A weekend dedicated to healing, self-care, culture, and connection is coming to the Tseshaht First Nation this week as organizers prepare to welcome women from across the region to a three-day empowerment conference focused on wellness in all forms.

The Giving Voices Tseshaht Women’s Empowerment Conference begins Friday, May 22, and runs through Sunday, May 24 at the Maht Mahs gym, bringing together keynote speakers, cultural teachings, wellness workshops, and self-care activities designed to uplift and support women in the community.

A totem pole that now stands by the Nootka Sound RCMP detachment is “a visual reminder” of the trusting connection between the region’s First Nations people and the police, says the piece’s carver. 

On May 13 Mowachaht/Muchalaht members pulled away a covering to unveil the totem pole, which was carved by Sanford Williams, one of the First Nation’s most renowned artists. Depicting a bear, wolf and five humans, the pole was made from a log found at Yuquot, the ancestral home of the Mowachaht where Williams spends part of the year working from a carving shed. 

Tom Campbell’s men’s team and the Rez Coast women’s team won a third consecutive Tseshaht Lightning Open title on May 18 under the bright lights of the Alberni Athletic Hall.

Tom’s team beat the Nation Warriors from Bella Bella 60-53. 

“I can always count on these guys. They watch the scoreboard and pick up their play when they have to,” said Campbell, a veteran Ahousaht First Nation coach. 

Men’s MVP went to Jacob Thom, a Vancouver Island University coach and ex-player.