Haahuupayak School was born to deal with the systemic problem of racism in the public school system.

“Our kids were labelled as soon as they walked through the door,” said Richard Watts, one of the five original board members of the Haahuupayak Society, which is gearing up to celebrate 40 years of delivering culturally-relevant education to the Nuu-chah-nulth children of the Alberni Valley.

“As soon as anything happened, they went down to Special classes.”

It’s not that the school district didn’t want Nuu-chah-nulth kids, said Anne Robinson, an original teacher of Ha-ho-payuk School, as it was originally named. The district received a set amount of money for each student who walked through their doors on the first day of school.

“They’d bring in the students through Sept. 30, and then let them go,” she explained. “They’d get the money for them, and they didn’t care.”

That was why there was some resistance from the school district when a few Nuu-chah-nulth community leaders proposed setting up an independent school using part of the old Alberni Indian Residential School complex on the Tseshaht reserve.

“The bottom line was they were worried about losing money. The tuition fee was the big thing,” Watts said.

The 40th anniversary celebration will take place at the school starting on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. Ha-Shilth-Sa sat down with four of the people who have helped make Haahuupayak School “The Place of Learning” since those first brave steps were taken in 1976.

Watts said the first step was to create a society to receive the funding. It meant applying to both the federal and provincial governments.

Joining him on the society board was the now late Eileen Haggard, Hughie and George Watts, and with Denny Durocher, who also taught the alternative program.

“We are still a non-profit society, but now we now also have Independent School Certification,” Robinson said.

Hupacasath member April Thomas was another original teacher at Haahuupayak. But first she had to overcome the experience of passing through an uncaring school system.

“Going to school here in Port Alberni, I failed most of my classes except Math. Then when I went to college, I got straight A’s,” Thomas said. “I had my Early Childhood Education when I came in.”

One of the driving forces was the late Wahmeesh George Watts.

“It was great to have Porge, because he had university education and he knew that we could make it,” Richard Watts said.

“He had the vision and he had the drive,” Robinson said. “And he supported us younger ones.”

“He awakened us to the fact that we had self-esteem – so go for it. He pushed us,” Watts said. “Our people knew we could do it. We all knew damn well we were smart in school, but we were being treated like we weren’t. We had to push on and push out of that and make people believe.”

From the beginning, the Haahuupayak mandate was to provide education for all Nuu-chah-nulth children, Robinson explained.

“But there was an agreement between all the Ha’wiih that, because it was located on Tseshaht land – and especially the Barkley Sound tribes – they agreed that whatever we would teach would be Tseshaht.”

That meant all students would learn the Tseshaht dialect, songs, culture and protocols, and the parents of non-Tseshaht children would take responsibility for teaching them the words, songs and culture particular to their individual nation.

“The original school was in Peake Hall, the old girls’ dorm,” Robinson said. “We were in the cafeteria.”

“That first year, we had 36 kids in the morning and 45 in the afternoon. Those were the little kids, from three to five,” Thomas recalled.

“We had a van, and we went all over Port Alberni. Bob Thomas was the driver. We picked up all the kids in town and brought them to the reserve. Then we picked up all the kids from the reserve.”

That process was repeated, in reverse, at the end of every school day.

Long-time board member Martin Watts said while he didn’t have the actual numbers at hand, that early school population was largely non-Tseshaht, and currently, 60 per cent of Haahuupayak students live off-reserve.

Irma Bos was the first Nuu-chah-nulth language teacher. Through the early years, Katie Fraser and Caroline Little of Ahousaht First Nation came on board to teach, along with Kathy Robinson. All were fluent Nuu-chah-nulth speakers, Martin Watts noted.

“And Kathy still provides support to our staff,” he said. “She does not believe in the word ‘retirement’.”

Robinson said the phonetic alphabet that is currently used had not been created yet.

“We just sounded the words out,” she explained.

“We were lucky enough to be around parents and grandparents who only spoke our language,” Richard Watts added.

At the very beginning, teachers used off-the-rack coloring books and added Nuu-chah-nulth words. But by the end of that first year, the school was using original artwork by Nuu-chah-nulth artists.

“The songs we used then were mostly Tseshaht,” Robinson said. Mostly they were play songs, or familiar songs like the War Dance and the Victory Dance, she explained.

In the beginning, few could anticipate the effect of working in the old residential school on former students. At the time, most victims stayed silent. It would be years before the widespread abuses would become public knowledge, and before the debilitating effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder were recognized, said Watts.

That was part of the multi-generational legacy that the Haahuupayak founders were determined to overcome.

“The way we were treated in public school carried over to us as parents,” Watts said. “We had to get past all that stuff and get through to our kids that they could succeed, and that they could believe in themselves.”

“That’s what the school was all about. To give them a good start and a good foundation,” Robinson said. “To give them a healthy environment and to encourage them to be themselves.”

“To make it a positive experience for them so they went home happy at the end of the day,” Thomas said.

That first year, Haahuupayak had Kindergarten, Playschool and Alternative classes for high school age students (later adults).

The second year, a secretary was hired and the fledgling school gradually added Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7, and all the requisite staff, including a principal, bus driver, Nuu-chah-nulth studies and language staff.

As it expanded, the school shifted over to Ross Hall, the boys’ dorm. Robinson said most of the desks, chairs and equipment had been left behind when the residential school shut down.

“And those classrooms were full,” she added.

Forty years on, Thomas said she has seen first-hand how Haahuupayak has provided that cultural foundation and confidence those early visionaries hoped to instill.

“When I’m taking language classes at university, when kids from Haahuupayak come in, they can talk,” she said.

For that reason, Thomas said all that effort on the part of so many people has been well worth it.

“This has been one of my biggest accomplishments, having been in at the beginning of this,” she said.

For now, the goal of the anniversary organizing committee is to create a celebration in keeping with the success of Haahuupayak School over the past 40 years.

“We will be approaching all Nuu-chah-nulth Nations for contributions to put together the banquet,” Robinson said. “We will also be approaching local merchants for contributions.”

The committee is just putting together a poster for the event, and they welcome all Nuu-chah-nulth to help with organizing the event.

“We will be meeting every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the school through the end of August,” Robinson said. The meetings take place in the Grade 4 classroom.

For more information, contact Anne Robinson at 250-731-7641

Following a major drug seizure and a rash of local overdose deaths, two Nuu-chah-nulth women decided to take action, setting up a street protest outside apartments on Third Avenue.

Co-organizer Gail K. Gus said the goal of the protest was to confront the drug dealers and the drug users who are making the streets so dangerous.

“We’re scared. We want our families back and we’re scared were going to bury more people,” Gus said.

“We’re trying to bring awareness and hoping that the people we know who are drug dealers will find a conscience.”

Gus noted that the dealers and the users are known and visible. While the protest proceeded, the owner of the apartments made several appearances, several times berating the protesters.

“It’s unsafe and it’s scary,” Gus said. “My big thing is that I don’t want to bury any more young people. I know a young girl who passed away recently from an overdose; I have grandchildren, and I worry they’re next.”

Veronica Phillips had a ready reply for why she was protesting.

“The death of Jocelyn George. She was just a child. Nobody should have given her the stuff they were giving her. She didn’t know what to do with it and they just left her to die.”

Prior to changing owners and undergoing renovations, the apartment was better known as the legendary Frigstad Apartments. Phillips said the long history of drug trafficking is particularly aggravating.

“If it’s legendary, why is it still here?”

The protest took place on the fourth Wednesday of July: Welfare Wednesday, when welfare and other government support cheques are issued. Gus noted that in the electronic age, Welfare Wednesday starts at the stroke of midnight.

“I drove around here after midnight last night, just after the cheques came out,” she said.

There were already lineups at the automated bank machines, with people withdrawing their money and heading straight to the drug houses.

“It was like mid-day out here.”

As the protest gathered members, passers-by honked to show their support. Uchucklesaht elected Chief Councillor Charlie Cootes Sr. stopped to commend the protestors and to get an update on some of the latest street action.

Cootes declined to comment for Ha-Shilth-Sa, saying he would leave it to the people who were taking action. Later, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council vice-president Ken Watts arrived to offer some quiet support.

One neighbor who came to offer both moral support and cold drinks was Aaron Brevick.

“I operate a [Third Avenue] marijuana dispensary, and we have closed for the day, out of respect for what they are doing. We just want to support them,” Brevick said, adding that he suffered his own drug-related family nightmare.

“My sister died from prescription medication – an overdose of pharmaceuticals that a doctor prescribed,” he said.

“I consider pharmaceuticals to be heavy drugs. She was four-foot-eleven and 98 pounds, and she was given the same prescription a 300-pound trucker gets. And after a month, she just didn’t wake up.”

Brevick said it was “crazy” that people had to take to the streets to demonstrate their anger over the open trafficking of potentially lethal drugs. “Out of sight and out of mind” should not apply in the area of heavy narcotics, he noted.

