Counsel for a Ditidaht man accused of first-degree murder appeared in a Nanaimo courtroom on April 15. They argued on behalf of 25-year-old father Derian Tate that he should be released on bail with strict conditions. 

The Crown prosecutor argued against the application, but with a publication ban in place, few details can be released about the bail hearing.

But there was strong family representation at the courthouse as family members and supporters for both Tate and the victim, 23-year-old Patrick Charleson IV, were there.

An exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Tseshaht artist, writer, and cultural leader George Clutesi is set to officially open this month at the University of Victoria’s Legacy Art Gallery. Building on the acclaimed exhibit held at the Alberni Valley Museum in 2023, this new presentation expands the narrative to include never-before-seen works, intergenerational reflections, and contemporary artistic responses from across the Nuu-chah-nulth world.

Fewer Indigenous people are dying from drug overdose – but the rate of improvement is less than what the rest of British Columbia is experiencing, according to data released today from the First Nations Health Authority.

Ten years ago, Hesquiaht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ elder Nicki Love McCarthy asked Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge keepers if they knew of any words that described queerness. 

Through a flurry of texts, emails and Facebook messages, the knowledge keepers were able to bring these words forward, and McCarthy generously shared them during a Sunday, April 13 afternoon presentation in the Sičquuʔuƛ (Sitch – KHOO – ootl) Theatre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s Kwisitis Visitor Centre.

For the time being, it appears that answers will be hard to come by for those grieving the passing of Chantelle Williams, as a determination of cause of death hinges on a coroner’s investigation with no end date.

The 18-year-old died on Jan.28 after being found unresponsive on a Port Alberni street early in the morning. Two ambulances responded to a report from a passerby that came in at 5:06 a.m., transporting Williams to the West Coast General Hospital in critical condition, states B.C. Ambulance Services.

After years of pushing to get trained in a specialization that she deeply believes in, Darci Doiron is finally starting to find her niche in the workforce.

The 34-year-old Tseshaht member is currently halfway through gaining practicum hours needed to become a certified yoga therapy instructor, while also using her expertise to work at the Kackaamin Family Development Centre in Port Alberni. Six years into her own sobriety, it’s a practice Doiron has used to find her own healthy balance.

Recent data on Pacific herring presents encouraging indications of a rebound, but there’s currently too many marine mammals eating the small fish for the species to return to what was seen decades ago, according to a study presented to Nuu-chah-nulth leaders.

A substance stronger than Fentanyl has been detected in British Columbia’s unregulated drug supply, prompting an alert in the Northern Health region.

According to a statement issued by the province on April 3, 2025, ​Nitazene, a substance stronger than Fentanyl, is surfacing in the unregulated drug supply in B.C.

“Nitazine is a synthetic opioid that is equal to, or more toxic than, fentanyl that cannot be detected on fentanyl test strips. This represents an increased risk of toxic drug poisonings,” health officials said in the statement. 

Officials from Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation have some grandiose plans.

And thanks to some substantial funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, they are a step closer to one of their goals.

It was announced on March 21 that the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation was one of 12 in British Columbia that will receive provincial funding to help support clean-energy initiatives.

Ian Caplette is hoping a recent trip to Hawaii for some Indigenous post-secondary students is just the beginning of a long relationship.

Caplette is an Indigenous education instructor at the Port Alberni campus of North Island College (NIC).

In late January 17 students from his school travelled to Hawaii for a 10-day trip so they could learn about Indigenous education and culture.

Several partners made the trip possible, including the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC).