It’s been three years since the students of School District 84 have been able to meet for their regional potlatch. So on May 18, Gold River Secondary School was buzzing with anticipation as students gathered outside while guests from all over Vancouver Island took to their seats.

The chatter throughout the gymnasium grew silent as the sound of the drums began. From outside the students of Gold River Secondary School (GRSS) and Ray Watkins Elementary school (RWES) sang their welcome song.

On Saturday, May 20 at the Alberni Athletic Hall family and friends came out of grieving for late-Wilson Haiyupis of Ahousaht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht.

“He was a really nice guy,” said Sam Haiyupis, Wilson’s father and host of the łaakt’uuła. “He was outgoing and friendly and had a great sense of humor.”

Wilson was initiated into Hamatsa, a sacred dance that required lengthy training, said his uncle, Jerry Jack Jr, a hereditary chief of Mowachaht/Muchalaht. Adam Dick, an elder, trained Wilson extensively when he was younger, he continued. 

Young adults aging out of the foster care system in British Colombia now have a new set of supports to help them achieve success as they begin taking on adult responsibilities.

On May 30 Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean announced the development, saying it was important that youth in care transitioning to adulthood be supported so that they could fulfill their dreams, achieve their goals and reach their potential.

Over the last few weeks, the provincial government has been spraying for spongy moths across a number of island communities that have been the hit the hardest by the invasive species.

The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth until February of 2022, was first brought to North America from it’s native habitat in Europe in 1868. In 1911, there were confirmed sightings of the insects in British Columbia. And by the 1970s and 1980s, the numbers of them were growing rapidly.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Family is bringing renewed energy to traditional seafood gardens along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Youth Warriors from eight nations, aged 12 to 25, are being supported by their elders, community mentors and external experts to restore, manage and celebrate clam gardens. This traditional practice used by Indigenous communities along the coast will help enhance the habitat of intertidal species and support the food sovereignty and security goals of many communities.

After months of eagerly awaiting resources to respond to mariner emergencies, members of the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nation were excited to spot the new Search and Rescue vessel’s arrival on May 18.

Since 2021 Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' and the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CNCCA) have been working together to get a SAR vessel in their community. In January construction began on the vessel in Sidney, B.C.

For the first time since 2019, SD70 celebrated Springfest 2023 as they opened the doors to ADSS following the pandemic lockdown. There was excitement in the air a children donned regalia, waiting with excitement for their turn to sing and dance on stage.

Springfest is a celebration of Indigenous culture being learned in regional public schools, which includes schools in Port Alberni, Bamfield, Tofino and Ucluelet.

For the first time since 2019, SD70 celebrated Springfest 2023 as they opened the doors to ADSS following the pandemic lockdown. There was excitement in the air a children donned regalia, waiting with excitement for their turn to sing and dance on stage.

Springfest is a celebration of Indigenous culture being learned in regional public schools, which includes schools in Port Alberni, Bamfield, Tofino and Ucluelet.

Summer has not yet officially arrived but several forest fires are already being fought throughout the province, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Since April 1 of this year there have been 21 wildfires throughout the Coastal Fire Centre , part of the 207 fires that have burned in the entire province this spring.

On Jan. 31, 2023, the province of British Columbia decriminalized personal possession of some drugs, which would allot for 2.5 grams of opioid (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use, for a three year period.

The aim of the decriminalization project is to address B.C. toxic drug crisis by reducing stigmas and barriers associated with accessing life-saving services, reads the provincial website.