com m u n i t y Christmas dinner On December 12 the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw community came together for the annual community Christmas Dinner.
In the past this dinner has been organized by many people, with Sandra Charlie in particular playing an important role in the organization. While she was unable to play as big a role this year, Sandra’s hard work and dedication to the community were acknowledged at the dinner. Thank you Sandra!
Y O! NEWS
Jan 11 2011
3
treaty update, run walk + pole train
ing, trophy sponsors needed
4
trust update + elders update
5
christmas dinner photos
6 patient travel + ccp dinner invite 7
truth & rec commision hearings
8
anti-bullying poster
9 KDC job posting 10 S.A. Submission form
Clarke, Jamaine & Sonny compete in the traditional male beauty contest. Jamaine came in first, Clarke in second, and Sonny in third.
11
local job postings
12-13
colouring & maze
14
mark your calendar
birthdays ETC.
“Wishing my brother Keanu a Happy Belated birthday. Congrats to Mary..Babygirl.. and Mark on the John Henderson, Ricky Coon & helpers did the ca- birth of their baby Willie. Congrats to Sally and Lattering for the dinner, which was phenomenal. Thank in [Leighton] on the birth of their baby girl Nianne.” you also to all of the paid help and volunteers who helped out in the kitchen, dishing out the meal, and - Fr Donna, Wil and kids helping to set-up & clean-up. “Lou and Elizabeth Walkus’ family would like to There was some confusion this year around fundwish the following a very happy birthday: Kendric Anderson, Libby Walkus, Gregory Walkus, Pering for the dinner, which has been provided by rys Charlie, Don Felkley, Victor Hanuse Jr., Bryce the bingo committee in the past. The Gwa’salaWalkus, Quinten Coon, Philena Walkus, Sierra ’Nakwaxda’xw Administration stepped up, as did the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Trust, both contribut- Walkus, and Mackenna Scow. Love you all!” ing the funds for the catering, gifts and everything “Happy Birthday to “my” Diamond Princess. Thlia else that goes into making the dinner a success. Lynn Mandy Mae, January 16th.” Huge thanks to Les Taylor for doing a ton of lastminute organizing, and to Gary & Ernie who helped - Lots of love Mom, Bros + Sisters, MC the event. For more pictures, turn to page 5.
and baby John Wesley.
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News - 11/01/2012 Page 1
Yo! News is prepared by Jessie Hemphill, Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Executive Assistant and Communications Officer. 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 Jessie at (250) 949-8343 or e-mail jessieh@gwanakplan.org. 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: Website (www.gwanak.info) Facebook (User: Gwasala Nakwaxdaxw) Twitter (User: Gwasnakw) Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Band Office PO Box 998, 154 Tsulquate Reserve Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0
COUNCIL Chief Paddy Walkus: (250) 949-1486 Sits on all committees / chief@gwanak.info
Ernie Henderson: (250) 230-4198 Health & Social Development, Housing, Fisheries, Education, Ec. Dev., Treaty and Finance Portfolios
Crystal Walkus: (250) 230-4649 Ec. Dev., Personnel & Policies, and Recreation Portfolios
Gary Walkus: (250) 230-2479 Health & Social Development & Ec. Dev. Portfolios
Robert Walkus: (250) 230-2155 Education Portfolio
Victor Walkus: (250) 230-3723 Health & Social Development, Housing, Forestry, Ec. Dev., and Recreation Portfolios
Norman Charlie: (250) 902-8492 Ec. Dev., Recreation & Education Portfolio,
David Charlie: (250) 949-9413 Fisheries and Recreation Portfolios
Staff Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Band Office Phone: (250) 949-8343 / Fax: (250) 949-7402 Les Taylor, Band Manager manager@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2307 Margaret Bernard, Finance finance@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2308 Conrad Browne, Economic Development ecdev@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2301 Pat Dawson-Hunt, Social Development patriciad@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2309 Colleen Hemphill, Treaty chemphil@telus.net / (250) 949-8424 Jessie Hemphill, Communications & Exec. Assistant jessieh@gwanakplan.org / Cell: (250) 902-8221 Lorna Henderson, Housing lornah@gwanak.info / (250) 902-2304 Nicole McLelland, Natural Resources Manager nmclelland@cablerocket.com / (250) 902-2310 Fax: (888) 345-5063 Grace Smith, Education grace.smith176@gmail.com / (250) 902-2320 Bob Swain, Public Works Cell: (250) 230-0087 Native Courtworker Office (250) 902-2223 Natasha Walkus, Treaty Resource Assistant natashaw@gntreaty.org Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Elders Centre Silena George, Elders’ Coordinator (250) 949-7406 / silenag@gntreaty.org 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 Eke Me-Xi School (250) 949-8332
Resolve to get fit
and lose weight!
