Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper October 8, 2026

INTERESTING NEWS Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 53 - No. 19—October 8, 2026 haas^i>sa Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Orange Shirt Day brings plans for Caldwell demolition Over 1,000 participated in Port Alberni’s annual reconciliation walk, starting at the former residential school site By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa Editor Port Alberni, BC - A smile spreads on the face of Rowena Keitlah with the mention that Caldwell Hall, one of the two remaining buildings that were once part of the Alberni Indian Residential School, will be torn down. Rowena first came to the institution at the age of eight, when she accompanied her six-year-old sister Agnes in 1967. She recalls a visit from police at the family’s home in Ahousaht, when her father Nelson Keitlah was informed that he would be put in jail if two of his daughters didn’t attend the boarding school. Rowena remembers when her father came to Port Alberni with his daughters to say goodbye. “It was scary. We didn’t know that we were going to the residential school,” she said. “We got out of the car, and he gave us a really big hug.” That early time was particularly hard on younger Agnes. At night staff at the school had to get Rowena to accompany her sister. “They would have to take her from her dorm to come sit beside me while I cried myself to sleep,” said Agnes. “She used to come into my room because I wasn’t making my bed right. They were hitting me, pulling my hair and telling me to make it over again.” Nearly 60 years later, about 1,000 people flooded Port Alberni’s streets in recognition of the injustice faced by the Keitlah sisters, as well as thousands of other First Nations children across Canada who were mandated by the federal government to live in residential schools. Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt Day, now known coast to coast as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Port Alberni has carried a particularly painful legacy from its residential school, which stood on Tseshaht territory by the Somass River in various forms from 1893-1973. The event this year brought an announcement from the Tseshaht First Nation that the Caldwell Hall building will be demolished in March 2027, with committed funding from the federal government. This includes a gathering that will enable former students from the institution to witness and possibly even participate in the teardown. “The whole project is over half a million, but that also includes the event cost,” said Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts. “Our priority is to make sure we secure some type of funding to help survivors come.” The demolition of Caldwell Hall - and

Inside this issue...

Eric Plummer photo

Survivors from the Alberni Indian Residential School were brought to the front of a gathering at the Alberni Athletic Hall on Sept. 30 to honour their resilience as Port Alberni celebrated National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event began with a long walk from the former residential school site that attracted approximately 1,000 participants. the federal government’s commitment to through counselling, land-based healing,” changed so much.” fund it – was originally announced durshe said. “We’ll never get over it…but we “A huge percentage of our walkers are ing Orange Shirt Day in 2023, but plans just have to deal with it, use our hearts non-Indigenous people who are standto remove the building got put off. Last and minds and souls, culture, our strength ing shoulder to shoulder with us,” added April Tseshaht was declined the federal as a people to deal with this and all of the Watts. “There’s more people who support go ahead, but as the year progressed this other colonial effects that we’ve had.” us than don’t.” turned around and the First Nation’s “I know it was there I learned shame, I Once Caldwell Hall is torn down, the plans were approved. learned I was good for nothing, I learned Maht Mahs gymnasium will be the only “I think they were worried they didn’t that I was stupid,” reflected Agnes remaining structure from the Alberni budget for this year, but they found funds Keitlah. “Those words never came to me Indian Residential School. Tseshaht internally somewhere,” said Watts of until I was there. I had to ask someone members have voted to demolish Maht Ottawa’s change of plans to back the what that meant. I didn’t fully understand Mahs as well, but the gym remains a hub Caldwell Hall demolition. “Part of the everything, and all I did was cry every of activity for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht as a problem with this building is that it’s just night.” regular venue for basketball tournaments, full of asbestos and lead.” With her own grandchildren Agnes has community gatherings, funerals and even With the building’s demolition another had to reverse what was instilled in her. potlatches. memorial piece is being designed by “At the beginning of my healing it took Meanwhile Tseshaht is moving ahead Tseshaht artist Connie Watts, who made everything inside of me to be able to acwith plans to build another gym elsea sculpture about the residential school cept that other people don’t deserve my where on its main reserve, with some fedthat currently stands on the former site. trauma – especially my children and my eral funding committed to help with part Fundraising is underway for the new grandchildren,” she said. “Now I have to of this development. The First Nation is piece, which would carry the names of turn that around and incorporate being working on designs for a large facility people who attended AIRS over its years a grandparent to tell my grandchildren, to be built on a five-acre lot between its of operation. ‘Oh, you’re doing a good job. Oh, I’m so cultural centre and youth centre. Judith Sayers’ mother was one of those proud of you.’ Words that I never heard Watts expects that construction will bestudents. She said that for many Caldwell as a child.” gin in 2027 on a building similar in size Hall remains as a “symbol” of the pain Over the years those impacted by the to the existing Alberni Athletic Hall. left by the institution. residential school system have seen “It’s going to be large enough to have “My mother went, she never recovered a transformation in Canadian society, two full basketball games,” he said. “It’s to be a full person because of the trauma beyond the days when Agnes was asked not just for Tseshaht; it’s going to help she faced,” she said. to sit in the back of a public bus. The sea out the region, broader Port Alberni.” Sayers, who is president of the Nuuof orange that floods Port Alberni each These plans aren’t being made for the chah-nulth Tribal Council, sees that the Sept. 30 serves as a reassurance of this former AIRS site, as it sits too close to painful legacy of the residential school progress. a Tsunami inundation zone. But for the system continues to impact the children “We know that today we are part of the time being, Maht Mahs will remain in and grandchildren of those who attended fabric of Port Alberni,” said Sayers. “Of use. through the current drug crisis course, there is still some racism, but “The current Maht Mahs will stay up “We just try to deal with it, provide for the most part cooperation between until Canada is ready to pay for that tearservices to people to deal with the trauma the First Nations, the city and B.C. has down too,” said Watts.

Chief orders Cermaq to close Boot lagoon.....................Page 3 New tourism webcam installation..................................Page 5 Reconciliation is ‘hollow’ without representation.......Page 8-9 TFN brings together educators and learners.................Page 11 Drying of tears ceremony potlatch...............................Page 15

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

Page 2— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

AIRS survivors share stories and hopes for future Old friends reconnect more than 50 years after Alberni Indian Residential School closes By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Port Alberni, BC – Loneliness, fear, pain – those are some of the feelings children that attended residential school recall during that time they were forced away from the comfort of their parents’ arms and homes. But these frightened little children showed resilience and built connections with fellow students – bonds that would last lifetimes. Ahousaht elder and survivor of Alberni Indian Residential School, Wally Samuel, said he organized the gathering to coincide with National Orange Shirt Day. At the gathering he credited a small group of local AIRS survivors for helping to coordinate events for the evening. Together, the Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors planned a dinner and some displays. There was the display of AIRS students’ paintings, saved by art teacher Robert Aller, which has received national attention. About 200 people attended the reunion at Port Alberni’s Italian Hall on October 1, the day after National Truth and Reconciliation Day. NTC Vice President Les Dioron, Tseshaht elected Chief Ken Watts and Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions were there to welcome the people. Tseshaht’s Jared Dick thanked the survivors for their resilience before drumming a song for them. Mary Heatherington has lived and worked among Nuu-chah-nulth-aht for decades. She is the Alberni Valley United Church’s truth and reconciliation steward. On behalf of the United Church of Canada, she told the gathering that they don’t want secrets anymore. “We encourage you let the world know what happened to you,” she told the crowd. She said she appreciates First Nations and how they were the ones there for her after an accident she and her husband had. Heatherington said she wants to help. “Your culture will survive, you will survive,” she told them. Doiron said he never knew of his mother’s experiences at residential school until he heard the stories at her memorial potlatch. “I was pissed off, but the elders said she was protecting me by not telling me,” Doiron recalled. He spoke of other family members and how he never understood their behavior at the time, but now that he knows what happened to them, he now understands. “It was tough to hear, to know, to learn.” Chief Ken Watts told the group that he saw 1,000 in orange shirts leaving the site of the former AIRS in Tseshaht territory. He credited his late father, George Watts, as being one of the drivers that had the institution shut down. George Watts along with former Nuu-chah-nulth leaders Nelson Keitlah and Simon Lucas went to Ottawa to demand the immediate closure of AIRS back in 1973. Watts went on to deliver a report on Tseshaht’s ground search and the work his nation has done researching the AIRS children that never made it home. At the direction of survivors and elders, Tseshaht scanned grounds of the former AIRS site, the buildings now mostly demolished. Due to the limitations of the LiDAR, some places could not be thoroughly scanned. Watts says that is because the LiDAR can only go where a lawnmower can go. Even with that limitation, the LiDAR scan indicates that there may be 17 potential unmarked graves on or around the AIRS grounds. The Nation has re-

Denise Titian photos

Ahousaht elders Wally and Donna Samuel, married 60 years even after the AIRS principal tried to break them up in their teen years.

Sharie Minions searched 67 documented student deaths that occurred at AIRS. “This is not new information. You’ve been saying it all along – children passed away at residential school,” said Watts. Tseshaht has delivered their findings to the families of those lost. Records are being delivered to places like Sto:lo and Haida Gwaii, according to Watts. The Maht Mahs gymnasium and the Caldwell Hall are the two remaining school buildings on the property and Watts said both are slated for demolition. Plans are in the works to build a new gathering place and a memorial sculpture designed by Tseshaht artist Connie Watts. “We are still here. We know the history and we cannot change that,” said Roman Frank. But moving forward, history is ours to write, and we can work to make a stronger next generation. AIRS survivor and Huu-ay-aht elder Jeff Cook was one of the child artists that made a painting in Robert Aller’s collection. Robert Aller taught art to AIRS students from 1958 to 1964. When he died, his estate turned over the collection of 35 or more paintings to UBC. They were then repatriated to the now elder artists and have been on display across Canada. Cook says the paintings have helped the group of surviving artists heal. “As children, we knew kids disappeared from the village every September. Imagine what that would be like, a village with no kids,” said Cook. He asked people to

Haida Gwaii Elder Ron Wilson tells the story of how he made it to Sproat Lake in time to say goodbye to his childhood ‘brother’ Mel who recently passed away. think about what would be like for the thank you,” Wilson recalled. parents, grandparents, who had no say There was another gentle breeze that over what happened to their children. It scattered the ashes. “The feather was created social issues, said Cook. gone and the ashes disappeared…Mel The survivors spent the day socialhad waited for me, and I got to say goodizing, reconnecting, talking about their bye to him,” said Wilson. experiences at the school and their lives Wally and Donna Samuel met at AIRS afterwards. in 1964. Back then, she was Donna Haida elder and artist Ron Wilson spoke Marsden, a Gitxsan from the village of of his dear childhood friends he called Gitanyow, BC. Wally remembers that brothers. One brother named Mel died re- the principal of AIRS at the time tried cently and his sister posted on social meto break the young couple up, firing off dia that she planned to fulfil Mel’s final letters to Donna’s parents saying Wally is wishes and release his ashes at the Sproat trouble. Lake Petroglyphs, a place he loved. The couple eventually married, had five “I wanted to be there with her,” said children, 16 grand children and 20 great Wilson. He knew the ashes would be grandchildren. “It’s been a good life,” scattered at noon on that day. “At noon, said Wally. I was just coming into the valley,” he re“We wanted to invite the principal to our called. By the time he got to Sproat Lake, 20th…our 50th anniversary but he’s long Fran, Mel’s sister had already scattered gone,” Wally chuckled. The couple has the ashes and left. been married for 60 years. “There was no wind, and I could see The Samuels, along with fellow AIRS Mel’s ashes covering the water, quite a survivors, Jack Cook, Jeff Cook and ways out,” said Wilson. “I thanked Mel Charlie Thompson wanted to get people for waiting for me.” together so that they could tell their sto“And then the prettiest little breeze I ries. “To tell our truth, to educate people ever felt came over me and around my and make things better for our kids…we head, then down to the water,” said Wilwant to make sure that what happened to son. The breeze pushed the floating ashes us doesn’t happen to them,” Samuel said. into the shape of a feather. “Again, I said

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 3

Hereditary chief orders Cermaq to close Boot Lagoon Tsu-tsii-in (Alton Watts) says his nation does not have an agreement with Cermaq to operate in their territory By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Great Central Lake, BC – Tsu-tsii-in (Alton Watts), tyee ha’wilth (hereditary chief) of Hupačasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley, publicly demanded on Sept. 23 that Atlantic salmon farming company Cermaq close their Boot Lagoon hatchery operation near Port Alberni by the end of the year. Watts says Cermaq is polluting Nuuchah-nulth waters and bringing disease to the fish that swim up their rivers. He says cutting off the hatchery is one way to make sure their fish farms cease operations. “I just want them gone and hopefully they clean up their mess and we never have to deal with them again,” said Watts. Located on Hupačasath traditional territory by Great Central Lake, roughly half an hours’ drive from Port Alberni on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Boot Lagoon hatchery rears young juvenile Atlantic salmon, or smolts. Once the smolts are ready to leave fresh water for the ocean, they are transferred to the aquaculture company’s 14 open-net pen facilities in Ahousaht First Nation territorial waters. “These are Atlantic salmon. They don’t belong on the west coast. No matter what you offer me, if you offered me $10 million dollars, I’d say no,” Watts continued. Hupačasath does not have a protocol agreement with Cermaq, according to Watts. He says the aquaculture company, which is 100 per cent owned by the Mitsubishi Corporation, was never given permission by to Hupačasath hereditary chiefs to operate on their territory. “Zero dollars. Zero permissions. Zero anything at all,” said Watts. “My late father (Hugh “Tuffy” Watts) didn’t have (a protocol) and I never had one.” Cermaq renewed a five-year protocol agreement with Ahousaht First Nation hereditary chiefs in 2022. According to Ahousaht leadership, the protocol agreement benefits the nation with about $6 million annually for the term of agreement. They say the funds from the aquaculture operations support land back initiatives, restoration work, business expansion and other community programs. Ahousaht First Nation Hashekumiss (Richard George) declined to provide a comment for this story. Hashekumiss is the son of Ahousaht tyee ha’wilth Maquinna (Lewis George). Ahousaht First Nation’s territorial waters flow through Clayoquot Sound and are sandwiched between Tla-o-qui-aht

Cermaq photo

Cermaq Canada operates a freshwater hatchery by Great Central Lake. It takes about a year for the juvenile Atlantic salmon to mature enough to survive in salt water open-net pens. territory to the south and Hesquiaht terri- thousands,” he said. tory to the north. Svanvik went on to express his support Hesquiaht hereditary chiefs Vince Amfor nations having jurisdiction over their brose and Steve Tom alongside elected own territories but raised the issue of chief councillor Mariah Charleson want wild fish migration. open-net pen fish farms removed from “Fish that swim through their territory the Pacific Coast to safeguard wild are not their fish,” said Svanvik. salmon. “Whatever fish end up swimming by “Wild salmon are central to the ecologi- their farms, whatever pathogens and cal health, culture and economy of Britdiseases that come from there are floating ish Columbia. Immediate and meaningful out in the ocean to infect these fish. They action is required to protect them for can’t stop the rest of fish from swimming future generations,” wrote Hesquiaht through their territory, and they can’t stop leaders in Jan. 2026 a letter to the Govthe farms from releasing these pathoernment of Canada. gens,” he continued. Chief Ho’miskanis (Don Svanvik) “It’s like if your neighbour had an outis a hereditary chief and elected chief house that was leaking into your yard. Is councillor for ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation on it ok because the outhouse is in his yard the north coast of Vancouver Island and for the shit to come into your yard?” said centred around Alert Bay. Svanvik. Following a decade of protests and Watts’ bold move of demanding that research, Svanvik shared that the three Cermaq close its Boot Lagoon hatchery Broughton First Nations (Mamalilifollows the Government of Canada’s June kulla, Namgis and Kwikwasut’inuxw 2024 policy statement to transition B.C.’s Haxwa’mis) were able to reach an agree- aquaculture industry by June 30, 2029. ment with the federal and provincial The federal policy requires new salmon government to systematically remove 17 aquaculture licences to utilize closed open-net fish farms located within their containment technology and for active territory. open-net pen salmon aquaculture operaThe wild salmon returns after the farms tions to move to closed containment on were removed from the Broughton were land or in the ocean. a “resounding success”, Svanvik said. “Throughout the transition process, the “Holy cow. The fish are starting to come government engaged extensively with back like crazy. Since there were all kind First Nations, communities, industry and of systems there that were only down to other stakeholders in British Columbia. the hundreds and now they are up to the Feedback received through these con-

sultations has informed ongoing government deliberations regarding salmon aquaculture in the province,” said Alison Reilander, media relations liaison for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. “Any future decisions related to salmon aquaculture transition will be communicated by the Government of Canada at the appropriate time,” she continued. Currently, B.C.’s salmon farming industry generates $1.2 billion in economic output, $483 million in GDP across Canada and supports 4,051 full-time jobs, according to BC Salmon Farmers Association. “This policy, as it stands, has been shown to be unworkable from an investment perspective and goes against peerreviewed science and the federal government’s own science showing that salmon farming as practiced today is not a risk to wild salmon,” said Andrew Nixon, BC Salmon Farmers community engagement coordinator. “The BC Salmon Farmers Association is supporting the sector in advocating for an outcomes-based decision that will allow innovation without prescribing a specific closed containment technology,” said Nixon. Globally, BC Salmon Farmers states that more than half of all seafood comes from aquaculture, and production is expected to almost double by 2050. The majority of B.C. farmed salmon is exported to the USA and Asia as well as domestically, according to Nixon. Mitsubishi entered the salmon farming business in Chile in 2011, building on its seafood processing and distribution operations in Japan. In 2014, Mitsubishi made Cermaq a wholly-owned subsidiary. Most recently, in July 2025, Cermaq acquired three additional farming salmon operations in under Grieg Seafood; the operations are located in northern Norway, the east and west Coasts of Canada. Through the acquisition of Grieg Seafood, Cermaq’s production volume is expected to increase to approximately 280 thousand tons in fiscal year 2027—about 1.4 times the volume produced in fiscal year 2024, according to Mitsubishi. Watts told the Ha-Shilth-Sa he has yet to receive a reply from Cermaq since making his public demand to close its Boot Lagoon hatchery. Hupačasath elected chief Brandy Lauder and Cermaq British Columbia’s communications and community relations manager Shannon Mobley could not be reached.

