”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT”
”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY
April 2016
AND SPIRIT.”
Haisla Pride Our athletes pushed to the finals in / page 8 Kitamaat Open tournament
HNC Highlights Stopping by at Haisla Town Centre Kerkhoff Construction kindly allowed representatives from Haisla Nation and LNG Canada onto their construction site to check out the progress of the Haisla Town Centre. LNG Canada is the anchor tenant of the initial apartment building currently under construction. Below right is the view of downtown Kitimat from the top level of the building.
Hosting the Tri Nations Working Group
The Haisla Nation was privileged to host the Tri Nation Working Group in its offices on March 24. The group is focused on looking at opportunities in environmental monitoring and land reclamation, with a purpose to contribute to economic, social and environmental benefits for the three participating communities of Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, and Haisla.
Look inside...
School setting up for growth / page 6 2
Great plays at tournament / page 8
Meeting the HNC team / page 11
Oolichans make Readers Lens / page 18
Administration desk A welcome to the new additions to HNC’s family New staff Tony Brady, Manager of Business Partners. Started on April 4th.
From the desk of Director of Operations Linda Berg
Theresa James, Capacity Assistant. Started on April 4th. Eliza Bisshopp, Interim Executive Assistant to Chief & Deputy Chief. Started on March 28th. We are in the process of filling the Capacity Supervisor and the Interim Education Manager positions. Welcome Tony, Theresa and Eliza. Policies The Program Managers and I have been going through some new draft policies and reviewing updated administration policies. This is a lengthy process as we are reviewing several policies. New Trades Centre at KVI I attended the grand opening of the Trade Center at Kitimat Valley Institute on April 5th. The new Trade Centre is impressive. It has six welding stations, table saws and all of the tools that a tradesperson will use. Six Haisla members are taking the ‘Intro to Trades’ program that started on April 4th. LNG committees I have been participating on four LNG committees. These committees are all involved in employment and training. One of them includes business development and a cultural component. Three
Job Coaches are employed with the purpose of assisting Haisla members, their spouses and dependents, take training and find employment. This work has been one of the main focuses of Haisla Nation. We encourage all members to take training to assist in finding a career.
New Health center discussions Own Source Revenue Policy/Trust work with OSR committee (monthly) Booking meetings for New Zealand exchange partner (arrives in June )
Monthly Land Code meetings- developing policy, Terms of Reference and We have been having discus- launching sions about building a new and bigger Health Center. Committee tasks- CommuniFirst Nations Health Aucations, Executive, Own thority has funding to pay Source Revenue, Program for the new Health Center. I Managers, etc. (weekly) will continue to provide updates on this, as they become Overseeing the coordination of annual charity golf touravailable. nament (monthly) My current projects All of the staff and Council Policy review, with Program members are busy attending Managers meetings, and working to provide quality programs Council Planning & priority and services for our mem2-day meeting (April) bers. Health Centre
Attending Chief’s address meetings ( Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Vancouver, Kitamaat)
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. 1-888-842-4752 extension 108
There is free help out there to assist you in living healthier by quitting smoking.
Type “BC Smoking Cessation Program” into your Internet search to learn more about the program 3
Kitimat Valley Institute
KVI launches Trades Centre
K
itimat Valley Institute (KVI) is excited to announce its brand new Trades Centre at their Kitimat campus.
“Our Introduction to Trades program will be the first chance for students to enjoy our new Trades Centre,” said Kitimat Valley Institute Interim President & CEO, Sherrie Little. “Students will be given hands on experience with 5 different trades over the seven week program, along with safety certificated training opportunities.”
trades training which will support our local projects and community needs.”
Developing an on-site Trades Centre meant an extensive refit of the facility’s electric system, the installation of comprehensive welding and carpentry stations at KVI, along with the purchase of supporting tools and industrial equipment.
Little says that the comprehensive Trades Centre now means that KVI is positioned to provide future training opportunities for our local students, whether it be for liquefied natural gas initiatives or other projects.
