge about the distinction between learning about an Indigenous culture and being required to participate in it, Servatius’ lawyers responded that a line was crossed in 2015 when the Servatius child, who comes from an Evangelical Christian family, didn’t have the choice but to be immersed in the cultural practice in her classroom. Jay Cameron, the other counsel from the JCCF, compared the smudging practice to forcing a Jewish student to learn about Italian culture by eating an Italian sausage – which often contain non-kosher

Photo by Denise Titian

A Nuu-chah-nulth education worker took the stand on Nov. 19 to explain a smudging practice held in three classrooms in 2015. students. pork. In his address to the court Keith MitchServatius’ submission to the court ell, who represents the Alberni School also mentions that, after expressing her District, argued that after generations of concern to the school district about not being given adequate notice of a spiritual the forced assimilation of First Nations practice in her daughter’s classroom, anunder Canada’s residential school system, other Indigenous cultural event occurred the introduction of things like smudgat a school assembly a few months later. ing and the hoop dance are essential for On Jan. 7, 2016 an adopted member of Aboriginal students to thrive in public a non-Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous group schools. Including these practices in the performed a prayer and hoop dance for curriculum safeguards them from the the school. “threat of tyranny of the majority.” “She doesn’t believe in Aboriginal Mitchell also noted that the testimony of spirituality, that’s not something the state the Servatius girl stated she was coerced to remain in the class for the smudging, should force on her,” said Cameron of but teachers from the school have said Servatius. “Where we’re drawing the line isn’t going to prevent the teaching of that several students were permitted to stand outside as smoke spread in the Aboriginal beliefs and culture.” room. He said the daughter’s account was But many fear that the result of this not reliable. trial could do just that, thereby reversing “Her memory was being shaped by years of reconciliation efforts in public schools. Nuu-chah-nulth content has been her parents,” said Mitchell, adding that integrated into the curriculum of multiple “memory fades with the passage of time.” Vancouver Island schools to better reflect a significant proportion of their communities, as well as create a more comfortable learning environment that improves the graduation rates of First Nations

But Justice ___ criticized Mitchell’s questioning of the girl previously in the trial as being too misleading. The judge mentioned that a letter from John Howitt Elementary notifying parents of the smudging indicated potential issues. “If it happened as described in this letter, I think there would be some difficulties,” he said. “If it happened as the teachers described, it’s a different kettle of fish.” Mitchell also disputed a report from John Cox as unreliable evidence. Cox served as a pastor in the same church that the Servatius family currently attends, and where Candice Servatius’ husband is currently employed. In his affidavit Cox writes that smudging goes against the Servatius’s Christian belief of spiritual purification. “Mrs. Servatius and her daughter’s Christian beliefs require that they abstain from participating in religious, spiritual, or supernatural ceremonies that are contrary to, or not part of, their Christian faith,” wrote Cox. “Christians believe that Christ’s atonement is the only means of purification for sin, defilement and impurity.” Defining Nuu-chah-nulth cultural practices as religious is being seen as a stretch to many in the Vancouver Island First Nations, as the concept of religion is something that was introduced with colonization of North America. It was noted on day four of the trial that there is no word for religion in the Nuu-chahnulth language. “The [Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council] has said that smudging is a cultural act, a way of life. Spirituality. It is not a religion,” said NTC President Judith Sayers, Kekinusuqs, in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “No one can decide what is a religion except NCN themselves. Neither the court or any person can define our practices as a religion.”

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

Photo by Denise Titian

NTC President Judith Sayers and Ardith Walken, legal counsel for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, stand outside the court room on the last day of the smudging trial in Nanaimo.

Final arguments in smudge trial stress Aboriginal rights B.C.’s A•orney General cites TRC Calls to Action, opposes a ban on Indigenous cultural practices in schools By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Nanaimo, BC – Four sets of lawyers delivered closing arguments in Candice Servatius versus School District 70, the case that seeks to ban smudging and Indigenous prayer in British Columbia’s public schools. In September 2015, the daughter of Candice Servatius attended John Howitt Elementary School in Port Alberni with her brother. One of the children brought home a letter informing parents that there would be a Nuu-chah-nulth-led cleansing ceremony at the school. The ceremony involved the use of burning sage and is commonly referred to as smudging. Concerned that the ceremony would compromise Servatius’ own religious convictions, she contacted the school to ask questions but learned that the ceremony had already taken place and that her daughter witnessed the event. The following January the school hosted a hoop dancer who said an “Aboriginal” prayer over a microphone to an “unspeciﬁed ‘god’” before his performance at a school assembly, according the plaintiﬀs court documents. Servatius contends that the school was allowing religious activities at school in contravention of the School Act and against their obligation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects a persons’ right not to be compelled to participate unwillingly in a foreign religious ritual. Servatius retained the services of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms – free of charge. Servatius is seeking an order declaring that the impugned actions of the 201516 school year violate the petitioner’s Charter rights. She is asking the court for an order that would prohibit the School District “from facilitating or allowing religious practices during mandatory instructional time, at mandatory student assemblies, or during any other time when student attendance is mandatory. Such practices include, but are not limited to, religious or spiritual rituals, ‘cleansings’, ceremonies, and prayer.”

Keith Mitchell, lawyer for SD70, argues that nobody was smudged against their will. Letters went home to the parents and the children were passive witnesses to the event, and were allowed to leave the room if that was their wish. Mitchell noted that the assimilation policies of Canada’s Indian residential schools were a detriment to Indigenous peoples and that the states’ objective is to heal from Canada’s colonialist, racist practices and move toward reconciliation. “The goal is to heal some of those fractures and foster understanding and empathy; and the state has a duty to educate students as mandated by the act,” he said. Both the school district and counsel for the Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia agree that the term ‘religious act’ is not defined. “No one has grappled what the term religious practice means; What does it mean?” Mitchell asked. He suggested that other activities could be considered religious under such a broad definition. Yoga, meditation and even sports could be considered religious under those terms. He asked how it would be interpreted. Mitchell argued that a prohibition would be an overly broad remedy. The school district’s position is that there was no violation of the Charter and therefore the plaintiff’s petition should be dismissed. Kaitlyn Chewka, lawyer for the Attorney General of British Columbia, pointed out that UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is making its way through parliament and will likely be passed into law in the next two weeks. One of the things that UNDRIP does is guarantee the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination. To prohibit selected portions of Indigenous culture in schools risks further harm and marginalization of Indigenous students, Chewka argued. The message for Indigenous children would be their culture is not welcome, therefore they are not welcome. Chewka noted that many people are watching the trial and are imposing their

own beliefs on Nuu-chah-nulth cultural practices. She reiterated that the Attorney General of British Columbia is opposed to a ban on cultural practices in schools. Chewka pointed out that the federally mandated residential schools had an agenda to assimilate Indigenous peoples into colonist society. Attendance was compulsory and it did harm; the eﬀects are still being felt to this day. Truth and Reconciliation Commission documents show that the residential schools were rampant with physical, sexual and mental abuse. “Indian Residential Schools were institutionalized

“For Nuu-chah-nulth, culture is a way of life. I do not see Nuu-chahnulth culture and spirituality as a religion” ~ Dr. Judith Sayers, NTC President

child abuse – cultural genocide,” said Katie Webber, lawyer for the Ministry of the Attorney General of B.C. She went on to say that the TRC report lays the foundation for reconciliation in Canada. One of the calls to action is educational reform. Ardith Walkem of Cedar and Sage Law Corporation presented the position of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, who is an intervenor in the case. The NTC has Local Education Agreements with SD70 that aim to improve success rates for Indigenous students. The LEA’s are a crucial part of reconciliation and Indigenous rights are protected in the Constitution, Walkem argued.

