Dootilh - September 2018

Dootilh

”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN

September 2018

MAKING BANK Riparian restoration livens up the watershed / PAGE 2

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MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.”

THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES There’s a silent but urgent battle which takes place in the riparian stream-side forests near Kitimat. The war pits hearty, deeply rooted coniferous trees - such as spruce and cedar against the feisty alder.

The conflict is actually better understood through history rather than through the study of how trees work.

In the mid-to-late parts of the 20th century, logging efforts in B.C. and particularly along the coast of BC were not as sympathetic to forest renewal as they are today. Companies at the time would clear trees straight to the banks of rivers.

As you may now know, tree systems are vital to healthy watersheds. From erosion control and stream bank stability to the creation of salmon habitat, clearcutting activities right to the stream bank hurt local watersheds, including many throughout Haisla territory.

Through Haisla Nation Council, riparian restoration efforts are underway to bring these riverbank ecosystems back to the healthy levels that were there prior to logging and restoring salmon and wildlife habitat.

Now in its fourth year, the riparian restoration project has handled restoration efforts at Humphrey’s Creek, Lone Wolf Creek and today is active along Nalbeelah Creek.

The work is guided under the supervision of Bart Simmons (M Eng.) and Eri Foster of Quillicum Environmental Services Ltd. His BC Forest Safety Council “SAFE” certified team oversees the Haisla crew which is clearing brush and cluster planting spruce under alder in areas where there is no conifer stocking, or undertaking conifer release in stands with suppressed conifers growing underneath alder or thinning overstocked riparian conifer stands. All these treatments allow the rapid growth of either spruce seedlings or suppressed Spruce and cedar to create large deeply rooted trees in as short a time as possible that can help re-stabilize the stream-banks in the medium to long term to withstand the pressures of flood flows in high rain events.

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In all there are eight Haisla members employed and working on the project from April through November.

So why are alders so much worse than spruce or cedar trees when it comes to riverbanks?

The short answer is, alder roots just aren’t strong enough. That is, their roots aren’t as large and complex and so they don’t hold together the riverbank as strongly in high flood events.

The result is the high flood flows cause bank erosion as the small rooted alder trees are eroded off of the bank and fall into the stream leaving large cuts in the banks, and also affecting the flow of the river from alder debris that has eroded off of the stream bank. This alder debris fills up in rivers and can divert the water flow itself. Additionally the eroded soil and rocks from the steam banks fall into the river adding large quantities of sediment that can clog salmon spawning beds and widen the river considerably and pools once rich with salmon are filled up with this eroded sediment from the stream banks.

So what is the solution?

Sprucing up the riparian environment!

It starts with the crew cutting down sections of brush to create small clusters.

Then, with a pulaski axe in hand, the ground is dug up and the roots of the brush is cleared away.

With that room to breath, the spruce are planted in clusters. Without the competition and crowding, the planted spruce trees have a good chance for growth. Suppressed spruce that were already growing under an alder canopy are released in a conifer release strategy where a portion of the alder within five meters of a suppressed spruce are felled or girdled to allow the suppressed spruce room to grow and flourish unimpressed by the nearby alder tree.

Haisla Nation Council has funded the project through forestry-related income.

The project is a double win by improving riparian streams-side ecosystems needed by the salmon for decades to come, and also providing employment for Haisla members.

Creating a more sustainable riparian forest that helps to restore salmon habitat is in everyone’s interest.

Clockwise from top: Patrick Stewart gives the thumbs up; Charlie Grant on site near Nalbeelah Creek; Bart Simmons shows a fledgling spruce tree along Humphrey Creek. Opposite page, Charle Starr hard at work at Nalbeelah.

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7th annual golf tournament supports Haisla Youth Fund For the seventh year, the Haisla Nation Golf Tournament brought together business partners and friends in a fundraising push for the Haisla Youth Sports Fund.

The Sports Fund provides access to sports programs and competitions for Haisla youth, and has led to many success stories.

(Athlete stories are shared on the website www.haislayouthfund.com.)

The tournament itself was another big success, with more than 140 golfers, who proved generous later for an evening auction.

While a dollar-amount is not yet tallied, many thousands were raised for the program.

Among the highlights was, thanks to sponsorship by Pacific Traverse Energy, a visit from NHL alumni Bryan Trottier who signed merchandise and spoke about the relationships he could see between Haisla and economic development partners.