The Kitimat Valley Institute is a nonprofit, self-sustaining organization that provides training opportunities for local first nations and the community. It is governed by a Board of Directors with representation from the Haisla Nation, Rio Tinto and a community Chair person.
A large outdoor structure will also be installed which will provide a space, out of the elements, for students participat-
“We need to prepare our students for all opportunities,” said Little. “By offering this Trades Centre in Kitimat we move towards providing local
As of January 2016, the Haisla Nation finalized the purchase agreement from the Coast Mountain School District and became the owners of the KVI building and land at 1352 Alexander Avenue.
The project was made possible by a grant from Western Economic Diversification, which provided a matching contribution up to $385,000 for the project. The new Trades Centre opened its doors on April 4, 2016.
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ing in Construction Craft Worker training to get handson practice for their programs.
First Nations empowerment Ross speaks on empowerment in keynote
E
mpowerment for First Nations boils down to a matter of being included.
That is the central theme of a keynote address by Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross at a Nation2Nation luncheon hosted in Terrace on March 30, which focused on matters of First Nations relations and economic development. Being included doesn’t just mean having a say though, but means taking on responsibility to guide economic development. For Haisla, handling the responsibility of inclusion means being involved at the ground level to shape the destiny of any development which seeks to build in our territory. “That’s why you don’t see us out there protesting and complaining about every government decision. Because our input is in at the ground level six months ago, or eight months ago.”
That working relationship with the provincial government has saved a lot of time, money and heartache, said Ross, as the Haisla seek to expand their capacity.
Title, is crucial. Having First Na- said. tions own the land earmarked for industrial developments is a pro- The ultimate benefit of building this capacity means being able to spect that benefits everyone. invest in people at home to take “As long as a developer get a long on professional roles that are term lease and quiet enjoyment of needed, sharing the benefits of the land they don’t care who owns development locally. it,” he said. “If you don’t start developing caLand ownership leads to rent rev- pacity you’re forever dependent enues, taxes, and other benefits on someone to bring in the serwhich solve so many issues with- vice for you,” said Ross. out the need of a treaty or any other complicated document, said While a lot of focus these days is on liquefied natural gas exports, Ross. development can come from Finding these new sources of rev- many sectors from forestry to enue is allowing the Haisla Nation mining to marine services. Council to set off on programs of their own, away from Indian Act “It’s a huge responsibility,” said programming to deliver more ser- Ross, “but that’s what comes vices to members not just on re- when you truly want to be includserve but for Haisla all over Cana- ed.” da. HNC has approximately 30 active programs for its members. Hear Ellis Ross’ keynote
Yet for capacity development it’s not simply a matter of being handed jobs either. Having a stake in land management, a corner“We want to move away from anstone of Aboriginal Rights and swering to the Indian Act,” he
speech by clicking on the news post at Haisla.ca for this article 5
Haisla Community School
Get to know your Haisla Community School What Does Haisla Community School Offer?
we will reduce this ratio to 1:6. By an increase to teaching staff plus the implementation of a literacy Haisla Community School is an accredited School block. and mandated to provide B.C provincial curriculum. Learning outcomes are equivalent to those of public Our professional staff receives a variety of support education. There are small differences between Haisla from First Nation school association and First Nation Community School and B.C provincial schools. Education Steering committee both of whom are provincial organisations working with a majority of The small differences in program offering set us Band operated schools. The purpose of both provinabove public school programs and we are noticing cial committees is to ensure students are meeting proresults. Our current staff to student ratio is 1:12 vincial requirements/standards. This support prowhich provides great opportunity on direct and indi- vides for identification of effective practices as well as vidual instruction. During the 2016/17 school year mentor coaching if required. New for 2016/17 school year:
literacy blocks and our student to staff ratio will drop from 1:12 to Kindergarten will be a dedicated 1:6 class (depending on enrolment) Ongoing programs and services Additional primary teacher School bus picks up and drops off Implementation and directed sup- students who reside in town. port of literacy block Breakfast and Lunch program, five Integration of culture into class- days a week. room Music twice a week including Band All classroom teachers will be as- for grades 4/5/6/7 signed students in alternating
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Haisla language offered three times a week.