She pointed out that the children of SD70 would be very impacted by the case and suggested that Section 2.A of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, freedom of conscience and religion, is being used as a sword rather than a shield in this case. The NTC also opposes the request for a ban on cultural practices in schools. “The court must consider the Indigenous perspective when it comes to Indigenous rights and the imperative of reconciliation,” she said, adding that Aboriginal societies existed in British Columbia prior to colonization and only they can define what is religion for them. She pointed out that graduation rates for Indigenous students improve when there is Indigenous culture in the school. She noted that it was the first time she was involved in a case with Indigenous issues that she was sitting on the same side as the provincial government. The court heard from several sources in an attempt to define smudging, but none from the perspective of Nuu-chah-nulthaht, Walkem noted. Dr. Sayers, she said, takes the position that smudging is not religion but a way of life. “For Nuu-chah-nulth, culture is a way of life. I do not see Nuu-chah-nulth culture and spirituality as a religion,” Dr. Sayers said. “For example, it would not be possible to convert to becoming of a Nuu-chah-nulth religion, and Nuu-chahnulth people can and do participate as members of religions such as Catholic or Anglican.” “We have two choices; we can take the word of Dr. Sayers – a member of Hupacasath First Nation, a member of the Order of Canada, former Chief of Hupacasath First Nation, current president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, adjunct professor at the Peter Gustavson School of Business and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, a former chief negotiator for the Hupacasath First Nation, with degrees in business and law and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Queen’s University – or we can take a paternalistic approach,” said Walkem.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Law Firm representing Servatius in trial speaks out The Calgary-based ﬁrm operates on donations and support from foundations to take on cases across Canada By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – The BC Supreme Court case Servatius versus School District 70 wrapped up Nov. 22, and the parties will wait likely several weeks for a judge to make his ruling. The case centers around a Port Alberni elementary school classroom and a cleansing ceremony known as smudging. A Native Education Worker at John Howitt Elementary School arranged for a Nuu-chah-nulth person to come to the school to perform a smudging, with the goal of cleansing the classrooms of any negative energy. Port Alberni parent Candice Servatius, a practicing Christian, alleges that her children were coerced to participate in the smudge ceremony conducted by a Nuu-chah-nulth elder at the school. Court documents show that she had several contacts with the school over the fall and winter of 2015 and 2016, where she sought assurance from the district superintendent, Greg Smyth, that no religious activities would occur at the school without prior parental consent. In January 2016 a hoop dancer, an invited guest at the school, performed at an assembly. Prior to his performance, he said a prayer in an Indigenous language. Servatius believes that her children should not have been exposed to the dancer’s prayer without prior parental consent. Servatius contacted the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, based in Calgary, Alberta, who agreed to pursue the case in BC Supreme Court free of charge. Servatius is seeking an order that would prohibit religious practices during mandatory school time. This includes “religious or spiritual rituals, cleanings, ceremonies and prayer.” Justice Centre President and lawyer John Carpay argued that Canadian courts have ruled decisively against public schools requiring children to recite the Christian Lord’s Prayer. “Religious freedom means the right to practice one’s faith and also the right not to have a religion or religious practice imposed,” Carpay said in a Dec. 2 article on the Justice Centre’s website. “Courts have ruled that requiring children to pray amounts to imposing a religious exercise, contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” So, who is the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms and why did they agree to represent Servatius pro bono?

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms takes on cases across Canada, including advocating for Bruce Spence, a Cree man who fought to keep a vehicle plate that Manitoba’s licencing agency claimed was offensive. be properly notified by the state when case in Ontario where a girl, in a classceremonies of this nature happen during room exercise, was asked what her school hours. gender was. She answered that she is a Funded by donations, the Justice Centre girl but was told the answer was wrong, website lists many interesting cases that she was somewhere on a spectrum they’ve litigated, including the Spence between a girl and a boy, but she was not versus Manitoba Public Insurance case, a girl. Of course, this upset her. in which Bruce Spence, a Cree man, “The government should not promote or received a letter stating that his personalcompel children to participate in someized license plate that said “NDN CAR” thing like this,” said Cameron. was being revoked seven years after he Dr. Judith Sayers, NTC president, started using it. In February 2019 the argued that smudging is not properly Manitoba Public Insurance revoked his defined as a religious act, but described it personalized license plate because it as a way of life, part of Nuu-chah-nulth According to their website, the Justice “may be considered offensive”. culture. “Nuu-chah-nulth chiefs wanted Centre was founded in 2010 and consid“The Justice Centre provided pro bono to ensure that the message was given that ers themselves a voice for freedom in legal representation to Mr. Spence, to smudging is part of our culture; it is not a Canadian court rooms. “Justice Centre’s challenge MPI’s decision to revoke the religion,” she said in her written submismission is to defend the constitutional personalized plate,” states the Justice sions to court. freedoms of Canadians through litigation Centre website. They argued the case Cameron argues that government has a and education,” they say in their vision on the basis that by revoking his license duty of neutrality. statement. plate, the MPI violated Spence’s freedom “For the state to compel or facilitate “We are trying to preserve personal libof expression as protected by section 2(b) spiritual practices in the classroom erties of the people from state intrusion,” of the Charter. crosses the line,” he said. said Jay Cameron, the lawyer for Candice The Justice Centre negotiated an outA court win for Servatius would mean Servatius. “I know I am unpopular with of-court settlement and MPI returned the that parents will get prior notification of some in the Nuu-chah-nulth community personalized license plate to Mr. Spence. spiritual or supernatural activities in the but I don’t mean any offense.” “Mr. Spence’s personalized plate conclassroom, according to Cameron. “We are arguing for a parent’s right… tains expression that is protected by the “Mrs. Servatius has no objection to kids some of us would not want our chilCharter from government censorship,” gathering on a voluntary basis for these dren take part in Catholic ceremonies explained Justice Centre lawyer, James things, we just want to push the state where they might be uncomfortable,” he Kitchen. back into their lane (of neutrality),” he said, adding that it is a parent’s right to The Justice Centre has also litigated a said.

“We are trying to preserve personal liberties of the people from state intrusion”

~ Jay Cameron, lawyer for Candice Servatius

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Eha•esaht Chinehkint unveils welcome sign at traditional territory By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Zeballos Forest Service Road – The people of Ehattesaht/Chinehkint are celebrating the unveiling of a new wooden sign welcoming people to their traditional territories. The event took place on the bright frosty morning of Nov. 28 about halfway along the gravel forest service road leading into Zeballos. “This sign will remind government who owns this land – Ehattesaht owns this land,” said acting Chief Councillor Ernie Smith. It’s not quite at the start of the First Nation’s territory, said artist Vince Smith, who created the sign. The sign would be four kilometers further away from Zeballos if it were placed at the start of the territory, but it was determined that the terrain in that area was too rocky to place the sign there. Smith said he was hired two years earlier by Ehattesaht First Nation to carve the sign. He consulted with Ehattesaht elders Tony John and Earl Smith about what should be featured on the sign. It was decided that the logo of the Thunderbird would be on the sign as the emblem of the Ehattesaht/Chinehkint Ha’wiih. Ehattesaht Ha’wilth Georgina Amos could not attend the event but sent a message which was read to the crowd. “Today I am happy and proud. This sign teaches about protocol. It reminds people

Denise Titian photo

Vince Smith carved the welcome sign. whose territory they are hunting in,” she wrote. Brian Frisco Lucas oﬀered a prayer chant in which he called up on the Creator to send the spirit of the wolf to protect Ehattesaht/Chinehkint territory. A blue tarp was removed from the sign by a group of men as the crowd cheered. The sign, made of red and yellow cedar, stands on a hillside about 24 kilometres down the Zeballos Forest Service Road. Some of the materials and labor were donated by people like Mark Kenny, a former Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation employee, and Don Cox, the former mayor of Zeballos. The Ehattesaht First Nation thanks everyone that contributed to the project.