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s t h g i l h g i h d n u F h t u o Y y: Dallas Gray, a pl p a r o ore ronze-level b m n m r o a c Le nd. u f h t competitive u o y a l s hai swimmer!

ging Maleah Dowse just han cs out out in her gymnasti class. the “Thank you so much to nd Haisla Youth Sports Fu Sponsors! Without your to help we would be unable h provide our children wit these necessary life e experiences they receiv through these sports om activities.” - Maleah’s M

d), 12, re e th n (i y ra G e ok ro B cer attended the Waipio Soc , Hawaii Tournament in Honolulu icipated on this summer! She part Team. a d g a n n a ti r C A ta IF s N is ls o ir h G w 14 , the U Zoe McKenzie h n wit otting with her o tr s e a b e lo g s e ot c n n n a e h d W th r u her fo s her d n e p s e ok . ll ro B fa , m is a te th r t socce Dance Kitima arlins M t a im it K e th on rs te win d n a l fu te a r g o s team.

“We are ever im w s th u o Haisla Y appreciative of the ponsors s e th d n a d n u F ts Spor sible.” that make it all pos - Zoe’s mom 5

What can Education & Employment do for you?

Did you know?

The Education & Employment department has the following available for members: Any students who complete one of the following programs may be eligible for the following incentive. Students must have an overall average of C or better.

Awards will be processed within 21 working days of receipt of application: o - $300 o - $500 o $1,000 o - $2,000 o $5,000 To apply, students are required to send a request to the HNC Education Office. If not already on file, student must request an official transcript be sent to the Office. Cost for transcript will be reimbursed if a receipt is submitted.

full program load. To qualify, students must have achieved a final grade average of B or better for the term. In the event of more than two (2) applicants, the two (2) with the highest GPA will be considered. ● To apply, students are required to send a letter and an official sealed transcript of grades to the education office. ● Incentives will be paid upon receipt of letter and official sealed transcript provided the student meets the qualifications for the incentive.

- Union Dues (start up and upon layoff), not to exceed six (6) months. Request for funding support must include copy of layoff notice and union dues receipt(s) (if requesting reimbursement) or copy of billing notice (if requesting payment directly to union) must be submitted within 2 years of initial layoff date.

To find information, contact your Job Coach.

If you do not have a Job Coach contact Crystal A. Smith at dgray@haisla.ca or 778-649-2025 ● Academic Achievement term incentives ext. 6002. are available to full time students carrying a 6

Cecilia’s journey to finding her way to Haisla YOWTZ (hello), I'm Cecelia Reekie. My traditional name is NEW YAM DZEETS EXSTOOK-KOYA of the AY-USH-STOO-AY-NOOCH (Eagle Clan). Cecil Paul is my OHP (father) and NOO-GWA (I/me) was born in 1963 at Prince Rupert. At 6 weeks NOO-GWA was adopted out and lived in Lax Kw'alaams (Port Simpson) with my adoptive WEE-WAY-ALHA (parents) for a few years before moving to Trail, Vancouver and Coquitlam; most of my childhood was spent in Coquitlam.

After my first son was born, and supported by my adoptive family, NOO-GWA wanted to know my full story, and so NOO-GWA began to search out my origins - eventually reuniting with my birth ABOO-ACH (mother), Cecil, siblings, extended family and GAH-U-CA-LOOT (HAISLA community members).

My first time coming to KITAMAAT Village was an important memory: NOO-GWA felt NOO-GWA had found my way home.

NOO-GWA graduated from high school in 1981; then studied to become a Medical Secretary and worked for a few years at a Vancouver Cancer Clinic before choosing to become a stay-at-home ABOO-ACH. While raising my SA-SUM (children), NOO-GWA worked at different jobs - a highlight being where NOO-GWA worked on a Board with the Provincial Government to change the Adoption Act; helping make adoption records open to Adult Adoptees.

NOO-GWA was very active in my son's schools and became part of the PAC. My interest in the Public Education System and the everyday struggles of parents and special needs children within the schools, led NOOGWA to seek a seat on the Langley Board of Education --- where NOO-GWA was elected twice and served for three and a half years. As

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a Trustee it was an honor to serve the families of Langley, working hard to bring awareness to the challenges of our special needs children and families --- as well as the Indigenous issues.

NOO-GWA now work as a Langley School District Cultural Presenter and love working throughout the district with all their staff and students. By bringing awareness about the Indigenous people and issues, it helps to build bridges through knowledge and sharing.

My husband, Dave and NOO-GWA live in Aldergrove and have been married for 30 years --- we have two sons, Dave Jr. and Chris.

A favorite quote: "Reflections - Taking time out to contemplate my past experiences gives me insight to clarify my future endeavors."

AH-WALL-QWEETS-GINS (thank you) for giving NOO-GWA a more complete identity within the HAISLA traditions, place and community --- NOO-GWA am now a proud HAISLA GAH-NUM (woman)!