Progress monitoring of literacy ( D.I.B.E.L.S) School wide Read Well/Reading Mastery Language program. Saxon Math program. You are all welcome to drop by and speak to the Principal or Secretary if you have any questions or concerns. Everyone is welcome!
Haisla Community School
What makes our school strong When deciding whether to enroll a student in either Haisla Community School or public school, parents will base their decision on perception. Haisla Community School must meet provincial standards in order to continue operation; these standards include professional teaching staff and provincial learning outcomes as directed by British Columbia’s Ministry of Education. These learning outcomes are similar to that of public education. These outcomes are based in principles that state: -Learning requires the active participation of the student -Students learn in a variety of ways and different rates -Learning is both an individual and group process My own first day at Haisla community school left me awestruck. The school and classroom environment is one in which there is a routine and students know what to expect. This type of school environment enables and nurtures a sense of safety, security, and organization. It is our hope that we can capitalize on established programs and refocuses our strategies to become more effective at instruction. We are able to build upon previous success and enhance: Shared vision and purpose, continual improvement, high level of trust, continuity and effective leadership. Staff is focussed on
continual improvement and we are currently in the process of identifying strategies to enhance student learning.
ment and mastery of effective teaching and learning strategies around literacy.
- Research indicates a child During the next school year, reading at grade level by early in2016/17, we will implement a lit- termediate has a higher probabileracy block for both primary and ity at high school completion. intermediate grades. Early reading strategy and interWe anticipate hiring a primary vention coupled with dedicated teacher and teacher/librarian and staff and smaller than public each of these positions will partic- school ration enables a higher ipate along with all teachers in pri- probability of early grade transimary literacy block. The benefits tions. of all teachers focussed on primaThe language program is one ry literacy block is: of the key factors contributing to school programs, school climate - Small group instruction tailored to reading. Current ratio is and community. The 2016-2017 year will provide greater opporabout 1 teacher for 12 students and moving to a literacy block in tunity to integrate language and culture into ongoing curricula. We which all teachers and support will begin to explore themese for staff will participate will reduce the ratio to approximately 1 to 5. both language and culture that meet provincial learning out- Teachers will hold regular comes in areas such as language “professional learning communi- arts, science, identity, society, culty� dialogue at the school. The ture and governance. dialogue will enable teachers to / Principal Elmer Moody strategize introduction, reinforce7
Kitamaat Open Strong showing by Haisla The athletes who competed in the Kitamaat Open basketball tournament last weekend deserve congratulations for their hard work over the course of three days. The event saw participants from all over the province come to Kitamaat Village and the District of Kitimat to watch the games. Haisla Nation is particularly proud of their own Men’s and Women’s Division teams. The Haisla AB Women’s team took the top prize in their division, winning $2,000 for their team, in the finals against Vancouver NWA. The Haisla Braves worked their way to the finals as well, earning $1,300 for their silver medal finish against the Prince Rupert Lights Out. Great work for all the athletes and organizers who make the event possible.
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Our Shared History
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph of Reconciliation Canada handled a facilitated dialogue during the Our Shared History event.
A night of Our Shared History
T
he Haisla Nation was pleased to work with Reconciliation Canada to cohost the Our Shared History event on March 29. The evening gathering provided a chance for the Haisla Nation to recount the collective history of the past 100 years in the context of settlement in Haisla Territory, as well as share in Haisla culture by serving traditional Feast Stew.
Ross believes that any attempt at reconciliation requires looking back on the history between the Haisla and settlers, including the impacts of missionaries and residential schools.
The dialogue provided a great opportunity for people to get to know each other and learn about each other’s cultural background, keeping a mind towards how the process of reconciliation can be achieved.
The purpose of the evening was to create a base of understanding for future endeavours towards reconciliation.
“We don’t do this to make anybody feel bad,” said Ross. “We do Chief Councillor Ross said he this to show that we have a shared looks with hope towards the history and those shared aspects Haisla’s future generations. require reconciliation.” “Hopefully 20 years from now the He continues, “If you can under- Haisla people can look back on stand our shared history then the days of dependence and povhopefully you’ll understand why erty only for the purposes of reHaisla think the way we think, and membering where they came why we act the way we act.” from, and not where they are at.”
