December/January 2015 by Salish Sea Sentinel

Volume 10 • Issue 11

Dec– Jan, 2015

YEAR IN REVIEW PAGES 10-30 SALMON, PG 30

SMILES AT HOMALCO PAGE 2

BILL ELECTED! PAGE 6

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EDITORIAL TELLING OUR STORIES, SINGING OUR SONGS

he publication of this issue of The Salish Sea Sentinel marks a few milestones for us. It is the end of the first year of publishing this magazine that celebrates the Coast Salish culture and achievements. It also marks the 30th anniversary of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. And it is the first time The Sentinel will be available for travellers on all major BC Ferries routes. This December-January double issue gives us an opportunity to review the top

Sentinel stories from the past year. As we move into a New Year, it is also a chance to highlight the work of two new additions to our reporting team (see Page 2). We raise our hands in honour of the leaders from the 11 First Nation members of the tribal council for recognizing the importance of communicating the Naut’sa mawt – working together as one – message to their own communities and to the wider world. There are seven million people living around the Salish Sea. All too often the news they see and hear of First Nations people is negative or controversial. The

Sentinel is all about the many positive, forward-thinking things going on in our communities, from nation building and economic development to personal achievements. Most importantly, it is about the collective healing that is taking place as the Coast Salish people take their rightful place in the fabric of this place we all call home. In the Hul’qumi’num language, December is tum’hwytl, the time of winter and January is tthul’hwumutsun, the month of shining ice. May the winter shine for you and the days ahead be bountiful.

NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL NATIONS Editorial: Mark Kiemele, Editor editor@salishseasentinel.ca 250-246-3438 Patricia McDougall, Reporter patricia@salishseasentinel.ca 250-203-2120 Tricia Thomas, Reporter triciathomas@salishseasentinel.ca 250-709-2929 Advertising: Manoj Sood ads@salishseasentinel.ca 604-723-8355 Publisher: Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 1921 Tsawwassen Drive, Tsawwassen BC V4M 4G2 Gary Reith, CAO 604-943-6712 | 1-888-382-7711 The Salish Sea Sentinel is published monthly, eleven times a year, by the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, representing 6,500 people in 11 member nations. Design by Footeprint

www.salishseasentinel.ca Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 15th of every month.

1. HALALT (250) 246-4736 chief@halalt.org www.halalt.org 2. HOMALCO (250) 923-4979 m.enevoldsen@homalco.com 3. KLAHOOSE Qathen Xwegus Management Corp (250) 935-6536 www.klahoose.com 4. MALAHAT (250) 743-3231 lawrencelewis@malahatnation.com www.malahatnation.com 5. SLIAMMON (604) 483-9646 clint.williams@sliammon.bc.ca www.sliammonfirstnation.com www.sliammontreaty.com 6. SNAW-NAW-AS (Nanoose) (250) 390-3661 administrator@nanoose.org nfnbandmanager@nanoose.org www.nanoose.org 7. SNUNEYMUXW (Nanaimo) (250) 740-2300 johngwesley@shaw.ca www.snuneymuxw.ca 8. STZ’UMINUS (Ladysmith) (250) 245-7155 Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com www.stzuminus.com 9. TSAWWASSEN (604) 948-5219 chartman@tfnedc.com www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com 10. TSLEIL-WAUTUTH (604) 929-3454 bbaptiste@twnation.ca www.twnation.ca 11. T’SOU-KE (Sooke) (250) 642-3957 administrator@tsoukenation.com www.tsoukenation.com

COVER PHOTO: Eddie Wilson spears a chum salmon in a side-channel of the Chemainus River. Photo by Tricia Thomas. See Page 30 to read how much we like salmon.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 1