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Synthetic debris has collected exponentially over the years in the rivers and streams near Ahousaht, and is being ingested by the region’s keystone species. In a partnership with the First Nation

Coastal Restoration Society launches new initiativ Synthetic debris has collected exponentially over the years, and is being ingested by the region’s keystone species By Melissa Renwick Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - A team from a Tofino-based group that specializes in habitat remediation and pollution clean-up are scattered across the Cypre River basin. With burlap sacks schlepped over their shoulders, they scan the terrain for industrial marine debris that has washed to shore, impeding salmon’s migratory routes. Within minutes, a decaying rubber tire covered in last night’s frost is spotted, along with a rusting fish farm feeding dock that drifts with the tide in shallow ocean waters. George John is an Ahousaht guardian and serves as the Ahousaht operator and manager for a new project being led by Coastal Restoration Society (CRS).

Examining the feeding dock, he questions just how long it has been there degrading in the water. The Migratory Corridor Revitalization Project focuses on cleaning industrialized marine debris along the corridor from the Cypre River to the Atleo River. It was launched mid-November in eﬀort to help reduce the amount of pollutants that are killing salmon as they migrate into the open ocean. You can see all of the Styrofoam that has washed up over the years. “That’s from every tide and every season that goes by,” says John. “You can dig deeper and deeper and it’s just there – it’s embedded in there.” When the juvenile salmon travel through the river basins, they’re feeding on that

small debris – like the pellets of Styrofoam – which are getting lodged in their stomachs, says Spencer Binda, the Toﬁno coordinator for the project. “It’s killing a lot of [the salmon} before they even have a chance at surviving,” he says. Focusing on areas where historically there have been high salmon runs, CRS is hoping that removing the debris will help to increase the returns to Clayoquot Sound. “With fewer than 300 Chinook salmon observed in any system to date,” according to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada West Coast of Vancouver Island 2019 Stock Assessment, the organization is sounding the alarms. Working directly with the Ahousaht First

Nation, CRS emphasizes integrating their traditional knowledge of the terrain into the project. From knowing how to safely access remote areas within the river basins, to knowing where the salmon used to run from, “it’s an endless tap of knowledge,” says Binda. “It shows that we care for our territories, our homelands,” says John, who has been working with CRS since last year. Currently, the project is supported by local businesses, like Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, coupled with major marine industries, like Creative Salmon and Cermaq. But Binda says they are unable to sustain year-round employment without government funding. Despite several attempts applying to government grants, including the Coastal

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

Photos by Melissa Renwick

n a partnership with the First Nation, the Coastal Restoration Society is undertaking a daily cleanup.

w initiative to clean salmon’s migratory pathways

on’s keystone species Restoration Fund, they have been unsuccessful in securing support from the province or feds. “I’m not sure what we’ve got to do next, other than keep trying and keep doing these projects and keep showing the success and need for it,” says Binda. “In order for this to be truly eﬀective, we need to be out here every day.” Binda says that Clayoquot Sound is like Neverland. “When you leave, you’re always thinking about coming back,” he says. Salmon are a keystone species that are important not only to the culture, but the ecology of the area. Without them, the ecosystem will collapse. If he could, Binda says he would be out cleaning the shorelines every day, “so generations to come are going to get here and have that same feeling.”

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

A call for Nuu-chah-nulth perspectives in museum upgrade Curator seeks photos of real-life situations from communities for the American Museum of Natural History By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - The co-curator of a massive upgrade to a world-renowned museum in Manhattan is calling on Nuuchah-nulth people to take a role in how their culture is presented to the international audience. With its completion scheduled next year, the American Museum of Natural History is currently revamping its Northwest Coast Hall, a wing of the New York attraction that showcases artifacts from the territory of Nuu-chah-nulth nations and nine other Indigenous groups. The $14.5-million undertaking entails a fullscale renovation to the hall, as well as assessing thousands of artifacts – including many that have not been on display – to determine how the Northwest Coast tribes should be presented to museum visitors. A major part of the museum’s work is the conservation of its historical pieces, including the 78 totem poles in the collection. But Haa’yuups, Ron Hamilton, who is co-curator of the Northwest Coast Hall upgrade, wants to see more contemporary depictions in the new presentation. He seeks pictures and videos taken in Nuu-chah-nulth communities that would be viewed on interactive computer terminals in the new hall’s Nuu-chah-nulth alcove, thereby presenting “something other than a curator’s view of what is in our communities.” “I want people to provide photographs that they think say something about themselves - their home,” said the Hupacasath artist and historian. “If it’s a traﬃc jam in Ahousaht, that might not seem interesting to anybody out there in the world, but if it’s interesting to people from our community I want to see it.” Quality imagery of babies, boats, mountains, streams, animals, houses, villages and anything else that those in Nuuchah-nulth territory look out on every day will be considered in order to exhibit an authentic view of the Nuu-chah-nulth world. This includes “things that matter, things that disturb, things that give comfort and things that frighten,” stressed Hamilton. “Situations that they think need attention.” Peter Whiteley is the museum’s cura-

©AMNH/M. Shanley photo

The Northwest Coast Hall, which ﬁrst opened in 1899, is currently closed as it undergoes an upgrade under the co-curation of a Hupacasath artist and historian. repatriation discussions with the museum tor of North American Ethnology who is munities feel that the early years of the are in progress. overseeing the upgrade with Hamilton. Northwest Coast Hall had a role in creatAs the Northwest Coast Hall prepares When the Nuu-chah-nulth historian’s ing these divisions. A notable example for how it will present First Nations to a role was announced by the museum over is the Yuquot Whaler’s Shrine, a sacred 21st century audience, Hamilton is pusha year ago, Whiteley spoke of the need collection of carvings and human skulls ing for a more democratic approach that to highlight the voices of the Northwest that served as a ritualized puriﬁcation includes the perspectives of Nuu-chahCoast nations. site for Mowachaht whaling chiefs near “I eagerly look forward to partnering their village at the southern tip of Nootka nulth aht. “We don’t need people staring at us with Haa’yuups to achieve that goal as Island. Over a century ago the shrine was anymore – and that’s been the business we work to create a modern exhibition taken for the AMNH collection under of anthropology forever,” he said. “It’s hall that can serve as a new exemplar and the direction of Franz Boas, one of the time for people to portray themselves, to transcend the boundaries that have too of- Northwest Coast Hall’s founders who take some responsibility for portraying ten divided museums and native commu- the museum has called the “father of themselves.” nities,” he said in a press release issued American anthropology”. According to Photos and video can be supplied to Ron by the museum. “We want the hall to be accounts from the time a purchase was Hamilton for consideration. He can be a welcoming home for all First Nations/ arranged with two Mowachaht elders – reached at 250-724-9667, yaawilthma@ native Americans, where material culture but on the condition that the shrine was serves as a portal into understanding the taken when most of the village was away yahoo.ca, or by mail at 8080 Klekhoot Cres., Port Alberni, V9Y 8Y8. complexities and depths of native ideas during whaling season. For generations and art forms.” many within the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Some within Nuu-chah-nulth comFirst Nation have seen this as theft, and

Phrase of the week - His^uk%a>%is^%a> Nuusak +ic^uu witas%a>i Pronounced: He shook ish alth Nahshook Klee sue Wii tas ee alth, this means everyone is getting ready for a feast (potlatch). Supplied by čiisma.