Haisla Community School’s September virtues September Virtues of the Month Caring ~ Cleanliness ~ Compassion Caring is… having concern for others. Showing

✔

thought and regard for the well-being, safety and

Clean up after yourself at your friend’s house.

rights of others!

At home: Ways to practice Caring. ✔ At school:

Treat your toys, games and personal things carefully.

✔

Clean up after yourself.

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Make sure you are careful with your

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Follow classroom and school rules.

✔

Spend some time thinking about how we

personal hygiene and clothes (brushed

are all connected and worthy of kindness.

teeth, combed hair and appropriate and

Take care of school property, gym

clean clothing).

✔

equipment, books and other stuff.

✔

With friends: ✔

Compassion is… showing understanding, empathy or

Show you understand and care about your friends’ thoughts and feelings.

✔

Take turns and share things.

✔

Offer your help when it is needed.

Help out with chores at home.

acceptance for someone or something.

Ways to practice Compassion.

At school:

At home:

✔

Value different opinions that your classmates share – you might learn

✔

Be kind to all family members.

✔

Play safely.

✔

Use your manners with everyone at school.

✔

Use your manners.

✔

Help anyone who needs it .

something new!

Cleanliness is… acting with good intentions for

With friends:

yourself and others in your behaviours and actions Ways to practice Cleanliness.

Keep your work area tidy.

✔

Use your manners.

✔

Respect school property.

✔

✔

Show your understanding to people at home.

✔

Share your feelings with your family and let them share theirs.

Choose your words and actions ✔

thoughtfully. ✔

Be a good listener.

At home:

With friends: ✔

Think before you speak – words can hurt.

Help your friends through rough times with understanding and patience.

At school: ✔

✔ ✔

Do not use curse words or mean language.

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Be kind to family pets and all other animals.

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HNC’s newest Job Coach Tara Paul is the new permanent Job Coach for Haisla Nation Council.

She was hired in April 2018 but has recently become a permanent employee.

Tara graduated from the Office Administration program offered by NVIT and KVI in March 2018.

Tara primarily oversees Upgrading programs and Driving Lessons for Haisla members.

Contact Tara if you are interested in Upgrading or Driving Lessons.

Office number: 778-649-2025, or (toll-free) 1-877-809-8098

Seeking work? Be on-call for a number of HNC opportunities Haisla Nation Council has various on call job(s): ● Front Desk Receptionist for: Main Administration Building, Haisla Community School, Health Centre ● Janitor: various locations in HNC ● Postal Clerk ● Recreation Centre Attendant ● Administrative Assistant ● Gas Bar Attendant For more details in regards to: duties/qualification etc. please see www.haisla.ca job-opportunities.

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Interested individuals should submit a cover letter stating which job(s) you are wanting to be on call for and resume which must include names of three references and the express permission for HNC to contact these references to: Email to: merlehudson@haisla.ca Merle Hudson, Administrative Assistant to Human Resources Or drop off to: main administration building We like to get everyone to submit every six months because people tend to find jobs and HNC want to have most updated file of people who are still available.

Respect your welders A welding program, Mind Over Metal, completed on August 17. The program, run through Kitimat Valley Institute, was sponsored by LNG Canada, Stelco and the CWB Welding Foundation.

Guests at the graduation were Trinity Harry and Joseph Ginter, students from Winnipeg who welded a flower in honour of Tina Fontaine. The flower was on display at KVI during the event.

Through the class, the welders also created a “Haisla� fire pit (at left) which will be donated to the Haisla community.

Living Well education classes in Kitimat Pharmacare now requires blood glucose certification for all people diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes before they will give you strips free of charge.

Pharmacare requires all Diabetes Education Programs to provide education to person's diagnosis with pre diabetes, Gestational or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who need to monitor their blood with home glucose monitoring In Kitimat the Living Well Program will host monthly education classes in the form of Day

1 and Day 2 from 1:15 pm to 3:30pm in the Public Health Unit on predetermined dates.

Next dates: Day 1: Oct 25, 2018 Day 2: Sept 27 and Nov 29th Blood Glucose certification will be given after Day 1. For more information or to confirm attendance please call 250 632-8313 and speak to Gilda.

All support persons are welcome!

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The latest on building the 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.

The plan will address the issues we've heard are important to members, including health and wellbeing, education, economic development, and cultural issues.

What have we been up to?

In June we held open houses in Kitamaat Village, Terrace, and Vancouver with livestreaming over the internet to members in Prince Rupert and Nanaimo - something new we are trying as part of our commitment to involve all Haisla members in community planning. We also had workshops with Haisla Nation staff and Elders, and posted an online survey to our website for people who couldn't make any of the live events.