As part of the protest, Gus and her supporters unfurled a long banner with a canoe image, to represent a chaputz, where the names of the dead are written. Rita Watts added one name. Her anger was still palpable after two years.

“I lost my brother John. He left this building. He went home and he hanged himself. His name was John Watts.”

Gus said the protest came together after conferring with a good friend, Lea Rothery, who had her own names to add to the chaputz (Carmen and Roberta).

“I just put it out on Facebook this morning, and hopefully, people will join us,” Gus said, adding that she intended to maintain a presence through the day.

“It’s an uncomfortable time,” she said, noting the presence of several known drug dealers. “Hopefully, we’re making them uncomfortable.”

The protest took place the same day the province announced the formation of a Joint Task Force on Overdose Response.

Provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, who declared a public health emergency in April, will head the task force with director of police services Clayton Pecknold.

The task force has a number of objectives, ranging from creating more safe injection sites, street testing for drugs and distribution of naloxone kits, which are used to treat overdose victims, as well as enforcement measures to prevent the manufacture and distribution of street drugs, particularly fentanyl.

Qaamina Sam said he was fishing today for the first day of the T'aaq-wiihak fishery and had just dropped his lines.

“There you go Stan; lines are all out,” he said.

Then a phone call came to say that Stan, Qaamina’s father, had passed away. So Qaamina traveled to Estevan and the Hesquiaht Provider “ran us all way down to Tofino” to be with the extended grieving family.

Stanley Sam, Ahousaht elder and historian, passed away at Tofino General Hospital on the morning of July 27, daughter Corina Beach confirmed.

Sam, 88, was known for his contributions of cultural knowledge, not only to his people and his Ha'wiih, but also to the larger Nuu-chah-nulth community where he, along with other elders, worked to preserve history and teachings.

“It's a very sad day for our community,” said Ahousaht Chief Councillor Greg Louie. “Stanley's contributions were immense – the language, culture, history and how he shared, not only with us but with other Nuu-chah-nulth nations even as far away as Makah; he has touched everyone.”

Stanley was an artist, an author (Ahousaht Wildside Trail Heritage Guide Book), linguist, speaker for the Ha’wiih and, most importantly, a highly-respected father and grandfather.

Tributes are now pouring in to the family.

"I was fortunate and honored to have been able to have worked with Stanley Sam in the beginnings of the Usma Child and Family Services program in the early ‘80s,” said Deb Foxcroft, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

“I remember his humor and beautiful smile that filled up the room. He was a very gentle, respectful man and historian.”

Stanley was passionate in his teachings, values and our language, Foxcroft said. “He was open and willing to share these gifts with his own community of Ahousaht First Nation and throughout the whole of Nuu-chah-nulth.

“Stanley was a knowledgeable and respected elder who was on the Elders Advisory Committee of the Usma Program and was one of the elders who played a strong role in the work to guide us in the development of the program.

“As part of his commitment and dedication to our First Nations’ children, Stanley had a vision of preserving and recording our Nuu-chah-nulth teachings and traditions.”

She said the Elders Advisory Committee had shared those lessons that came over a 12-year period in a book to be passed on to our children and families.

The book is entitled The Sayings of Our People. His teachings and wisdom will never be forgotten, Foxcroft continued.

Stanley testified in the Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights case, when the trial first took place in Ahousaht, said counsel for the Nations, Matt Kirchner of Ratcliffe and Co.

“Stanley worked very hard for many hours to adapt his very traditional way of presenting a Nuu-chah-nulth point of view into evidence that could be received in a court room setting. He made a significant contribution to the success of the Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights case, which is what he really wanted to do.”

In addition to testifying in the original trial, Stanley also shared his lifetime of knowledge to the Council of Ha’wiih and other fisheries forums, said Dr. Don Hall, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s fisheries department manager.

“Casiits was a treasure of knowledge, not just about fishing and the ocean, but about the history and governance of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations,” said Hall. “His contributions were immeasurable, and will be missed by all that had the benefit of hearing him speak. Fortunately in recent years we were able to record and take down just a fraction of his knowledge to share and pass along to others.”

And social media notices were many.

“So many times over the years I listened to him speak. He was a wealth of knowledge about, not just the Ahousaht, but all Nuu-chah-nulth,” wrote Hugh Braker of Tseshaht First Nation. “I will forever remember circling Meares Island with him, and several others, in a small boat while he regaled us with stories of each of the places we saw. I can reflect that this loss is not just a loss for Ahousaht, but for all Nuu-chah-nulth while at the same time being grateful for his long life. I am richer for having known him.”

“Condolences to the Sam family back home in Ahousaht. Sorry for your loss. Grandpa Stan will be missed by many. He was a great person with so much knowledge that he passed on and shared with all of us. Hugs and Prayers to you all,” wrote Cecil Mack

“Prayers for the Stan family ......[Casiits] is on his way to the spirit world. Stan's presence will always be close, as it is seen in the lineage of your family and in the beauty and strength of your community. Stan's words, his voice, carvings and teachings will live on through those who remember. We are better people for knowing Stan, your family and community...... (we) will never forget,” wrote Leanne Hodges.

NTC Vice President Ken Watts told Ha-Shilth-Sa this: "Stanley lived a long life and will be missed. His guidance and knowledge of our people will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Staff at the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council office had the chance to pick up some tasty baked goods on Thursday, and to help raise money for an upcoming Canadian Cancer Society/Cops for Cancer fundraising event.

NTC Health Promotion Worker Matilda Atleo set up the table, which featured a wide variety of pastries, tarts and squares (the cheesecake was staying cool in the fridge nearby).

“The majority of the items were donated by the [NTC] Nurses, and NTC staff also contributed,” Atleo told Ha-Shilth-Sa. “I was up at 5 o’clock this morning baking my blueberry muffins.”

Atleo said the proceeds would go towards a traditional salmon barbecue to be hosted by Tseshaht First Nation at Maht Mahs Gym on Sept. 30.

“I put it to Tseshaht Nation to host this event because I have seen such an increase in the occurrence of cancer in First Nations communities,” she said. “I want our people to realize how much the Canadian Cancer Society does for these individuals who are struggling with cancer – just to get the awareness out there that they [the cancer society] do a lot.”

Cops for Cancer/Tour de Rock is one of the premier events for the society. Every year, a team of RCMP and city police officers, along with guest riders, tackles a grueling road course across Vancouver Island, making stops at events along the way. No doubt a traditional salmon barbecue will be a welcome break for cyclists slugging over the Hump (the summit on Highway 4 at Port Alberni) and out to the West Coast and back.

“I’ve been fundraising for the past few weeks, in memory of my late sister-in-law Eileen Haggard. She passed away from cancer three years ago,” Atleo said.

Atleo acknowledged there was a bit of a contradiction in selling sweet baked goods to promote health, but she said there is a distinction between home-baked treats to the sort of manufactured foods that have become so prevalent in daily life.

“So much of what we buy is full of colorings and additives that are linked to cancer,” she said, adding that many of the base ingredients are made from genetically-modified plants that may harbor pesticide residue. “People have to start looking at the labels.”

Atleo said she was horrified to pick up a package of crackers that were being served to children at an event, only to discover that they were manufactured in China.

“The corporations know the stuff they are putting in their products is harmful. And they don’t care.”

Atleo said a working group has been put together to organize the Sept. 30 feast at Maht Mahs.

“We also have a couple of other events planned,” she said.

There will be an Arts and Crafts Sale at Maht Mahs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 6. There will also be a Loonie-Twoonie and a Hamburger/Hotdog Sale.

There will be a second Arts and Crafts Sale on Aug. 20 at the Tseshaht Market, featuring fried bread and bannock.

It’s that time of year again. The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Tlu-piich Games are just around the corner. Games staff are working feverishly to prepare and organize the popular summer events held in the Alberni Valley, this year from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14.

Richard Samuel is back this year as Games Coordinator. He is from Ahousaht First Nations with roots in Kyuquot from his father Wally Sr.’s side, and from Gitanyow of the Gitxsan people on this mother Donna’s side. They are a sports family, and have built a wealth of knowledge and a reputation for volunteer participation in the Alberni Valley over many decades.

Richard was the Games coordinator back in 2009 when the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council revived the Tlu-piich Games after some years without them.  He organized the games each year from then until 2012. But his involvement with the games started long before that, volunteering for the Games when his brother Edd was coordinator in the 1990s, and participating as a coach. So Richard is well-versed in the benefits of the Tlu-piich Games to the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples.

“They are important for our young children and families and people to get out and be active. That’s the purpose of the Games is for all Nuu-chah-nulth people and aboriginal people to participate and learn these events,” he said. Some of the events lined up for this year may be new for participants, and this is the chance to try something out.

