Media
Ehattesaht Chinehkint unveils welcome sign at traditional territory
The people of Ehattesaht/Chinehkint are celebrating the unveiling of a new wooden sign welcoming people to their traditional territories. The event took place on the bright frosty morning of Nov. 28 about halfway along the gravel forest service road leading into Zeballos.
“This sign will…
Finding Solitude: Local filmmakers debut their first film to sold-out audiences
As Jaiden George poured over maps of Vancouver Island in his high school art room, he searched for a way to tell a story that would combine his love of filmmaking and mountain hiking. But as he dug deeper, the adventure film he dreamed of started to take new shape.
While working on the…
Language revitalization pole to be raised in Port Alberni
A totem pole commissioned to mark the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages will not be erected at the University of Victoria as originally planned, but will remain in Port Alberni where it was carved.
As it nears completion, the future home of the 61-foot pole was…
A traditional First Nations diet combated chronic illnesses that are now common, says research
A growing collection of evidence is pointing to the lost nutritional benefits of a traditional First Nations diet that was sustained before the transition to processed foods, according to a presentation given to Nuu-chah-nulth leaders in October.
With a reliance on fish, berries and…
Elders thrilled as Rainbow Gardens opens 20 new seniors’ apartments
Older Nuu-chah-nulth people living on fixed incomes now have a new, more dignified option when it comes to housing now that Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens is accepting applications for 20 brand new independent living units.
Gerri Thomas, administrator at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens, is pleased…
MOU between Indigenous Tourism BC and Tourism Vancouver Island aims to help promote local businesses
Lewis and Cathy George had no competition when they first opened the House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery in Tofino in 1991. Other than Roy Henry Vickers, Lewis, who is Tyee Ha’wilth of Ahousaht, says that they were the only business selling First Nations art within the tiny coastal town.
…Family and culture brings Hesquiaht healer back from the brink of death
Joe Tom has spent the last three decades helping people find health, wellness and cultural awareness. But a childhood heart problem resurfaced, forcing him to rely on family and belief systems to save his own life.
“I heard a nurse say I wasn’t going to make it, that I'm too weak,” he…
Know where you come from: Nuu-chah-nulth members recognized for commitment to their nations
Holding back tears, Wally Samuel clutched by wife Donna tight as he stood in the warmth of applause. A few days before his recognition at the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s annual general meeting on Sept. 25 Samuel had received a cancer diagnosis, news from the doctor Samuel admitted he was…
Focus on holistic well-being with cultural teachings at 22nd annual DAC Health-Ability Fair
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Quu’asa team took a lead role in guiding the events of the 22nd annual Disability Access Committee (DAC) Health Ability Fair held at Alberni Athletic Hall Oct. 2 and 3. Quu’asa, a program that operates under the NTC’s Teechuktl (Mental Health Program) provides…
Reclaiming Lost Souls of the Alberni Indian Residential School healing event draws hundreds
Wails of anguish pushed through a shroud of morning fog, Sept. 27, as returning Alberni Indian Residential School survivors, now elderly, let go of childhood scars, symbolically tossing them into a fire. Tseshaht First Nation issued an open invitation to all First Nations people in the province…
Ahousaht AGM focuses on inclusion, hears from members of all ages
The 2019 Ahousaht AGM, held Sept. 10 – 12 in the village, had a relatively small turn-out ranging between 60 and 100 people in a community with about 1,000 residents. Ahousaht leadership introduced new methods of engaging the people in order to draw opinions from a larger segment of the…
Huu-ay-aht hopes for fishery resurgence after nation sees boats decline from 40 to 3
At the age of 15, Jayson Nookemus is a fast learner while on the water. For years the teenager has accompanied his grandfather, James Nookemus, learning the details of operating a fishing boat while not in school.
“He learned how to work the gear, clean fish, ice fish, he learned about…