Page 4— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026 Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper is published by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for distribution to the members of the contributing First Nations, as well as other interested groups and individuals. Information and original work contained in this newspaper is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2. Telephone: (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 Web page: www.hashilthsa.com facebook: Hashilthsa Ntc

2026 Subscription rates: Non-Nuu-chah-nulth, Ahousaht, Ehattesaht,Toquaht and Ucluelet members are subject to a yearly subscription fee of $40 in Canada, $50 in the US and $60 for overseas. Payable to the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Manager/Editor/Reporter Eric Plummer (Ext. 243) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 eric.plummer@nuuchahnulth.org Reporter Denise Titian (Ext. 240) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 denise.titian@nuuchahnulth.org Reporter Nora O’Malley (604) 353-8488 nora.omalley@nuuchahnulth.org Audio / Video Technician Mike Watts (Ext. 238) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 mike.watts@nuuchahnulth.org Editorial Assistant Holly Stocking (Ext. 302) (250) 724-5757 Fax: (250) 723-0463 holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org

DEADLINE: Please note that the deadline for submissions for our next issue is Oct 16, 2026 After that date, material submitted and judged appropriate cannot be guaranteed placement but, if material is still relevant, will be included in the following issue. In an ideal world, submissions would be typed rather than hand-written. Articles can be sent by e-mail to holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org (Windows PC). Submitted pictures must include a brief description of subject(s) and a return address. Pictures with no return address will remain on file. Allow two - four weeks for return. Photocopied or faxed photographs cannot be accepted.

LETTERS and KLECOS Ha-Shilth-Sa will include letters received from its readers. Letters MUST be signed by the writer and have the writer’s full name, address and phone number on them. Names can be withheld by request. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit submitted material for clarity, brevity, grammar and good taste. We will definitely not publish letters dealing with tribal or personal disputes or issues that are critical of Nuu-chah-nulth individuals or groups. All opinions expressed in letters to the editor are purely those of the writer and will not necessarily coincide with the views or policies of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council or its member First Nations. Ha-Shilth-Sa includes paid advertising, but this does not imply Ha-Shilth-Sa or Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council recommends or endorses the content of the ads.

5040 Peak reopens after bridge repair Discussions are underway as to how to manage the busy crowds By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Vancouver Island, BC – Hikers can once again venture up Vancouver Island’s popular 5040 Peak, Cobalt Lake and Triple Peak trails after a bridge replacement on the Marion Main Forest Service Road (FSR) closed access for all of September. Martin Hofmann is a volunteer caretaker for the 5040 hut known as Hišimy̓ awiƛ (Hi-SHIM-ya-wit), which means “gather together.” He says since the Alpine Club of Canada built the hut 10 years ago, the amount of people on 5040 Peak has steadily increased, but recently over the past few years, he says traffic in the area has “exploded”. Over a weekend this July, he observed 40 tents at Cobalt Lake, another 30 tents beside the hut and about 10 more tents on the ridge. One weekend in August, he counted 84 cars parked by the trailhead. “We get a lot of families. People are bringing up camp chairs these days. We just used to sit on rocks,” he laughed. He said the hut is booked solid every day until the end of October and most weekends in the winter. “The increased numbers are putting pressure on the facilities. Outhouses and bear caches are requiring more regular maintenance. The trail is also getting severely eroded in some sections and will require some maintenance as well,” said Hofmann. “The number of people and dogs is also creating a concern for water quality,” he continued. In 2023, Hofmann said they put an additional outhouse in at Cobalt Lake to help maintain the area. Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS) was also up 5040 a lot this year – they called it “easily their busiest hike in the area.” “This is not an easy trail and it is not beginner friendly,” AVRS posted on their social media. “It’s steep. It’s rooty. It’s rough. There are sections that require scrambling, good footing and the ability to safely navigate challenging terrain. The incline is relentless which means the decline is also challenging,” said the Search and Rescue

Nora O’Malley photo

Access to 5040 Peak is via the Marion Main Forest Service Road located between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. Squad. (Ucluelet), Toquaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, TseHofmann said they are in the early shaht, Hupačasath and Uchucklesaht. stages of discussions with Rec Sites and “First Nations have so much local Trails BC (Rec Sites and Trails), the proknowledge and it would be interesting vincial government agency, on the best and useful if we could have more signs ways to manage this dramatic increase. showing the history of the area,” he “With (Rec Sites and Trails) we are continued. “It’s where all the watersheds planning to discuss First Nations involve- come together. There are a lot of people ment in the future plans, and we would involved.” be happy to work with them to protect “It’s a beautiful area and we want to what we can,” said Hofmann. keep access there for people because I He said they are looking at establishing think it’s really important for people to a campsite for registration. get out and see just how beautiful Van“I think that is probably the way things couver Island is. But on the other hand, will have to go. The campers are well we have to do what we can to maintain meaning, they are not going up there to it,” said Hofmann. damage things; just with a little registraA message to the Ministry of Environtion will go a long way to managing the ment and Parks was not returned by press numbers,” said Hofmann. time. The ridges of 5040 Peak are considered shared territory for at least six Nuu-chahnulth First Nations including Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ

Legal Information

COVERAGE: Although we would like to be able to cover all stories and events, we will only do so subject to: - Sufficient advance notice addressed specifically to Ha-Shilth-Sa. - Reporter availability at the time of the event. - Editorial space available in the paper. - Editorial deadlines being adhered to by contributors.

Ha-Shilth-Sa belongs to every Nuu-chah-nulth person including those who have passed on, and those who are not yet born. A community newspaper cannot exist without community involvement. If you have any great pictures you’ve taken, stories or poems you’ve written, or artwork you have done, please let us know so we can include it in your newspaper. E-mail holly.stocking@nuuchahnulth.org. This year is Ha-Shilth-Sa’s 52nd year of serving the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. We look forward to your continued input and support. Kleco! Kleco!

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

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 5

New tourism webcam installations near Tofino Eighteen real time Vancouver Island weather webcams aim to help improve safety for marine travelers By Keith Durocher Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Tofino, BC – A Tofino tourism website has launched a webcam service that allows users to view not only the natural beauty of local beaches but also the weather conditions for marine travel. Tofino TV is a live Webcam network, a radio station, a provider of video content, and aims to be a direct window into Clayoquot Sound. It is the brainchild of Cameron Dennison from Tuff City Radio in Tofino, BC. When asked about the project, he told Ha-Shilth-Sa, “It’s been about a year in the making, but TofinoTV itself has only been up and running for about two months.” The live cams on TofinoTV.com offer a view of ‘Tofino from every angle’. On the website you can choose from an array of eighteen different webcams that offer views of Tofino, Ucluelet, Clayoquot Sound, Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, the Amphitrite lighthouse, and more. The marine views are invaluable to those that live and work in the offshore communities of Clayoquot and Barclay Sounds. Al Titian, crew boat operator for Cermaq Canada in Tofino, first noticed the cameras at a marine fuel station. “When my radar was down, I just Googled up the webcams from land base and I can see in real time if there is fog in Tofino Harbour,” he said. As awareness of the TofinoTV cam network grows, it will become an increasingly important tool for Indigenous locals whose livelihoods are heavily dependant on knowing up to the second weather patterns. The webcams over Tofino Harbour provide an accurate map of boat movement around the harbour as well as immediate weather conditions – giving much more accurate information than forecast predictions. Fog, rain, and wind patterns can shift rapidly, and with storm season approaching, residents in the offshore communities of Ahousaht and Hot Springs Cove/Hesquiaht can now see conditions in real time from wherever they are and make informed travel decisions from there. The TofinoTV.com website offers real-time underwater views from Barclay Sound along with tide and weather information, but it also hosts short films, documentary series, and V-Log series to watch, all with a heavy focus on island

TofinoTV screen grabs

Tofino Harbour’s weather can be seen in real time along with over a dozen other harbours. life and Indigenous themes. The plan is to drive viewership of the cams with the media content, and vice-versa. The cost of operating the cameras is covered through sponsorship programs. Local businesses all across Vancouver Island can pay to sponsor a camera in return for advertising exposure. According to Cameron, “People are enthusiastic about the project. I’m very happy to say that our first program has over 40 thousand views so far- not on YouTube, but on Instagram, Tiktok, and [other social media platforms], and those views are then driving our YouTube numbers up- so I’m quite confident in the overall success of the project.” As viewership of the TofinoTV series grows, so too will use of the cams, which in turn will lead to expansion of the number of camera channels for locals to use. “I modelled TofinoTV after some European stations,” said Cameron. “So people tune in, check the surf conditions. People that want to come visit Vancouver Island can also check weather conditions in order to help book their trip. So, it was very intentional to create the network as both a tool for locals as well as something to help draw tourism to the economy- and to complement the content we’re creating for TofinoTV.”

