It has been a week since Ahousaht went on lockdown while COVID-19 numbers escalated in British Columbia. In his daily leadership update, elected Chief Greg Louie announced on Dec. 2 that he was informed by health authorities that there are eight positive COVID-19 cases in Ahousaht living in four households. In addition, there are a total 15 people living in those four households that are considered close contacts to the positive cases.

Master carver Joe martin normally keeps an open-door policy.

It’s been customary for people from different territories and nationalities to drop by Martin’s workshop in Tofino and soak in his teachings. Theatrically waving his hands through the air, Martin would tell stories of how his ancestors used to pierce a whale under its left front flipper by launching a harpoon from a canoe with the strength of one arm.

Property owners of Port Alberni’s Wintergreen Apartments on Fourth Avenue are being held accountable for unsafe living conditions and are ordered to comply with city requirements to clean up and make improvements to the building.

Those who monitor the mental health of Nuu-chah-nulth-aht are urging people to find a healthy balance amid tightening COVID-19 restrictions that can lead to wintertime isolation.

Feed the People returns this December, but instead of a meal shared by hundreds, COVID-19 restrictions have forced organizers to individually deliver food to those who need it most in Port Alberni.

Tseshaht First Nation is condemning the “threatening” behaviour of a customer who was non-compliant with the COVID-19 protection measures at the Tseshaht First Nation Market and Gas Bar.

As part of the nation’s safety protocols, patrons are required to wear a facemask and sanitize their hands before entering the market.

Increasingly, staff has been met with “grumbling” customers who reject the safety measures, said Hugh Braker, Tseshaht Emergency Operations Centre information officer.

An independent review into the discrimination of Indigenous people in B.C.’s health-care system has found “widespread” and “insidious” problems touching all points of care.

The report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care, was prompted by allegations about an organized “Price is Right” game involving guessing the blood alcohol contents of Aboriginal patients in B.C. emergency rooms.

Island Health has reported that there are four public schools in Port Alberni that have had lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases, potentially exposing students and staff to the virus.

At Maquinna Elementary School exposure dates include Nov. 19, 20, 23, 24 and 25, A.W. Neill had an exposure on Nov. 23 and 24, the Eighth Avenue Learning Centre had an exposure on Nov. 24 and 25, while E.J. Dunn reported an exposure on Nov. 24.

Island Health defines exposure as a single person with lab-confirmed COVID-19 who attended school during their infectious period. 

Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) are pressing ahead this fall with construction of Anacla’s first community wastewater treatment system, considered a catalyst for local economic growth.

After decades of discussion, negotiation and planning, the $8-million wastewater project finally gained ground through a unique partnership between HFN, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) and the research station’s supporting universities.

When Steven and Allison Howard saw a post on social media, a friend wistfully wishing someone would host an online potlatch, the couple never thought in a million years that it would be them to do it.

“We thought it was crazy and we giggled about it,” said Allison.

But after talking it over along with a little pressure from a friend, the couple decided to go ahead with a live-streaming potlatch.