As rain passed over Yuquot one August morning, a crowd of children filled the community’s church, their parents and caregivers looking over the toys and card games spread across the building’s floor. Hovering above the activity stood replicas of sacred carvings by the Maquinna and Jack families, colourful pieces glowing in the church’s dark that depict whales, bears, eagles, serpents and hunters, with a thunderbird in flight.

Communities across the west coast of Vancouver Island are facing labour shortages, forcing some businesses to adjust their operations. 

Lewis and Cathy George have been operating the House of Himwitsa, a First Nations art gallery and lodge in Tofino, since 1991.

In previous years, Cathy said their storefront would be open from 9:30 a.m. until as late as 7 p.m. 

But without enough staff, Cathy said they now have to close their shop as early as 4 p.m.

“We don’t have the staff,” she said. “It’s kind of heartbreaking.”

In all of Joe Martin’s 68 years of living on the west coast of Vancouver Island, he said he’s only encountered a wolf once. 

Alone in the forest just outside of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation community of Esowista, Martin recalled when a pack of wolves ran past him over 20 years ago.

Their presence stopped him in his tracks, and with wide eyes he turned around to get another look. 

But just as quickly as the wolves ran by, they disappeared into the forest. 

Martin said the experience still plays vividly in his mind. 

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is planning a Bamfield-based fishing derby in support of C̕awak ʔqin Forestry Workers.

C̕awak ʔqin Forestry is a partnership between the Huu-ay-aht-owned Huumiiss Ventures and Western Forest Products to manage Tree Farm Licence 44, a large section of Crown land south of Port Alberni and Great Central Lake. Chief Counsellor Robert Dennis and Huu-ay-aht First Nations want to demonstrate their support with an event that forestry workers and their family can all enjoy.

A Royal Canadian Navy ship landed at Port Alberni today to a welcome from Tseshaht members.

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa came to the Port Alberni dock at approximately 10 a.m. to begin a two-day stay. The ship is open for free guided tours on Saturday from 1-4 p.m., giving the public a chance to see the vessel and its crew before HMCS Ottawa departs on Sunday morning.

A group of Tseshaht members sang for the 442-foot ship as it docked, while the vessel’s crew members tugged at ropes to secure it to the Port Alberni Port Authority’s Berth 3.