There are live cameras overlooking Tofino Harbour and others at Crystal Cove Resort, Ocean Village Resort, Long Beach Lodge and two other cameras at Cox Bay. In Ucluelet there are camera views from Black Rock Resort and the Ucluelet Harbour. Plans are in motion to expand this in the near future. “We are beginning a pretty aggressive expansion all over Vancouver island” said Cameron. “The goal is to drive viewer-

ship with the information of weather, storm watching, and surf conditions to support Indigenous content. I have a personal goal of being very supportive of the Nuu-chah-nulth language and keeping it alive as possible.” Businesses interested in sponsorship of a Webcam featured on the TofinoTV network can find more information about the different advertising tiers in the ‘about’ section of tofinotv.com.

CYPRESS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 250.724.7629 rimrockcasino.ca

Page 6— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

Hotelier Mandy Farmer sells Hotel Zed and Accent Inns All properties and ROAR restaurant remain open as Vancouver-based Synvest Group of Companies takes over By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, BC – As the Bob Dylan song goes: “The times they are a changin’.” Victoria CEO Mandy Farmer is handing the keys to her 1978 Chevy Shaggin’ Wagon – and all Accent Inns and Hotel Zed properties – over to a new owner. Vancouver-based Synvest Group of Companies has purchased all eight hotel properties and the restaurant ROAR, located at Hotel Zed Tofino, for an undisclosed amount. The companies shared in a Sept. 22 statement to the media that the transition is expected to take place at the end of November. “This is an emotional day for me and for our team. I am deeply proud of the company and culture we have built together, and it mattered enormously to me to find a new owner who understood what makes this company special,” said Farmer in the media statement. “Throughout this process, we found a shared set of values with Synvest, particularly around how we care for our people and our guests,” Farmer continued. Farmer was unavailable for further comment on the deal as she is “currently focusing on supporting her team during this transition time,” shared her media contact. The 70s-themed Hotel Zed Tofino opened in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory in August 2020. From the getgo, educating guests about the history of guardianship and activism in the region was important to Farmer. Hotel Zed Tofino was the first non-Tla-o-qui-aht owned resort to take part in the Tribal Park Allies program. Founded in 2019, the Tribal Park Allies program commits participating businesses to collecting a one per cent voluntary fee from guests for environmental stewardship and restoration. “Sometimes getting fresh blood into a community enables change. It opens up conversations that weren’t otherwise happening. I really do believe that Hotel Zed Tofino played a really meaningful role as the first non-Indigenous resort to participate in the Tribal Park Allies program,” said Julian Hocking-Grant, Tribal Park Allies liaison. “We were able to generate some meaningful revenue through that relationship, and we were able to demonstrate how well Tla-o-qui-aht was using those funds to achieve their stated goals. It played a really important role in building trust and building relationships across the whole community,” said Hocking-Grant.

Jesse Holland photo

Kicking it old school, CEO Mandy Farmer announced the “emotional” sale of all Hotel Zed and Accent Inns properties on Sept. 22. Hotel Zed Tofino also commissioned a mini-book called ʔiisaak in the Garden (Respect in the Garden) for guests that recounts the Clayoquot Sound uprising of the 1980s and 1990s that led to the creation of the Meares Island Tribal Park. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when non-essential travel restrictions were encouraged, Hotel Zed Tofino offered up rooms to Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht who needed a safe place to isolate at no cost. Azim Virani is the founder and principal of Synvest Group of Companies. “For our family, hospitality has always Nora O’Malley photo been about people. Mandy, her famHotel Zed Tofino staffers participate in the Tla-o-qui-aht Days parade through ily and the team have built something Tofino on Aug. 10. tinue working with their existing Accent from just being in the space that they distinctive at Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, Inns and Hotel Zed contacts through the work really hard to create a space that is with a culture that genuinely cares about transition. welcoming to diverse people. They have its people and guests,” stated Virani. The B.C.-based hospitality acquisition lived up to that tag line by having the “We have tremendous respect for what for Synvest Group includes three Hotel courage to enthusiastically voice their they have built and are excited to work Zed properties (Kelowna, Victoria and support for the Tribal Park Allies proalongside these incredible teams, welTofino), five Accents Inns (Victoria, Van- gram during the early days. I hope we can come their guests and carry forward the couver Airport, Burnaby, Kelowna and continue the relationship,” said Hockingculture and hospitality that have made Kamloops) and ROAR Restaurant. Grant. these brands so special,” said Virani in Hocking-Grant says Tribal Park Allies The annual Tribal Park Allies gatherthe media release. “values and treasures” the mutually bening, hosted in partnership with Tourism All eight hotel properties and restaueficial relationship they have built with Tofino, is slated for Oct. 27 at Tin Wis rant ROAR remain open, reservations Hotel Zed. Resort. continue to be honoured and day-to-day “Not every company holds true to their “The Hotel Zed new management ownoperations continue as usual, according tag lines, for Hotel Zed they had ‘Rebels ers are cordially invited,” said Hockingto the companies. Guests, groups, event against the ordinary’. You can really see Grant. clients and business partners can con-

TSESHAHT MARKET GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC RIM

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

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7

Canada Post unveils Orange Shirt Stamp Collection Four stamps featuring artwork by Indigenous artists Emily Kewageshig, Jason Sikoak, and Christi Belcourt By Keith Durocher Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor The momentum for National Truth and Reconciliation continues to rise, with Canada Post today unveiling a collection of four Orange Shirt stamps in recognition of the ongoing Every Child Matters campaign. Begun in 2013 by Phyllis Jack Webstad, the symbol of the Orange Shirt has become a striking and memorable symbol of all that was taken from Indigenous First Nations across Canada. The Orange Shirt walks have themselves become a rallying point for Canadian support of First Nations. This year in particular represents a significant milestone in the movement – students who are graduating this year have spent every year since kindergarten participating in the walk. In an interview granted to Canada Post, Webstad notes, “We at home weren’t talking about residential school, let alone having it in school. The students from the public school system will start to graduate, knowing what happened to us, and will have empathy.” With the growing support across the country for National Truth and Reconciliation, and for the Orange Shirt walks, the ultimate goal of the movement seems to be within reach, says Webstad. “I’m calling it a stepping stone on the path to Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, the end of the path being Reconciliation.” The four stamps feature strong graphic art from three prominent First Nations artists: Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29 in Ontario,

Canada Post picture

Canada Post’s collection of Indigenous artist designed Truth and Reconciliation stamps now available for purchase. Jason Sikoak, a Montreal based Nunatcated to Mother Earth. siavut mixed media artist, and Christi For First Nations, an eagle rises, symBelcourt, a Metis visual artist, and Order bolizing strength and spiritual guidance, while four feathers point upward, celof Canada recipient. The artists made sure to weave deep ebrating the first generation to learn about meaning into the designs. Three of the residential schools from kindergarten to stamps have been illustrated to reflect the grade 12. A glowing heart recognizes surexperiences of First Nations, Inuit and vivors, their families and communities. Métis communities, with a fourth dediFor Inuit, multiple figures form a spiral

– reflecting how we learn and grow in an ever-expanding circle. Sun rays symbolize hope for younger generations, while the surrounding delta braid represents unity and connection across Inuit Nunangat. For Metis, a sash and floral designs represent Métis culture. Beaded mitts symbolize the land-based learning that residential schools disrupted and the lost ability of a grandmother to protect her grandchild against the elements. The fourth stamp is dedicated to Mother Earth, symbolizing the connection between past, present and future generations. It shows a mother holding her children, whose flowing forms express resilience and intergenerational strength. Rising trees rooted within her body symbolize deep ties to ancestral knowledge and the continuation of these teachings. Together, the collection covers Indigenous styles that span the breadth of Canada from coast to coast, showcasing the differences between Nations while also illustrating the unmistakable similarities that tie Canadian art together. The Truth and Reconciliation Official First Day Cover retails for $5.96, or is available as a gatefold stamp booklet featuring the four Orange Shirt Day Tshirt designs displayed together on the front and back covers. To purchase Orange Shirt Day T-shirt stamp collection online, visit https:// store.canadapost-postescanada.ca/ store-boutique/en/414326111/p/truthand-reconciliation-2026-booklet-of-8permanenttm-sup-stamps

Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

Reconciliation is ‘hollow’ without representation from the TFN councillor Autlieyu (Francis Frank) noted an absence from the Catholic Church and Government of Canada mad By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tofino, BC – Survivors of crimes committed by the Roman Catholic Church and the Government of Canada gave personal oral testimonies, recounting memories of rape, neglect and physical abuse, as children romped carefree around an orange room and babies slept in arms. A Tla-o-qui-aht artist scrolled the words “Truth and Reconciliation” across a blank canvas and got to work drawing a drum circle and orange human figures walking together in the same direction. Orange Shirt Day at the Tin Wis Resort in Tofino on Sept. 30 was elbow-to-elbow with supporters, but Tla-o-qui-aht councillor Autlieyu (Francis Frank) spoke about the event being only half full. “Where are the representative from the Oblates? That’s who put the hurt and the pain on us, the nuns and the priests. How do you reconcile if the other half is not here to reconcile with you?” said Autlieyu, who lived at residential school for nine years and then grew up in foster care. “They need to take ownership. So, to the non-First Nations that are here, we ask of you, put pressure on the churches, put pressure on the politicians. They should be hosting this. We didn’t do this to ourselves. It’s not our behaviour it’s a learnt behaviour. We were taught to not talk to our sisters. We weren’t allowed to. That’s the impact of residential school, we were taught not to love,” he continued. “The perpetrators, the people that caused the pain, have to take responsibility and be here to start to go down that path of real reconciliation. Right now, reconciliation is hollow. It means nothing,” said Autlieyu. Christie Indian Residential School opened on Meares Island, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, in 1897. Children taken from their families to fill the institution came from Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Hesquiaht, Ehattesaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Kyuquot and more. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has a list of names of