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

A NEW TEAM AND A NEW YEAR AT HOMALCO

aughter filled Homalco First Nation council chambers when The Sentinel visited in early November. Gathered around the council table, it was just twelve days after Maryann Enevoldsen was elected the new chief. Alongside her were councillors including incumbent Darren Blaney and newcomers Dorothy Paul and Curtis Blaney. As they spoke about the hard work that lay ahead, the weather outside seemed to sum up the leaders’ task. There were high winds and driving rain. Then a rainbow appeared with a brief sun. But the sun was shining inside the administration building as Curtis said: “I want this to be a good atmosphere for the whole community, come in for coffee. tBefore it was quiet and nobody talked.” Dorothy agreed. “It is so light and airy now; a good positive atmosphere. It has been nice to see that change.” The need for change was the main reason Dorothy ran for council. “I’ve worked in just about every department here,” she said. “And I just got sick of waiting for other people to change things. I thought why not throw myself in there and see what I can do to make a change.” In the weeks ahead, Homalco council will begin dealing with a variety of issues including forestry operations, housing, fisheries, health; no small matters for any First Nations council, but especially so for one with new faces and new roles. “As soon as we get our house in order, the council is going to go away and get a vision statement together,” the Chief Enevoldsen said. “We’ll see how we work together as a team and put together a strategic plan. I think we can accomplish a lot in this term together.”

2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Chief MaryAnn Enevoldsen with councillors Dorothy Paul, Curtis Blaney and Darren Blaney

PR E S S

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

WELCOME ABOARD

Patricia McDougall

Tricia Thomas

TWO REPORTERS JOIN THE SENTINEL

atricia McDougall from Klahoose First Nation and Tricia Thomas from Halalt have joined the staff of The Salish Sea Sentinel. “Both will be working as reporters and will use their other special skills to enhance the magazine,” said Gary Reith who is chief administrative officer of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, publisher of the magazine. “We are fortunate to have two very talented people from our own nations,” he said. “And they both bring added value to The Sentinel as we move into our second year.” McDougall already runs her own business – New Ways Consulting – working with aboriginal organizations using leading-edge techniques

to ‘visualize conversations’. She has a background and education in business management and administration and has worked with aboriginal organizations and companies for over 20 years. Thomas runs Salish Eye Productions which she describes as a “100 per cent Coast Salish, First Nationowned videography, photography and design company.” She took the photo on the cover of this issue on the Chemainus River that flows through her nation. Reith said the two new reporters’ first work is apparent in the current December/January double issue. “This issue also marks another milestone for us. It is the first to be available on all major BC Ferries routes.”

NEW JOB FEELS LIKE ‘COMING HOME’ The First Nations Health Authority has chosen Dr. Evan Adams as its chief medical officer following a Canada-wide recruitment effort. Dr. Adams is the ‘favourite son’ of Sliammon, first gaining fame as one of the stars in the film Smoke Signals. As his acting career wound down, he earned his medical degree and, most recently, served as BC’s deputy provincial health officer. He started his new job on Dec. 1. “It has been a lifelong dream Dr Evan Adams to work directly with First Nations and Aboriginal peoples on our wellness and prosperity at this level,” Dr. Adams said. “I feel like I’m coming home.” Dr. Adams will lead a team of FNHA physicians who will focus on First Nations health and wellness. They are tasked with creating and shaping a unique health care model that is the first of its kind in Canada.

KWUMUT LELUM MOVES TO FULL DELEGATION Kwumut Lelum is now a ‘first call’ agency, providing child and family services to nine First Nations from Malahat to Qualicum. After 18 years, the new provincial authority gives Kwumut Lelum the mandate to provide full protection services and conduct assessments and investigations on reserves that include five Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nations. “We are practicing our inherent right to take care of our own,” said executive director Bill Yoachim from Snuneymuxw First Nation. “When a family is struggling, we want to be involved from the beginning so we can include the extended family and their community in order to support the parents, children or both.” SALISH SEA SENTINEL 3

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

2 ND MALAHAT GALA

for Kwunew Kwasun cultural resource centre There was a festive air at the sold-out event

Chief Michael Harry hosted BC Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon

Malahat youth welcomed hundreds of guests

4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

The gala was all about future leaders like Eliana Harry

Malahat elder Gene Harry provided cultural protocols

CALENDAR

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

DEC. 13

DEC. 20-21

JAN. 12-13

JAN. 26-28

Snuneymuxw Christmas arts and craft fair, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the community hall, Longhouse Rd off MacMillan Rd in Cedar. Table rentals $20. Call or text Leslee Wyse 250-667-7579.

