Media
Naaʔuu, come together and feast, celebrates Tla-o-qui-aht culture with their own narrative
Among round tables, in a traditionally inspired longhouse, Naaʔuu invites community members to gather and celebrate Tla-o-qui-aht culture for an evening.
On March 16 the evening began with Hjalmer Wenstob, co-host and artistic director for Naaʔuu, along with singers welcoming guests with…
Boats from Opitsaht
A water taxi heads to Tofino from the nearbyTla-o-qui-aht community of Opitsaht. Considered one fo the oldest settlements in British Columbia, Opitsaht is located on the shore of Meares Island, where water taxis traverse the route to Tofino throughout the day. Approximately 150 people live in…
Totem tournament returns for its 66th year
For Jenelle Johnson-Sabbas, basketball is like an escape. From the moment she steps onto the court, everything around her disappears.
“It’s just me and the ball,” she said.
The 17-year old has been around the game her whole life. Her mother played when she was in high school, as…
‘Believe in yourself’: Ahousaht elder thanks loved ones for support during cancer treatment
Looking back on the cancer diagnosis he received over two years ago, Wally Samuel reflects that a terminal outcome never came to mind as he prepared for treatment.
“I didn’t really think of death right away or anything like that,” says the Ahousaht member. “I just said, ‘How are we going…
Interweaving Nuu-chah-nulth culture into a school curriculum
During art class at the Wickaninnish Community School in Tofino, Dominic Hansen eagerly volunteered to introduce himself to his class.
Despite having already been in school together for nearly three months, Hansen’s classmates listened to him attentively, as if they were hearing him for…
Vietnam veteran recounts life battling in war
Benedict David has always felt an affinity towards the ocean. Born in a “little hole in the wall” cabin on Nootka Island, the surrounding Pacific waters were like his playground.
He spent his childhood on Meares Island, off the coast of Vancouver Island, living in the remote Tla-o-qui-…
Indigenous Veterans Day recognizes those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces
This Thursday on Remembrance Day Canada pauses to recognize those who sacrificed their lives during past conflicts, but the week begins with another national day of acknowledgement today.
Each year Nov. 8 marks Indigenous Veterans Day, when Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit are held…
Pacheedaht launches first community chaputs in 70 years
It was a proud moment for Pacheedaht members as they witnessed the blessing and launch of the first community carved canoe in nearly 70 years, according to PFN elder Bill Jones. He recalled the names of four elders that made the last canoe in the 1950s or 60s.
PFN Hereditary Chief Charlie…
West Coast braces for another stormy season
The west coast could be bracing for a stormier winter than normal as the climate pattern La Niña is back for a second straight year.
Marked by the natural cooling of sea surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean, La Niña intensifies winds and rainfall.
In preparation, BC…
Pole stands as mother for lost children to come home
A newly raised totem pole at Port Alberni’s waterfront is a mother for all of the lost children who never returned home from residential school, according to the carver behind the multi-year project.
During the unveiling of n̓aasn̓aasʔaqsa (pronounced ‘naas naas uksah’), Tim Paul tied the…
Nuu-chah-nulth youth introduced to seafood harvesting through Warrior Program
Sheltered within a large tide pool along the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, Kenneth Lucas took a deep breath before diving five-metres to the ocean floor.
Armed with a weight belt and snorkel fins the length of his arms, the 15-year-old secured himself in place by clinging to a rock.…
Chesterman Beach
A starfish sits on a rock at low tide on Chesterman Beach Beach in Tofino on August 25, as fog hangs over the shore. (Melissa Renwick photos)