Ivy Cargill-Martin Illustration

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Local filmmakers debut first film to sold-out audiences Project approached as a love le•er to Vancouver Island, looks at receding glacier and old growth deforestation By Melissa Renwick Ha-Shilt-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC - As Jaiden George poured over maps of Vancouver Island in his high school art room, he searched for a way to tell a story that would combine his love of filmmaking and mountain hiking. But as he dug deeper, the adventure film he dreamed of started to take new shape. While working on the first draft in 2017, he came across an article by the Sierra Club BC, a non-profit group that aims to protect British Columbia’s wilderness, and “was incredibly shocked to discover just how little old-growth we have [left] on the island,” he said. George contemplated why it wasn’t being more widely discussed and “knew immediately that I needed to orient the film around the environment,” he said. “It was a turning point, not just for the film, but in my art practice as a whole.” Partnering with 16-year-old cinematographer Tristan Hinder-Hohlweg, the duo began the two-year-long journey of creating a short film that explores some of the environmental issues facing Vancouver Island. It is like a love letter to the island they call home. Carrying 50-pound backpacks, the young men scrambled to mountain peaks like the Comox Glacier to illustrate the effects of climate change. “Culturally, it is the most important mountain to the K’ómoks First Nations,” says Hinder-Hohlweg. Referred to as the great white whale, the Comox Glacier is an icon that’s “disappearing before their eyes,” he said. The pair, who met in the high school art

Photo by Melissa Renwick

Jaiden George, left, and Tristan Hinder-Hohlweg presented their ﬁlm Finding Solitude in Toﬁno on Nov. 23. room, also focused on issues of deforestation across the island. Expansive drone footage catapults viewers into mountainous landscapes, showing the dichotomy between the lush, intact old-growth forests and the clear-cuts. Over the years, the forestry practices have “allegedly become more sustainable, but when you go back there and you see what’s happening it makes you think twice,” said Hinder-Hohlweg. The pair got their start by self-funding

the project before raising $7,000 through a silent auction and going on to receive a Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Youth and Education Grant. Unable to drive, the filmmakers called on their friends and family to shuttle them down “sketchy” back-roads to the remote, isolated places - like the 5040 Peak and Della Falls, which are highlighted in the film. On Nov. 17, Finding Solitude premiered in Ucluelet to a sold-out audience. The film had two more sold-out showings before being screened as part of the Vancouver Island Mountain Film Festival in Tofino on Nov. 23. “It’s been quite cool and a little weird, honestly,” said George, who is in his second year at Emily Carr University studying for a BFA in photography.

“We’ve had people coming up and getting pictures with us.” Last week, Australian musician Kim Churchill screened the film at his concert in Vancouver. “It was so surreal,” said George, who is a future Hereditary Chief for the Ahousaht First Nation. “We’re connecting with such big names.” Right now, the filmmakers are focusing on promoting their film “to move the message,” in between their studies. But Hinder-Hohlweg is confident their next film will also be about the natural world because “when you go to a place [where] you feel solitude,” he said, “you feel like there’s hope in your heart that there’s still a chance you can save these places.”

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Athlete, educator exemplified compassion for First Nations Denny Grisdale left behind generations of players and students who recall his strong support during contentious times By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - Amid the heated treaty negotiations between Nuu-chah-nulth nations, the province and the federal government, Ha-Shilth-Sa reporter Denise Titian was assigned to spend a week in Tsaxana in November 1996. She had to bring along her daughter June, who was 14 at the time and struggling with math, to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht settlement near Gold River. Fortunately help came from Denny Grisdale, who served as chair of the treaty table. “During breaks Denny offered to sit with her,” recalled Titian. “He sat and he tutored her and got her through her math that week.” Grisdale would continue in this role until five Nuu-chah-nulth nations reached an Agreement in Principle in 2001, laying the foundation for the Maa-nulth treaty in place today. “He had a profile of wanting to get things done,” commented Robert Dennis Sr., long-serving and current chief counsellor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. “[Grisdale] did his best to move the negotiations along the best he could, and in quite a few situations probably facilitated us to getting out of an impasse rather than staying stuck on issues.” “He was chairing the meetings to make sure everybody was living by their own rules,” remembered Tseshaht member Richard Watts, who was a chief negotiator with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council at the time. As a mamałn̓ i, or white person, his presence during the treaty sessions matched his reputation for advocating on behalf of Nuu-chah-nulth people as they found their way in a rapidly changing world – decades before the term ‘reconciliation’ became common lingo among governments and organizations. Grisdale educated generations of students in the Alberni School District,

Alberni Valley Museum photo

Denny Grisdale, pictured in the 1970s while he was on the faculty at Beaver Creek School, left behind generations of players and students who recall his support during contentious times. He died on Oct. 21 at the age of 86. including during a particularly sensitive time when youngsters were transitioning from the assimilationist Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) into the mainstream system. Robert Dennis looks back on Grisdale’s inﬂuence as a gymnastics, basketball and soccer coach at A.W. Neil in the 1960s. “He used to say when we came from elementary school into junior high, if you were First Nations you were practically guaranteed a position on the soccer club,” he said. “Back then the soccer players from residential school were pretty good. That was basically all we had to do in our spare time, was to play soccer. So it was almost soccer around the clock for a lot of us.” “I liked him as soon as I met him,” added Dennis, who attended AIRS before he entered A.W. Neill. “I think that he looked at native people in a very compassionate way. He knew that we were all coming from a background where we

didn’t want to be, and that was in the residential school.” Pam Craig, chair of the Alberni District School Board, remembers Grisdale when he was principal of Beaver Creek School, which her son attended in the 1980s. “It was like a giant family that school,” she said. “I know he worked very hard to include the First Nations families, and the parents in particular, to make them feel comfortable and be involved.” Craig ﬁrst knew Grisdale from his years with the Alberni Athletics, the storied senior A men’s basketball team that would win multiple national titles in the postwar era. Craig’s father’s cousin was Fred Bishop, the Athletics’ coach. “Many times after the team had a big game or a big tournament they would all come back to my parents’ house,” said Craig. “My mother would have jelly and buns for the whole group.” Tom Watts was on the team in the 1960s, winning a senior A championship

