Dootilh May 2018
NEW POLE SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP IN KITIMAT
”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.”
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Friendship Pole The Friendship Pole
is the newest cultural addition to the District of Kitimat’s downtown, marking friendship between the Haisla Nation and the District of Kitimat. Placed just below the Haisla Centre property, the Friendship Pole overlooks the downtown. It was carved by Garry Wilson, a project initiated by the District of Kitimat using a grant through Canada 150. A huge crowd attended the pole raising on May 4, where there was singing, dancing, and blessings. Wilson explains the designs of the pole as this: The base is a person which represents the Mayor of Kitimat, surrounded by a snowflake. The Mayor wears a hat representing the Kitimat town. A “150” sign represents Canada’s 150th birthday. The eagle at top represents the Haisla, with a Beaver crest on the eagle, and a Killer Whale and Raven on its wings. 2
A relationship with roots: celebrating five years of the Haisla Brinkman Forestry Joint Venture logs to be boomed and stored prior to being sold. A gate is being installed on the new road
We are happy to report that the Haisla Brinkman Forestry Joint Venture has just
to Clio Bay in order to ensure the safety of
celebrated its 5th anniversary. Currently our
community members and control access for
forestry operations are focused to the south of
non-Haisla users. Logging started in mid-May
Wathlsto Creek towards Clio Bay. This
and will continue until the end of the year. The
operation is an extension of logging that took
reason the road has been extended all the way
place to the south of Kitamaat Village in 2015
to Clio Bay is to allow for logs to flow through
and 2016. Road building work started in
the log dump, rather than having to be hauled
January of this year, extending off the existing
through the community. While strict safety
forestry road. With the help of some Haisla
measures were put in place for log hauling
members, a 30 metre bridge was safely
previously, the joint venture determined it
installed across Wathlsto Creek in February.
would be best limit heavy hauling in Kitamaat
Road construction is nearly complete, which
Village. In addition, the connecting road opens
has resulted in a connecting road from
up the potential for future economic
Kitamaat Village to Clio Bay. At Clio Bay we
development in the vicinity of Clio Bay if
are installing a log dump, which will allow for
desired by the Haisla Nation. Ensuring proper 3
environmental stewardship is of critical
Employment team in their promotion of
importance to the joint venture. For example,
forestry-related employment and training.
when it came to development of the log dump
Building on the success of the summer
at Clio Bay, Triton Environmental was hired to
landscaping and forestry training project,
perform scuba dive surveys of the area and
several students are enrolled in the
concluded that the log dump would not cause
Environment Natural Resources Certificate
adverse impacts to the acquatic ecosystem.
program at KVI. These students will have the
The Haisla Brinkman Forestry JV will continue
opportunity to come out and see where new
to work with the Haisla Fisheries Manager and cutblocks are being developed and view some the Lands and Resources department to
active logging operations. If these students
ensure our operations are in-line with Haisla's
continue with their studies, it is our hope that
environmental values. It is also important to
they will earn the prerequisites to become
note that to date all logging operations have
Registered Forest Technologists (RFT) and take
taken place outside the Wathl Creek
part in the long-term planning and
Community Watershed. One area many people management of the Haisla Nation's forest are unfamiliar with is the care and attention
resources. HNC has also supported two Haisla
given to Cultural Heritage Resources. For the
members in obtaining their Certified Faller
blocks south of Kitamaat Village,
certificate. The two members passed their 30-
archaeologists were hired and accompanied
day training course with flying colours and
by Haisla assistants to peform archaeological
must now work as apprentice fallers for a
assessments. All Culturally Modified Trees
minimum of 180 days. They are currently on a
(CMTs) were identified and geo-located, and
riparian restoration project and once that
blocks were designed to limit the number of
project has completed it is our goal to
CMTs that needed to be removed. For any
transition them to production falling in our
CMTs that were removed, a cross section of
forestry operations. Brinkman Forest Ltd. is
the tree was saved and dated, with information extremely proud and honoured to have been being submitted to the archaeology branch of
party to a joint venture with the Haisla for the
the Provincial government. On the
past 5 years. We have made many excellent
employment front, the joint venture has been
friendships and look forward to making many
supporting the incredible HNC Education and
more in the years to come!
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Haislakala Learner’s Group MAY
JUNE
17th 24th 3:30 to 5 pm 31st
7th 14th 28th
6:30 to 8 pm
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HNC Large Boardroom Come learn about our gwe gwee sta la (traditional ways) & Haislakala, in a fun, relaxed, learning environment for everyone!
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS TRANSPORTATION FOR ELDERS Call Teresa Windsor, 250-639-7044
HAISLA NATION COUNCIL 5
HEBER MAITLAND 1921-1996
Haisla Nation Council proudly celebrates the contributions, the leadership, and the spirit of Chief Councillor Heber Maitland. His wisdom and vision continues to guide the growth and prosperity of Haisla today.