The Games are for Nuu-chah-nulth, but also for any aboriginal person who would like to participate, and all other people are welcome to watch the activities and cheer on participants. It’s a free event for all. And many Alberni residents spend a couple, or a few hours, volunteering to help the Games run smoothly.

Day 1 begins at 3 p.m. at Bob Dailey Stadium for the Track and Field events. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5 p.m. and the announcement of the Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Nominations are open, so check the Tlu-piich Games Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/NuuchahnulthTlupiichGames/?fref=ts for information on how to nominate a former top Nuu-chah-nulth athlete or team builder.

Later in the evening there is a culture night at the House of Gathering starting at 8 p.m. The floor will be open for singers or dancers who want to perform a couple of songs.

Day 2 starts at 9 a.m. for the remainder of the Track and Field races. The relay races, the last races at the track, are expected to be held starting at 12:30 p.m.

Richard Samuel is encouraging all athletes and spectators to show up  30 minutes prior to an event to keep the games on schedule. These relay events in the past had to stopped do to soaring temperatures, making it dangerous for participants, volunteers and spectators alike.

Because of extreme heat, which is very typical weathr for the Tlu-piich Games, everyone is advised to prepare by ensuring they have plenty of water and keep hydrated. Wear sunblock; be in the shade as much as possible.

“We are going to have First Aid on site, as well as water coolers in the stands for people who need that water,” said Samuel.

After track and field, there will be a lacrosse clinic at the lacrosse box next to Rec Park, near Gyro Centre. That event starts at 3:30 p.m. The lacrosse clinic has been held at previous Tlu-piich Games and it was a successful event, so organizers are bringing it back.

The other big event is 3 on 3 basketball, which will be held at Alberni Athletic Hall starting at 4 p.m Aug. 11. The divisions are 13 and under, 17 and under and seniors at 18 and up. Operations coordinator Mercedes Brown said they will even try to organize a masters division for 35 years and up.

Lahal will be held at 8 p.m. at House of Gathering.

The canoe races will be held this year at Canal Beach on Day 3, Aug. 12. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the races start at 9 a.m.

After the canoe races, the games move to Williamson Park (across from the GM dealership on Johnson Rd.) for a barbecue of hot dogs and hamburgers starting at 1 p.m.

There will be multiple activities there, including the Language Treasure Hunt at 2:30 p.m. and then the six and under field events will be held. That’s the three-legged race, the potato sack races and the two and under crawl.

The final night of lahal will start at 8 p.m. at House of Gathering.

The last two days, Aug. 13 and 14, will be devoted to slo-pitch and fastball, held at Echo fields and Rec Park.

There will also be a soft-ball clinic, so make sure you check out the Tlu-piich Facebook Page for the day and time for that event.

Closing ceremonies will be held after the slo-pitch and fastball tournaments, in early evening, depending on the number of teams.

The Tlu-piich Games are an opportunity for participation and pride of achievement.

“It’s amazing how many children and young adults are very proud of themselves when they are finished events, wanting to have their ribbons right away,” said Samuel. “Everyone’s very proud of what they do.”

Last year’s numbers topped 2,000 participants, athletes, spectators and volunteers combined, and a similar turnout is expected this year.

“The events are very volunteer-driven. We rely heavily on volunteers.” Incentives include daily prizes and then a grand prize at the end of the games.

The Games staff are really appreciative of the sponsors who have again stepped up to help fund the games.

This year at the Platinum level are Cermaq Canada, Ratcliff & Company and Chatwin Engineering. Gold sponsors are Probyn Group, New Relationship Trust and Scotia Bank. Silver sponsors are Tseshaht Market and Herold Engineering.

“Without these sponsors, a lot of the events could not happen,” said Samuel. The majority of these sponsors come back each year, and provide support. Why? Because it’s a family friendly event, Samuel said. That’s key. They know we do a great event, providing the opportunity for families to participate in a healthy way.

“Welcome home. It’s good to see you… I’m Grandpa,” said Pat Charleson Jr., sitting around a fire at Hesquiaht on Aug. 3.

He was greeting his young relatives who he had never met before. The children, in the care of Usma, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s child and family services department, had come to visit the Hesquiaht homeland that day. It was the first time the children had stepped foot on their ancestral territory and, by and large, the first time they had met members of their extended family.

See our photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/hesquiaht-home-coming-kids-care

“I’m so happy to see you guys… I want to welcome every one of you,” Pat said.

The day for the kids, 16 of 21 who are either registered or entitled to be registered with Hequiaht First Nation, began in the early morning in Port Alberni.

Accompanied by their social workers or foster parents, they traveled an hour-and-a-half to Tofino, then got aboard water taxis to travel another two-and-a-half hours over choppy seas to get to Hesquiaht on the West Coast.

Once in Hesquiaht, the children were greeted by Ha’wilth (hereditary chief) Steve Tom, who welcomed the children to the home of the Hesquiaht people.

The women could be heard singing down the beach, so the visitors were walked toward the sound, and were greeted by a celebration song; ladies and children waving cedar flags and sprigs of cedar bough as they danced.

See our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaUuqKxgvoY

Charlie Lucas, who celebrated his 89th birthday during Hesquiaht Days (held during the week leading up to the visit) stood to talk to the children.

He first spoke in his Hesquiaht language, and then said in English: “Children, I welcome you to our village. Some of your grandparents, your great-grandparents are from here. You are always welcome to be here. Enjoy your visit. We will make sure the people make you comfortable, make you happy. It’s great that you are here.

“Young people, we thank the Creator for your visit. Thank the Creator for the weather. Young people, young children, enjoy your stay. The people will make you happy, give you happiness. Welcome, welcome to our village—your village.”

A very old and special song was sung that told the story of Hesquiaht whalers who were towed far out to sea by a whale they had harvested, explained Linus Lucas. The whalers didn’t know how they were going to get back home. Then a bird landed on the whale. One of the whalers began to chant, and “the whale came alive”, and towed them back home to their territory.

“I thought we should sing this because we’re bringing them (the children) all back home.”

With another song, the children were invited to dance, and given the cedar flags or cedar boughs as they twirled in the sand and whooped in celebration. Their joy demonstrated by their wide, bright smiles.

The children were then invited to a barbecue, and were stood up to be honored. Linus Lucas and Nicole Charlie introduced the children by sibling group. Linus connected each child to a house, or family group.

Nicole Charlie is Usma’s Leader of the At-Home Team. She said it’s important for children in care to know where they come from, who their family is, where their roots are.

“To put faces to family. Not just knowing, but actually seeing and having them step foot on their land to make that connection.”

Ruth Charleson is a Hesquiaht band councillor who holds the child welfare portfolio. She is a retired social worker who has seen the benefits of connecting kids in care to their families.

“I have worked with children as a social worker whose eyes are so hollow. They don’t know where they belong. And then the minute I introduce them to a family member, the family member just hugs them and accepts them as their family, their eyes change. They come alive to know that someone is out there, loving them and caring for them,” said Ruth.

“It’s amazing. It totally warms my heart,” said Nicole. “It just feels so good to see the children return home, and their faces and the family. It feels really good.… I just couldn’t imagine the place that they are in, themselves, not knowing necessarily where they come from and to see it; it’s so joyous and overwhelming.”

Ruth said the children now know where they belong. And the Hesquiaht Nation has acknowledged them and told the children that they care for them and now know who they are.

As the relationship develops over time, said Ruth, the children will get to know their history, and learn their family stories.

And it’s the goal of both Usma and Hesquiaht to grow the connections made on this first visit, making the trip an annual event for the Hequiaht children in care, with the older children perhaps joining the week-long campout at Hesquiaht.

Ruth said it was hard to put into words what she was feeling, seeing the children at home.

“I can feel it in here,” she said putting her hand on her heart. “It’s very emotional… It’s like when you haven’t seen your children for a long time and they come home. It’s that feeling as a parent that comes alive… And it doesn’t matter who the parents are, they are our children. …you want to bawl your eyes out and hold on to them.”

Nicole said now the families have met their children that are in care, it’s possible that some may step forward so the children can return home. That can happen in a variety of ways, including being a host home, a safe home, where the children can spend time for a weekend or a week among their Nuu-chah-nulth family members. Some of the children have spent their whole lives in the care of non-Nuu-chah-nulth people.

Usma is making progressive efforts to reconnect children with their home communities. More kids are getting home this summer, in fact, than ever has been done before in the Usma-based program. Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht have planned homecomings this summer, and some children in care will be attending the Northern Region Games in Kyuquot at the end of August.

Priscilla Sabbas-Watts, a Hesquiaht band councillor, was able to connect with three of her close relatives.

“Seeing them come (home), it was so powerful,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa. Priscilla was 15 when she visited the remote Hesquiaht for the first time. She understood what the kids might be feeling seeing this place.

“I’m sure something stirred in all of them. … How many people get to go home to where their ancestors are from, where they are absolutely from?”

