As Levi Martin reflects on the Nuu-chah-nulth language, he rejects the notion that it is endangered.
Despite being one of an estimated 10 remaining fluent speakers within his nation, the Tla-o-qui-aht elder describes it as a “language in hiding.”
As a young boy, he absorbed his ancestral tongue during story time on his father’s lap.
The Port Alberni Shelter Society (PASS) has received $1 million in funding from the provincial government for six long-term recovery beds for women.
The province recently announced $13 million for more than 100 new adult treatment and recovery beds in 14 organizations for people struggling with substance-use challenges in B.C.
The six beds in Port Alberni will be located at the Port Alberni Shelter Society’s new Therapeutic Recovery Community located at the Shelter Farm, about 10 minutes from Port Alberni at 725 Franklin River Road.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) has introduced maps that outline more specific information about where COVID-19 cases are located.
The BC CDC website http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data contains comprehensive information about the pandemic and includes a dashboard with up-to-date statistics. Containing information about cases, hospitalizations, recoveries and deaths, the COVID-19 dashboard is updated every weekday at 5 p.m.
An independent panel examining inequality and poverty in B.C. will continue to work with First Nations after handing a report to government that recommends against the idea of a universal basic income.
The expert panel on basic income was set up three years ago as part of a confidence and supply agreement with the B.C. Green Party during the 2017-2020 NDP minority government. In early February they weighed in, recommending against a universal income pilot project and in favour of broad reforms to the existing social support system.
Last year was the deadliest yet for fatal overdoses in B.C., and while many are calling for the decriminalization of street drugs, those with a close eye on the crisis are looking to medical professionals to take a larger role in prescribing safer alternatives.
Countless members of First Nation communities on Vancouver Island’s west coast will have to start thinking of new ways to get around.
Perhaps permanently.
That’s because the Tofino Bus, which provides services to 29 communities as well as 21 First Nations or organizations on Vancouver Island, will not be resuming service as previously scheduled this Friday, Feb. 12.
The Tofino Bus is currently Vancouver Island’s only intercity bus service.
The First Nations Health Authority has announced that it is now providing a free shingle vaccine to all elders over the age of 65. Previously, the FNHA covered the vaccine for only those between the ages of 65 – 69.
“Effective February 1, 2021, FNHA’s Shingrix® shingles vaccine coverage is available at no cost to First Nations elders who are 65 years old and older. This change is intended to make the vaccine accessible to a larger segment of the elder population. Coverage was previously limited to those aged 65 to 69,” says a FNHA statement on Jan. 29.
After more than seven months of pushing for the province to share more information with a coalition of First Nations, an agreement on disclosing COVID-19 case numbers has been reached.
Port Alberni city council will go into an in-camera meeting to decide the next steps for addressing a property owner not complying with Remedial Action Orders to remove all recreational vehicles from his Fourth Avenue property.
Randy Brown, who owns the Wintergreen Apartments on Fourth Avenue, has moved about nine RVs onto his property over the winter to house the homeless.
Driving by Port Alberni’s Wintergreen Apartments on Fourth Avenue on any given day, you’ll most likely catch a glimpse of people coming and going from the two-storey building, stashing their shopping carts by the edge of the fence or dashing back and forth from the Overdose Prevention Site just up the road.