Aboriginal RunWalk and Urban Pole Training Starts January 19th, goes for 13 weeks Sign up at PHSS
Time: 4 p.m. to about 5:30 p.m. every Thursday End Date: April 2011 – about 13 weeks Place: Port Hardy Secondary School – meet in the Gym Ages: 13 and above All you need is a commitment to better your health for 13 weeks. If you have any medical conditions, please seek medical approval prior to participating. What to wear: running shoes and comfortable exercise clothes. Bring a jacket as we will be outside most of the time. This activity is for anyone who wants to get off the couch. We will be having weekly challenges on healthy living- I will be sharing healthy living tips. On-line support from sportsmedbc.com – registration is required. Challenge yourself to attend the Vancouver Sun Run in April. You can do it! If you need any information on this activity please call Colleen Martin at 250-949-7443 ext 3227 or email cmartin@sd85.bc.ca.
treaty update: Jan. 26 Community Treaty Mtng
Happy New Years! I hope everyone enjoyed the good food and gatherings we had with each other. So often our lives get so busy we forget to focus on those who stand with us and behind us...family and community. I really do want to praise those who carried out the Community Christmas Dinner, it is a lot of time and commitment for the organizers and cooks....you did a great job John Henderson, Rick Coon and all who lent a hand. In past years Sandra Charlie and the staff of Health and Family Services have carried out the enormous but important task. You are all to be commended! At this time I am not going to talk about negotiations except to say there is a very important Treaty Meeting that will take place on January 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM here in our Community. At the meeting, open to all Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw members, we will provide an full update on the status of our treaty negotiations. People who will be present to make presentations and to answer your questions and concerns will be the negotiators on behalf of Canada, BC as well as our Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw treaty team. Gila kasla Colleen Hemphill Chief Negotiator
Trophies:
co m m u n i t y
If anyone would like to sponsor Trophies for the Harvey Walkus Floor Hockey Tournament 2012 please contact Tiffany Charlie. Call or text (250)230-9413. Email: mrs_tiffany_charlie@hotmail.com
feast
Sponsors Needed
Various trophies left, 1st all-stars are $32 each and 2nd all-stars are $28.
healing Scheduled for Saturday, March 3, at the Wakas Hall See page 4, Trust Update, for more information.
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News - 11/01/2012 Page 3
Trust update
elders update
It was a busy holiday season for the Trust Committee, and with another Trust Committee meeting scheduled for this week, they will continue to work hard to make sure that the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Trust is working for the community.
Hello everyone!
Victor was able to help out several people and families over the holidays through the Emergency Fund. When people ran out of groceries, Victor purchased Overwaitea gift cards to make sure that the Emergency Fund dollars were used for groceries. Please note that when the emergency fund has been spent (which will happen soon) that will be the end of it, unless the community votes to put more Trust funds into another emergency fund. If there is a vote to renew it, the policies will become much tougher to prevent abuse of the fund.
We are slowly but surely getting the ball rolling with activities. For now there is a catering job this Thursday begining @ 9am Elder’s Center.