She said she feels so connected to family while in Hesquiaht, sitting on the beach, eating seafood and talking with her aunts and uncles, just as her ancestors would have done in the long-ago past.  

The family connections, once they are made, fall into place and the connections are forever, she said. And the young visitors will have the stories with them as they grow older. She’s hoping that some of the older children will be able to spend Hesquiaht Days with family next year, hauling water and using the outhouses and going out to the ocean for seafood.

And to learn to feel good about being Hesquiaht, being Nuu-chah-nulth and being First Nations. Some of the kids who have lived in the urban centres may have been overtaken by stereotypes about their people. To come home and see all these healthy role models would be really empowering to them, Priscilla said.

Priscilla works with Grand Chief Ed John who is the special advisor to the minister of Children and Family Development in British Columbia. John is writing a report on permanency, or forever homes, for children in care across the province with the goal of bringing kids home to their territories and keeping kids home.

Carla Halvorsen-Lambert is the proud owner of a new boat charter business thanks to her determination and help from the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC). Action Packed Charters began operating in the Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound in early July and has enjoyed a remarkable start-up, keeping Carla and her staff busy all month.

Halvorsen-Lambert has grown up in the Alberni Inlet, often traveling by boat from her Ehthlateese home at the head of Kildonen Inlet nearly 40 km to the nearest city, Port Alberni.

Ehthlateese is an isolated Uchucklesaht community that was for many years only accessible by boat.

“Having a reliable boat and motor was always a necessity,” said Halvorson.

Today, Carla lives in Port Alberni but her parents remain at Ehthlateese; the only permanent residents living there along with Carla’s  sister.

As a young girl Carla learned to drive a boat. Besides regular shopping trips in the city, Halvorsen-Lambert and her people also took their boats west in order to access traditional foods like bottom fish and shell fish.

“I love the ocean. It is relaxing and always calms me,” said Halvorsen-Lambert. With 21 years’ experience, she knows the waterways well and knows how to operate a boat safely.

Halvorsen-Lambert dreamed of owning her own charter business.

“I decided to check with NEDC to see if they could help me and they did,” she said.

“I was intimidated when I first walked through NEDC’s doors and saw the big application package, but they helped me through it every step of the way,” said Halvorsen-Lambert. It wasn’t long before she was the proud owner of a 2015 Raider aluminum boat measuring 18.5 feet, able to carry five passengers.

Halvorson named her company Action Packed Charters and has hired skippers who, like herself, have a rich knowledge of the local areas in Barclay Sound, Sproat Lake and Della Falls on Great Central Lake. They are fully equipped with the required safety equipment and gear.

Action Packed Charters offers a range of services, including water taxi, sight-seeing, and they are equipped for fin fishing and crab/prawn fishing.

“We encourage everyone to bring a camera to capture those wild moments on the water, from whales, eagles, cougars, bears, waterfalls, seals and various other sights on the waters,” she said.

“My skippers and I have a rich knowledge of the local areas in Barclay Sound, including Sproat and Great Central Lakes, and we bring with us stories and knowledge for our passengers to enjoy,” said Carla.

She says business has gone surprisingly well for the first month, and included medical transportation from Kildonan. Carla has even taken people out for cultural purposes, saying a Nuu-chah-nulth person wanted to go to a special place for oosimch (spiritual bathing).

She has an upcoming charter where the client requested a tour of Broken Group Island, including the Face in the Rock.

Halvorsen-Lambert is excited about her new business and hopes to grow it with the purchase of more boats down the road. “I’d like to have a boat running between Kildonan and Port Alberni and hope to have another boat someday, at Great Central Lake, for hikers wanting to get to Della Falls,” said Carla.

“We are flexible and will work with the customer do develop a charter package that suits their needs,” she said.

To reach Action Packed Charters call 250-720-9976 or 250-724-0390, or email carlahalvorsen@hotmail.com. Carla has a business Facebook page called Action Packed Charters.

A refreshing summer drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people who gathered at Yuquot (Friendly Cove), the historic homeland of the Mowachaht for the annual summer camp called Yuquot Spirit Summerfest.

A large field by the church was packed with dozens of colorful tents as campfires struggled to stay lit in the wet weather. Children and young parents wandered from tents to the church, visiting one another and taking turns holding babies.

The annual Yuquot Summerfest began in 1992 when late chief Ambrose Maquinna brought his people together for a week of bonding and cultural teachings. His vision was to develop Yuquot, with its rich history, into a world-class visitor destination.

The 2016 Yuquot Summerfest marked the 50th anniversary of the release of the famous Yuquot Report written by archeologists John Dewhirst and Bill Folan. Both men attended a luncheon at the church in Yuquot on Aug. 6.

The archeological dig, sponsored by Parks Canada, was carried out in 1966. According to Margarita James, workers dug 18 feet down on sites selected by the elders of the time. Noting that it was the first study of local first nations’ prehistory of this magnitude, it opened the doors to Indigenous archeology and showed 4,300 years of continuous habitation at Yuquot.

Dewhirst and Folan were special guests at the event and were seen reminiscing with Yuquot’s only permanent residents, Ray and Terry Williams.

With guests seated in the church, Tyee Ha’wilth Yathlua (Mike Maquinna) welcomed everyone to his home, saying they’ve been doing this annual gathering for 24 years. “We do it so that the kids will know where they come from,” he said.

Yathlua went on to say that his people continue to work on plans that will hopefully get more people living at home (Yuquot) and they hope the T’aaq-wiihaak fishery will provide that opportunity.

Margarita James, president of the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society, introduced special guests Dewhirst and Folan. She said science was interested in Yuquot because of its European history; the Spaniards established a settlement there in 1789, and English explorer Captain James Cook’s 1778 visit to Yuquot is the first known European sighting of the village.

The 1966 study of Yuquot opened up more studies of the ethno history of coastal first nations and delivered very important information to human history, said James.

Dewhirst continues his studies of aboriginal history and made important contributions on behalf of Mowachaht/Muchalaht on the fisheries commercial rights cases. “He helped us win those cases,” said James.

Willie Folan, she said, landed on the shores of Yuquot in 1966 to get the permission of Chief Ambrose Maquinna to carry out an archeological dig. Information gleaned from the dig went into written reports. Folan presented the information contained on cd’s to Yathlua, saying, “He now has as much information about Yuquot as I have.”

Folan thanked James for the invitation. “Being back is a wonderful experience, especially seeing the people from way back then,” said Folan.

James said Folan and Dewhirst’s work inspired the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people to repatriate and conserve their artifacts. Gesturing toward the towering carved poles gracing each end of the church, she said, all of this is a result of this man, Willie, and his vision and persistence.

Through the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht has had the elaborate carvings returned home from museum collections. James said she hopes to see the return of the sacred Whaler’s Shrine someday, or, at the very least, take all the Mowachaht/Muchalaht children to New York to see it.

James thanked Dewhirst and Folan for their contributions to her people.

“You have enriched my life and made me more aware that Yuquot really is the center of the earth,” she told them.

James said the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society has entered into cost-sharing agreements with Parks Canada. Engineers from Duncan will arrive at Yuquot in the coming days to assess the structural integrity of the church building.

Parks Canada – Pacific Rim Superintendent Karen Haugen thanked James for inviting her to the event. “I am very honoured in seeing your passion and the engagement of young people in preserving your history,” she said.

The mission of the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society is to preserve, protect and interpret the cultural history of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people. They hope to establish an interpretive center at Yuquot that will be named Nis’Maas.

Hands up for the Tlu-piich Games! It’s time to volunteer for this annual event, which runs from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14.

Nuu-chah-nulth people have a strong tradition of pitching in to help when called. Many volunteer every year at the Games, but there is always room for more people to keep the events for Nuu-chah-nulth youth running smoothly.

This year, the Tlu-piich Games Volunteer Coordinator is Wally Samuel Jr. He’s a long-time supporter of youth care and development. He’s been a foster parent, a recreation worker, and he has five children, the eldest turning 30 this year.

The job he has taken on is a huge one, but his long involvement in sports will serve him well. His network will bring out some volunteers, but he’ll be looking to fill spots for Track and Field, 3 on 3 Basketball, the Language Treasure Hunt, Security, Opening Ceremonies, Closing Ceremonies, Canoe Races, and First Aid. This last one is key to running a safe games, so if you’re sitting on an old First Aid card, you can help.

Volunteering is a no experience job otherwise. Wally is looking for the young, and the young at heart. Youth, especially, are welcome to gain experience and “to bring them along in life,” said Wally. They will learn the structure of the sport and the fundamentals of how events run. Summer students are welcome, non-Native are welcome, those who need volunteer hours to complete a course in school are welcome. They are even offering rides to and from the event for those who don’t have transport.