On the Orange Shirt Day walk from Tofino’s Village Green to Tin Wis Resort, Rose David says to not be ashamed of where your p for who they are. children that died at Christie. According to the NCTR, Christie Indian Residential School was funded by the Government of Canada and operated by two Roman Catholic Orders: Order of St. Benedict (1899 – 1938) and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (1938 – 1969) under various names. It was commonly known as Old Christie or Kakawis. The federal government took over the management and operation of the Old Christie on April 1, 1969, according to the NCTR. In 1971, the Old Christie on Meares Island closed and relocated to the Christie Student Residence in Tofino at the

Palexelsiya (Lorelei Williams) walks with her family.

site that is now Tin Wis Resort in Tla-oqui-aht traditional territory. New Christie Residence closed in 1983, making it the last of the Indian Residential Schools in the province of British Columbia. On Oct. 9, 2025, dozens of Survivors witnessed the demolition of the Old Christie gymnasium at a healing event hosted by the Ahousaht Residential School Research team along with Ahousaht Haw’ił (hereditary chiefs). Tla-o-qui-aht elected chief Elmer Frank said many Nuu-chah-nulth members also went to Kamloops Indian Residential School. “We think we are moving ahead as a community, as a nation, healing. Internally, we see that. Externally, we face more traumas when we come into situations like our families and relatives in Kamloops having to face Second Sons opening wounds and pouring salt deep into our wounds,” said Frank. On behalf of Tla-o-qui-aht Haw’ił, Frank

welcomed and thanked the crowd for showing up to walk with the Survivors and to honour them. “We stay united as we suffer from the residential school trauma. It was heartwarming to our chiefs to see the amount of people that are here with us,” he said. During the 3.4 kilometre walk from Tofino’s Village Green to Tin Wis Resort, Palexelsiya (Lorelei Williams), Indigenous activist and founder of the dance group Butterflies in Spirit, spoke out against racism in Canada. “The fact that those people are coming out and saying, ‘Got bones?’, it’s very frustrating that they are doing that. There are protocols, it’s a process. You can’t just go and start digging. There is a respectful way to do it. We have our elders’ stories as well,” said Palexelsiya, who was wearing an Orange Shirt depicting a photo of her parents, both survivors of St. Mary’s Residential School near Mission, B.C. Overlooking the Tofino harbour along

Tla-o-qui-aht councillor Autlieyu (Francis Frank), left, with Tla-o-qui-aht chief councillor Elmer Frank on Sept. 30 at Tin Wis Resort.

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 9

e perpetrators Tofino art exhibit honours Survivors de the event half full

Nuu-chah-nulth artist and Tofino Arts Council unveiled a new exhibit on Sept. 30 By Nora O’Malley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nora O’Malley photos

arents come from and to love everybody the multi-use path, Tofino Mayor Dan Law said Orange Shirt Day is a day to reflect and a day to recognize the power of Tla-oqui-aht in Tofino. “Part of the reconciliation process is overcoming a history of racism and discord. We are all here. We are all neighbours and friends, and we have a bright future together. That’s what we have to work towards. It is going to take a lot of work and we have a lot of things to overcome, but if we do it in the spirit of friendship then there is hope,” said Law. Later in the day, Tla-o-qui-aht and the District of Tofino signed renewed friendship agreement. The agreement acknowledges Tla-o-qui-aht as the original inhabitants of the lands in which Tofino exists within. Tourism Tofino’s executive director Samantha Hackett brought her daughters to the Orange Shirt Day event. “It’s not a day that is recognized worldwide. It’s really about Canadian history, it’s about British Columbia’s history and more locally it’s really about what happened here within Tla-o-qui-aht territory and surrounding communities,” said Hackett. She told the Ha-Shilth-Sa she hopes visitors to the region “learn and acknowledge the history and get to know the full story.” Travellers Svitlana Kyniv from Ukraine and Fernanda Soto from Chile joined Tlao-qui-aht’s Orange Shirt Day walk. “We were glad to support the walk and support the resilience of the First Nations people,” said Kyniv. “After learning the meaning of the T-shirt, it was really sad,” said Soto. “For that, we are here supporting. Also, in my country we have a similar situation when Spain colonized Chile.” Wearing a cedar headband made by her mom, Rose David shared that she is a descendant of residential school survivors. “I’m doing this for my parents. Don’t be ashamed of where your parents come from, and love everybody for who they are,” said David.

Tofino, BC – Nuu-chah-nulth artist Elizabeth George welcomed guests with warm hugs to the Tofino Arts Council (TAC) art space below the Tofino Legion on Sept. 30. The special Orange Shirt Day dinner was planned to honour Survivors while showcasing the latest TAC Hallway Gallery exhibit, featuring residential school class photos and 27 beaded orange shirts. George had many family members who went to residential school. Her dad, Billie George Sr., attended Alberni Residential School and her mom, Annie George, went to Cape Mudge Day School on Quadra Island. Her husband Matthew Curley went to New Christie Residential School, which was located on the site that is now Tin Wis Resort. “I’m in tears. It was heartwarming to see the support. It was really nice to see all my husbands’ workers show up. They didn’t realize that he went to residential school. They didn’t realize there are Survivors as young as my husband,” said George, noting that her husband was 10 and 11-years-old when he went to the New Christie. George teaches beading and cedar bark weaving courses throughout the west coast communities. Most Thursdays, she’ll be at the Legion building at 5 p.m. to teach beading classes. “I’ll teach anybody who is willing to learn because that is how my grandmother was,” said George. Tofino councillor Ali Sawyer contributed eight out of the 27 beaded orange shirts. She says beading came naturally to her, perhaps because the fine finger dexterity follows a similar pattern to drawing on Ukrainian easter eggs, a technique she grew up practicing. “It’s been one of the most meaningful things I’ve gotten to be a part of in this town,” said Sawyer about learning how to bead from George. “It’s something I come to every week. You get to sit around the table and work on things that’s such a beautiful artform. Just to have the opportunity to get to learn that and participate; I didn’t think I would find new ways to be connected in this town, and this has really opened my eyes,” said Sawyer, who has called the west coast home for the past 14 years. Residential school Survivor and Ahousaht tyee ha’wilth (hereditary chief) Maquinna (Lewis George) attended the dinner with his wife, Cathy. Before the guests dined on a home cooked meal of salmon, rice, salads, pasta and treats from Common Loaf Bake Shop, Maquinna gave a speech and lead the Dinner Song. Maquinna spoke about abolishing the Indian Act and how residential schools are a “dark period in Canadian history”. He talked about the continued concern of bootlegging in their remote community and empathized that practice culture – like traditional art, song and dance – is going to be what heals. Then Maquinna turned the channel to sports by quoting Canada’s legendary hockey player. “I look at all the people here and I want to quote what Wayne Gretzky said when all the people were really mad at Ovechkin because of Russia invading Ukraine. Gretzky said, ‘don’t be mad at Ovechkin, he’s not driving the bus.’ And that’s what I want to say about you, you guys are not the ones driving that bus. I want to thank you for coming to listen,” said Maquinna.

Nora O’Malley photos

Elizabeth George wraps her arms around Tofino Teacher Candice Steven on Sept. 30 at the Legion basement art space.

Ali Sawyer looks up at the display of beaded orange shirts at the Tofino Arts Council Hallway Gallery.

Grace George, left, says a prayer to open up the event alongside Tom Curley, Matthew Curley and Elizabeth George. George plans to keep adding to the wall Honouring Our Survivors exhibit runs unof beaded orange shirt pins. Her goal is til the end of October. For Hallway Gallery to have 76 pins on the wall to represent hours, visit: tofinoartscouncil.com. the number of different nations that were forced to attend Alberni Residential School.

Page 10— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

How AI can help save Indigenous Languages New technology explored at Tla-o-qui-aht hosted Language Conference By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Tofino, BC – Can AI technology be used to safely revitalize Indigenous languages? What danger does AI pose to the storage and dissemination of Indigenous languages? These are questions explored by Professor Natasha Ita MacDonald and Ali Mehdi who presented at the Tla-oqui-aht-hosted language conference held September 26-27 at Tin Wis Resort. Dr. Natasha Ita MacDonald is an Inuk from Kuujjuaraapik , Nunavik. She completed her PhD at Concordia University with her research on Inuit-led approaches to decolonizing education and protecting Inuktitut language. She contributes to Indigenous language maintenance and revitalization as Vice-President of Heritage Lab, a non-profit supporting communityled cultural and linguistic preservation through AI. According to the Heritage Lab website, it began from a shared commitment to supporting and strengthening Inuktitut in Nunavik through innovative, communitydriven language technologies. “Today, that work has grown into a broader commitment: helping Indigenous communities access, govern, and shape language technologies on their own terms,” they stated. Through Heritage Lab, language learning tools for Indigenous communities are being developed. In Nunavik, most people still use the language, said MacDonald, however, in recent times it is in rapid decline. MacDonald works on protecting what they have and helping it to grow strong again. The reason the Inuk language is in decline is because of how communication is done today. “The world – doctors, educators, public signs and everything on the Internet for Canadians is English (or French) speaking, so, younger people still must learn English, or French if you’re in Quebec,” said MacDonald. “We are the drivers of determining how our culture and languages will survive. We don’t need to change for them. We’ve survived this long. We stay who we are, and we find a way that works for us. We work together,” MacDonald told the crowd. Ali Mehdi has been working in Nunavik on computer technology and education.