with Grisdale in 1965. “We won every game except two games all year,” he said. A close friend until Grisdale’s passing on Oct. 21 at the age of 86, the Tseshaht member felt Grisdale treated him like “a close relative”. But at times Grisdale’s continued support to First Nations people made him unpopular with others in Port Alberni, said Tom Watts. “He was always arguing for the natives,” he noted. “He would have to explain to the people why we were not stupid drunkards, alcoholics and we don’t get our houses, our cars and everything all free.” During Port Alberni’s heyday as an affluent forestry town, such concepts were not unusual in the schools. Richard Watts attended A.W. Neill in the 1960s, where Grisdale was a teacher. “In this time racism was quite open and considered normal,” he said. “It was considered normal behaviour to pick on everybody, Chinese kids, East Indian kids – and I’m saying it the correct way, they were saying it differently.” But Grisdale persevered through the years, and by 1988 it became clear the education system was changing for Port Alberni’s many Nuu-chah-nulth students. Grisdale became the district’s first principal to oversee First Nations education, assessing the role of Aboriginal content in the region’s public schools. With his help the NTC would begin a training program for cultural teachers and counsellors that year, an initiative that would evolve into the existing Nuu-chah-nulth Education Worker program. “It’s hard to understand a person that is not a native, protecting the native culture and our ways,” reflected Watts. “He was always happy to see me.” Denny Grisdale is survived by his wife Sharon, brother Jim, children David and Jill, stepchildren Greg, Kevin and Katharine, as well as grandchildren Evan, Gareth, Brendan, Zachary and Aidan.

VIU president installed with Indigenous ceremony By Andrea D. Smith Ha-Shilth-Sa RContributor Nanaimo, BC - Vancouver Island University (VIU) made history this fall, with its ceremonial instatement of the new president, Deb Saucier. The ceremony was done under the traditions of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose territory the university lies on. Saucier went directly to Snuneymuxw Chief Michael Wyse months before thisto ask for permission--and his leadership-in hosting the ceremony, as part of her eﬀorts to push harder for reconciliation in her new role. Being Indigenous herself (Metis, from Saskatchewan) she understands the importance of working relationships with local Aboriginal communities--especially communities who have had some kind of colonial institution, like a university, built over their land. “As far as we know, this is the ﬁrst time in Canada,” said Saucier. “That doesn’t mean we’ve done an exhaustive search, but these kinds of events tend to happen in a very traditional European fashion. So, it was really important to me to see if the Snuneymuxw were willing to host it as a tangible demonstration of my commitment to reconciliation.” “And to changing the way we do business, so that we go and meet people where they live, and we go and try to

respect the laws of the land,” she added. “We try very hard to make the university feel more inclusive.” Chief Wyse commented during in his speech in the longhouse that when Saucier posed the question to him, his answer was a “no brainer.” And because the Snuneymuxw Nation had already committed to education for their young people, a request to help that along was warmly welcomed. Some of the speciﬁc ceremonial features that happened in the event included the calling forward of witnesses from the Snuneymuxw community, the hosting of it in the longhouse, the presence of elders, drumming, dancing, beautiful regalia, an honoring of the people who gathered in the longhouse that day, and Saucier’s reading of a pledge, as well as the placing of a robe on her. It was also mentioned during the ceremony, by Shqwi Qwal (Speaker) Darren Good, that the ﬁlming of the ceremony was specially allowed on that occasion, but normally it is not done, because it is considered a sacred space. According to Saucier, given the history of universities, and their track record on Indigenous lands, this entire event should signify a shift that is long overdue. “If you think about where universities come from, whether you want to take Bologna (University) in 1400, or Oxford

is about 1500…they are by definition colonial institutions, with colonial practices and a privileging of European knowledge,” said Saucier. “And by virtue of how they’re set up, I would argue they do say certain types of knowledge are better than others.” She gives the example of Indigenous knowledge of ecosystems in their territory, which nations have been studying for the entirety of the thousands of years they’ve occupied those territories (such as with the Snuneymuxw, or Nuu-chahnulth). But the difference is they may not have been studying them with “a bunson burner and a lab coat,” she said, in reference to the rigid scientific approach universities have used as their preferred method. She notes that in the past 10-20 years, there has been some change, but not nearly enough. Her plans for VIU throughout her fiveyear term are to continue expanding the kinds of knowledge, and the methods of obtaining that knowledge, which are accepted at the university. And her efforts should open the doors for even more Indigenous students. President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Judith Sayers, also attended the ceremony. She found it enjoyable, as well as an example of a positive step forward for an academic institution in Indigenous relations. While there is more progress to

Deb Saucier be made, she said, this is still heading in that direction. “I don’t know if any other president has ever even thought about that,” said Sayers of Saucier’s mindset. “I guess as an Indigenous person you automatically go to that. But for a non-Indigenous person, I don’t think that’s something they think about. But now I think they will…that they’ll honor the tradition of whosever territory the university might be in.” Sayers also feels it’s in direct alignment with at least one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations pertaining to universities.

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 17

Johns urges government to address salmon emergency The returning Member of Parliament pledges to bring Nuu-chah-nulth voices to O•awa as NDP fisheries critic By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Ottawa, ON - Urging the Canadian government to “understand there’s a salmon emergency happening in coastal British Columbia” is Gord Johns’ first priority as critic for fisheries and oceans. The Courtenay-Alberni MP has been appointed this role, along with critic for small business, tourism and economic development and as deputy-critic for Indigenous-Crown relations and Indigenous services by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Johns served as NDP critic for small business, tourism, veterans affairs and fisheries and oceans in the last Parliament. “Clearly the government isn’t responding and reacting with the sense of urgency coastal people would expect when their iconic species is literally collapsing in areas on the coast,” Johns said. “We’ve seen [the federal government] suspend the commercial fishery with no compensation for the commercial fishers. People are losing their boats and their houses and the government has not rolled out their restoration funds as promised.” Johns said it’s alarming that the government isn’t reacting with a sense of panic and urgency that he believes is needed to address the Pacific wild salmon emergency on the coast. “The current decline and near extinction of wild salmon populations cannot be tolerated or this precious resource will go the way of the Atlantic cod,” he said. “I have asked for an urgent meeting with Bernadette Jordan, minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and will urge her to travel to Vancouver Island in the near future to hear directly from our coastal communities on this crisis.” Johns will also continue to advocate and fight for five Nuu-chah-nulth nations’ rights to catch fish, an issue he has risen in the House of Commons for on dozens of occasions.

Submitted photo

Member of Parliament Gord Johns is pledging to bring Nuu-chah-nulth voices to Ottawa as NDP fisheries critic. “We need a fishery that’s co-managed with First Nations, with local Indigenous communities. The government keeps saying they rely on local and Indigenous knowledge but they continue to open fisheries like the herring every year,” Johns said. “The government is just dragging their feet. My priority will be to ring the alarm bell.” “I’ll be carrying [Nuu-chah-nulth people’s] concerns with respect but I’ll also make sure they’re at the table and that the government is dealing with them on a nation-to-nation basis,” he continued. As deputy-critic for Indigenous-Crown relations and Indigenous services, Johns said he will continue to rely heavily on guidance from Nuu-chah-nulth people on issues that are important to them.

