”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT”
”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY
July 2016
AND SPIRIT.”
A welcoming space for / page 6 Haisla
Membership meetings
Upcoming schedule of meetings Haisla members are invited to membership meetings which will cover two subjects:
2) The recent decision by LNG Canada to delay a Final Investment Decision for their project in Kitimat.
1) The recent decisions by both the court and the Na- Members will hear from Chief Councillor Ellis Ross tional Energy Board relating to the Enbridge North- on these subjects, and how these decisions will imern Gateway Pipeline project. And, pact Haisla Nation members.
Venues Kitamaat Village July 25, 6 pm HNC Administration Building Large Board Room Prince Rupert July 26, 6 pm Crest Hotel
222-1st Avenue West Terrace July 27, 6 pm Best Western Plus Terrace Inn 4553 Greig Avenue Nanaimo August 3, 6 pm
Coast Bastion Hotel 11 Bastion Street Vancouver August 4, 6 pm Hilton Vancouver Metrotown 6083 McKay Avenue
* If there are any changes to these dates or venues those details will be posted to either Haisla Nation—HNC Facebook page or included in the Haisla mailing list. (See page 14 if you’re not already on that.)
Look inside...
George Leach to perform. / page 4 2
The summer students / page 7
Grassroots group for LNG / page 11
Kids at play at Rec Centre / page 16
A talk with the Chief Councillor
A chat with the Chief Councillor / By Elmer Smith 1) How did you get to where you are today?
to build their future, and I think that we will be in a Ellis: I got nominated for council in 2003. I had no good place if the project gets accepted. idea what it meant, but I kept my name in since 3) What was your dream job growing up? then because council didn’t have a plan for what Ellis: In grade 10, I went to a counsellor in high councillors had to do. I basically took it upon my- school and I wanted to be a radio D.J., but I was self and read anything I could about council busitold it was unrealistic because back then there were ness, rights and title, policies, and watch and learn. only 1 or 2 radio stations and being a radio D.J That’s what really what got me to where I am today. wasn’t really a good career.
2) How do you think our nation will be in the next 10 years? Ellis: I think if one of our major projects get approved, we will be the only nation in the North West B.C. to truly say that they’ve achieved a level of independence that they always wanted. And they will have done it without signing a treaty, and they will have done it without having to prove title. I think by 10 years, the Haisla will have enough land
4) What is your advice to the next generation? Ellis: Don’t worry so much about what you want to be, there’s a lot of other people that don’t know what they want to be. But in the meantime think about what you DON’T want to be. Never make bad decisions, there’s still older people trying to fight addictions. Don’t let drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes take over you at a young age. /Con’t on page 14 3
Entertainment Leach and Yoga Get ready for entertainment as musician George Leach will be in Kitamaat Village August 2 to 3. Leach will perform at the Haisla Recreation Centre at 6 pm on August 2.
He’ll follow up the next day with a motivational talk at 1 pm. Following that there will be a yoga workshop by Rose Johnnie Mills, likely from 3 to 4 pm. Leach’s newest album, Surrender, is a follow-up to 2000’s Just Where I’m At. He is also the winner of 3 Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards for best rock album, best single, and best songwriter. ABOUT YOGA, by Rose Johnnie Mills Yoga when translated from Sanskrit to English literally means to unite, to come together. Yoga is the coming together of mind to body, body and mind to spirit. As a child of a residential school survivor Rose has been practicing Yoga as a means of self healing. Hatha Yoga is an Active Yoga style, please wear comfortable clothing. Restorative Yoga is the only Passive form of Yoga. Please wear comfortable warm clothing and bring at least 3 blankets. Rose said, “Practicing Yoga has allowed me to heal and grow from the intergenerational trauma of colonization, depression, anxie4
ty, personal trauma, as well as grief and loss. Yoga has encouraged my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual strength and grace while walking in a cultural way through a modern world. It has taken me over 2 decades to learn what I know now, this is how I take care of myself and I'd love to see Indigenous Youth Surpass me on this healing journey. Take the resiliency to the next level. Keep the healing going.” Rose graduated from Semperviva Yoga College in Vancouver in both 200 hour Hatha certification and Module 1 Restorative Yoga Rose is continuing her learning, as her traditional family name Seletzé'Naut (one who is always learning).