Denise Titian photo

Ali Mehdi and Dr. Natasha Ita MacDonald are using AI technology to help save Indigenous Languages across Canada. Heritage Lab has been building tools like games, books and language learning technology like Digital Voices which allows the user to hear Inuk words and phrases. Developed with the help of fluent speakers, Digital Voices allows the learner to hear the language. Ali said that six fluent speakers, or voice actors recorded audio Inuk stories and words. Through the program, children can follow along listening to digitized voices speaking Inuk. The voice actors delivered 35,000 voice samples which were entered into computer programs. The system then builds sentences using digitized copies of the voice sound clips made by the voice actors. It is like TTS (Text to speech) technology. Sound profiles saved in the system are used to generate audio speech for written words and sentences. ‘Write, scan, translate’ technology is helping educators develop language tools. But the system uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and there is a fear that the language may be somehow exploited. According to MacDonald, both

the US Military and the Chinese governments ‘have politely asked to use our data bases’. Tech giant representatives from Microsoft and Meta have also offered to help develop the technology. This, she says, raises alarm bells. “The Arctic is valuable on the global stage and for some reason, access to Indigenous languages is important to world leaders,” MacDonald noted. To protect the data, Heritage Lab uses what they call closed loop AI. When we hear about data centres we think of massive buildings. The AI used by Heritage Lab is small. “It does not have access to places on the Internet that may seek to exploit it. It’s a small AI system that fits in a brief case that can only be accessed by authorized users. Data is kept in the community. It is encrypted so that it cannot be stolen in its entirety. It is also protected by levels of access. Very few have full access to the stored information,” said MacDonald. The technology allows users and teachers to develop language tools like story

books. It can potentially be used to create a dictionary where you can type in a word in English, for example, and the program plays a digitized audio recording saying the word in Inuk, along with the Inuk spelling of the word. Heritage Lab is a non-profit organization that offers its technology tools to Indigenous communities to save languages. “Ultimately, it is up to the customer to decide their level of security. They may choose not to allow their data on the Internet at all, but to successfully revitalize languages, children and youth need access to it,” said MacDonald. “We believe in upscaling youth. They learn the technology, making them managers of your language revitalization in good paying jobs,” said MacDonald. And that includes the fluent voice actors, who get paid royalties for their recordings. “Protect language and culture through AI…it’s not the scary stuff you’re hearing about. We’re doing it in safety,” said MacDonald.

Phrase of the week: k`#imacint ku%a> Pronounced ‘kwi ma tsint koo ulth’, it means, ‘There was frost this morning’ Supplied by ḥakaƛ.

Illustration by Laura Graves

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 11

Tla-o-qui-aht brings together educators and learners Tiicmis?uknish ciqyakukqin (Our Language is Our Life) By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Tofino, BC – Progress is being made in saving Indigenous languages but so much more needs to be done. That is why Tlao-qui-aht took the lead and invited educators, scholars, tech experts and learners to come together for a weekend of resource sharing at Tin Wis Best Western Resort on the weekend of September 24. Luke McDonald (t̓ ap̓ atc̓ umaʕuk) is Tlao-qui-aht First Nations Language Coordinator and Digital Archivist. He said the goal of the conference is to bring together all Nuu-chah-nulth learners, programs, and school staff to share information. “Because we know we are stronger when we work together,” he said. Everyone there has the same goal of revitalizing their languages and improving on teaching tools and techniques. Bringing together people knowledgeable in language revitalization, the tools they use, the things they know brings an opportunity for sharing, growing, and improving. McDonald said Tla-o-qui-aht will be launching its language resource website which they will share with other learners. “It’s the Tla-o-qui-aht dialect and anything approved for sharing can be used by other nations and can be adapted to their dialects – it’s resource sharing,” said McDonald. He noted that the invited speakers represent steps the Tla-o-qui-aht language department has taken, tools they have used to improve their language revitalization work. Like Heritage Lab who are developing language and cultural preservation technology using AI or Artificial Intelligence. “We’ve had to adapt it to fit our needs,” he added. There were about 60 people in attendance including language educators, learners, elders. Evangeline Provost presented on behalf of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council where she helps facilitate language learning and tool development. She said her late grandfather, Chaasta, (Peter Charlie Sr.) of Ahousaht attended residential school and therefore, didn’t learn the Ahousaht language until later in life. What he learned, he tried to teach to his family. She said FPCC and First Voices work with language groups around the province to develop language learning resources and other things to save First Nations languages. In the 20 years Evangeline has been at First Voices, she has seen the language resources available through the website grow. There are recordings of people speaking First Nations languages, books, flashcards, games and other tools that help people learn any of the languages available on the website. The Nuu-chah-nulth languages supported on the First Voices website are Tla-o-qui-aht, Tseshaht, Ehattesaht, and Hesquiaht. The FPCC has developed the First Voices app suite that can be downloaded to your phone or device. Through the FPCC website, the user selects which language they want to learn then downloads the app. Through the app, the user will hear daily words and phrases or they can practise spoken language with tools like flashcards. The website itself has language learning resources and some of its features are buildable, meaning the user can input words and names. A map on the website, for example, allows users to add First Na-

Denise Titian photo

Annika Benoit-Janssen picks up Tla-o-qui-aht words with fluent speaker, elder Levi Martin, during language learning activities. tions place names. Her ultimate goal was to teach it through Prevost said that the First Voices website her work at the Salish School of Spokane. is loaded with language resources and She found a fluent elder that graciously the organization provides support to train invited the young family to move in with people in audio recording editing. Audio her so that they could learn Salish. The recordings of spoken language can then family learned the language by immerbe uploaded to computers to be shared. sion. Joshua Shaw works for Uchucklesaht in When their grandchildren came along, language fluency. He started learning the the couple vowed never to speak English Nuu-chah-nulth languages from several to them. Today, they have five grandchilelders including two that have since dren that are all fluent speakers. passed away, Julia Lucas and Hudson In Spokane, the couple helped launch a Webster. school with programs that teach SalHaving more than one fluent speaker to ish language as part of their curriculum. learn from is a blessing, but, sometimes, More importantly, they are working to Josh admits, he mixes up his dialects teach older people because there are so when speaking. The Nuu-chah-nulth lanfew fluent elders to teach it. These language has at least three distinct dialects, guages are endangered, they said. some say there are more dialects. The Graded Intergenerational Disruption Using the Nuu-chah-nulth language, Scale (GIDS) is an 8-level tool created Shaw shared a story he heard from elders, by sociologist Joshua Fishman in his including Julia Lucas. The story was 1991 book Reversing Language Shift to about whalers that harpooned a whale and measure the threat of endangerment to a were dragged far offshore by the woundlanguage based on how it is passed down ed animal. Having lost their paddles and between generations. with no food or water, the whalers were According to Wiley, their community afraid they were going to die. sits at level 7 on the GIDS. This means The story goes on that one of the whalthat only the child-bearing age people ers began praying to the Creator, asking know the language but are not passing it that they be saved. Finally, a bird came onto the younger generations. Level 8 is and landed on the harpoon. It chanted a the last level to extinction of a language, prayer and flew off. When the whalers re- that is where only the elders know the peated the chant, the whale miraculously language. revived and brought them back to shore. “If we’re critically endangered, we need Shaw says the central teaching of the to invest in strategies to develop adstory is to always have faith. To pray, vanced fluent adults...and that means full because everything good comes from the immersion,” said Wiley. Creator. Through their ILFTS (Indigenous LanSpeaking about his shyness while learn- guage Fluency Transfer System) website, ing the language, he remembered somehttps://ilfts.org/ language groups can find thing Julia used to tell him. “Joshua, you tools and resources to assess their comare not a chicken. You are an eagle. Don’t munity language fluency and see ideas be afraid to spread your wings and fly,” for growing fluency. she would tell him. According to their website, the IndigLeRae Wiley and Christopher Parkin, enous Fluency Transfer System and Curare a husband and wife team that created riculum is a comprehensive, sequenced the Salish Fluency Transfer System and curriculum project designed to help new Curriculum. The couple delivered their learners become proficient in their Indigpresentation from their Spokane, WA. enous or endangered language. home via Zoom. The system focuses on conversational Language, they say, is the foundation of fluency, teaching people how to effeccultural identity. LeRae set out to learn tively communicate in their language. the language at a time when there were “The foundation of the curriculum are very few Salish speakers left to teach. hundreds of hours of audio recordings