“They’ll certainly have a lot of say in developing policy in Canada,” Johns said. “The Huu-ay-aht had a huge impact on child welfare legislation in this country that just passed in the House of Commons and that was due to the fact that they are leaders in many areas.” Johns said he believes there will be many Nuu-chah-nulth people bringing their voices, knowledge and expertise to Ottawa. “I’ll be carrying [Nuu-chah-nulth people’s] concerns with respect but I’ll also make sure they’re at the table and that the government is dealing with them on a nation-to-nation basis,” he said. “Nuuchah-nulth values and their expertise and their record of management on issues is second to none.” Having a party with just 24 seats, Johns said the NDP will have a much larger workload this term, but that the party will still have a lot of inﬂuence on federal policy. “We’re going to continue to keep the pressure on the government but this time it’s a minority government, the government needs a partner on many things to

continue to govern. Even 24 seats we’re going to have a lot more influence than we did when we were 44 seats after the last government,” Johns said. During the last parliament, Johns achieved unanimous support from all parties for resolutions on ocean plastic pollution and funding for veterans affairs and contributed to the government’s decision to reduce taxes on small businesses. “I’m really excited to get back to Ottawa and get back to work and hugely honoured and privileged to have the support of the Nuu-chah-nulth nations and to have their strength and their confidence in me,” Johns said. Cliff Atleo, Ahousaht’s lead fisheries negotiator, said he expects Johns will continue to provide the same level of support and communication with Nuu-chahnulth nations. “He’s always making sure that he stays connected with us and is well informed before he speaks on our behalf in the House,” Atleo said. “He continues to lobby directly to ministers and has always been very responsive. We could use all that we can get.”

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Page 18— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Pacheedaht First Nation photo

Pacheedaht Forestry’s Port Renfrew sawmill in operation. A recent decision to hike the annual allowable cut in Pacheedaht’s TFL 61 is showing ecoomic opportunity.

Forest tenure adjustment promises more jobs A recent decision hikes annual allowable cut in Pacheedaht’s TFL 61, bringing opportunity during a trying time By Mike Youds Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Renfrew, BC - A sizeable increase in the annual allowable cut along the Island’s southwestern coast has the potential to bring greater stability to a specialty sawmill faced with a fibre supply shortage. Pacheedaht Forestry’s Port Renfrew sawmill is shut down for the time being, so the recent decision to bump up the allowable annual cut (AAC) in TFL 61 can only be good news for 15 idled workers in B.C.’s struggling forest sector. Pacheedaht First Nation has a 50 per cent stake in Pacheedaht Anderson Timber Holdings (PATH), the company that owns the licence. “It brings more stability to the current logging crew,” said Tom Jones, forest program manager with PFN. “Talk to any mill. There is a problem getting fibre.” Forests in TFL 61 — comprising 20,240 hectares, most of them within Pacheedaht territory along San Juan Ridge between Port Renfrew and Jordan River — are growing faster than estimated by the province only a decade ago, said Shane Berg, B.C.’s deputy chief forester. That was Berg’s key rationale in a provincial government decision that clears the way for an 11.5 per cent increase in the AAC for TFL 61. Amounting to an additional 12,500 cubic metres annually, this recalculation is part of PATH’s update to the tree farm licence’s management plan. “After reviewing all relevant factors on timber and non-timber resources and taking into consideration First Nations’ interests in TFL 61, I am satisfied that the new AAC reflects new information on growth rates, current forest management practices and accommodates socioeconomic objectives of the Crown in the TFL,” Berg said in a decision released Oct. 31. A newer analytical tool was applied to managed stands representing about 80 percent of the timber-harvesting land base. Together with a multitude of other improvements in technical aspects of the

B.C. Forest Practices Board

TFL 61 runs along San Juan Ridge on southwestern Vancouver Island. partnerships, they harvest about 145,000 analysis, that was the primary reason for cubic metres a year. A cedar conservation assigning a higher harvest projection, strategy is in place that preserves 2,200 Berg noted. monumental trees for future cultural use, Although Pacheedaht holds other forest and provisions ensure proposed harvesttenure, TFL 61 has developed into an important revenue stream, a key driver ing is reviewed to protect archeological sites. for forestry and community investment as well as other economic development “If we go back, prior to that, we didn’t over the last decade. PFN’s partnership have any tenure,” Tom Jones said. in the form of Pacheedaht Andersen “We just watched logging trucks go by Timber Holdings has been central to that out of our territory,” said Pacheedaht economic progress. The TFL is managed Chief Jeﬀ Jones. “Now we’ve got tenures by Queesto Community Forest in which in our traditional territory with revenue PATH is a general partner. coming back.” Jones said a change in the yield model They also watched Pacheedaht people means the assets of TFL 61 have inleave the territory in search of livelihood creased. Productivity is greater while due to limited employment prospects ﬁxed costs have not changed. That should in the area. Since then, PFN has made bring increased revenues. steady progress in providing opportuniThrough a forest revenue sharing agree- ties intended to draw members home. ment, the nation receives a percentage of The nation has built a cedar specialty the stumpage paid by all tenure holders operation that mills about 10,000 cubic operating in their traditional territory. metres a year of old growth and employs Fifteen years ago, Pacheedaht had no 15 workers, three of them band members. allowable cut within its territory and An additional crew of 15 is employed in no ability to directly manage the forest roadbuilding and logging. While forestland base. Now, with secure tenures and related jobs may increase over time with

the greater AAC, the biggest source of PFN employment comes outside of the sector through revenues invested locally by the nation. “It’s a huge benefit,” Tom Jones said. Those revenues have allowed the nation to pay off debts, purchase a store and build a gas station while making various other investments. The nation also owns a 100-unit beach campground, booked solidly through its prime summer season. More recently they’ve purchased Soule Creek Lodge, which is comprised of yurts, cabins and suites overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Renfrew. In addition, they’ve built eight new homes for members. At this time of year, the revenue stream provides a small boost to families. A financial distribution at Christmas time amounts to about $200 for each of the approximately 300 band members, 130 of whom reside in Pacheedaht territory. On the forestry side, a consultation and revenue sharing agreement signed with the province two years ago added a forest licence and an annual cut of 7,300 cubic metres. PFN has also acquired a 50 percent stake in the Cowichan Community Forest Cooperative, representing a harvest of 30,000 cubic metres per year. Over the long haul, the nation intends to train members for forest-sector jobs as they emerge. “I believe that’s happening now,” Tom Jones said. Meanwhile, PFN’s forestry operations received a thumb’s up in July in the form of a favourable audit from the B.C. Forest Practices Board. “Our audit found that Pacheedaht Andersen Timber Holdings LP (PATH) did a good job meeting all of its legal requirements, including maintaining visual quality and protecting the Kludahk Trail and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail,” said Kevin Kriese, FPB chairman. Meandering in and out of TFL 61, the two trails are popular recreational attractions for the Island’s most populous region.

