Nora Martin

Dwayne Martin and Chris Seitcher of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation initiated a men’s group four months ago. Chris and Dwayne saw the need to provide guidance and support to other men in the community. Some of the issues and concerns that arose were substance use, violence, lack of recreational activities, no hunting or trapping and the lack of spiritual or cultural ceremonies. Since the meetings began there are now about 16 men involved with the group.

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) community and Human Services staff are busy planning for a Health Forum for March 5-7, 2018. The event will feature workshops, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) updates, information booths, glucose and high blood pressure screening, health promotion, arts and crafts, self-care, Usma updates and recruitment as well as entertainment by Stella.

A 34-year-old man who has struggled with addiction for nearly 20 years is crediting his elders for helping him sustain a recovery.

Michael Titian, 34, of Tla-o-qui-hat First Nation began smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol at age 16. 

Ten years earlier when Michael was six his mother Cheryl died, which caused his life to spiral into an abyss. 

Michael and his seven siblings were placed into separate foster care homes in Port Alberni and Esowista, which he says attributed to his addictions. 

On a cool, sunny evening Kiera, Màry Jane, Jaimie, Sienna and Kayla-Anne gather around the fire pit eager to participate in the language class being taught by Gisele Martin. 

The girls pick up a drum, and Gisele sings a song of name places, ocean tides and numbers that she composed as a way to learn the language. The names in the song include Tsashiiwa, which means sound of the waves, Chawin-is, island in the middle, Muuyapilth, the fourth rock marking the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s hahoolthe next to Yuulu?il?ath (Ucluelet).

Revitalization and Preservation of Language and Healing from Indian Residential Schools were the top priorities of a two-day gathering held at Tin Wis on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18.

Kaamath, Levi Martin, shared his knowledge, wisdom and experience of working in the field of traditional healing/medicine.

 Levi began by saying “Today, a lot has changed in our culture.” He went on to say spiritual healing is more powerful than anything else.

Cleaver Fletcher, a Tofino resident, was traveling in his 40-foot herring skiff to Tofino on the morning of Jan. 1 when he noticed a little boat leaving the government dock.

Fletcher was concerned about the boaters’ safety as the waters were choppy and the temperature had been on the cold side on the West Coast for the past few weeks. (The coldest temperature recorded on the Coast in Tofino was minus 8, which is unusual).

Fletcher said he got to the government dock and looked to see where the little boat was. It was nowhere in sight.

David Tom of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and about 40 of his family, friends and relatives, traveled from Tofino to Ditidaht First Nation on Dec. 21 to Tiic as (a proposal) asking Carl Edgar Jr. for the hand of his daughter Sarah in marriage.

As the cars made their way into the community and approached Carl Jr.’s house, his mom Christine was sitting outside. Christine introduced herself and members of her family, and said she was very happy with what was taking place.

A huge crowd packed the halls of Tin Wis to celebrate Christmas.

Chief Counsellor Elmer Frank thanked everyone for coming and said it is always good to see our nation come together.

These past few days have been exceptionally cold here in Tofino, and as the members arrived to the conference center most mentioned the cold and were glad to be indoors where it was warm and inviting.  

The tables were beautifully decorated, lights, Christmas songs and a tree set the tone, and to add to the festive feeling, staff and volunteers wore Santa and elf hats.

Dave Dennis, Public Works manager, has been employed by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for four years. His responsibilities include supervision of the maintenance crew, housing construction, infrastructure, waste, water and renovations of homes.

Since 2009, 80 homes have been built, including an elders’ unit, and about 350 people now live in Ty Histanis. The elders really appreciate their new homes and especially like living so close to the community garden.

Summer-time fun! Days to walk the beach, sit by the fire to roast marshmallows, sing, hit the drums or watch the kids play tag or go swimming. There are so many opportunities to get out and enjoy the evening sunsets or each other’s company. And now, there’s more.

Cha ma piis is a cultural program aimed at teaching people language, seafood harvesting and cultural activities. It means tostand with dignity, respect and humility.