from fluent Elders or proficient speakers. These recordings form the core support for learners,” they stated. The curriculum comes in two books, one with instructions and the other, a story book. There is Immersion teaching support provided with a direct acquisition teacher’s manual containing immersion teaching activities for the lessons. The curriculum model and its organization are provided by Christopher Parkin and LaRae Wiley and may, with permission, be adopted for different languages. Annika Benoit-Janssen, is a busy mom and also serves as the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Language Planner. She has taken the ILFTS curriculum and translated it into Tla-o-qui-aht language with help from fluent speakers, and now it is being introduced in schools that TFN children attend. Coming from a family that is passionate about revitalizing the language, Annika has plenty of support to help her in her work. Starting with her brother-in-law Timmy Masso, who from a very young age began learning TFN language. He started a university program at the age of 10 and granduated with a teaching degree at age 19. It was Timmy that developed wooden language blocks for children. Her husband Hjalmer is an educator and artist. The couple are raising their young children in fluency. She speaks only the Nuu-chah-nulth language to her infant son and the rest of the family are helping with that. Learning language is hard, she said. Annika knows a lot of Nuu-chah-nulth words but it is the conversational part that she needs to work on. It is especially difficult when adults are also learners. “We’re constantly making mistakes, constantly being corrrected by elders, but that’s okay, it’s part of learning something well,” she shared. Annika says she has developed an app featuring downloadable language flash cards called Anki Flashcards. The family has also created children’s language books. “We need more ‘See Spot Run’ type of books,” she said, adding her own children love those types of books and will read them over and over. Crystal Frank leads Ahousaht’s language revitalization program and spoke about their post secondary adult-based learning opportunities. The nation uses provincial reconciliation funding to build fluency among Ahousaht’s adults through an Indigenous Fluency program offered at North Island College. The challenge, she says, is to find language instructors because all their fluent language teachers are in high demand and busy with other projects. Ahousaht is conducting language surverys with their members to determine language fluency and desired methods of learning. Ahousaht, Frank said, is at the very beginning of developing its language program. Deborah Mack teaches language at Ditidaht Community School at Nitinaht. For the past decade she has been teaching grades K-12 language. She incorporates fun games into language lessons, making the kids sometimes forget that they are learning. Mack picks up ideas from her students, and from the Internet. She adapts what she sees to the Ditidaht language language and makes it her own. “People learn in different ways and at different speeds,” said Mack. Some learn through what they hear and others do better with written words. Learning can be fun through games.

Page 12— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

President’s Message Hello everyone and welcome to fall. Seems like the weather changed very quickly to cooler temperatures and falling leaves. I send out my deepest condolences to families, friends and communities on the loss of your loved ones. We grieve with you on these losses. With fall of course comes the return to school of our students from kindergarten to post secondary institutions. It is so important to support our students in education so they can achieve. These are our future leaders and people who will be in our government structures. They will be our biologists, doctors and lawyers and teachers. We have so much potential on our people. I know many of our First Nations have tutoring in place and other support programs. It is great to see that kind of support. We postponed our NTC AGM to November 14th. We will proceed with the yearly business of the tribal council on that date. Our theme will be about the economics of our fisheries. We will also host an afternoon of Justice planning on November 13th where we will start asking communities what their priorities are for Justice in their communities. Our Justice work includes a committee that will help direct the work. We are looking for a representative from the 11 First Nations involved. If you are interested, you could let your chief and council know and they could put your name forward for the committee. We are able to do this justice strategy with funding from the BC First Nation Justice Council for a three year project. The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a day to uphold our residential school survivors and their families and to remember those that did not go home. A very significant day across Turtle Island and it is observed in many ways. While we live with the legacy of residential school every day, we use this day to bring attention across the world as to what happened and tell the truth and most importantly tell what we want as reconciliation. I was so appalled at the actions of the masked people associated with the White Supremacists- the Second Sons of Canada in Kamloops. They showed up days before Orange Shirt Day and hid their identities behind white masks and stood close to the old Kamloops residential school grounds trying to intimidate and scare people. Then they stood on an overpass with a sign that read “got bones”. Very cruel and outrageous. The Kamloops people are cleansing the area and they will be ready for the big day on Wednesday. Those that deny residential school will never change. We just need to get our message out there about what really happened to our people at residential school. Truth is most important. We stand in solidarity with the Kamloops Indian band. We stand with them against racism, cruelty, mistruths. We stand with them in condemning the actions of these masked people. We ask all people to stand with us against these kinds of people. I was happy to know that the RCMP are taking this seriously and are investigating. They made strong statements against these actions. On another front, Premier Eby called the Provincial election for October 24th. All business with the province has been put on hold until after the election. This means all my work on DRIPA, the Heritage Conservation Act, Gaming Commission, children and families and all work dealing with BC is on hold.

Community&Beyond NCN Mental Health Counselling

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am – 4:30pm 4841 Redford Street, Port Alberni NCN Mental Health Services – DropIn Counselling with Margaret Bird, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Play Therapist. For on and off reserve members of all ages of the Nuu-chahnulth Tribal Council. Call (250) 724-3939 to book your appointment. Community Language Class

October 13 If elected, the Conservatives would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and all the work we have accomplished and are doing will be set aside. They would also walk back much that is in the Heritage Act. We do not want a Conservative government that does not support our rights. I hope people will listen to what the Conservatives are saying and ensure they don’t get elected. The NDP need to agree on certain things if they want First Nations to vote for them. We need to ask them what their position is on: 1. Ensuring DRIPA and the interpretation Act are not amended without First Nations consent. 2. That they will continue to work with us in good faith in implementing DRIPA. 3. That they will work with us in recognizing aboriginal title and resolving these age-old issues. 4. That they will help us implement our strategy dealing with the toxic drug and mental health crisis. Provide us with appropriate resources in order to do so. 5. They will continue to modernize the police act with our input and deal with changing policing and police oversight in this province 6. That the Mineral tenure act be amended to deal with the concerns raised by Ehattesaht and other First Nations. 7. That BC implements shared and joint decision making pursuant to ss 6 and 7 of DRIPA consistently across all laws and Ministries and that BC and First Nations be able to negotiate these agreements as they see fit. 8. That B.C. work with First Nations exercising jurisdiction under their own Children and family laws and provide them with appropriate funding 9. That B.C. and First Nations work collectively on reducing greenhouse gases to mitigate climate warming. That BC does not expand oil and gas industries that increase greenhouse gases. 10. That BC and First Nations work together on emergency management and prevention of forest fire and flooding and to recover after these disasters occur. I know some people do not vote in elections but for those that do these are things to think about. The Chiefs across Canada are preparing for the meeting with the Prime Minister and Premiers to be held in Ottawa on October 26th. This could be an important meeting if good outcomes are achieved on the four priority areas. These kinds of meetings don’t happen often, and we must take advantage of the opportunity it presents. Wishing you all the best for October. - Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers

7000 Pacific Rim Hwy, Port Alberni

Everyone and all language levels welcome. Snacks and drinks provided. Location: Language House, 7000 Pacific Rim Hwy 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Health Ability Fair

October 28-29 Alberni Athletic Hall. All are welcome. Samuel Richard Johnson jr. mit. Memorial Potlatch

November 7th, 2026 Wahmeesh gym, tsaxana reserve Starting with lunch at 12:00pm Wahmeesh gym, tsaxana reserve. All welcome.

25 Years Ago in Ha-Shilth-Sa Vol. 28 – No. 19

October 4, 2001

Community hosted in Tsaxana Tsaxana community members came together for the 2nd Monday in a row to share a meal. The intent of setting these weekly gatherings was to share food with each other and bring families and community members closer together. At each gathering a language class hosted by Jerry Jack was available for those interested in learning their language, sharing songs and dance. This dinner was hosted by Jerry Jack at the Mowachaht/ Muchalaht Chief and council room at the band office, where the guests were

welcomed with a dinner song performed by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht dancers. After the feast, Jerry thanked everyone for coming and acknowledged Hudson and Dottie Savey for completing their six-week alcohol and drug treatment course. “I want to welcome you home and congratulate you both for your choice you made to change your lifestyles” Jerry said. A gift of a Raven mask, carved by Steve Howard was presented to the couple, after it was blessed, and a dance performed with it.