“I don’t think reconciliation is an event,” said Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross in his presentation to a packed room at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre, saying that reconciliation is an ongoing process.
Reconciliation Canada later guided participants through a facilitated dialogue which included powerful words from Reconciliation Canada founder and current Ambassador Chief Dr. Robert Joseph.
The Our Shared History event was also made possible by sponsorship from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the North Growth Foundation. 9
Haisla Fisheries
Ocean Networks Canada completed the install of the underwater observatory. ONC held information sessions at the Haisla Rec Centre, Haisla Community School and at MEMSS. Here are two photos of the observatory, before and after placement. “The underwater observatory monitors and records temperature, salinity, turbidity, underwater sound (via hydrophone), and also takes daily pictures of its’ surroundings (including sea creatures) on the seafloor. A corresponding upland array of instruments is also housed within the Kitamaat Village wastewater treatment compound.
These monitor weather and atmospheric conditions, marine traffic, and sea-state (via an on-land camera). While these instruments are still being calibrated before being brought on-line, all monitoring results will eventually be viewable on your cell phone or computer in real-time”
Eulachon arrived at Kemano on March 18th, 2016.
sampling eulachon, egg count and determining the size of the run.
The Kemano and Wahoo Rivers saw a huge returns of about 190 tons.
Noah and Everett went to Kemano and Kitlope to monitor the run and calculate the return of the eulachon.
The Haisla harvested about 52 ton. Brandon Dundas was working with Ecofish for the majority of the month of March. He assisted Ecofish with eulachon research such as
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electrofishing and cultural awareness. Classes will commence again in September 2016.
“I was given the opportunity to take the FN Stewardship training and I am extremely grateful. We are half way through and I have Brenda Bouzane completed her learned so much. Thank you for first year of the First Nation Stew- this amazing journey!” ardship training. This last session consisted of fish identification, See photo on page 15
Haisla Fisheries Rising to the challenge by taking a dive Three of our crew successfully completed dive training. Brandon Dundas completed his open water dive training. Noah Timmins and Trevor Amos completed their advanced open water dive training in Victoria.
Harbour A friendly reminder to please keep the dock free of nets and personal items. Anyone wanting to hook up power please come to the Haisla Resource Centre to register at the fisheries department. Your power meter will have to be activated. All users are charged on a pay-per use basis.
Food Fishing Licences
munal license, which is issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and is theoretically based on the Food fishing licences are available at the Haisla Recommunity’s needs. Reporting your catch helps demonsource Centre. You can call to make an appointment to strate continued fishing effort, expanding needs, and an renew your licence at 250-639-9361 ext 207. ongoing reliance on marine resources within Haisla territory. We are not looking for your “hot-spots”, only numbers. We wish to ensure that the community’s exReport your catch panding requirements for food-fish are recognized, docThe Haisla Fisheries Commission seeks to increase har- umented, and upheld. Please report your catch. vestable amounts for all species within its annual com11
Youth programs Get on board with a new Cadets program
W
hat if you were told that there is a cultural pathway that can harness your talents and provide you with the structures for growth, leadership and empowerment? That we can achieve these through a variety of interesting and challenging activities? What if you were told that this, boys and girls, youth-centered program would increase your level of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness, proud and ready to take your rightful place in your community?
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Haisla Youth Sea Cadets, working collaboratively with the local RCMP, has in its sights a pathway to motivate you to improve your physical fitness, to work harder at your academic studies and to give back to your community through volunteerism and citizenship activities.
well-rounded, communityminded, experienced young people who are ready to assume their places as tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers.
Please call early to secure your spot.
