| Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper

Pro wrestlers bring steel cage match to Tseshaht’s Maht Mahs gym

Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling is bringing a steel cage match to Maht Mahs Gym in Port Alberni on Feb. 16.

A steel cage match takes place in a caged enclosure that surrounds the ring. Competitors can win by pinfall, submission or escaping the cage. Competing at the Port Alberni match will be pro wrestlers The Architects of Anarchy and the Legendary Moondog Manson vs. wrestlers from The Moment of Truth.

Tseshaht and Alberni Valley advocate for fully funded detox centre with new strategy

On Jan. 31, Maht Mah’s filled with Alberni Valley organizations and community members for the unveiling of a four-pillar strategy to combat the toxic drug crisis in the region.

At the gathering the Tseshaht First Nation, in partnership with Port Alberni’s Community Action Team and Kuu-us Crisis Line Society, proposed their plan, which includes advocating for a fully funded, inclusive detox and recovery facility.

Scenes from Nanaimo Indian Hospital: New play celebrates differences in Indigenous languages

A new play is shining light on the little-known history of Nanaimo Indian Hospital, with attention to the abuse and experiments conducted on its Indigenous patients, some of whom were small children.

Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital was written by Dr. Laura Cranmer of Namgis and Haida descent. A residential school survivor, the play is based on her three-year stay at Nanaimo Indian Hospital as a young child.

Toquaht Nation’s Phil Mack steps into coaching role with Rugby Canada

Phil Mack is the new attack coach for the Canadian rugby 15s senior men’s team.

The Toquaht Nation citizen and champion rugby player says his aim is to lift the team back into the Rugby World Cup (RWC). Last year was the first time in the 37-year history of the quadrennial tournament that Team Canada did not qualify.

“It’s the crown jewel. When I was playing, we were ranked anywhere from 12 to 16 (in the world). Currently, we are at 21,” said Mack.

Stokes Falls trails closed as Mosaic harvests in area

A popular series of hiking trails just east of Port Alberni will remain closed until later in February, as Mosaic undergoes logging in the area.

“Harvesting is active in the Stokes Falls area, with operations occurring Monday to Friday, weather dependent,” stated Mosaic Forest Management in an email to Ha-Shilth-Sa. “The harvest area is less than five hectares and includes five harvest units.”

Somass rises amid heavy rain, Tseshaht activates Emergency Operations Centre

Days of heavy rain have swollen the Somass River to a concerning level, prompting the Tseshaht to activate an emergency response on Tuesday to protect homes at risk of being flooded.

The relentless precipitation started Friday, Jan. 26, and the downpour continued through the weekend, hitting Vancouver Island particularly hard on Monday evening, Jan. 29 with strong wind. The risk of flooding rivers was elevated due to temperatures that were five to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal levels, causing the island’s snowpack to melt.

Ahousaht artist sees opportunity in a blank wall at United Church

When you enter Port Alberni’s United Church you are greeted with a long foyer filled with gift items on shelves, a reception area, books and comfy armchairs. At the end of the foyer was a set of double doors, painted white.

“There was an event here and Geena seemed to have a problem with white walls and asked if we’d be interested in her doing something,” said Mary Heatherington with a smile, the Alberni Valley United Church worship assistant.

From Port Alberni to a career in international airspace, Tseshaht member shares his story

Wallace Watts of Tseshaht spent his 38-year career as a commercial pilot for United Airlines traveling the globe visiting countless places every week. He received two awards for preventing a plane crash on two different occasions and was one of the first Indigenous pilots to get hired by a commercial airline.

Share this: