General

For Reg Sam, it's an exciting new mandate. As the Pathways/Student Success supervisor with the Education Department, his job will be to ensure that Nuu-chah-nulth students receive every opportunity to develop to their full potential.

Sam currently serves as Prevention and Training Coordinator for Mental Health within NTC Community Human Services. He takes over in his new role with NTC Education on July 28.

"I haven't had a chance to read through everything yet," he said, but the goals are straightforward.

Ehattesaht Chinehkint had lots to celebrate for Aboriginal Day, so a barbecue feast was planned by the Health Department and all were invited. Aboriginal Day was celebrated June 26, because of conflicting community celebrations on June 21.

Many community members and neighbours joined in the feast June 26 and came out to witness the grand opening of the office addition, the dedication of the memorial garden and the unveiling of the new 4-plex artwork.

She’s recently changed positions within the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, but Kelly Johnsen’s goal is still to help Nuu-chah-nulth students achieve success.

Johnsen was hired in 1995 as the post-secondary counsellor in the Education department at the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, a job she was hired for on graduation from Vancouver Island University (then Malaspina College).

“I’m starting my 19th year here,” she said. Johnsen has recently moved from Post-Secondary to her new position as the Elementary School Cultural Supervisor.

SD70 officials, teachers and guests gathered at Alberni Athletic Hall June 19 to witness the graduation ceremony of 44 students who completed the VAST or Choices DL Alternative Education Programs in 2014.

Alternative education programs like VAST and Choices DL are designed to help those who are challenged, for whatever reason, by traditional education programs. They usually offer flexible hours and programs and services designed to help the students achieve success in completing high school.

A ruling in the Supreme Court of Canada has forever changed the ground rules in how Canada deals with First Nations, according to retired jurist Tapoo'scho'ahHugh Braker, Tseshaht chief councillor.

On June 26, the SCC granted a declaration of aboriginal title to 1,750 square kilometres of land in the traditional territory of Tsilhqot’in Nation. Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin wrote the unanimous decision.

“In this case, this decision is a strong one for aboriginal people because it is unanimous,” Braker said.

Members of Tseshaht council, Language and Cultural Committee and elders took part in the Grand Opening of Hishok—Tseshaht Whaling, at One With the Whale, at the Hutcheson Gallery on June 22.

The much-anticipated whaling exhibit is part of the summer program at the Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Centre. In an invitation-only event held just prior to the public opening at noon, Tseshaht members were joined by officials from the Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society, the Alberni Valley Museum and the City of Port Alberni for the official ribbon-cutting.

Dozens of school children enjoyed a day of cultural activities as Ditidaht First Nation celebrated its third annual TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) Paddle Day.

In an effort to rebuild a strong canoe culture, the staff at Ditidaht Community School have incorporated canoe training in their curriculum. They hired paddle coach Peter Amos to work with the children during the warm season.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council receptionist Cathy Watts has stepped out of her traditional culture zone to make a statement for health and fitness.

On Wednesday afternoon, Watts took her place on the B.C. Heart & Stroke Foundation Big Bike Ride, along with 28 women from the local Curves gym. The Ride headquarters was set up in the parking lot of the Buy Low store on Johnston Road.

“I joined Curves in February. I decided I wanted to get healthy,” Watts said. “My brother-in-law, Ray Seitcher Jr., was recovering from heart surgery, so I decided to fundraise.”

The appeal of the decision to dismiss Hupacasath First Nation’s demand for consultation on the Canada/China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (CC-FIPA) was heard June 10 in Vancouver.

Justices Stratas, Scott and Marc Nadon, who readers will remember as Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent controversial and ill-fated appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada, heard arguments from Hupacasath’s lawyers Mark Underhill and Cathie Boies-Parker and lawyers representing the Crown.

The students of Kyuquot Elementary Secondary School (KESS) hosted a five-hour potlatch that would serve to not only help them learn about potlatch ceremonies, but also teach the guests about Nuu-chah-nulth culture.

The potlatch took place the afternoon of May 29 and guests were invited from neighbour communities.