Snaw-naw-as and friends 3rd annual Christmas art and craft show, from noon to 8 p.m. at the community hall, 402 Harvey Road, Lantzville

First Nations Education Steering Committee regional session in Nanaimo at the Coast Bastion Inn. Eligibility and travel reimbursement www.fnesc.ca/regional

Aboriginal Land Resource Management forum with pre-conference workshops, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver.

DEC. 16-17

JAN. 7-8

JAN. 15-16

FEB. 19-20

First Nations Education Steering Committee regional session in Vancouver at the Coast Plaza. Eligibility and travel reimbursement details at www.fnesc.ca/regional

Two-Spirit workshop, building respectful relationships and fostering vibrant communities, Indigenous Perspectives Society, 664 Granderson Road, Victoria. ipsociety.ca

Exploring Self-Government workshop hosted by Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, Quw’utsun cultural centre, Duncan. www.nmtcevents.com

Towards Self-Governance workshop by NmTC, Quw’utsun cultural centre, Duncan. www.nmtcevents.com

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

ELECTION WINS BRIDGE GAP BETWEEN COMMUNITIES Three people from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nations scored victories in recent elections in BC

ILL YOACHIM of Snuneymuxw gained the second highest number of votes for Nanaimo City council while Natasha Bob of Snaw-naw-as and Rhiannon Bennett who lives at Tsawwassen both won school board seats. William Yoachim, Sqwulutsutun, saw the 8,794 he received as an opportunity to build bridges. Bill Yoachim “Snuneymuxw is an urban nation and we live side by side as neighbours with the City of Nanaimo,” he said. “And yet I recognize that we are still complete strangers. “There is always an opportunity to bridge our communities

6 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

and take steps to work together. If we can work as one, we will be stronger, whether we are working on social, economic or environmental issues. “I am thankful for our ancestors and the snuw’uy’ulh (teachings) that gave me the strength to make this day possible.” Meanwhile, Natasha Bob told her Facebook followers: “I am still in shock about the results of the election” to the NanaimoLadysmith school board. In Delta, Rhiannon Bennett, a Musqueam member who lives on Tsawwassen First Nation treaty lands, was also elected, the first time in history someone with an indigenous background will serve on the school board. She said she wants to focus on the graduate gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students. She hopes her victory will inspire others.

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

Steve Gallagher and Bronwen Geddes

ONE HEART • ONE MIND • ONE NATION

By Patricia McDougall

NITING THE COMMUNITY was an underlying theme when the Tla’amin open house was held at the Salish Centre in Sliammon in mid-November. The Salish Center was full of information booths for the nation’s members to see what programs and services currently being offered through their community organizations. At noon, when the doors opened, the center was already abuzz with members and staff alike talking about services available to the nation. First stop on the circuit was the housing department’s booth where Paula Stewart, tenant relations manager, showed visitors the range of services offered, from a rental housing template to an overview of proposed expansions. Grace Adams, who works in the treaty department, steered me towards the comprehensive community planning (CCP) booth where Steve Gallagher was set up along with Bronwen Geddes, the community planning advisor from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. They had an interactive chart with various community goals where members could choose their top three items using colourcoded stickers. Although Sliammon adopted its CCP in 2007, updating is now underway. The set-up and variety of booths was impressive, displaying to membership the comprehensive departments and areas of services available. Among them were: lands and taxation; emergency services; the language project; treaty; fisheries; and capital projects. Also on display were the plans for the nation’s new governance building.

Chief Clint Williams opened the event by welcoming everyone and highlighting the future plans of the community. Community engagement and information sharing is crucial to leadership and the community as they enter the new era of treaty. Holding the open house was one of the many initiatives to engage and dialogue with membership…and of course sharing a meal.