“A share and a say.” HAISLA NATION COUNCIL 6
Haisla Nation Council will celebrate annually significant persons to the Haisla community:
The legacy of Chief Councillor Heber Maitland promoting First Nations. Even beyond the Haisla Nation Council (then Kitamaat Village Council) table, where he began at just 19 years old, he had an eight-year term as an executive on the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and in the 1940s was northern vice-president of the Native Brotherhood of B.C. Heber had an incredible life, having travelled to the Northwest Territories - an observer with the Arctic Research Council - and had opportunities to meet the Queen and Canada's Prime Minister. With his friends, Heber would also attempt to enlist in the army during World War 2, but they would be turned down on the grounds that they were fishermen, a valuable service that would do more for the war effort than being in the military, according to their recruiter. In the March 23, 1978 Northern Sentinel newspaper, Heber brushed off the idea that he'd run for politics at Canada's federal level, saying his priority was his people. "I feel I have something to contribute to my people and am more effective to them by staying here at home," he told the reporter. Described as a beautiful man with a kind heart, he has left a lasting impact to his family and to the wider Haisla community who continue to enjoy the benefits he laid the groundwork for. His vision was for Haisla and Kitamaat Village to be completely independent. Heber Maitland wasn't just a deal. He was the Big Deal.
Heber Maitland stands among the greats of Haisla Nation's modern history. He was born February 1, 1921 in Kitamaat Village to parents Edward Maitland and Mathilda Gray, and lived a rich 75 years, leaving the world on February 13, 1996. Heber had nine siblings: Henry, Robert, Hannah, Hilda, Wilfred, Rebecca, Emma, Lucy, and Ellen. He was married to Ivy, and their children include Charlotte Annette, Eric, Brad, and Darren. Heber attended school at Elizabeth Memorial School, and then Coqualeetza in Sardis, BC. He eventually came home to look after family, and had a number of careers including forestry, fishing, and painting in his early life. He was heavily involved in sports including soccer, basketball, canoe racing and field events. He is described as calm, gentle, and perhaps most important of all, wise. Under Heber's stalwart leadership he left a significant legacy for the Haisla Nation. As Chief Councillor he oversaw the development of community facilities including the fire hall and the Haisla Recreation Centre, as well as seeing the community receive paved roads. It was always with a view and focus on the Haisla people which guided his actions and philosophy, and was always determined for Haisla to "have a share and a say" on all matters for our Territory. In 1978 Heber was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal, in recognition for his work 7
Chief Councillor Smith delivering the message of LNG support throughout the province Chief Councillor Crystal Smith is drawing on her inspirations as she spreads the message about why the Haisla Nation supports liquefied natural gas (LNG) so strongly. Among the recent events she has participated in was Kitimat-based #TheNorthMatters, a locally hosted forum to speak to LNG. It was a panel discussion which also included the Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth, Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman, and journalist Vivian Krause. Smith says LNG is a way to deliver a foundation for future and young Haisla, while also supporting members who are struggling today, including through mental health. The independence to address Haisla social issues is a major reason that LNG is looked at with such enthusiasm. It’s an industry which has 8
had Haisla at the table since the beginning. Smith also spoke at a Canada LNG conference in Vancouver earlier in the month, and has travelled with the First Nations LNG Alliance to Victoria.
The Celebration of Women event took place April 13
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.� - Madeleine Albright
A celebration of women to honour all generations /Miriam Windsor This celebration is the beginning of taking a look at women and resilience. The guest speakers were chosen to create a broad vision to how we integrate struggle and pain to strength and resilience. We are resilient women who work to create a ripple effect as we voice our strengths to pass forward to future matriarchs. The picture of the oldest to the youngest (above), making eye contact, tells a silent story of the years gone by. We brought our Matriarchs to life
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through vision and song so that their legacy will live on. Our theme was the butterfly and cedar boughs, which represent change and protection. With every passing year we will become a stronger nation. We are a part of building a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We look forward to celebrating women next year. Look out for an announcement for having a Men’s gathering in June.
Tips to make the most of the service you receive in the hospital • Choose a family spokesperson to keep everyone updated. Let your doctor/nurse know. Let your family know as well. • Bring a family member with you to listen and remember what the doctor says. • Ask for a discharge summary if follow up is needed by home care or other health care providers. If you are getting transferred to another 10
hospital and/or need extra support, the Social Worker can provide assistance. The Social Worker can also connect you with the Aboriginal Patient Liaison (APL) in Terrace. To reach the Social Worker, Call 250-632-8322 in Kitimat or ask one of the nursing staff. If you have a large family with you, speak with the APL or nurse as they have spaces available for families to gather.