Through engagement, we heard about people's vision for the community, goals, and priorities. Some key themes emerged: ● Members are concerned about housing wherever they live. ● Continued cultural education and language revitalization is important. ● Youth programs, education, and capacity building should be emphasized. ● Education and skills development are important to all members. ● Employment and job creation has been positive and needs to remain a focus.

● Communications within and between Haisla Nation departments, leadership and members (wherever they live) could be improved.

To see a full report on what we heard, check out the project website (http://haisla.ca/community-plan/).

The summer has been a busy time in the community, so we have decided to extend the project timeline from a December completion to March 2019. This will give us more time to explore priorities with members. In September, we are going to talk to staff and Council about what we've heard so far and how it relates to work already being done. In October, we are going to have a second round of engagement with community to review a draft vision and goals, and dig deeper into priorities. Keep your eyes open for updates!

Your participation is critical to creating a CCP which truly captures the vision Haisla members have for their community and the Nation going forward into the future.

Want to know more? Keep your eyes open for upcoming newsletters and visit our project website for all the latest information (http://haisla.ca/community-plan/). You can also contact Trish Grant, Executive Assistant Chief Executive Officer. Email: trishgrant@haisla.ca Tel: (250) 639-9361 Ext. 104

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FIELD DAY People are asked to keep off the soccer field for a little while, while it takes time to grow. Daudet Creek Contracting is doing the work, along with water upgrades in Kitamaat Village.

Water upgrades and field seeding Daudet Creek Contracting has been awarded the contract for an upgrade of the Kitamaat Village water system.

This will run to June 2019.

Please tell children to be mindful of heavy equipment moving in and out of our community.

The construction will involve open excavation, heavy equipment, loud noise, and blasting.

Road access to the upper bench will be

JOBS CLUB WEDNESDAYS

restricted during work hours – 8 am to 8 pm – for safety reasons. Expect minor scheduled interruptions to water service. Also, Daudet will be tearing up the old soccer field, and hydro seeding the land. This will need to be left for at least 6 months, during which time residents are asked not to walk on the field.

Daudet will be back in the spring to ensure that the hydro seeding is successful and ready for next year’s soccer season.

Questions or concerns? Call Community Development: (250) 639-9361 ext 211

Job Placement Coordinator Will Gye leads a Jobs Club every Wednesday for Haisla members.

Work with him to learn about current job openings, and to make those crucial connections which can land you work.

HNC Administration building 10:30 am to noon

Education & Employment office (606 Mountainview Sq.) 1 to 3 pm

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MILES The Going M.I.L.E.S twoday workshop in Kitamaat Village was a great chance for youth to learn about the many issues which affect them today. Dakota House, shown, runs the interactive workshops.

Audit meetings for Haisla members Haisla members, you are invited to the “March 31, 2018, Haisla Nation Council Audited Financial Statements and Investment Presentation” meetings at the following locations: (If you require a copy of the audit prior to the meeting in your area, please contact Doris Fraser at 250-639-9361, extension 112.)

Tuesday October 9, 2018 6 – 8 p.m.

The Crest Hotel BC Room 222 – 1st Ave West Prince Rupert BC

Thursday October 11, 2018 6 – 8 p.m.

Administration Building Large Boardroom Sunday October 14, 2018 2 – 4 p.m.

Hilton Vancouver Metrotown 6083 McKay Ave Burnaby, BC – October 14, 2-4 pm Haisla members on Vancouver Island can participate through a video stream opportunity coinciding with the Vancouver meeting: Coast Bastion Hotel 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC 2 – 4 pm

Wednesday October 10, 2018 6 – 8 p.m.

Best Western Plus Terrace Inn 4553 Greig Ave. Terrace, BC 15

SNRK Snotty Nose Rez Kids gave a stellar performance at the Polaris Gala in September. A video of their performance, and the whole event, can be viewed through the CBC Music Facebook page.

HAISLAKALA Are you sick? “yakas sa?” or “yaa kas sha?

Go to bed! “qi laax dilth hay!” or “cay laaxs deelth hay!”

1110 Cotton Dr Vancouver B.C. Vancouver Haislakala Language Group School (LRC Room, left side below Vancouver All Haisla families & children are welcome in learning: Our Nuyem (traditional laws), stories & language together : Every Thursday, until June 1019 : 6:30-8:30 p.m. : Britannia Secondary

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Public Library) Please contact our volunteered organizer Nicole Brazeau for details. Phone: 604-785-4062 E-mail: nbrazeau@vsb.bc.ca All sessions are held during academic year.

Haisla Nation Council reserves the right to accept or decline to publish submissions.