The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Community Christmas Dinner is on December 18, 2018 Starting at 5:00 PM *Children aged 18 and under will receive a gift
We are hoping to distribute the gifts at the beginning of the dinner because we know that there is a Christmas Concert happening as well,please be on time
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation
Yo! News
December 17, 2018
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Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Members Please mark your calendars for future Land Use Plan meetings. February 5, 2018 Time: 4:30-8:00 P.M March 5, 2018 Time: 4:30-8:00 P.M With direction given by 2015 Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) this Land Use Plan (LUP) will include discussion on how to monitor and protect lands and natural resources in our own traditional territories. This will give you an opportunity to share your concerns and add to the the new updated Land Use Plan. Also, please keep posted for many more Treaty related meetings as well as community Trust meetings. We will start up the family meetings again as well as community based meetings at the Wakas Hall. Thank you. Katie Walkus Communications Phone: (250)949-8343 Email: communications@gwanaknations.ca
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December 17, 2018
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TREATY UPDATE This past few weeks the Treaty Office has been conducting workshops with chief, council, treaty team and administrative staff. The goal has been to provide opportunity to deepen understandings of challenges and benefits we will experience as we move forward with treaty negotiations. Of primary importance is a clear understanding of goals by each of those working for the GN and also to have an effective and clear level of communication among each of us so that we can clarify questions community members may pose in relation to treaty or other programs/projects that will impact in a positive way. Communications Protocols Gwa’sala – ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation is undertaking work in communications for our office and community. We received funds to develop a Communications Protocol and on December 5, 2018, we kicked off the work with a workshop with GN managers, staff and some representatives of Chief and Council. The first part of the workshop touched on the past, and how colonization effects us today. Colonization refers to the attempts of Government and society to strip us of identity, rights and our homelands through actions such as our forced relocation and residential schools. GN is overcoming colonization by regaining control through governance activities like an Election Code, re-building our Big House and treaty negotiations. What helps to reverse impacts of colonization include: • • •
Community vision and mission Community development and consultation Being inclusive of everyone and building consensus to affirm unity
Building our capacity, including policy and communication protocols, supports the community to regain control. Relying on Nusens Sax (Our Ways) provides a path forward based on our cultural values. The second part of the Communications Protocol workshop looked at why GN is in the treaty process and what it means. We talked about how a treaty would create a future in which we could make decisions that reflect our distinct needs based on our ancient and sacred laws. We will be self-determining, no longer under shackles of a government based in Ottawa. There will be checks and balances to ensure full accountability and transparency to GN Peoples. Many topics were discussed from education, forestry to management of resources. The workshop ended with a focus on change and how to manage it. Change is constant, and we need to be prepared, which is why it is extremely important that our communications are strong. These themes will be carried over to a manager’s session in the new year to develop communication policies, processes and protocols that will serve to strengthen our organization and service to community. [Governance contractor Sharlene Frank prepared the communications protocols update. We will provide another installment on the recent Land Use Plan workshop to be included in the next Yo News. For further information on this or other topics re: Treaty please contact myself at the Band Office: Colleen Hemphill @ 250 949-8343] Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation
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Happy Holidays From the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Health and Child & Family Services Departments
The Holidays are a time to enjoy family and fun time, but they are also very stressful times for many people. Our band services shut down so that staff too can take time to re-energize with their loved ones and come back refreshed in the new year. However, we recognize that some people may feel the need to talk to someone about their stress, or even need to talk about feelings of self-harm or suicide. So we have a partnership with the Kuu-Us Crisis Line to make sure community members can get help when they need it, and that we can do any follow up work that might be needed.
If you need to talk to someone over the holidays, call Kuu-Us (1-800-588-8717) Trained volunteers who care are ready to listen.
If you are feeling suicidal, or are concerned about someone else, you can also call. If you feel you need more help, you can identify yourself as a Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw community member and the volunteer will refer you for help. They will ask if you want our Child & Family Services Team to follow up with you. If you agree, they will notify us when our team returns to work and we can follow up with you about services.
If there is an immediate emergency and action must be taken to save a life - call 911 so that Emergency Services (RCMP, Ambulance or Fire Fighters) can respond. We will also follow up once we are back to work in January.
These partnerships will allow community members to still get help when we are not open, and allow us to provide follow up so that services are more consistent.