Also, we are calling out to Haisla members who want to become We have the right program for mentors for Sea Cadets and chapyou. Haisla Youth Sea Cadet, If this speaks to you, and you are erons for youth field trips. In adworking collaboratively with the between the ages of 12 – 18, we dition, we are looking for artistic local RCMP, has in its sights a encourage you to call in at the or drama instructors who can help pathway to motivate you to imHealth Centre at 250-632-3600 us in developing plays for the prove your physical fitness, to and register to become a member youth based on our Haisla Nuyem work harder at your academic of the Haisla Youth Sea Cadet to call in to register with us. Your studies and to give back to your program. The estimated kickoff support is very much appreciated community through volunteerism time for the program is Septem- and welcomed. and citizenship activities. ber 2016, if there is enough inter/Eric Bottah, Health Manager est. The numbers are limited. There is definite value in having
An outdoor adventure awaits you The Haisla Youth Program, together with the Solstice Recreation Group brings to you a 5-day summer outdoor adventure starting July 18 – July 22nd.
cluding First Aid certification and Lifesaving Society’s Aquatic Lifesaving Certificates. Participants will received industry-accepted certifications.
Over the five days there will be two days of introductory rock climbing (indoors and outdoors), three days of other activities in-
Transportation, equipment, instructions, and certifications will be provided by the Solstice Recreation Group to all participants.
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The age group for this camp is 10 – 19y ears of age and for both boys and girls. Interested? Call in to register at the Health Centre at 250-6323600. Space is limited so please call in early to secure your spot. /Eric Bottah, Health Manager
Recreation Centre Rec Centre Diaries Yowtz,
of participation in recreational activities whether it’s boot-camps, basketball practices, weight-lifting, and jogging/walking.
step you take is another step closer to achieving your wellness I would just like to congratulate goals! Good luck to all of you the community on all of their efthis spring! We were only given forts over the winter season! one body. Let us do our best to All of the community’s efforts do honour it and continue to build As usual the recreation centre was not go unnoticed! and maintain healthy habits! one of the busiest buildings in the community! It is great to see lots Don’t stop, keep going! Every / Rec Centre Dan
Schedule Early Bird Fitness
Lunch Hour Boot-camp
Yoga
Monday to Friday 6am-7am
Mon / Wed / Fri 12pm – 1pm
Sunday 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Elder’s Walk
5 O’clock Grind Boot-camp
Monday to Friday 10am - 11am
Monday / Tues / Thurs 5pm – 6pm
Tuesday 6pm – 7pm
From the Elders’ Centre Yowtz. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to our community, shut –ins, the Haisla people who are in hospital, recovering from surgeries, and grieving families.
can deliver Meals on Wheels if you let us know. Phone ext 409, let staff know. This service is on Wednesdays.
On occasion we have a guest speaker or if new staff from office comes for lunch we ask they introduce themselves. On Tuesdays we invite the Healing Centre CliWe had a luncheon with LNG ents for lunch. We get invited Our Meals On Wheels are still go- Canada, which spoiled our Elders. back when they graduate. ing strong. We also get meals So cool when we get invited out. ready for Homecare to pick up Our home is almost complete, and deliver to our Haisla patients Our luncheons are Tuesdays and when that happens we will have in hospital under the guidance of Thursdays . We do cancel lunch- an open house. Stay tuned. eons when a Haisla member passCassy Mitchell, our Community es away or we get invited out or Thank you to HNC & staff for all Nurse. we help out in cooking a pot of you do for us. Wa. Thank you Cassy. We are honored stew . For instance when asked by to do this service in our commu- schools in town by Sonny Green nity and hospital Haisla patients. or Sheila Duncan. We will give up / Marilyn Furlan So, if a family member is sick we a luncheon day here to help out. 13