Through the Culture Grant that Gary manages, funds were put towards the community Christmas dinner. Planning has also begun for the community healing feast which will take place on March 3. It was moved to this date so that it would follow the Truth & Reconciliation Commission hearings. Ollie Walkus got the bid for purchasing the gifts, and John Henderson got the catering contract thanks in large part to his focus on our traditional foods. Stay tuned for more news about this feast as more plans are made. You may have noticed some activity up at the Wakas Hall over the holidays... through the Youth Sports & Recreation Grant (now managed by David Charlie) two community members were hired to repaint the hall, using colours chosen by the community. Unfortunately this paint job didn’t go very well, and another painter might be brought in soon to finish the job. As always, Silena was busy with the elders, using some of the Elders Grant to carry out the usual packed schedule of activities. See Silena’s update (right) to see what’s coming up for the elders. As always if you have any Trust-related questions, call Robert Walkus (Trust Chair) at 230-2155.
Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed your holiday!
We will have our first lunch of the year next Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 12pm! Place: TBD! I will call and send out notices as to where we will have this lunch. It is time for New Years resolutions! Let’s all make one together and work towards our goals! Walking club will start every Tuesday @ 1pm, weather permitted. If it is too ugly out, we will walk on the treadmills here @ the Elder’s Center. Swimming & exercise class will begin once we figure out everyone’s schedules. Please feel free to come and see me in the office or even give me a call. We can throw on some coffee and chit chat :) Enjoy your day! ~Gilakasla - Silena George Elders Coordinator
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News -11/01/2012 Page 4
Gary & Ernie handing out gifts
Oliver Walkus takes part in the male beauty contest, telling Gary his ten wishes for Christmas
Norman dishing out dinner
Volunteers dish out food to the hungry guests
Christmas dinner 2011 Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News - 11/01/2012 Page 5
G & N News from the
Patient Travel
Department: Another reminder to everyone that I do need all Dr’s notes back from everyone I do travel for, all this has to go to Health Canada, I also want to thank all those who have brought theirs in. All travel is picked up at Band Office. I do not do travel when I am off work. I have been getting a lot of calls when I’m off with overtime Again if you know you or your child has appointment let me know as soon as possible so I can get it done. And again travel will not cover if you want an escort, we are only allowed to cover for one escort. If you do not call hotel if you are not going to appt you must call hotel and cancel it. Most of hotels are toll free so you won’t be charged for the call. Again if you know you are not going to your appointment please return your travel back to Margaret. I know you must get tire of hearing me talk about all this but at times people don’t listen to what I am saying.
CCP Dinner Want to share your thoughts about the future of our community? Want to find out what’s been happening with our CCP?
Thanks for your understanding. And Happy New Year to everyone, I hope and Pray that everyone has a very good New Year.
Want to help plan a fun community festival?
I would like to personally Thank the Trust People for all your help in getting us all down to Nanaimo for our Cuz Flo’s daughter’s funeral. From my heart Thank You so much.
