Prior to the introduction of metal, Nuu-chah-nulth people relied on sharpened rocks and shells to cut the fish and game they harvested. Today, they use typical kitchen knives. But just a few decades ago the old-timers made ulu-style knives for fileting fish because they were so much easier to use than a standard kitchen knife.

Tony Titian, 28, of Ahousaht, recalls seeing ten or more of these handmade knives at his grandparents Carl and Lena Jumbo’s place. But since they passed away the knives that Carl made are all gone.

Dianne Ignace saw something remarkable when she returned home to Hesquiaht Harbour in mid January. Nearly two feet of herring eggs lay on the beach at the remote village site where Ignace has lived with her family for the last 47 years, resembling snow drifts on the Pacific shore.

“It was incredible. That was the longest spawn I’ve seen here in 30 years,” said Ignace, noting that when the tide went out a foot of herring roe was revealed. “On the ocean floor when the tide was out you can see how deep it is.”

The Port Alberni RCMP are reaching out to the public for information that could solve the murder of 33-year-old Terrance Mack.

According to their media release, dated Aug. 19, RCMP officers and Serious Crimes Investigators arrived at an apartment on the 3200 block of Third Avenue following reports of a deceased man in one of the units. The decomposing remains were discovered May 4, 2021.

It was determined that Mack had been murdered approximately two weeks earlier. A positive identification was made on May 8 and the family was notified of his death on May 9, 2021.

Nuu-chah-nulth survivors of residential and day schools who have gone through the class action lawsuit process are raising concerns about the difficulty of submitting claims.

A small group of residential and day school survivors met with Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice-President Mariah Charleson in early August to talk about their concerns.

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.”