Ali-Anna wins iPads for Haisla Community School with drawing contest In preparing for the tunnel boring portion of the project, Rio Tinto reached out to the Long before Rio Tinto and its proposed Cheslatta Carrier Nation and the Haisla Nation Kemano T2 Project, the mountains and landscape around the Nechako Reservoir and to assist in designing the cutterhead for the TBM and providing it with a name that reflects Kemano area were home to a giant monster their cultures and beliefs. snake. The snake, known as “tl'ughus”, was Several students participated in a design known to travel from lake to lake by boring through the rocky mountains, including Mount contest, and the winning design was done by Ali-Anna, a Grade 6 student from the Haisla Dubose. The openings created by the snake allowed fish to pass from lakes on one side of Community School. the mountain to lakes on the other side. The Cheslatta Nation selected the name for the Tunnel Boring Machine – “tl'ughus” – The legend of “tl'ughus” has parallels with which is pronounced tahl-ug-us (with accent the Kemano T2 Project, which will see the on ‘ug’). boring of a 7.6km portion of the Kemano second tunnel. A tunnel boring machine will Variations of the legend of “tl'ughus” is complete a 16km tunnel that will carry water shared with Carrier communities across the from the West Tahtsa intake to the Kemano region. The Haisla Nation also share a similar generating station, that powers Rio Tinto’s belief. aluminium smelter in Kitimat. And Rio Tinto, together with our EPCM The Cheslatta Carrier Nation and the Haisla Hatch and Main Contractor Frontier KemperNation are participating with Rio Tinto on the Aecon, and all the men and women that will Kemano T2 Project, specifically to ensure their help build the Kemano T2 Project, shall cultures and traditions are respected as we respect this belief as we work alongside the embark on the construction of the project. legendary tl'ughus. 11
Brian Grant marks his artful graduation Brian Grant is celebrating his graduation from the Freda Diesing School of Art. Where he has spent two years honing his painting and carving skills. In the photo at right you can see him with one of his works, the “Haislakala Hunter”. The highlights of this two-year diploma program, he said, was learning how to do traditional-style art, including designing the work and the cultural research that came with it. He said that he’s learned that carving is more than just the art, it’s also about the culture itself. He said he will continue working on his carving, noting that “I’m a beginner”. As time goes on he hopes to give back his knowledge through mentorships. Meanwhile he plans to return to school to learn furniture making.
Looking for Haisla Days photos? With deadlines so tight this time, we’ll be dedicating space in our next Dootilh for Haisla Days photos. The dedication to Heber Maitland on pages 6-7 was part of Haisla Days this year, but more photos from the other events will be featured next month! 12
Attend the lunch for a chance to win a grand prize! Earn a gift card just for participating!
Cleaning up could earn you prizes Visit the Haisla Nation Council administration front desk to pick up a questionnaire form (or go to www.haisla.ca) to test your knowledge on where to take your garbage and recycling. You’ll also receive
plus, you can document your efforts to clean up your property or community, and submit your photos to corr@haisla.ca or to cowilson@haisla.ca Contact Corrina Wilson with any questions at cowilson@haisla.ca, or call her at 250-639-9361.
Lunch on us MAY 28 We’ll wrap up this community clean-up effort with a community lunch at the HAISLA RECREATION CENTRE at NOON. *Please bring your own utensils
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Haisla Nation Council reserves the right to accept or decline to publish submissions.
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A farewell for Hazel, and welcome to Louise For 28 years, Hazel Annibal has been a piece of the Haisla Nation Council family, most of that as the Social Development In-Take worker. She came on-board in 1986 as HNC’s receptionist. (Back then it was still Kitamaat
but Hazel does remember the technological
Village Council.)
differences, starting her career with the
By 1988, she was promoted to her Social
typewriter, before moving on to an early,
Development position. It wasn’t a dream she
‘green screen’ computer. Even the social
was necessarily pursuing, but she took
assistance cheques required manual typing
advantage of the opportunity when it
and hand stamping. It’s not a job she was formally trained for but
presented itself. She came in an out of the position over the
learned everything through experience. She said when her clients got jobs was some
years, once in 1993 to stay home to raise her child.
of the best parts of her work.
The general position has not changed much
Hazel is retiring after June 1, 2018.
Filling Hazel’s shoes is Louise Charles, who
She moved to the area just recently to live
has already begun in the position of Social
with her boyfriend Chuck Duncan. She says
Development In-Take Worker.
everybody she has met and worked with has been great and she is very excited in her role.
Louise is from the Scia’ianew (Cheanuh) First Nation, based in the Beecher Bay
She has training through the First Nations
community near Victoria.
Social Development Society.
She has five years working as a Social
She can be reached at lcharles@haisla.ca,
Development Worker in her home community. or at extension 103 at the HNC administration. 19
Building a new
COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN
We're updating our 2009 Community Plan! The new plan will create a vision for where our community wants to go and identify the steps to get there.
Over the coming seven months members will be provided the opportunity to give their input and help shape the plan. The plan will address the issues we've heard are important to members, including health and wellbeing, education, economic development, and cultural issues.
The participation of Haisla members is critical to creating a document which will fully and effectively represent the vision Haisla members have for their community and the Nation.
Keep your eyes open for upcoming events and visit our website for more information www.haisla.ca.
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