nee n’wagilas
Updates from the Elder’s Centre yowtz, healing prayers to all those who are ill and shut-ins. For our Haisla members to be safe for the summer. For our friends that we have made over the years. Luncheon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless cancelled , for one reason or the other. Thank you for understanding when we do. Our Elders of nee n’wagilas are going to the Kamloops Powwow, leave at Rec Centre at 9am, July 28th 2016 [Thursday] if family members can give them a ride. Return on August 3rd. 2016. Rec Centre, again if a family member can pick them up. I will keep in contact with Val Bolton or Charmaine [homecare aide], the closer they get to home.
We are in our new building. We will have an official opening soon. Bigger and brighter. Thank you to our Haisla Nation Council and staff and Eric Bottah for making this possible. We will be forever grateful. To the accounting department , Health care department, public works for helping us out when we are in need of your service. wa. P.S. , if any fish available, please let us know. We don’t mind paying for it. We need especially for canning for winter. Haisla Nation Council and staff, please have safe travels when you are on the road for us. wa.
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Meeting space
Above, Val Bolton stands in front of her button blanket creations for the Kitimat General Hospital’s meeting room. At left, the church group leads in song at the dedication for the room.
Blankets hold special meaning The multi-purpose room in Kitimat General Hospital “It took me probably a year to even start getting all has been dedicated as a gathering space for Haisla of these designs together,” Bolton told those gathmembers at the hospital. ered. Elders Centre Coordinator Marilyn Furlan explained She explained the feathers on the blankets all came the newly dedicated space at an event on July 14. from her mother’s feast. The blankets hang on cedar She said whether it’s a birthday party or a church ser- branches. There are approximately a hundred butvice, the keys for the room are available at the hospi- tons on each blankets. tal’s front deks. (She points out responsibility for the “I’m really glad I had the chance to do this,” she said. room falls to the key holder.) Her blankets have designs for the Beaver, Eagle, Highlighting the dedication for the room was the un- Raven, and Killer Whale clans. veiling of four button blankets made by Val Bolton. 6
She said it was an honour to do this for the hospital.
Haisla Summer Students
Haisla Nation Council is pleased to welcome this year’s Summer Students into the organization. The students this year are: Antoin Morgan, Lance Morrison, Hunter Wilson, Graylon Hall, Anisha Wilson-Price, Austin Peters, Kariya Gardiner, Dakota Moon, Connor Bailey-Walker, Elmer Smith, Nathan Bolton, Byron Olsen-Grant and Christian Cross. 7
Safe on the water Be aware for Drowning Prevention Week July 17- 23, 2016 has been deemed National Drowning Prevention Week. Due to the fact that we live near the Douglas Channel, the Kitimat River and near other lakes and rivers, knowledge of water safety is important. Natural bodies of water account for 74% of the drowning deaths in Canada. The main risk factors that contribute to water fatalities happening are alcohol, not wearing a life jacket or PDF (Personal Flotation Device), unsafe boating, cold water, boat capsizing, boating alone, rough water, being thrown overboard, night time boating or swimming and swimming.
Swimming in natural bodies of water also has a higher risk for drowning than swimming in settings where lifeguards are present. When you decide to go swimming in the ocean, the lake, the river or ponds it is important to be aware of your swimming ability. If you are a weak swimmer make sure you are not swimming alone, wear a life jacket or PDF and don’t go too far or too deep. As well, it is important to swim sober, alcohol consumption was a factor in 33% of drowning deaths while swimming. For people that are taking young children swimming it is important to keep them within arms reach and supervise them. Forty per cent of deaths of children aged 0-4 hapIt is very important that you boat sober and wear your life jacket. 82% of boating deaths occurred be- pened when they were supervised but the person supervising was distracted. Another risk factor to concause people were not wearing a life jacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device). Forty per cent of water sider when going swimming is swimming after dark. related fatalities were related to alcohol consumption. It is best to go swimming during daylight hours only. 1 in 3 drowning deaths in Canada, the victim had All this being said, there no reason why we can’t enconsumed alcohol. When you decide to go out boat- joy all these beautiful natural bodies of water that suring it is important to go with someone, wear your life round us here in the Northwest. We must inform ourselves and keep safety in mind. I encourage everyjacket or PDF and boat sober. If the water is too one to swim and boat responsibly. rough, it is best not to go out at all.
