If you follow the sound of rock music around Vancouver Island University’s Shq’aphut aboriginal gathering place in Nanaimo, it will lead you to two carvers working around a large red cedar totem in the making.
The gorgeous late summer sunshine serves as the perfect backdrop for the 2014 Carving on the Edge Festival running in Tofino until Sept. 14.
Presented by the Carving on the Edge Festival Society, the event draws in a dedicated group of carving artists, many of whom have been involved in the festival since its inception five years ago.
The festival showcases the works of artists, on exhibit at Shore Pier on the Water on Tofino’s Main Street.
Researchers at the University of Victoria are recruiting volunteer “citizen scientists” for a three-year program to monitor radioactivity levels in selected locations on the B.C. Coast, in relation to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.
The colours are faded and there is a little bit of damage, but Tseshaht First Nation is excited to take possession of a unique Maquinna hat crafted by renowned weaver Mable Taylor.
The piece was created as a gift for Eva and Floyd Joseph in 1978, according to Tseshaht Chief Councillor Hugh Braker.
“Floyd was from Squamish First Nation, and they lived in North Vancouver. They used to come to Port Alberni often, to visit Floyd’s Auntie Nadine.”
Nuu-chah-nulth Nation leadership has gathered today at Tseshaht First Nation to develop a Nuu-chah-nulth-specific strategy around the recent Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot’in decision, a landmark ruling that was the first ever to acknowledge Aboriginal title exists and it exists here in British Columbia.
Nuu-chah-nulth leaders will learn what the decision means to their territories, share concerns and current strategies around resource development, and discuss ways to employ the Tsilhqot’in decision for the future benefit of the people.
A graduation ceremony was held in Saanichton, B.C. Aug. 29 celebrating the licensing of 22 aboriginal people as Emergency First Responders.
Seventeen of the 22 graduates were Nuu-chah-nulth-aht representing the communities of Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Kyuquot/Checklesaht, Toquaht and Ucluelet. The remaining graduates were from Kingcome Inlet.
Becky Row, of the Canadian Red Cross, said the organization began a partnership with the First Nations Health Authority a few years ago in order to deliver First Responder Training in remote First Nations communities.
My name is Jared Dick and I am currently spending my third consecutive summer as an Uu-a-thluk intern. My mother is Tracey Watts from Hupacasath and my father is Jason Dick from Tseshaht.
I am going into my fourth year at the University of Victoria (UVIC) where I am working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. My major is in biology with a marine concentration and I am also working towards a minor in environmental studies. As this summer comes to a close, so does my internship and I find it to be the perfect time to reflect on my experience.
The 2014 Tlu-piich Games came to a close Aug. 11, but not before two new Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Role Models were named. After making speeches, displaying their talents and answering the questions of three judges—Matilda Atleo, Irene Robinson and Kelly Sport—junior and senior youth role models were selected.
Elijah Robinson of Uchucklesaht has become the 2014 Junior Role Model, and Leigh-Anne White of Hupacasath became the 2014 Senior Role Model. But it was clear that all six contestants were winners because of their willingness to come forward to compete.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tlupiich Games Committee will host the 2014 Youth Role Model Contest tonight at House of Gathering starting at 5:30 p.m.
Formerly known as the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Princess Pageant, the NTC Youth Role Model celebration is inclusive of all young Nuu-chah-nulth people who are interested in demonstrating strong cultural, positive, healthy lifestyles to the younger generations.
The last Nuu-chah-nulth Princes and Youth Role Model, sisters Jessica and Keanna Hamilton of Hupacasath, were crowned summer 2012.
Hesquiaht First Nation member Richard Lucas has been inducted into the Nuu-chah-nulth Sports Hall of Fame.
Lucas was nominated for the honour by members of the 1977 Hesquiaht Warriors squad who, under his direction, won the Junior All-Native Basketball Tournament. Younger brother Bruce, who was a member of that squad, said Richard has been the driving force behind generations of Hesquiaht athletes.