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 13

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

More jobs posted daily on hashilthsa.com

Page 14— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026

Ditidaht First Nation coach once again behind the bench Connor Logan is in his second year of coaching Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Battleford North Stars By Sam Laskaris Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor North Battleford, Sask – Connor Logan has some big shoes to fill this season – his own. Logan, a member of Ditidaht First Nation, is in his second year as the head coach of the Battlefords North Stars, members of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Logan, who is 30, had an impressive first year with the North Stars. In fact, he captured the Coach of the Year award in the 12-team Junior A circuit. So, what’s he planning to do for an encore? “We’re trying to build off some of the positives that we felt we had last year,” he said. “And I think we’re trying to adjust a couple of the things that we felt maybe we could have done a better job. There was a lot of self-reflection over the summer and through the early parts of this year.” The North Stars, however, have had a few early-season struggles. The club managed to win to just two out of its first six regular season outings. Battlefords also picked up another point via an overtime loss. “We’re working through some kinks right now,” said Logan, who is also the club’s general manager. “But I think every day we’re just trying to get better and just trying to continue to improve.” The North Stars are a veteran-laden team this year. Logan said his roster includes at least 15 veterans. “We had a really good group last year and we’ve got another good group this year,” he said. “And I think it’s just matter of coming to the rink every day, put a smile on your face and just doing the best job that you can.” Logan certainly likes the fact he already knew the majority of the players who cracked the North Stars’ roster for the 2026-27 campaign. “It’s a lot of returning kids, guys that know me and know the system,” he said. “So, it’s a good group. Our record is not where we want it to be right now. But it’s early in the year. We’ve played some good hockey and made some mistakes too. But that’s part of it. It’s early on and we’re working through adversity, which is a good thing to go through at this time of year.” Logan led the North Stars 35-15-4-2 regular season mark last year, good for third place in the SJHL’s overall standings. The Battlefords squad then won its opening-round playoff series before being eliminated in a best-of-seven semi-final series against the Yorkton Terriers, that was settled with a decisive Game 7. “It was tight,” Logan said of the matchup versus Yorkton. “It was close. We had a group we felt was right there and we had a chance and some things just didn’t go our way at certain times. But it was a really good playoff experience.” Logan, however, is looking on the bright

Battleford North Stars photo

Head coach Connor Logan with his team the Battleford North Stars. side of the North Stars’ 2026 playoff run. officially put a true partnership together “I think a lot of those guys now have 12 and gave us the opportunity to recognize games of playoffs under their belt, so they them in a capacity that’s very positive. know what to expect in those big moAnd then for our players, they’re obviments,” he said. “And I think that’s been ously excited about the new third jerseys a really positive thing for having as many that they get.” returning guys as we have.” The North Stars will wear their third With plenty of experienced veterans jerseys eight times this season. now, one would assume the North Stars As for Logan, just like the majority have lofty expectations this year. “I think of his players are hoping to move up to everybody wants to say they want to win higher levels of competition, he too is a championship,” Logan said. “But for keen to advance up the hockey ladder. us, I think for me at least as a coach, the “Obviously, the ultimate goal is I expectation is just to get the most out of want to be a head coach in the National my players, go out there, build a tight Hockey League,” he said. “And hopefully group and ultimately just get to a place that’s on the horizon somewhere for me.” where we’re giving ourselves a chance to For now, Logan is relishing his time win every single night. “If we’re doing with the Battlefords squad. He inked a that, we’ll let the cards fall where they may. And if that puts us in an opportunity to win a championship, then obviously that’s exciting.” Battlefords’ roster this year includes three Indigenous players – forwards Owen Wilson, Kaleb Dewar and Raiden Zacharias. All three also suited up for the Saskatchewan male entry at this year’s National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Regina. Logan also said North Battleford, the city where the North Stars play their home games, has a large Indigenous population. The club has strong ties with nearby Red Pheasant Cree Nation. And last month, Eagles Landing, a business hub in North Battleford, partnered with the North Stars to launch the team’s third jerseys. “It was awesome,” Logan said of the Eagles Landing support. “It’s already a prominent relationship with just how small Battlefords is. But it just kind of

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

Doreen Ryan Little

250-723-4776

three-year contract to coach the North Stars. “I think I’m really happy in Battlefords right now and grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given here,” he said. “I’m just trying to make the most of my time here. At some point, when it makes sense and when the right opportunity presents itself, I think it’s something I would explore. “But at the moment, I’m loving where I’m at here. I’ve got a wife and a son and we enjoy Battlefords and Saskatchewan and get to go home and see B.C. again in the summers. So, it’s good.” The North Stars’ next match is this Friday (Oct. 9) at home versus the Melfort Mustangs.

October 8, 2026—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 15

Potlatch celebrates life with drying of tears ceremony More than 100 people came out to celebrate Nuchatlaht’s Jeremy Smith on Sept. 19, 2026 By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Campbell River, BC - Jeremy Smith from the Nuchatlaht First Nation was an artist, an uncle, a son and a friend. Smith passed away more than a year ago from an overdose at the age of 46. Last month, Smith’s family, friends and community celebrated the Nuu-chah-nulth man’s life through a traditional potlatch and Drying of Tears ceremony. More than 100 people gathered at the Thunderbird Hall in downtown Campbell River to remember and celebrate Smith. The potlatch included many Indigenous traditions including song and dance, feasting and ceremonies. Smith’s niece Shelly Hamilton said the Drying of Tears ceremony was deeply impactful and helped the family with their healing journey. “We had a basin filled with water on the table and we went around the dance floor after it had been blessed…and we physically put our hands into the water basin and washed our tears and physically grabbed a drying cloth and dried our tears,” Hamilton said. “It was to not forget our loved ones. Its not that we’re going to stop missing them, but to rather transition into the celebration of their life.” Hamilton said her uncle struggled throughout his life, battling an addiction that was perpetuated by years of institutionalization. Smith had been incarcerated many times during his life, beginning from a young age. “My uncle went through a lot of highs and lows and for a lot of time he didn’t believe anybody loved him,” Hamilton said. Regardless of his struggles, Hamilton said her uncle never gave up on his dream of being an artist. Throughout his incarceration, Smith would use his time creating artwork. In an effort to connect with her uncle, Hamilton would send him art supplies while he was incarcerated. “That’s what he always turned to…he did different styles of native art mixed with contemporary art. He tried all styles,” Hamilton said. The potlatch not only honoured Smith’s life, but celebrated diversity and recognized the connection between those who require extra support. Hamilton’s seven-year-old son, Keegan is non-verbal and autistic. She said the

Submitted photo

Jeremy Smith’s life was celebrated by friends and family at a potlatch on Sept. 19, 2026 in Campbell River. celebration was an eye-opener, highlighting the similarities of her son and her uncle’s need for support and inclusion. “How can we be inclusive of Keegan in light of the loss of my uncle who always wanted to be in involved,” Hamilton said. “I was totally taken aback by how much my son and my uncle could teach my family and my community in those moments of being really vulnerable.” Hamilton said her uncle Jeremy was very connected to his culture and would often be involved in the ceremonies and potlatch’s. “He wanted to heal. He asked for help. He did different programs and treatments and when he was sober he was a huge part of these events, taking care of others, taking care of himself,” Hamilton said. Overdose deaths remain very high in

British Columbia, where a public health emergency for toxic drugs has been in place since 2016. Toxic drugs are a leading cause of death in the province, impacting people of all ages. Fentanyl continues to drive the vast majority of these fatalities. According to the BC Coroners Service’s most recent data, there were 138 suspected unregulated drug deaths in B.C. in June. The number of unregulated deaths in June equates to about 4.6 deaths per day. In 2026, 68 per cent of those dying were aged 30 to 59 and 75 per cent were male. According to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), in 2025, a total of 289 First Nations people in B.C. died from toxic drug poisonings, representing a 33.3 per cent decrease from the 433

deaths recorded in 2024. The latest FNHA data stats that although First Nations people make up approximately 3.4 per cent of B.C.’s overall population, they accounted for 15.8 per cent of all toxic drug poisoning deaths in 2025. In 2025, 35.6 per cent of First Nations people who died from toxic drug poisonings were female (representing a death rate 9.1 times higher than non-First Nations females), while 64.4 per cent were male (death rate 4.5 times higher than non-First Nations males). Younger individuals continue to be heavily impacted, with 49.5 per cent of First Nations toxic drug deaths occurring among those under the age of 40, according to FNHA data.

Haahuupayak School raises funds for Terry Fox Foundation By Alexandra Mehl Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor When students arrived back to school in September at Haahuupayak, it was back to a full and busy schedule. Before they knew it, it was the Terry Fox Run, an annual event held across Canada to raise awareness for Cancer Research. For twenty years the school has been raising funds in honor of Terry Fox to donate to Cancer Research. In the last few years, the school added a fun twist for the students: The students who raise the most money would get the opportunity to throw a pie in their teacher’s face! “They’re very excited,” said Ernie Netzer, a teacher at Haahuupayak and coordinator for the fundraiser. “Some are nervous.” He shared that in the past the principal, members of board of directors and even Police/Liaison Officers have joined in the

event in the past. “They just go nuts,” said Netzer of the pie throwing assembly. “We’re all a mess.” Netzer shared that last year the pie throwing really motivated the students to fundraise. The day before the assembly they had raised three hundred dollars and the day of the assembly the total jumped up to eleven hundred dollars. This year the students are collecting funds online as well as in-person. They aim to have the fundraiser closed in early November and have not selected a closing date for this year yet. “I reminded [the students] that we are all going to be touched by cancer,” said Netzer. “Either ourselves or somebody we care about.” “All the money raised goes to research so they can help more people,” he said, noting that Haahuupayak donates to the Terry Fox Foundation.

Ha-Shilth-Sa archive photo

Haahuupayak School has historically celebrated their fundraising events with a pie in the face of their favorite teachers. Netzer guesses that through the twenty “We love the virtues that he stood for years of running the Fundraiser, Haalike courage, determination, and never huupayak has likely raised about fifteen giving up,” said Netzer. “Terry Fox is a hero.” thousand dollars, shared Netzer.

Page 16— Ha-Shilth-Sa—October 8, 2026