Falls are the main reason older adults lose their independence Without prevention efforts, about 1/3 of people aged 65 years and over typically fall once or more each year. Falls are one of the main reasons for moving to a long-term care facility. Ways to prevent falls include: improving mobility, correcting vision problems, and reducing trip and slip hazards in your home and outdoors. The more risk factors a person has the greater their chances of falling. Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL) Fall Prevention for Home Support Clients wwww.sailfallprevention.ca 8
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Photos from c’imo’ca
Above, the afternoon nursery school class. Nate, Elise, Raelynn, Yavanna, Acacia, Joshua, Justin, Sierra. Front row Kyron and Julianna. Missing. Keenan, Chloe, Aiden, Noah, Tanner and Clayton.
Lots of smiling faces Below, the afternoon kids going into kindergarten. Left to right: Anthony, Kali, Cheyenne, Emmerson, Jaycee, Kaiden, Koen, Lucas, Mason, Seidon & Haylee.
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Kitimat for LNG
Kitimat for LNG leads good fight A grassroots group of Kitimat-area residents working under the banner Kitimat for LNG were vocal and effective in sending their messages to the higher levels of LNG Canada.
Of course news is now out that LNG Canada has postponed their decision on the project until a future time.
Even so the group remains optimistic and plans to Haisla Nation Council supported the group’s efforts be active in their efforts to promote development in for a planned campaign to produce a video package the valley, and have said they will continue to supfor the LNG Canada executive committee which was port any Haisla Nation Council-backed initiatives to aimed to sway the decision-makers’ opinion on the maintain a unified voice for responsible development project towards a yes-vote when they had initially in the area. HNC thanks the group for their efforts, planned a Final Investment Decision in December. which have certainly been noticed.
INCOME ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESS Book an appointment with Hazel Annibal, Intake Worker, at 250-639-9361 EXT. 103 Please bring in the following Identification: Birth Certificate, Status Card, BCID, Care Card, SIN card or SIN letter. We also require your most recent bank statement. We will not accept ATM receipts. If recently employed, we require your Record of Employment / Last Pay Stub A decision regarding eligibility for income assistance will not be made until all required documentation and information is provided. 11
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Chief Councillor interview continued Continued from page 3 5) How far did you go in school? Ellis: I graduated from high school in 1984 and I went to Fraser Valley College for one year. 6) What do you like to do on your spare time? Ellis: I like to golf, I like to play soccer, I like to play basketball. Anything physical, sports wise. 7) How has the council changed over the past 10 years?
I don’t think we should be bribing kids with gift cards and prizes to come out and listen to what is their future.
future out of treaty, you need to understand treaty. 9) How do you think the next generation of councillors will do? Ellis: We have a hard time trying to get young people interested on what we do as a council. I don’t think we should be bribing kids with gift cards and prizes to come out and listen to what is their future. And it’s how much value you put on the next generation. It takes a really special motivated person to come in and do this kind of work. And amongst all of you is going to have to decide who is going to make a good leader.
