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.”

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.