Plus, for every two hours volunteering, your name goes into the hat for a daily draw. After four hours, volunteers will get a healthy plate to keep you energized.

“Some people stay for 10 or 12 hours because they enjoy it so much.”

And at the end of the Games there are two grand prizes, one for youth volunteers and one for adults.

This is Wally’s first time involved with the games to this extent, and he’s happy to be onboard because the Tlu-piich games provides such a good environment, he said.

So, if you find yourself with some extra time and can help out, please contact Wally. Visit the Tlu-piich Game Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NuuchahnulthTlupiichGames/?fref=ts or phone the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Call 250-724-5757 and ask for the Tlu-piich Volunteer Coordinator Wally Samuel Jr.

This is a zero tolerance alcohol and drug free event.

In a ceremony held on the beach at Esowista Aug. 10, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation honoured their newest babies and their parents.

The parents and the little ones were introduced to the community. Then Thlyik Carol Frank wrapped the babies in shawls that she had made.

See our photos here: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/tla-o-qui-aht-baby-honoring-aug-10-2016

Cedar headbands were placed upon the babies’ heads by Gail Hayes. The cedar bands were made by community members Maria Clark, Naomi Seitcher, Tammy Dorward, Melanie Touchie and Carol.

Speaking in his Nuu-chah-nulth language, elder Barney Williams said he felt good about welcoming the newborns, saying it lifted his spirits.

Francis Frank said he was really proud of the parents.

“I want to encourage you to raise these beautiful children in a very respectful and responsible way. We know that they are going to be beautiful children.”

The baby welcome was part of a week-long celebration called Tla-o-qui-aht Days, the theme of which was bringing families together, said Francis.

He told the parents the community wished them all the best into the future. “You are playing an important role of keeping our blood lineage alive and well, and we encourage you to look after your loved ones and to look after each other.”

He closed the ceremony by thanking all who witnessed.

Carol Frank told Ha-Shilth-Sa she is planning another baby honoring in the fall for those parents who were unable to attend.

Babies honored and their parents
Tyrell: parents are Britanni and Andrew
Christina: parents are Carl Jr and Deanna
Anna: parents are Kim and Wayne
Jette: parents are Lacey and Randall Sr.
Daniel: mother is Shay
Ryan: parents are Lisa and Chris
Destiny/Danny: parents are Nadine and Glenn
Isaac: parents are Neleeta and Byron
Lawrence: parents are DeeDee and Derek
Micha: parents are Evelyn and Matthew
Caiden: parents are Gaylene and Nathan
Lance: parents are Elizabeth and Mike
Parker: parents are Lynea and Joe Bob

Lone Cone Hostel and Campground was buzzing with activity on Aug. 12 as the Ha’wiih and people of Ahousaht prepared for a visit from British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.

People cooked salmon over fire pits while drummers sang in the blazing summer sun. Children sang, played together and picked apples from a lonely tree, a remnant of Christie Indian Residential School.

The former residential school site has been transformed into a summer tourist destination offering hiking, watersports and beautiful views to visitors. It is one of the economic development ventures created by Ahousaht’s Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society and Ahousaht Business Corporation.

According to the MHSS website, their Board of Directors, made up of Ahousaht Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs), has been working diligently over the last year developing a new relationship protocol with the province of B.C.

The agreement will enable Ahousaht to have a dedicated process to discuss land use, Crown referrals, resource management issues and the development of an economic diversification strategy.

The Protocol is for a five-year term and is renewable.

On Aug. 12, the new Ahousaht Protocol Agreement was announced jointly by Ahousaht Tyee Ha’wilth Maquinna (Head Chief Lewis George) and B.C. Premier Christy Clark at Matsquiaht.

The agreement between Ahousaht and British Columbia will bring $1.25 million to Ahousaht over five years. The parties have agreed to work together to identify and develop business ventures and provide jobs for the Ahousaht people.

Since 2012 the leadership of Ahousaht has been working on economic development for Ahousaht people in the areas of renewable energy, aquaculture, ecotourism, commercial retail services, transportation and project management.

“This moment is so significant in the history of how we move forward,” said A-in-chut (Chief Shawn Atleo). “We have a vision of clean, renewable energy for our communities and we need to create employment,” he said. He recalled seeing diesel oil seeping up from the sand around the houses in Ahousaht. With its remote location on Flores Island, Ahousaht faces unique challenges in meeting the heating and energy needs of its growing community.

Speaking on behalf of Maquinna, Cliff Atleo Sr. said the people appreciated Clark’s willingness to come to Ahousaht territory to hear their voices. The Premier was blanketed by the Ahousaht Hakuum (queen) and given the name Cha-chum-wah.

According to Atleo, the name Cha-chum-wah relates to the spoken word. “Once delivered, you can’t take it back; our teachings are to always be careful what you say and how you say it,” said Atleo, adding that respect and honesty are essential when speaking.

Clark thanked the Ha’wiih and acknowledged other dignitaries.

“I am so profoundly honored to be blanketed and to be given a name that will forever connect me to the Ahousaht people,” she said.

She went on to say that she has a connection to Clayoquot Sound dating back to the 1880’s when her great grandparents settled on Stubbs Island. Her grandfather was among the first non-native babies to be born there, likely delivered by an Ahousaht midwife, she shared.

“I am here today because they survived and thrived and Ahousaht is an integral part of my family’s history,” said Clark, before thanking Maquinna for the honor. The new partnership between BC and Ahousaht, she said, will allow the people to survive and thrive.

Through the Ahousaht Protocol, the province and Ahousaht will work to improve the Ahousaht economy, develop a collaborative approach to natural resource management and permitting within their traditional territory. It will also allow the parties to explore the renaming of significant geographic place names to reflect Ahousaht’s historic connections to the land.

The Premier went on to talk about the October 2015 Leviathan II tragedy in which local first nations and the people of Tofino came together to rescue and support survivors of the sinking of the Leviathan II,  and recover those that didn’t make it.

“We recognize the need to always be prepared, and first nations need to have a more integral role with the Coast Guard,” she said.

She announced a $50,000 grant to support the needs of Ahousaht emergency response services after recognizing Ahousaht community heroism in responding to the Leviathan II tragedy.

Premier Clark then bestowed the British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship on both communities of Ahousaht and Tofino in recognition of their respective rescue and recovery efforts.

In a separate presentation, Maquinna introduced his newly-trained and hired crew of Guardians whose responsibility it is to patrol Ahousaht Hahoulthee (chiefly territory), making sure people and the resources are safe.

He called forward Edward ‘Squeak’ Campbell to receive a jacket and hat, making him an honorary member of the Guardians. Campbell, a much-loved Ahousaht member, is battling illness, but still makes it to community events to show his support.

More gifts were exchanged, including flags and a crab apple tree that was planted at Matsquiaht by the dignitaries at the event.

Premier Clark presented the tree to Ahousaht, saying, “The crab apple tree has healing properties and it symbolizes joy, healing and our partnership which will continue to grow stronger over time.”

Special guests included Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, John Rustad, BC-Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Deb Foxcroft and Vice President Ken Watts.

The children of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation gently wrapped blankets around the shoulders of their young cousins who were being welcomed home on Aug. 10.

Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wiih, elected leaders and community members had greeted the children on the beach at Esowista. The children are living in the care of foster families, most a long way from their homeland.

The children were introduced to their family members and celebrated. The homecoming let the 22 children who were present know which houses or family groups they belonged to, and provided them with information about their family roots.

It was overwhelming and emotional, said Marie Frank Atleo, the Family Care Support Worker with the Nation. The children came from as far away as Vancouver and Victoria. She was proud to say that the nation had managed to keep seven of the approximately 30 kids in care at home in the community with family. Marie said the nation is actively working to get the others home.

“This is important so that our children don’t lose their identity,” said Marie.

She said the homecoming was about grounding the kids and providing them with stature, giving them a feeling of being first nation and from a homeland.

It’s a tribute to the success of the Tla-o-qui-aht protocol with Umsa Nuu-chah-nulth, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s child and family services department.

Whenever there is word that a child or children are at risk of going into care, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is notified and given a chance to work with the parents and extended family of those children to prevent it. They help the parents of the children understand the severity of having their children removed from their legal care, and to help them find ways to avoid that.

“It’s so powerful, when I have a family meeting, when I have an elder there,” said Marie. “So having our elders and the heads of the family involved has a really huge impact on us helping our children stay at home.”

One of the greatest challenges is there are very few homes on the west coast of Vancouver Island for the placement of children, so they have to be sent away. More homes, and more family involvement, is what is needed to step up to assist.

Tla-o-qui-aht was one of the first Nuu-chah-nulth nations to sign such a protocol, with other Nuu-chah-nulth nations to follow. A similar protocol was signed with the Surrounded by Cedar child protection agency in Victoria, which is obliged to ensure that Usma is notified when a Nuu-chah-nulth child is taken into care there.

