General

Tribal Council looks forward to immediate consultation on implementation and action

The former federal Conservative government previously called the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) an aspiration document, while the new federal Liberal government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has committed to a new nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples across Canada.

For Tseshaht’s Jane Jones, preserving and teaching the Nuu-chah-nulth language is a passion she has committed herself to for more than 20 years. This passion is shared by many other Nuu-chah-nulth-aht and some of them got together to work on a project that will allow free access to their latest learning tool, a series of E-books.

An E-book is a digital or electronic book that can be read on electronic devices, including computers. They are an attractive option to both publishers and consumers because they cost less to produce and provide easier access to titles for the consumer.

Updated May 11, 2016 at 1:50 p.m.

On May 3, Ritchie Tom looked out his window and didn’t notice much smoke, but about an hour later, he noticed it was getting a lot smokier and decided to turn on his scanner.

The notice sent out stated that a voluntary evacuation had been suggested for residents of Fort McMurray in northern Alberta. Then an hour later the evacuation suggestion became an order. It was mandatory now for him and his wife Christy to evacuate. They rushed around gathering their important documents, and they managed to pull together a small suitcase of clothes.

All fisheries—regardless of where they are located or what they are fishing for—have objectives. They can be as simple as when and where fishers can fish, or more complex, and include objectives to meet other community values besides just catching fish.

The T’aaq-wiihak fisheries have a number of socio-economic objectives designed to reflect Nuu-chah-nulth values and priorities. In order to determine if the design and management of the T’aaq-wiihak fisheries are meeting their objectives, the fisheries have to be tracked and evaluated against their objectives.

Upon arrival to the village of Ahousaht, the first thing you hear and see are the many species of birds there. And what better way to welcome home a great leader, late Nelson Keitlah, who passed away on Sunday, than to hear the soothing sounds of the ravens, eagles, crows, wrens and robins singing for him.

Nelson Keitlah’s funeral was held at his home on May 4. Officiating the service was Rick Lindholm. After the opening prayer, Cliff Atleo Sr. read the eulogy.

Nelson was born and raised in Ahousaht. His parents were late Agnes and Alfred Keitlah.

A man of huge importance to modern Nuu-chah-nulth history has died.

Nelson Keitlah was one of the original leaders of the West Coast District Council, which became the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC).

Keitlah was often referred to respectfully as ‘The General’ for his ability to lead the 14

Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations in negotiations with the Federal and Provincial governments.

Huge waves came crashing against the shore as the five- and six-year-old boys from Wickaninnish Elementary School took turns learning how to surf.

The boys were determined to learn. They jumped up and ran into the ocean followed by surf instructors, enthusiastic and excited to catch a wave.

Parents and friends lined the shore, happily watching the little tykes, who took turns riding the incoming waves.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission says Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has four weeks from today, April 26, to provide a comprehensive report on how it will provide immediate relief to child and family services on reserve.

In a decision Jan. 26, the CHRT had ordered INAC to cease its discriminatory practices and reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. Now it says the department is not moving fast enough to implement the CHRT order, so the CHRT has issued new orders.

“Some days I feel so helpless and frustrated to watch my family member go through pain, knowing there is not a single thing I can do to help,” said a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation about the suffering.

Tla-o-qui-aht has had a lot of losses recently, and some individuals and families are dealing with terminal illnesses at this time as well. So Naomi Seitcher, the Nation’s Human Services manager, traveled by boat to Opitsaht, a reserve across the water from Tofino, to set up the hall for a departmental staff debriefing session.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Teechuuktl Program (Mental Health) hosted their annual Victoria Urban Gathering at the Sons of Norway hall on April 22.

It was an opportunity for urban Nuu-chah-nulth members living away from home to connect with one another and get information and updates on the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council programs available to them, and to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.