FINANCIAL STABILITY Steve Hunter, chief financial officer, had many stories of success to share. Tla’amin was recently a medium-tohigh risk nation with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, being over $1 million in the red. But in 2014, the nation caught up by filing two years of financial data, the first time in 20 years it had filed on time. Steve Hunter Hunter attributed the stellar help of his team of Esther Williams and Jolene Sutcliffe for the expedient filing. Only 30 nations across Canada met the July 29 deadline and Tla’amin was proud to be one of them. The nation is now rated as a low-risk nation, a status that Hunter said is paramount in moving towards self-government. With over 1,000 members, 600 of whom live on reserve, Tla’amin has become an example for other nations. SALISH SEA SENTINEL 7

Naut’sa mawt

NAUT'SA MAWT NEWS

TRIBAL COUNCIL

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE

CHANGING THE FACE OF HOUSING ON RESERVES By Patricia McDougall

he Housing Policy Toolkit, launched earlier this year by Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC), has been experiencing a stellar rollout across Canada. There have been more than 40 requests for access to the Toolkit, from First Nations from BC to Ontario. What makes this Toolkit so attractive is its open source approach, which means the document can be tailored to suit individual nation’s needs. The project was funded by the special initiative fund through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the New Relationship Trust. The initiative is now in the second of three phases. The initial stage produced an informative packet on the importance of a community-wide approach to successful onreserve rental housing programs. Phase II produced the Toolkit with its open-source templates. Phase III will include fillable on-line forms for rent-to-own housing on reserve. It will also include workshops for housing managers as well as chiefs and 8 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

councils to learn how to effectively make the most of the templates. These are not just any templates. Eric Blueschke, NmTC’s housing policy advisor, conducted lengthy research and says the Toolkit is built on First Nation models and is tailored to incorporate nation-specific practices and governance. How can a community-wide approach assist your First Nation in improving rental-

WHAT’S IN THE TOOLKIT? Four information-packed templates are included: • Rental housing policy template; along with • Rental housing policy discussion guide • Residential tenancy agreement template • Housing committee terms of reference template

housing programs? By creating successful community-wide rental housing programs with the assistance of the Toolkit. Paying rent is a key element to improving housing on reserves. This results in improved living conditions and broader means to invest in housing for First Nations. Among the benefits of rent is the ability for nations to renovate, maintain and improve housing. A community-wide approach requires commitment by membership, housing staff and leadership, working together as a cohesive group to improve and maintain a sustainable housing program. Good governance, community engagement and the well-being of a community incorporated into the Toolkit model makes economic sense that can bring about change for future generations. To request a toolkit or seek more information, contact: Eric Blueschke at 250380-8762 or at eric@blueschke.ca

Naut’sa mawt

NAUT'SA MAWT NEWS

TRIBAL COUNCIL

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE

Directors from Sliammon and Homalco got together

EXPLORE SELF-GOVERNANCE

COMMUNITY PLANNING UPDATE

Exploring self-government is the theme of a Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council workshop series that starts in mid-January. The first of the two-part series – A Vision for Self-Governance – is Jan. 15-16 at the Quw’utsun cultural and conference centre in Duncan. Best practices and lessons learned from self-governing nations such as Tsawwassen and Westbank will be shared with participants. “The objective is to develop a set of tools that will allow participants to go to their communities and develop a vision for self-governance,” said NmTC community planning advisor Bronwen Geddes. The second in the series – Towards SelfGovernance – will be offered Feb. 19-20. The focus at that workshop will be the land, economic, social and cultural options for working towards self-governance. A self-governance toolkit will be developed from the workshops to be used as a resource tool for First Nations. More info at www.nmtcevents.com or from bronweng@nautsamawt.com

Three NmTC nations have received comprehensive community planning (CCP) funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Two nations will be updating their current CCPs and another will be initiating its plan. NmTC’s community planning advisor Bronwen Geddes assisted with the successful proposals for which about $100,000 in funding. She will offer mentorship including training, workshops and one-on-one support.

HERON ARTIST HONOURED Lawrence Mitchell of Snaw-naw-as blanketed Mark Gauti, of T’Sou-ke First Nation, during the NmTC directors’ meeting in Nanaimo in mid-November. The ceremony took place in honour of Gauti’s creation of the Great Blue heron design that was adopted as the logo of the Salish Sea Sentinel one year ago.