The honoring began with a chant by elder Barney Williams as the children were led down to the beach. They stood facing the Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs) as the community looked on.

“We’re here to celebrate a homecoming,” Williams said. “To introduce you to families. To welcome you on behalf of the chiefs… to say how happy they are to see you here today to reconnect with family. Family is important. You need to know who you are, where you come from, always as you grow up. On behalf of the chiefs, the muschim, the people of this land, and your family, we say welcome.”

Ha’wilth Bruce Frank said the event that day was “really exciting to see.” He introduced the other Ha’wiih or their representatives to the children.

The children were then called forward.

One boy was concerned. 'Why?' he asked the lady he was with. He stepped forward anyway, and then he met his Grandpa.

The kids were approached by smiling children from the community and blanketed. Some of the elders also wrapped the children. Bruce Frank said the comfort of that blanket was to welcome them. “We don’t want you to ever, ever forget the root that you came from.”

Francis Frank put out a challenge to Usma Nuu-chah-nulth, referring to the Tla-o-qui-aht/Usma protocol. He said the nation didn’t want to have such a day to happen again, because “we want our children all in our care. Our children should be with our houses. We’ll do our best to do our part to change the direction that’s happened over the years so that our children don’t end up in care,” he told the Usma representatives in attendance, including the Director of Usma Kyra Mason. He told Usma that the nation appreciates all that the organization will do in the meantime until the community reaches that place.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Debra Foxcroft responded on behalf of Usma, saying she was honored and happy to be in the community at the event.

It’s really an emotional event for me,” she said. Foxcroft worked in the Usma program in its beginnings, helping to develop it. She said the connection made by the children to their families had always been the dream and the vision of the Usma program.

She said she knew that the ancestors were watching over the children that day. She said that all agree what is needed is to prevent the children from going into care in the first place.

“It has always been our vision and our goal. To do that we need to strengthen families and communities to be able to do that in a good way.”

 The children were then gathered around the singers and the Victory Song was sung.

It’s a victory to have the kids come back,” Barney Williams told Ha-Shilth-Sa. He said the day was very emotional for him. And it wasn’t just about coming home. He said the energy of the ancestors would connect with the children in some way.

For Hupacasath First Nation, an interruption in their on-reserve garbage collection has led to the creation of a brand-new residential/commercial waste-hauling business.

HFN Environmental Waste Disposal Services has been providing both services on-reserve since June, with five employees and two trucks, said Hupacasath CEO Rick Hewson.

“And today (Aug. 22), we just got the commercial license for operations off-reserve,” Hewson said. “We are at the ready and we will be soliciting commercial clients and residential clients.”

In the spring of 2015, the private residential company servicing Hupacasath's 76 homes was forced out of business following an accident. A few months later, the City of Port Alberni announced it was getting out of the commercial garbage pickup business.

Hupacasath Council was already actively seeking business opportunities in the environmental field, so Hewson was directed to put together a business case looking at the Nation’s residential needs—recycling and at commercial garbage—to determine whether there was the potential to create a viable operation.

“That plan was sent out to be vetted by a third party. That is to give you the comfort that you have created a mousetrap that works,” he said. “We got [the business plan] back, and it proved itself. So we set about to examine our funding opportunities, and we were very successful.”

On most First Nations reserves, municipal services such as garbage collection, sewer and water are funded by the Government of Canada.

“The challenge of our council was, we have been contracting that service out for a while. Could we be our own provider?”

To continue to receive the same funding, the Nation created a third-party company to deliver the service, Hewson explained.

Once committed, the next step was to acquire one truck for residential pickup and one for picking up commercial bins. The goal was to find units that were affordable, based on the services required and the client base.

“Especially in environmental waste service, you can buy trucks that are in the ‘hundreds of thousands of dollars’ range that have automated container pickers and automated large commercial waste loaders.”

Hewson said spending four to six hundred thousand dollars on a unit seemed “unreasonable,” so the search was on for two serviceable, but lower-cost vehicles.

The City of Port Alberni, like many other B.C. municipalities, has converted its residential garbage collection trucks to automated pickup. Hewson said Hupacasath was able to acquire a truck from the City of Saanich.

“We were able to get it for an extremely attractive price,” Hewson said.

Saanich has converted trucks to automated pickup, but this unit had hit the end of the city’s seven-year replacement cycle, so it was considered not worth converting, he explained.

“For the commercial operation, we bought a bin-loader, and we actually bought a brand-new vehicle.”

The loading system allows the operator to load and stack multiple bins on the deck, then dump them at the collection site.

“That is quite unique, because most bin-loaders cannot dump them,” he said, “They can only load them.”

Hupacasath was able to acquire the new vehicle for “quite a bit less” than the $175,000 sticker price, as well as a number of bins no longer needed by the city to get started.

The residential service now employs three Hupacasath members, with two members on the commercial side. Much of the routine maintenance and administration can be performed in-house, Hewson said.

“The question now is, can we go out and acquire enough commercial clients to get into business?”

Hewson noted that, when the Hupacasath plan was first proposed, and the city announced it was getting out of the commercial pickup business, the telephone started ringing. Commercial clients started looking for alternate service.

Now, with the new license in hand, the new company can take on commercial clients without restriction.

“The City of Port Alberni continues to provide its own residential pickup, but there is opportunity to provide residential service in the regional district.

“Then of course there are the commercial clients. Everyone from the School District, the hospitals, apartment blocks, stores, businesses ­­– all of which require commercial collection services.”

As well, Hupacasath is providing pickup service on both provincial and national parks.

There are currently two local commercial waste-haulers, plus one Nanaimo-based company that operate within the regional district.

“It is a competitive market, but one in which we believe we can provide a quality service, with quality products, at an attractive price point.”

For more information, HFN Environmental Waste Disposal Services now has a Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/HFNenviro/.

 'Who is JOB' is a video series sponsored by energy drink company Red Bull starring Hawaiian surfer Jamie O'Brien.

The latest, roughly nine-minute, video in the series was shot in the unceded traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

A recent video posted to Red Bull's website and Facebook page on Aug. 20, in addition to Red Bull's YouTube channel on Aug. 26, shows the surfers getting pulled behind a boat and taking jumps off a flaming log in Kennedy Lake.

The log was set ablaze in the middle of the lake using some toxic flame accelerant or petroleum product, as the surrounding water is also on fire.

On behalf of Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, we would like to publicly state our disapproval and outrage in regard to the irresponsible actions of “Who is JOB”, sponsored by the Red Bull company, starring Hawaiian surfer Jaimie O’Brian.

We condemn the irresponsible use of flame accelerants or any petroleum products within our Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih Ha-Houlthee (traditional chiefs’ lands/resources) for any reason.

This unfortunate situation could have been avoided if the Red Bull company had appropriately recognized the need to consult with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations prior to any filming.

Our Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks initiative strives toward rehabilitating our depleting fish stocks and restoring an already disturbed watershed.

Kennedy Lake and Kennedy River comprise a sensitive watershed and critical fish habitat. Industries, governments and businesses need to respect wild salmon and protect our precious wild salmon resource, free from containments and pollutants.

Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks demand a full investigation into this careless stunt, sponsored by the Red Bull company. Those who are found responsible should be fined the maximum penalty to support restoration of the watershed, as well they should offer a public apology to correct the miseducation promoted through of the Red Bull video.

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns is inviting his Nuu-chah-nulth constituents to take part in a series of three Town Hall meetings on Electoral Reform, starting in Port Alberni tonight, Sept. 6.

The meetings are part of a national process to change the way Canadians elect their representatives in Ottawa, Johns told Ha-Shilth-Sa.

“After the (federal) election, the Liberals made a promise that this would be the last unfair, ‘first-past-the-post’ election,” Johns explained.

“We heard through the campaign, that many people – in particular, young people and minorities ­– feel disenfranchised, and that their voices are not being heard.”

To get people to vote, it is critical to ensure that every vote counts. Historically, Indigenous Canadians have been under-represented in Ottawa, Johns said, both in the number of elected MPs and in having a say in the decision-making process, both at the riding level and in Parliament.

“While our Nuu-chah-nulth people in the remote communities do get out to vote, frequently, in this riding, we have had [MPs] who do not reflect (or acknowledge) the values of these aboriginal communities. Consequently, we are leaving these small communities behind. What I have heard from our voters, whether they are living in Hesquiaht, or living in Port Alberni or Courtenay, is that they want to be heard.”

There are two main options for changing the voting system. Historically, Canadians were once given a preferential ballot, where they could vote for their first and successive choices. In the event that a candidate did not win outright on the first choice, there was a weighted system to include second and third choices, until one candidate exceeded 50 per cent.

Johns said that, personally, he does not feel the preferential ballot is the way to go.

“We [NDP] are going in with no pre-determined, biased position,” he said. But the second option has proven more public support, he noted.