Get to know the HNC team COMMUNITY LIAISON What is a Community Liaison? The Community Liaison position was created because council had seen an influx of referrals due to increased industrial activity in the area. Council at the same time had signed the Reconciliation Protocol that formally established the consultation process between Haisla and Province. Haisla Nation realized that most of the referrals were falling between the crack and were not being followed up. Haisla Nation needed someone on staff to bring industrial proponents, the two levels of government and the Haisla Nation bilaterally or multilaterally to resolve environmental issues. What does your job entail? My job entails receiving all permit applications relating to every project, such as LNG, forestry, and mining in our territory and distributing to appropriate people within and outside our organization that would deal with the issue. LNG (Chevron LNG, LNG Canada, Altagas) have occupied most of my time. This has entailed numerous meetings with the LNG proponents, the Oils and Gas Commission, the BC Environmental Assessment Office and with Haisla Nation Council. How does it contribute to Haisla relationships with external agencies and stakeholders? As a result of this position, Haisla Nation is viewed by industry proponents, and both levels of government as very progressive and timely in handling referrals. When Chevron was in full force we set a referral process between us, OGC and Chevron which streamlined permit processing for Chevron by OGC. We currently have an excellent working relationship with LNG Canada and they respect our responses to environmental issues. 14
What is the benefit for HNC? I think my job has been of benefit to the Haisla Nation in that it has established credible process as follows: When external government agencies I interact namely BC Oil and Gas Commission, Forestry, Lands and Natural Resources Operations, and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office send referral documents and requests, I review them and ensure they reach the right department. Some issues are dealt internally by the Lands and Resources and Haisla Fisheries staff. What are the challenges of your job? The biggest challenge of my job is to set up meetings with politicians, my team and the proponent in a timely manner. There are times, I have to make decisions based on what I feel will benefit the Nation with not all the participants available. I have been doing this job since 2012 and every day is a new challenge but I have a great team around me. What are your major accomplishments? I facilitated numerous OGC permits for Chevron for both the facility site and area, and for the Pacific Trails Pipeline. I have kept the discussion going through the complex environmental and fisheries issues that LNG Canada has to abide by. At the end of the day, it is not about me. It is for the Haisla Nation and that is the reason why I love my job. If I were to write my own job description. It would state, “she is the liaison between the government (Provincial or Federal), the Lands and Resources department, the Chief and Council and the proponents; she makes it happen.�
Winter wellness
Healthy living theme for Winter Wellness On Feb. 28th, 2016 the Haisla Nation played host to the 2016 Winter Wellness Walk & Lunch.
Everyone gathered back to the recreation centre for the healthy lunch they were served after the wisdom The purpose of the event was to invite the communi- of a few community leaders that shared their stories ty to an event where we can encourage our members of healthy choices and encouragement which was tarto continue to participate in physical activity in order geted towards the youth, adults, and elders of the community. to honour their health and wellness. The other priority of the event was to promote healthy eating which was exemplified in the home cooked meal which was prepared by our lovely staff of the Haisla Health Department. The highlights of this event was the three kilometre walk to the bay and back which was participated by 41 adults and 11 youth.
This event was a huge success and wanted to thank the community for their participation as they made it the success it was. I also would like to acknowledge all those who were working behind the scenes to make the event happen: Rosanna, Laura, Tish, Rose, Eric, NIFCS, FNHA, and the Jr. Boys basketball team. / Report by Daniel Young-Mercer
The First Nations Stewardship Program class pose for a group picture. The group, which includes HFC’s Brenda Bouzane, just completed their first year of the program.
Want to volunteer for an HNC feature like this? Send an email to COrr@haisla.ca to make a request. 15
c’imo’ca Aboriginal Head Start Coming up April 25—Healthy Together starts (See the article at lower right!) May 4 and 5—No school as staff will be in training Johannes Jansson/norden.org
Play group on Tuesdays, 12-2 pm for ages 0-3. Please join us for a light lunch.
Top Cops reading program Children are reading and stacking up their minutes for a prize and a Pizza Party!
Thank you to the Remember to read at Haisla Community home and log your School and Const. minutes. Brad Walsh. (RCMP)
Healthy Together Healthy Together is a three week (six class) interactive program for families with children from 0 to 6. Lets get healthy together by learning to make healthy choices and building healthy relationships.
Haisla Days are coming up. Please send in your baby info if you have had a baby from May 2015 to today. We’ll need any information the parent is willing to share. (Date of birth, weight, length, siblings, etc..) Angie’s contact information is 1-888-842-4752 ext. 351, or ece.coordinator@haisla.ca.