After hours help: 1-800-588-8717 Emergency Response: 911
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Birthday s and Announcements Isabelle Angel Walkus Happy Birthday Sis Paula Nephew Tyrese .. Nephew William Sis Priscilla � hope u all have great day much love you ❤� love from Angel Walkus the ones for this month Tiffany Charlie December 24th -Happy Birthday to my babiest baby brother Buddy Lloyd Walkus Sr. Hope you have a day wadzid. Love you so much! From auda T and family December 25th Happy Birthday uncle Calhoun! We love you so much. From Tiff and family December 27th Happy 10th birthday to my Prince Vince. We love you babe. Have an awesome day! Love momma and your siblings ❤ December 31st Happy birthday babe Eleanor Coon & sis Angel. Love you both very much. Best wishes! Lots of love from all of us. Aunty/sister Tiff & family
Happy Birthday to Zach Dec 15th Happy Birthday to Priscilla Dec 18th Happy Birthday to Christopher Dec 28th Happy Birthday to Silena Dec 28th From my Jenna Jordan and I Priscilla Lynn Iraheta Happy Birthday Nièce Kianna Marie I love you Babe. Dec 17th Love Aunty Priscilla and family Priscilla Lynn Iraheta Happy Birthday to: Sister Paula Lisa Nephew Tyrese Dec 18th Happy Birthday Sister Vanessa George Dec 29th Happy Birthday Gran Mabel James Happy Birthday Brother Chris Walkus Dec 28th Happy Birthday to Nièce Chantelle Coon Dec 31 Hope you all have a wonderful Birthday Love from Priscilla and family
Ethyl Marie Skookum Happy 21st birthday wishes going out to my son Leo Joseph On December 15th... Sending 31st birthday wishes to our daughter Val Walkus for December 17th � And sending happy 2nd birthday wishes to our little Princess Wynter-Rein for December 23rd.. hope you all have a great day, love you all ♥also would like to wish my daughter Angela and her husband LeRoy Wiks a happy 8th anniversary today wishing them all the best and many more years to come...❤️
Andrea M Walkus-Andrew I would like to send birthday wishes to my beloved husband Chris on December 15th. Love you always �
Vanessa Elizabeth Happy Birthday to my son Jeffrey Dec 21st
Lucy Scow Wishing a very beautiful sweet young gal a very special birthday wish for
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Paula Walkus Special birthday wishes to all family who celebrate this month. May everyone have a safe n fun birthday. Love you all. ❤��� �� Valena Lillian Warren William Warren December 16 happy 1st birthday son already ���Love MOM, Sister, Daddy����� Lacey, Jackson Warren
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December 15th happy birthday babe Kadence hope you have a most wonderful day love always uncle Ern, auntie Lu and cousins � John King Happy birthday Tyrese Wilson Hoping u have great day December 18th All my love J.D. Sr Angela Johnson Happy birthday mom (Dodie)! We love you so much� Loretta Lynn Charlie Happiest bday to my sister Priscilla Lynn Iraheta Nd Lisa Walkus nephew Tyrese Wilson on the 18th Nd the most wonderful 1 birthday to my 1st born grandson Grayson on Dec 25th and to my son inlaw WillIam Paul on Dec 26th love you all so much from Loretta and family Donna A. Williams Happy 17th Birthday Kianna Marie from mom dad and siblings. Bernadine Clayton Wishing my brother reggie a happy birthday December 13th � Lorna D Henderson Hbd ���sis Dodie, Chris, uncle Harry bell (15), son Wayne Walkus(16), son BuddyWalkus(24), calhoun(25) niece Alice(27), silena(28), & gdaughter Jude Lorna(30) ♥ Janine Henderson Happy birthday wishes to � Leanne Bingham�! 11 years old on December 22nd! ��❣ we all love you babe Tina Henderson Together with Johnny Henderson Sr. Karen Roberts Gordon Roberts Hunt Jeneen Rose Hunt We would like to say, special thanks to these loving family & friends Diane Kaleigh Harris & Scott Harris Ravena Coon & Darryl Coon Buddy Walkus & Vanessa Walkus Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation
Yo! News
Raymond Clair Sr & Norah Nelson Maureen Hanuse Alvin Walkus Agnes Wallace Sandra Charlie & Mom Janet Paul Rose King Tiffany Bell Stan C. Hunt Melissa Henderson & Johnson Bell Mae April Marylin Shain Jackson Anne M Wallace Vicky Fustar Kathy Walkus Gertie Walkus Missy Henderson Henrietta Nelson Sara Puglas & Mom Margaret McDougall Crystal Violet Janet Hanuse Mik Nosliw Ella Henderson David Jacobson Raymond Scow Thomas Coon John Wallace George Ewald Jamie Keamo Agnes - security Lions Committee Special thanks to wedding party. Special thanks to all who came to witness Karen Roberts & Gordon Robert's special day. For your support during the engagement announcement, stag/ette parties, wedding preparation & wedding Your love and support is greatly appreciated and will be forever remembered. God bless you all always Priscilla Lynn Iraheta Happy Birthday Nephew Linden Jack Dec 16th December 17, 2018 Page 14
Happy 1st Birthday to our Handsome Baby Grayson Paul Dec 25th Happy Birthday Nephew William Paul Dec 26th Love from Aunty Priscilla and Family Andrew Dawson A Very special birthday Wish Going Out Too My Littlest Big Systa Priscilla Hope Ur Day Is As special As U Luv ya My Lil Big Systa.... A Very Special Birthday Wish Going Out Too My Boii Tyrese.... A Very Special Birthday Wish Going Out Too My Pal Paula Hope Ya Enjoy Ur.....Day All BDays On The 18.... A Very Special Birthday Wish Too My Sys Leeba-Ah Lisa luv Ya My Systa Andrew Dawson A Very Extra Special First BDay Wish Going Out Too Gray The Great Grayson Happy First Birthday my Great Nephew December 25th Margaret Hayatlekun Puglas Happy One Year Sobriety To My Momma and Chris Much On The 28th Love Fred Margaret and Boys :) Cathy Swain Bob and I would like to thank Robert Broadfoot for his kind donation to our soup stand. Just so you know, we're not asking people to donate, but when someone feels it in their heart to give, we can't refuse. We all have loved ones who need something at some point in time. They may have food but they could be hungry for social time with others. They may be in need of a meal. We're so very blessed to be able to do this!