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 19

Maa-nulth talks funding, roads, groundwater and wildlife Provincial ministers respond to concerns, say money can be found to meet treaty obligations with the nations By Heather Thomson Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Ucluelet, BC - With a number of timely subjects on the table, Maa-nulth nations had their annual government-togovernment leaders forum on Nov. 12 in Ucluelet. The Maa-nulth First Nations and British Columbia Leaders Forum was created as a result of a commitment made when the treaty was implemented on April 1, 2011. In attendance to the second annual meeting were leaders from the Maa-nulth Nations, which include Uchucklesaht, Yuu>u%i>%ath=, Toquaht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Chek’tles7et’h’ and Huu-ay-aht, and representatives from the provincial government. Toquaht Chief Anne Mack said it’s encouraging to have so many ministers present around the table and that shows the province is taking their governmentto-government meetings serious. Mack acknowledged the progress the province has made recently in adopting the UNDRIP legislation. Although this is a monumental act, the Maa-nulth nations are still dealing with several challenges since implementation of the treaty. The biggest of these challenges is ﬁnancial, Mack explained. She pointed out that the colonial mind is still alive and well and this means both parties at the table must work harder to educate front-line workers on how to eliminate this from their belief system. Scott Fraser, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation used the Nuu-chah-nulth principle of Hišuk ma c̕awak, explaining that he believes everything is connected and one. He expects that the collaborative government-togovernment forums will continue to get better year after year. George Heyman, minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, talked about the importance of including Indigenous knowledge when the province draws up climate change initiatives. He acknowledged that CleanBC, a provincial renewable energy initiative, could have consulted First Nations more in Phase One, but that they will learn from this and reach out more to the communities. He also stressed the importance of creating economic opportunities for First Nations. Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis brought up how much removing First Nations people from the land has changed the ecosystem where they traditionally lived. He stressed the importance of returning the balance by bringing Indigenous people back to their land. Uchucklesaht Councillor Wilfred Cootes said one big obstacle they must overcome is the Collaborative Fiscal Financing Agreement. After lengthy negotiations, it is the belief of the Maa-nulth nations

Photo by Heather Thomson

Leaders from the Uchucklesaht, Yuu>u%i>%ath=, Toquaht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Chek’tles7et’h’ and Huu-ay-aht met with provincial ministers on Nov. 12 to discuss how obligations of the Maa-nulth treaty are progressing. that B.C.’s offer of status quo funding would equal 0.3 to 0.6 per cent of federal funding for each year under the FFA. This offer was accepted under protest, but the Maa-nulth nations are still waiting for B.C. to negotiate more appropriate funding. He wrapped up by stating that it is the hope of the Maa-nulth nations that the relationship they have with the province be repaired and a new agreement reached, because when First Nations succeeds everyone succeeds. Fraser and Finance Minister Carol James were both supportive of this statement, adding that it’s not just about giving money but about creating opportunities to build a strong economy with benefits for all. Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Chek’tles7et’h’ Legislative Chief Kevin Jules explained to the ministers that road access to the Treaty Settlement Land needs significant upgrades in order to allow the nations to fully utilize the rights and benefits of the treaty. He pointed out that safety concerns mean that the discussion needs to be how the improvements will be made. It can no longer be about whether or not it can be done. Jules asked that B.C. commit to chip seal the Bamfield Road, increase the

reliability and safety of the Fair Harbour Road, and increase road safety overall. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena said they are aware of the issues are not ignoring them. She said the ministry is interested in working on relationship building and possible partnerships with the nations to help address the road concerns. Maa-nulth natural resources consultant Ron Frank brought groundwater to the table, pointing out that the Maa-nulth Treaty makes provisions for addressing groundwater that requires the province attempt to reach an agreement with Maa-nulth. The province was regulating groundwater in February 2016, but despite this, came to the table in 2018 unprepared to negotiate. The Maa-nulth nations are concerned because they are the most underfunded self-government in Canada, and yet they are expected to address groundwater on their own now. Frank asked that a resolution to these issues be reached in a timely

fashion. Sutherland said he is more than aware of the challenges facing the group, but together they can find money to meet treaty obligations. Fraser also reassured the nations that he will advocate for more funding. Frank also pointed out that when it comes to wildlife, the treaty nations have many common struggles, and the key is to work collaboratively to find ways that everyone will benefit. He presented a detailed list of 11 specific recommendations, pointing out that the key is an increase in human, financial, and infrastructural resources. After some discussion, everyone agreed to work on the 11 recommendations and bring a report back to the next government-togovernment forum in 2020. At the end of the meeting each representative was given a chance to offer closing statements. The common thread in all their comments was the desire to work together to ensure the best interest of the Maa-nulth nations is the focus.

Page 20— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

The president’s message to Nuu-chah-nulth-aht It is already December. Time is flying by and soon the holiday season and the New Year will be upon us. I wish you the happiest of the festive season in the way you choose to celebrate it. I hope you enjoy lots of good times with family and friends and get a chance to get out on the land. I extend my heartfelt sympathies for all the losses our families have been experiencing in the past month. I attended the Cabinet/Chiefs Annual Meetings. The premier, his ministers and senior staff meet with the chiefs, councils and organizations. There are a few plenary sessions but most of the two days is spent meeting with the cabinet on various issues First Nations have. You only get 15 minutes with each minister so you have to be very organized. I had five different meetings that I felt would be important to Nuu-chah-nulth. Met with the deputy minister of children and families to begin the dialogue and get a sense of what B.C. is thinking about the new federal law on children and families. Also met with the ADM’s of energy to talk about lack of First Nations involvement in things they and BC Hydro are doing and the lack of economic opportunities for First Nations in clean energy. Also met with the deputy minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations to talk about the old growth logging and lack of First Nations consent as well as other forest practices. It is an opportunity to open the doors to further work with the government. I attended the Installation of the new Vancouver Island University president Deb Saucier. She is Métis and had asked Snuneymuxw if they could do the installation in their long house. It was a very good day watching the mixing of Snuneymuxw laws and protocols with VIU processes. It was the first time ever a president of a university had been installed in a long house in Canada. You may have been reading some HaShilth-Sa stories on what we have been calling the smudging case. A parent at John Howitt school objected to the fact that her daughter had watched a demonstration of smudging in a classroom. She brought an action against the school district. Nuu-chah-nulth intervened because we did not like the way the woman was characterizing our culture. The Nuu-chahnulth education worker had brought in an elder who demonstrated smudging by smudging the wall and a chair. The parent says her right to freedom of religion was affected because she was subjected to this ceremony. It really is something unbelievable how a case like this ended up in court. It was a five-day hearing. There are discrepancies in facts. Our worker says she gave any child the option to leave the classroom but this girl did not do so. The girl says she asked to leave but was told it wasn’t respectful to do so. The justice will have to decide what really happened. It was very hard sitting in court and hearing the mother’s lawyer calling our culture and spirituality demonic and evil and that it was supernatural and connected to other worlds. They have no right to say what our religion is, only we can define our culture and spirituality. The girl said that watching the demonstration did not cause her to change her religious

Community&Beyond Urban Gathering (Nanaimo) December 12th, 2019 Cultural Ceremony, Information Sharing, NTC Updates, Sharing a Meal together ,Singing and Drumming (bring your drum). Beban Social Center (Lounge C), 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo BC 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM For more information, contact Ruby Ambrose or Jennifer Gallic (250) 724-3939 ; 1 (888) 624-3939 Urban Gathering (Victoria) December 13th, 2019 Victoria Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagra St, Victoria BC 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM For more information, contact Ruby Ambrose or Jennifer Gallic (250) 724-3939 ; 1 (888) 624-3939

beliefs and was uncomfortable for the day. Her mother said the same thing. So clearly nothing negative. The Justice reserved his decision and it will be a wait for that. This case is very important. The mother is asking that all rituals, ceremonies and anything that is spiritual be kept out of the schools. We teach our culture in the schools and almost every aspect of our culture has spirituality around it. Like saying prayers before we take cedar, or medicines or fish or deer. This would be a real blow to our ability to teach our culture in schools. As you recall, our AGM was about homelessness. The direction from the AGM was to hold a strategic planning session to put in place short, medium and long-term actions. We gathered for a day and brainstormed what we could do as NCN, as First Nations and as individuals. It was a good day to reflect on what we can do to help. We heard from the Indigenous Safety Team and the role they play with our members that are without homes. We also heard from our Quu’asa staff on the situation they know of and how they assist. We need to know what is already being done and what the holes are that we can fill. I prepared a resolution to bring to the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly that is being held in Ottawa the first week of December. AFN has never considered this issue before and I am hoping we can get this motion adopted and AFN can begin lobbying governments and bring greater attention to the situation that our members without homes have. Uu-a-thluk held a two-day Co-governance of Offshore Marine Protected Area event. NCN and other First Nations are working hard to have the federal government co-govern these large offshore areas with us. They need to use our knowledge and expertise on the oceans and that we must be able to continue to exercise our rights. There was a commitment to work together and a lot of knowledge was shared. There is much going on in Indian country and I am always honoured to work for Nuu-chah-nulth rights and title. The new year will bring more interesting endeavours and I look forward to reporting to you each month. I hope to see many Nuuchah-nulth-aht at the Urban Gatherings in Vancouver, Seattle, Nanaimo, Victoria and Campbell River. -Kekinusuqs, Judith Sayers