Angie Maitland 250-639-9361-351
Contact
Classroom 250-639-9361-352 BUS 250-632-1095
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In this program we will be playing, cooking, and learning about health together. Childcare is provided. Space is limited so register early by calling Angie Maitland at 250639-9361 extension 351, or Laura Olsson at 250-632-3600. Program runs April 25-26, May 1 -2, and May 9-10.
Belize it or not ‘Unbelizeable’ trip for two students I want to thank Haisla Nation Council for giving me the opportunity to get to go to the beautiful country of Belize.
few children will be unforgettable and I'm always grateful for our home country and what we take for granted.
The many thrilling things we took The food was very creative and colpart in and all the new learning envi- ourful; fruits were very vibrant and ronments will forever be rememtasty! bered. As for the people every single local The adventure started on March 11 was so happy and cheerful to be as we left Terrace and made our way able to show us their impeccable onto the several flights to make it to homes and ways of living. Belize City. The weather was definitely hot and We had so many fun filled days in- burns were easily achieved yet every cluding cave tubing, museum gath- single student still made it through erings, zip lining, visits to the local with smiles on their faces. Belizian zoo, snorkelling, scuba, and hiking, but by far my favourite thing Sadly the trip came to an end what seemed so quick and back to our was the school we visited. hometown on the 19th, to see my This school was so very grateful for family and pass along my crazy and the supplies we provided and the funny stories about my trip. I made sports equipment we had the chance so many memories and new friends to give them and even play a game who I will cherish along with the of soccer. The bonds I made with a laughs we shared. During spring break of 2016 I travelled with a group of 18 people on the Best of Belize tour offered through Education First educational tours.
a sea trek in the beautiful blue Caribbean sea. We also visited a local school where we gifted a classroom with school supplies of markers, books, pens, pencils and a Canadian Our days started early every morn- flag. The school children showed us ing at 7 am and we were busy until their classroom and we even had time to play some basketball and our day ended around 5:30 pm. football with them. Overall, the During our eight day trip we went eight day adventure-filled week was on nature hikes, learned survival a great experience; one that I highly skills, explored the Mayan Ruins; rode on a river boat; went zip lining, recommend to other students. visited a local zoo and even went on / Megan Metz
The trip was 'Unbelizeable' and one to remember throughout my life. Once again thank you for helping me to gain a new life experience and learn in a creative new way. / Jessica Maitland
Aurora Woods also went on the Belize trip. We unfortunately did not manage to ask her for a trip summary for this issue.
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Readers lens
Calendar May 10—11 Two workshops to help build better resumes and do better interviews. At Kitimat Valley Institute. Visit capacitydevelopment.haisla.ca, news tab under Events, for more information.
May 17, 5 pm Land Code Committee launch dinner and swearing in ceremony. May 21-22 Haisla Days! Planning ongoing, more details to be posted on Facebook and at Haisla.ca These photos were posted on the Haisla Nation’s Facebook page with permission to share. Shown is the Ross family smokehouse. The late Elma Ross’s son Sammy Ross was looking after the pit and allowed Brian Grant Jr. to snap this and other photos of oolichan. Thanks for submitting. Anyone can send photos to COrr@haisla.ca.
Jobs Haisla Nation job opportunities currently posted at Haisla.ca under the ‘council’ tab:
Interim Public Works Operator/Labourer Environmental Liaison Various on-call positions
Haisla Nation Council
Toll Free: 1-888-842-4752
PO Box 1101
Phone:
(250) 639-9361
Kitamaat Village, BC
Fax:
(250) 632-2840
V0T 2B0
www.haisla.ca
facebook.com/ HaislaNation
twitter.com/ haisla_nation 18
Check out our calendar online at: haisla.ca/news/calendar
Other job postings, and contact information for Haisla Nation Job Coaches, can be found online at capacitydevelopment.haisla.ca.
The Dootilh is a publication of the Haisla Nation Council. Haisla Nation Council reserves the right to accept or decline to publish letters.
instagram.com/ haisla_nation