Loraine Skookum - Wilson Birthday wishes to our oldest daughter Priscilla for the 18th and to our first great grandson Grayson for the 25th we love you both so much God bless you Laa Anderson Happy birthday to my nephew/ boy Jacob! Aunty, uncle man and kids love u so so much maaan! December 16 Happy Birthday Neph Grayson, love u babe hope u have a great 1st bday!! <3 love aunty and kids <3 Margaret Joe Belated Birthday Wishes To, My Husband Luke Joe, & Sis Fran On The 7th, Love You Both. Bday Wishes To My Sisters Lisa, Paula, Priscilla, And Tyrese For The 18th Much Love To You All. Happy Birthday To My Beautiful Niece Jamie Coon For Dec 26th, Love You ❤ Oops, Belated Bday Wishes To My Older Brother James On Dec 2nd & To My Auntie Brat (Joanne) For The 6th. Love You All, From Us Joes Here In Nanaimo ❤❤ Maryanne Marlena Happy 1st birthday to my Nephew Greyson Paul on December 25th � Love you baby! Nothing but great wishes for his special day � ************************************** What do you call an Elf that can sing and dance? Elfis What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite
Thank you sis Lowena Lano Walkus for taking pictures and thank you to Pastor Val and Sheryl for your help serving and giving love and support to folks in need! Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation
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Yo! News is prepared by Missy Walkus, Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Receptionist This newsletter is delivered to all houses on the Tsulquate Reserve every second week and posted to the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw website. If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, contact Bernadine at (250) 949-8343. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community members informed about what is happening in the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office and the surrounding community. Anybody is welcome to make submissions to the newsletter, including announcements, lost-and-found, photographs, bakwam’kwala words, stories, legends, drawings, etc. etc. etc. Other ways to stay connected to the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community are: Facebook (User: Gwanak nations)
Staff
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office Phone: (250) 949-8343 Fax: (250) 949-7402 Band Manager (250) 902-2309 Margaret Bernard/ Finance (250) 902-2308 Lorna Henderson/Finance (250) 902-2311 Conrad Browne, Economic Development
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office PO Box 998, 154 Tsulquate Reserve Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0
Katie Walkus/Communications (250) 902-2301 Charles Willie/Social Development (250) 902-2307
COUNCIL
Colleen Hemphill, Treaty (250) 949-8424
(Chief) Paddy Walkus (Council) Crystal Wlakus (Council) Darryl Coon (Council) Dodie Rufus (Council) Leslie Walkus (Council) Thomas Jack (Council) Terry Walkus (Council) Sandra Charlie (Council) Eddie Charlie
Leo Lawson, Capital Specialist Officer (250) 902-2306 Cathy Swain, Housing Administrator (250) 902-2304 David Schmit, Natural Resource Manager (250) 9022310 Grace Smith, Education (250) 902-2320 Bob Swain, Public Works Cell: (250) 230-0087
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Elders Centre Cassidy Walkus/Elders Program Administrator (250) 949-7406
Bernadine Clayton, Receptionist/IRA(250) 949-8343 Native Courtworker Office(250) 902-2223
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Health & Family Services Front Desk: (250) 949-8131 / Fax: (250) 949-6811 Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw School Front Desk: (250) 949-7743 / Fax: (250) 949-7422 www.gwanak.bc.ca Eke Me-Xi School (250) 949-8332
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