Urban Gathering (Campbell River) December 17th, 2019 Thunderbird Hall, 1400 Weiweikum Rd, Campbell River, BC 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM For more information, contact Ruby Ambrose or Jennifer Gallic (250) 724-3939 ; 1 (888) 624-3939 Memorial Potlach May 16, 2020 Lake Cowichan We the Livingstone family are now planning a Memorial Potlach for our Father and Hereditary Chief Sha e’ Lum, Cyril Edward Livingstone. Bring your drums and regalia. All family and friends are invited. Location: Lake Cowichan Arena, 311 S Shore Rd, Lake Cowichan, Contact Lake Cowichan First Nation at (250) 749-3301 for information.

Photo by Deborah potter

This year, thethe tree festicval has 16 sponsors. Trees will be on display at the Tseshaht Market and 2907 3rd Ave

Annual Festival of Trees collects 16 Christmas trees to donate By Deborah Potter Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter The 23rd annual KUU-US Crisis Line Festival of Trees kicked oﬀ Nov. 26 with a press event that included sponsors. The Festival of Trees is an event that gifts local families fresh Christmas trees, who would usually be unable to aﬀord it. The trees arrive to the families completely decorated, provided by local businesses who want to give back to their community during the holiday season. Some of the sponsoring businesses for this year include Arbutus RV, BMO, Five Acre Shaker and Jay’s Lace it Up. This year, the trees were sold at a discounted rate from the Mossy Stumps Tree Farm. “It is wonderful to see the continued support that this event has each year. The generosity and community spirit from fel-

low citizens is heartfelt,” says executive director Elia Nicholson-Nave in the event press release. This year, they have 16 sponsors, nine less than the 25 trees they had last year. Organizers and volunteers believe the drop is because they lost one of the tree display locations, Port Alberni’s West Coast General Hospital. It brought the usual three locations down to two: the Tseshaht Market and Coulson Group’s 3rd Ave location. The KUU-US Crisis Line is also taking Christmas present donations, and nonperishable donations for food hampers. The decorated trees will be on display from December 8th to the 15th, and during that week the public is encouraged to visit the Tseshaht Market and 2907 3rd Ave. to vote for their favourite Christmas tree. To vote, donate, or for more information, call (250) 723-4050.

Correction A Page 6 article in the Nov. 21 edition of the Ha-Shilth-Sa, titled ‘NTC’s first registered dietician educates on diabetes’ was accompanied by an incorrect photo. Pictured with the article is NTC’s Kaley Ruel, the Southern Region Dietician/Certified Diabetes Educator. The photo that should have accompanied the article is of Rachel Dickens, Central Region Dietician/Certified Diabetes Educator.

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 21

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Page 22— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019

Phoo by Eric Plummer

In 2018 Feed the People was held in the Trinity Church, packing the building beyond what organizers expected.

More than 200 expected for Feed the People event The annual free meal for those in need has grown by ﬁve times since Teechuktl started the event in 2011 By Deborah Potter Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC - The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Teechuktl (mental health) and Quu’asa program hosted the 8th annual Feed the People on Wednesday, December 11th at the Alberni Athletic Hall. The Teechuktl team projected an attendance of around 250 people. In 2018, they had record-breaking attendance, with well over 200 people packed into Trinity Church, enjoying a hot meal and good company. The large amount of people in the small church encouraged the Quu’asa team to relocate to a larger location, the Athletic Hall. “Christmas time isn’t always a jolly time for our (Nuu-chah-nulth) people,” Irene Robinson, Quu’asa urban support worker and the organizer of Feed the People says. Robinson reminisced about the late Ray Seitcher, who organized the ﬁrst Feed the People in 2011. “It always came from his heart…he just wanted people to be happy.” Robinson continues. Seitcher also began Teechuktl’s other meal event, the burgers and hotdogs bar-

becue that happens at the Harbour Quay in June. “We just want our people to know that you are loved, important and that we hear you.” Says Robinson. The first Feed the People hosted around 50 guests, and on its eighth annual year it has grown almost five times the size. They have volunteers from all over the place, from NTC staff, to their own Teechuktl clients, to senior Haa-huu-payak School students helping serve. Haa-huupayak is also planned to bring in younger grades to sing and dance before the meal. A true turkey dinner was planned, with stuffing, vegetables, and lots of chummus. There were care bags to give away that included gloves and toques for the colder season, socks, plus shampoo and conditioner, and much more. Food hampers and door prizes were also available. Care bags, food hampers and door prizes this year are all aimed for people on the streets. Clothes are warm, the food is easy to open, and doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated. “Caring, and feeding people, it’s very much a part of our culture,” Robinson says.

December 12, 2019—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 23

Urban Gatherings held in Vancouver and Sea•le Seattle, Wash. - Nuu-chah-nulth aht living in northwestern Washington had a chance to reconnect on Dec. 6 and 7, when the Teechuktl Mental Health team made their annual trip to Seattle for an urban gathering. After an event the previous evening in Vancouver, this was the second stop in the tour of urban gatherings for Nuu-chah-nulth members living away from their home territory. The next urban gathering was scheduled in Nanaimo for Thursday, Dec. 12.

Photos by Denise Titian

Corby George, above, speaks with NTC President Judith Sayers at the Seattle Urban Gathering, where participants ate, socialized and partook in cultural song and crafts.

Vancouver, BC - This year’s Quu’asa Urban Gathering in Vancouver turned out to be a more popular event than expected. Nuu-chah-nulth-aht living in the Vancouver area flocked to the event on Dec. 5 for a night of socializing and cultural reminders of their roots on the west coast of Vancouver Island, causing the venue at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds to run out of turkey. The lively evening included stories, song, door prizes and the blanketing of two Nuu-chah-nulth members pursuing different paths. Ahousaht fashion designer Alicia Ste-

phens was recognized for her continued production and marketing of culturallyinspired items, while David Dennis of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations was draped in a blanket for his ongoing struggle with a life-threatening liver disease – and his publicizing of a discriminatory provincial liver donation policy. The Dec. 5 event was the first stop of five for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Teechuktl staff. They next headed to Seattle for an urban gathering on the Friday and Saturday at the Pershing Hall.

Photos by Eric Plummer

Alicia Stephens, above, was recognized for her continued pursuits in fashion design at the event, as was David Dennis (below left).

Page 24— Ha-Shilth-Sa—December 12, 2019