Ellis: It has changed dramatically where our council focus on Indian Act Programs, we don’t think Indian Affairs is the only “game” in town. We look at councillors now, they’re doing more work 10) Did anyone inspire you to run for council? than 10 years ago. It’s not just the Chief Councillor Ellis: No one really inspired me. It was a couple years doing the work anymore later that I fully understood what council was all 8) What’s the biggest challenge you have had? about. That I understood that I needed to something, Ellis: Change, trying to get the council to change the because I read the history of the Haisla and I was way they think about our issues and trying to get our pretty disappointed that everything that happened up people to understand why we need change. There is to date was the reason the Haisla was in such a bad position no future for Indian Act Programing. If you want a
Haisla members can keep up to date either by joining the Haisla Nation— HNC Facebook page or by asking to be put onto the mailing list for a Monday newsletter for Haisla members of notable events or news. To ask to be included in that Monday mail-out just send an e-mail to Communications Coordinator Cameron Orr at corr@haisla.ca. 14
c’imo’ca Points of interest at c’imo’ca Here are some points of interest from the c’imo’ca headstart centre: Registration is ongoing until August 29th Preschool is Monday to Thursday 8:30 – 10:30 am Nursery school is Monday, Wednseday and Thursdays 12:452:45pm. For preschool registration the child has to turn 4 before December 31. For Nursery registration the child has to turn 3 before Dec 31. Angie Maitland ECE coordinator 250-639-9361-351 Stefanie Walker Family Involvement Worker 250-639-9361-355
Coming soon Free Haisla Swim Saturday, August 13th at 11:30. Hot dogs to follow. Bus available. Watch for flyers coming out soon. Staff are available all summer: between 8- 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Books and breakfast All summer, on Thursdays from 9 to 11 am, come for a free breakfast, storytime and a book to enjoy at home. For parents and their children ages 0-6. Advance registration is required. Located at Cimo’ca Headstart Centre in Kitamaat Village. Event page on Cimoca Headstart Facebook page. For information contact: swalker@haisla.ca 250-6399361 ext, 355
Stay and Play Play group for parents/caregivers and children 0-3
Come play with us!
On Tuesdays from noon to 2 pm.
Light lunch provided
Your child is growing and developing new skills every day. As your child’s first nplay partner, you can support and encourage your child’s development and exploration just by playing together.
Call Angie Maitland 250-639-9361-351 or Stefanie Walker 250-639-9361-355. Bus fare will be reimbursed 15
Rec Centre
Fun and games Youth have been taking great advantage of the Recreation Centre as a number of games and activities have been planned for the summer. At right, a remote-controlled car race course was set up in the gymnasium for some fastpaced excitement. Below, the oversized Frisbees proved a fun exercise in coordination.
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Haisla Community School
Apply for a school supply allowance Did you know there is a school supply allowance for Haisla students? Students in grade 12 can get $300. Grade 10 and 11 students can get $200. And grade 7-9 students get $100. Off-reserve elementary students can get up to $75. To apply for the funding contact Education Manager Jim McGrogan at jmcgrogan@haisla.ca to get an application form.
A message from Dootilh reader Due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to attend Margaret Harborne’s funeral. (Mom, grandma, mother -in-law) Thank you to all of you that came to pay their respects. It was greatly appreciated. - Pat and Dove Hall and Sara Collins (Hall)
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Calendar August 2 Musician George Leach will be performing at the Haisla Recreation Centre at 6 pm. August 3 George Leach will give a motivational speech at the Rec Centre at 1 pm. A yoga workshop with Rose Johnnie Mills will follow. Starting July 26 1,2,3,4 Parents! Workshops on parenting challenges. For information contact swalker@haisla.ca or 250639-9361 ext, 355. Check out the Haisla Nation’s Facebook timeline to see this interactive 360-degree photo from the shore in Kitamaat Village. Use your phone or a mouse to pan around and see what the channel looks like near the Gas Bar, and watch for more photos like this in the future.
Ongoing Books and Breakfast is Thursdays, 9 -11. For information contact: swalker@haisla.ca 250-639-9361 ext, 355
Jobs For a selection of some job opportunities currently listed which may be of interest for Haisla members visit the Job Board on the Capacity Development website at: http://capacitydevelopment.haisla.ca/employment/job-board.
The Dootilh is a publication of the Haisla Nation Council. Haisla Nation Council reserves the right to accept or decline to publish letters.
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