“The party that wins 39 per cent of the popular vote should have 39 per cent of the seats,” Johns said.

Johns noted that, under this system, the federal Green Party would now have seven per cent of the seats (24 MPS as opposed to one) in the House of Commons.

Under the present system, Canadian political parties can win majority governments with 39 per cent of the popular vote, or even less.

“We know that our broken electoral system gave Stephen Harper, and now the Trudeau Liberals, 100 per cent of the political power.”

Despite having that level of power, Johns said the Trudeau Liberals have maintained their position that the voting system must change. Feedback from the Town Hall forums will be submitted to the all-Party Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform in October, and the committee will release its final report to Parliament on Dec. 1.

“This is a historic opportunity to improve the political system,” Johns said. “It is an opportunity to ensure that Aboriginal voices will be heard in all elections, and that Indigenous issues will become a priority for Parliamentarians.”

Johns explained that the Town Hall meetings are not an NDP function, although he will act as emcee at all three events. Representatives from the BC Assembly on Electoral Reform will be on hand, and participants will hear from a different academic expert at each location.

“I will be giving a PowerPoint presentation provided by Ottawa, and I will have my staff taking notes. The expert will give a 15-minute presentation, followed by a public feedback session.”

While the media release refers to “panelists,” Johns said there was a decision to strip down the presentation itself.

“If we went to a panel, we would probably hear more from the panelists. We have two hours. We want to hear from the people.”

The Port Alberni meeting takes place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Hansen Hall, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, then at 7 p.m. Sept 8 at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay.

For those who are unable to attend the meetings, Johns said a mail-out has gone out to every home in the riding, with a short questionnaire, so that all constituents can provide their feedback.

Two key questions seek to determine the support for allocating Parliamentary seats based on the percentage of the popular vote, and on the possibility of lowering the voting age.

Johns said while the Electoral Reform Town Hall meetings will not be available online, his office is setting up to present a number of future Town Hall events in an online format, which would allow constituents in remote communities to fully participate, in real time from their own homes.

“We will be having a Small Business Town Hall in October, followed by one on Senior Care. We know how important that is in Aboriginal communities. These will both be available online.”

For more information, contact the Gordon Johns riding office at 1-844-620-9924.

– The 2016 Tic-Kaa ii-Kwink (Northern Region Summer Games) was hosted by Kyuquot/Checlesaht First Nations during a weekend of glorious summer weather that saw families enjoy three days of sports, socializing and culture.

Coordinated by Allison Vincent, the games started on the afternoon of Aug. 26 with a very special welcoming home ceremony for northern region children in foster care. Ten children were paddled home, welcomed by their family and friends at the Kyuquot village of Houpsitas.

People gathered at the community hall for lunch before climbing the hill to the school field for an afternoon of running races.

See photos here: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/northern-region-games-kyuquot

Parents and grandparents huddled under umbrellas on the sidelines in an attempt to escape the heat as the youngsters raced across the field; some barefoot, braving the hot, brittle grass in an effort to be first across the finish line. Others found playful ways to cool down, splashing each other with water toys or shoveling a handful of ice down the shirt of an unsuspecting loved one.

Peter and Daizee Hanson endured heat from the barbecue to serve up Indian tacos and other goodies at their concession stand.

Kyuquot Ha’wiih and elders gathered together following the races to make some presentations. Games coordinator Allison Vincent introduced Kyuquot elders Victor Hanson and Chris Jules as the games’ first King and Queen. Vincent told the crowd that the couple were recently engaged to be married.

Following that announcement the children in care that were visiting home for the games were called forward. Dennis John introduced the children to the Ha’wiih and to the people. He thanked Usma staff for making it possible for the children to come home.

Directing his attention to individual children, he told each one who they are related to and who their chief is. At one point he asked people in the crowd to raise their hand if they are related to the child. This was a demonstration of family connections and showing the children how large their families are and how they belong.

“Always remember, this is your home, this is your family and you are directly related to the Ha’wiih,” he told the children.

Each child was given a hand-made traditional shawl. Then they were blanketed by people from their community. Earlier in the day they and all other guests were given commemorative 2016 Tic-Kaa ii-Kwink Northern Region Games T-shirts.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Deb Foxcroft and NTC Usma staff were also blanketed and thanked for the work they do with Nuu-chah-nulth children and families and for bringing the children home to partake in the games.

Track events were cut short due to a medical evacuation and people ended the day with a community dinner.

The following morning people gathered again at the community hall for breakfast followed by a mini fishing gear-making workshop. Children were invited to a fishing derby that morning but most didn’t have fishing rods. That isn’t a problem in Nuu-chah-nulth communities as long as you have some hooks, sinkers, fishing line and a stick.

Young women helped dozens of children make their own fishing lines so that nobody was left out of the derby.

Down at the dock children jockeyed for space to drop their fish lines and jig for the biggest fish. Kyuquot/Checlesaht Chief Administrative Officer Gary Ardron collected the morning catch, keeping track of who caught the biggest fish.

The fishing derby ended when it came time to board boats to the former main village, Aktis. Ardron spilled the kids’ catch back into the ocean as packed coolers, chairs and other beach fun gear aboard boats for the short trip to Aktis.

Aktis is a small island with beautiful beaches and haunting, abandoned homes falling into ruin. The locals say the people moved from there to Houpsitas back in the 1960’s. They visit their old home every summer to reconnect with their ancestors and their pasts.

People in small boats landed on the sand beach while the larger boats deposited their passengers on nearby seaweed covered rocks. Some of the local teens kayaked across the channel to Aktis. The children are so well-practised at kayaking that even the smaller children were seen skilfully navigating their way along the shoreline in small kayaks.

Once at the beach volunteers immediately got busy building three fires spaced evenly across the beach for people to roast hotdogs. Young men scoured the shoreline for driftwood, lugging large pieces back over rocky shorelines to feed the fires.

Children spent the afternoon competing in swimming and kayak racing while adults mingled together, enjoying one another’s company.

Later in the afternoon the fishermen arrived with their catch, bringing fresh salmon to be served up at the beach feast. The arrival of five, fresh, whole salmon brought an opportunity for another competition: who is the fastest fish cutter?

People clamoured around a make-shift table as five competitors vied for the title. In the end, Tic-Kaa ii-Kwink Queen and elder Chris Jules finished first.

Volunteers roasted the salmon over the fire and later served it up with salad for a healthy, satisfying beach dinner. With full bellies everyone gathered up their belongings and boarded boats back to the village. When darkness fell organizers put on a fireworks show that was enjoyed by all. The evening wrapped up with culture night at the school.

RCMP are investigating a racially-charged incident that occurred yesterday at the edge of Canton River near Tahsis when Nuu-chah-nulth fishermen were confronted by two non-Native men unhappy the group was out food fishing in the area.

The two men are alleged to have uttered death threats, spewed racial remarks and foul language, and then are suspected of smashing the front windows of two of the fishermen’s vehicles before they sped back into town.

Chief Dan Savey of the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nations Council of Chiefs told Ha-Shilth-Sa he was out with five others when the men threatened them. Chief Savey did not wish to get into details about the incident while it was under police investigation and charges against the men were considered.

John Amos confirmed the incident, saying he had just pulled in a fish when the men approached and started to raise their voices, swearing at the fishermen and calling them derogatory names. It began at about 7:20 p.m., Amos said, and lasted about 30 minutes. The fishermen worked to ignore the abuses being hurled at them, he told Ha-Shilth-Sa.

Amos said he could see that the young fishermen with the group were scared, especially when one of the men threatened to ‘pick them off, one by one.’ John said he started to think about his wife and kids.

The two men on the bridge left for their cars. Then the fishermen heard, smash, smash. When Savey and Amos investigated, their vehicles’ front windows were shattered.

The police were called and an officer from the Nootka detachment came out to take a statement. Amos said the officer understood that the fishermen were in their own traditional territory and allowed to fish for food and ceremonial purposes there.

A description of the two men and their vehicle has been provided to the RCMP, who confirmed to Ha-Shilth-Sa that they were called about the incident last night and were back in Tahsis today to continue their investigation.

Amos has called for calm, telling community members, who were up in arms about the incident, that the police were handling the situation. He told Ha-Shilth-Sa that everyone got home safely, and nobody got hurt, and that he was grateful for the RCMP’s help.

Residential school survivors and their families gathered at Papermill Dam in Tseshaht traditional territory to welcome in a new school year and to find healing from memories of school years past.

The Teechuktl (mental health) event began with lunch at noon on Saturday, which allowed participants to attend the Fall Fair Parade, which took place earlier in the morning.

Quu’asa organizer Ruby Ambrose said the timing of the event was important.

“Back to school week is not a good memory for some of the survivors,” Ambrose explained. “We’re just bringing in the families for a fun day.”