Everyone is welcome to come out the CCP (Comprehensive Community Planning) dinner at the
My direct line is 902-2278 and my fax number is Elders’ Centre on January 19, starting at 5 p.m. 949-6811 attention Bunny Jackson. Dinner and childminding will be provided, but no
- Bunny Jackson
honoraria. For more information contact Jessie
Community Health Representative
Hemphill at 949-8343 or jessieh@gwanakplan.org
See you there! Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News -11/01/2012 Page 6
Truth & Reconciliation Commission Hearings Schedule
TRC Vancouver Island Regional Hearings Schedule Port Hardy February 27-28, 2012 Campbell River March 1-2, 2012 Port Alberni March 12-13 2012 Cowichan (Duncan) March 15-16, 2012 TRC Regional Event in Victoria, BC Victoria Convention Centre & Fairmont Empress April 13-14, 2012 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established as a result of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in the 150 year history of the Residential Schools, and guide and inspire a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. For more information on National and Regional Events please visit trc.ca Media Inquiries: Nancy Pine, Senior Communications and Outreach Advisor Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 613-947-4647 office 613-316-5654 cell Email nancy.pine@trc.ca
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If you do not get this form in EVERY MONTH by the cut-off date, you might not get your cheque! Please remember to bring in your BC Hydro bills as well, or else your Hydro will not be paid for! Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Yo! News -11/01/2012 Page 10
Local
Job Title : HouseKeeper
J o b P o s t i ng s
Company Name : Providence Place Date Posted : 1/6/12 Full/Part-Time : Part-time Location : Port Hardy Salary : $9.50/Hr Details : This is an on call position leading to PT seasonal work. Start asap. Drop off resume in person Contact : Please drop resume off in person to Providence Place 7050 Rupert St Port Hardy Attn Angie or Elaine
Job: Ec. Development Manager
Company Name : Kwakiutl Band Council Date Posted : 12/12/11 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Details : You will report to the Band Manager. Protect, research, develop, initiate & promote Kwakiutl Economic Development. Experience with First Nations development planning, and proposal writing. Require criminal record check, DL and vehicle. Contact : Please send resume, CL with salary expectations by Jan 12 to manager@kwakiutl.bc.ca
Job Title : Shingle Sawyer
Company Name : Gold Band Shake & Shingle Date Posted : 1/5/12 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Details : Experienced conventional shingle sawyer. Must have CSA-certified safety boots. Start ASAP. Contact : Apply to Scott: Phone: 250-902-1009; Fax: 250-949-2689; in-person 6225 Jensen Cove Rd. Port Hardy, BC
Job Title : Barista
Company Name : North Coast Backpackers Date Posted : 1/5/12 Full/Part-Time : Full-Time Location : Port Hardy Details : PT or could be FT position if desired. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Duties include make special teas/ coffees, serve customers, cashier and closing. Must have “FOODSAFE’ certificate & experience. To start ASAP. Contact : Apply in person with resume, Rob or Savannah, 101-8636 Granville Street
Job: Insurance Representative
Company Name : Coastal Community Credit Union Date Posted : 1/4/12 Full/Part-Time : Part-time Location : Port Hardy Details : Now is a great time to join one of Canada’s Top 50 Employers as an Insurance Representative. Individuals with Level II licenses are preferred, but those individuals with their Level I licenses will also be considered. To be considered for these roles, candidates must have applicable licensing and excellent communication skills. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted. Contact : Send resume to Human Resources by Fax:250.716.2330 or Email: careers@cccu.ca
ALL POSTINGS FROM www.niefs.net North Island Employment Foundations Society
The Band Office has a new fulltime receptionist, Bernadine Clayton! Bernadine is doing a fantastic job so far, and we are excited to have another community member join the Band Office team. Bernadine will be working on parts of the Yo! News in the weeks to come, and helped put this column together for this issue.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR JANUARY
January 16: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm January 15-20: Aftab Erfan (and Seff) visit Tsulquate January 18: Elders’ Lunch JANUARY 19: CCP Dinner at the Elders’ Centre, 5 p.m. January 21-22: Williams Co-ed Soccer Tournament January 23: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm January 24: TAC (Treaty Advisory Committee) Meeting January 25: Mt. Waddington Health Network: Addictions Service Plan Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Port McNeil Community Centre (everyone welcome!) January 26: Community Treaty Meeting, 5:00 p.m. at the Wakas Hall January 27-29: Robert Walkus Memorial Hockey Tournament January 30: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm
FEBRUARY February 6: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm February 13: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm February 14: Valentine’s Day February 20: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm February 23-26: Harvey Walkus Memorial Tournament February 27-28: Truth & Reconciliation Commission hearings, Port Hardy
MARCH MARCH 3: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Community Healing Feast march 5: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm march 12: Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Council Meeting, 3pm
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