Tseshaht readily gave permission for Quu’asa to hold the event in their territory, acknowledging that the notorious Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) operated on Tseshaht land.

“I am really happy that this event is taking place here,” said Tseshaht elder Willard Gallic in his welcome, which followed an emotional healing ceremony.

“We don’t want you to see Tsuma-as only as a place of bad memories.”

“I know there was a time when people came to our territory, and they were not happy,” said Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president and Tseshaht member Deb Foxcroft.

Her late father attended AIRS, and it left him unable to display affection for his children. The goal of the healing process is to break that multi-generational legacy, she said.

“We know we’re not going to forget what went on, but we are here for our children, to help us move on.”

Ahousaht member and residential school survivor Tim Sutherland said he hadn’t made the connection with back-to-school week until recently. After attending Day School in Ahousaht through Grade 8, he was shipped to AIRS for Grade 9.

“I was up at the Fall Fair earlier, and I realized I was not able to go to the Fall Fair [while at AIRS]. I didn’t even know what a Fall Fair was,” Sutherland said.

Worse, some of the incoming children from up the coast had been able to attend the PNE in Vancouver and the Fall Fair in Port Alberni before they went through the intake process at AIRS.

“I was stuck on school clean-up,” he said.

And as many Nuu-chah-nulth who experienced the residential school system and even the public school system in Port Alberni have testified, Sutherland was subjected to a toxic learning atmosphere that crushed his appetite for further education.

“I was the top student at the Day School. Here, it was Cs and Ds,” he said. “After four years, I finally said, ‘Mom, I can’t do it anymore.”

Sutherland never returned to school, and worked mostly in the forest industry. But he closed out his career in a scientific role, performing cultural assessments of standing timber, to determine the value of traditional resources such as bark and medicinal plants.

Delores Keitlah is another AIRS survivor from Ahousaht First Nation. Like many, she occasionally experiences flashbacks.

“When I see a child of the age I was, and I realize they’re so free,” she said.

Keitlah noted that at AIRS, the children were kept year-round. She said she was fortunate she had a grandmother living in Port Alberni.

“We were able to get out of [AIRS], and we went to school downtown. We stayed with my Grandma.”

While many Nuu-chah-nulth had equally bad experiences in the public system, Keitlah said she had a generally positive time in school.

“That was the year the Dutch people came over, and we became friends.”

Now, she says, she is encouraged by how Nuu-chah-nulth children have had the opportunity to learn their language and culture.

“It feels good to see my grandchildren being able to sing and dance, and to talk about how we are as family,” she said.

On that note, when Trevor Little led the singers to introduce the healing ceremony, attendees marveled at two-year-old Jonathan Robinson, who picked up a drum and joined in the singing. Later, he performed solo in front of an array of smartphone video recorders.

Quu’asa Senior Wellness Counsellor Joe Tom Sr. spelled out the three-part ceremony for those who intended to make the journey.

“It’s time you take control of your life, and to clear your minds of that which we have faced for the past 100 years, so we can see the truths that our ancestors used,” he said.

“It is time to let it go and find something that is powerful for you, to be strong. We do not walk alone anymore.”

First, those who participated were given a small bough of spruce. After brushing, they were each escorted down the stairway to the edge of the river, where they were invited to toss their bough through a Circle of Spruce.

The next step was a cedar mat and a Circle of Cedar (representing strength). After passing through the Cedar Circle, the participant faced a painting representing the spiritual journey they were undergoing. The painting is dominated by a chaputz (canoe), a killer whale and a Moon and Thunderbird.

“You steer your own canoe,” Tom explained for Ha-Shilth-Sa. “The paddles are the principles to guide you. And the killer whale is your transformation.”

The next step was to take hold of a cedar rope. When the last person had completed the emotional journey, Tom called for them to form a community Circle, and then invited all attendees to join.

Children were invited to take a place in the centre.

Following Willard Gallic and Deb Foxcroft, Haahuupayak teacher and cultural instructor Trevor Little acknowledged that he had suffered the multi-generational effects of the residential school system. But surveying the gathering, and with a nod to the children at his feet, Little said Nuu-chah-nulth people have taken great, if sometimes painful, strides towards burying the legacy of the past.

“We are educated,” Little said. “We are not afraid any more. And our children will be even stronger.”

Following the ceremony, it was time for chumus (something sweet to eat). Guests were invited to take a piece of a special cake, which represented a birthday cake for the ancestors.

There’s an old proverb that tells us it takes a village to raise a child. This summer’s Uu-a-thluk Science Camps brought that message home as children ages eight to12, elders, and youth participated in science and knowledge-based learning in Nuu-chah-nulth communities, with several individuals and companies pledging to send one child or more to science camps.                      

“The best way to learn and succeed in science is to have ongoing support from people in the community,” said Celine Kehoe-Doehring, a youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) instructor for Science Venture and one of this year’s camp instructors.

“We help to spark an interest in science among kids, yet the community plays a significant role in nurturing this interest.”

Since our partnership began in 2005, Uu-a-thluk and the University of Victoria’s Science Venture program have been familiarizing children in grades 4 to 6 with scientific concepts, especially those related to aquatic resources.

Science Venture is a network member organization of Actua, a national charity that readies youth to be innovators and leaders by engaging them in accessible STEM experiences that build crucial skills and self-confidence.

Uu-a-thluk works to incorporate teachings from elders and other community members who hold a wealth of knowledge about managing our resources. One knowledge holder at this year’s science camps was Gisele Martin from Tla-o-qui-aht. She led a forest walk through Schooner Cove Trail while teaching lessons about hišukʔiš c̓awaak (Everything is one; everything is connected.) and ʔiisaak (respect) related to interactions with our environment and marine resources.

A favourite activity at the Tseshaht and Hupacasath science camps was the salmon dissection led by Coleton Gomez-Leishman. The Uu-a-thluk intern dissected a sockeye, demonstrating parts of the fish while also teaching the Nuu-chah-nulth words for each part.

Campers were especially interested in learning about the “slime” of the salmon that allows it to slide through the water and escape from predators, and the “swim bladder” that helps a salmon control its buoyancy.

It’s this kind of curiosity that Science Venture instructors and Uu-a-thluk staff hope to foster.

“I told them they should go in to Biology 11 and 12 if they like dissecting things,” said Gomez-Leishman. “I want to get across the idea that science is cool.”

Stephanie Robertson, a youth STEM instructor for Science Venture and one of this year’s camp instructors, noted that some activities engaged the kids physically, making it fun for them to learn about science.

“When they exercise their muscle memory they retain more of what is taught,” said Robertson. She noted that for some activities they paired younger kids with older ones to further engage them in learning.

“If a younger child sees an older one involved in what’s being taught, then he or she thinks ‘maybe I should learn it’.”

The Species ID activity—a big hit with the campers—is another example of younger kids learning from the older ones.

“Many of the children already knew about the seaweed we were identifying and happily passed on their knowledge to the younger campers,” said Michelle Colyn, capacity building coordinator for Uu-a-thluk.  “It was great to see in action the leadership skills these kids already have.”

Uu-a-thluk Science Camps wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing financial and volunteer support from sponsors. With the generosity of our donors, Uu-a-thluk raises between $4,000 and $8,000 each year. As a result, more than 1,000 children have participated in Uu-a-thluk Science Camp in the past 11 years.

Uu-a-thluk would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support and participation in the 2016 science camps:

Cermaq Canada Ltd.

Creative Salmon

David McCormick

Lisa Glowacki

Lisa Gray

Mandell Pinder

Matthew Kirchner

Native Fishing Association

Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation

Pacific Boat Brokers Inc.

Pacific Halibut Management Association

Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters Association

Shelter Restaurant

Underwater Harvesters Association

A Tseshaht elder is suffering less pain thanks to a power lift chair donated to her by the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation.

Euphrasia Dick suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, causing pain and limiting her mobility. Her husband Alfred has his own health issues and gets visits from Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council nurses to check in on him.

According to Alfred, nurse Laurie Sinclair came for a visit about six months back and he talked to her about his concern for his wife’s comfort and mobility.

Euphrasia “was sleeping on the couch and she’s in pain no matter which way she sleeps,” he said.

“I feel pain in my shoulders and my legs and there’s nothing I can do about it but take (strong pain medication),” said Euphrasia.

On Sept. 12 a delivery truck from Motion Specialties in Nanaimo arrived at the Dick home. They dropped off a brand new navy blue power lift chair donated by the Dreamcatcher Foundation.

“Most of the work came from my husband,” said Euphrasia, adding that he did a very good job. The couple first approached BCANDS (British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society) for assistance in getting a much-needed medical chair. Staff at BCANDS assisted with the application process.

The couple said the chair was very high quality, worth more than $1,700 and beyond their means to purchase on their own.

“This chair will help me quite a bit and we thank the Dreamcatcher Foundation and BCANDS so much,” said a very happy Euphrasia.