Artist Mark Gauti blanketed at NmTC ceremony

Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council chose the heron as its official logo a few months later as part of its rebranding campaign. NmTC chair, Chief James Thomas of Halalt, said Chief Gordon Planes of T’Sou-ke suggested using a heron as a logo because “the heron is always along the waterfront…watching, looking at what’s going on. “It is an excellent name for a magazine reporting the activities of our member nations. It is now used on all our web sites and printed literature.” SALISH SEA SENTINEL 9

Looking Back ~ JUNE

YEAR IN REVIEW

LOOKING BACK at top stories from the

Sentinel’s first year.

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

10 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

ELSIE PAUL REMEMBERS AS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED A famous author came to Sliammon on May 24. It was Elsie Paul and she simply had to wander down the road to the Salish Centre when her family was hosting a launch of their matriarch’s book – Written as I Remember It: Teachings (ʔəms tɑʔɑw) from the life of a Sliammon Elder. Published by UBC Press, the 488-page book is Elsie’s life story as well as a history of her people. The teachings she learned as a child were a guide for Elsie’s life and the challenges of colonialism and racism. Those teachings also guide the storytelling throughout the book. UBC Press says this kind of storytelling “has the power to transform relations between settlers and indigenous peoples in Canada”. Copies of the book are available online. Go to www.ubcpress.ca and enter ‘Elsie Paul’ in the search field. Readers will discover a PDF sample chapter that includes part of the introduction by Paige Raibmon who is an associate professor in the department of history at UBC. The book is part of the Women and Indigenous Studies Series.

SHE LEARNED TO LISTEN* Long before she learned to tell stories like this, she learned to listen to them. The care and attention with which Elders taught Elsie to listen as a young girl is an important part of her skill at speaking now that she is an Elder herself. Chi-chia is a serious storyteller, and by this I do not mean there is any shortage of laughter or lightness in her words. She is a serious storyteller because she avoids conjecture, speaks with clear intention, and selects words with care. She does not tell stories to mislead or harm. She takes the power of words seriously, and so tells stories in order to impart helpful, potentially healing, knowledge. *From the book’s introduction Listening to ʔəms tɑʔɑw, by Paige Raibmon.

Looking Back ~ NOVEMBER

DECADES-OLD KNOWLEDGE COMBINED WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY By Johnny Hanuse with a file from Cara McKenna

n 1974, the late Joe Mitchell penned a message to Klahoose members in one of two booklets containing over 2000 words, place names and phrases in his native language: “Guard this with your life.” Over four decades ago, Mitchell’s father, fluent T’oq Kimuq speaker Bill Mitchell, recorded the Klahoose language into booklets with his wife Rose and translator Randy Bouchard. For many years, their recordings have been in language coordinator Jessie Louie’s collection. Now, Louie has obtained a grant from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to record 1,000 T’oq Kimuq words and 1,000 phrases into the FirstVoices indigenous language app, adding to 849 existing words and phrases. The app’s ingenuity is a shining example of blending the old ways with the new, allowing anyone with a smartphone or tablet to easily read and hear words and phrases in various indigenous languages. One of the booklets at Louie’s disposal mostly consists of place names along the coast of Klahoose traditional territory

and has some intriguing details of origin. For example, at the beginning of Toba Inlet, Brem River, translated means, “getting humpback salmon.” There are some handwritten notes on the booklets from translator Bouchard, as well as Mitchell and his son. Bouchard’s note read: “This is specifically the Tl’ ú hus (Klahoose with old style orthography) dialect of mainland Comox, but it is not that distinct from the xwúmalhkwa (Homalco) and lhá7 amin (Tla’amin) dialects, as far as I have been able to determine, to date.” “We have the words, now we just need the speakers,” Louie said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s a good challenge. It’s carrying on and moving forward. We have a big job ahead of us.” One of her tasks will be be transferring all the words from the old style orthography to the new style. Afterwards, the mission will be to track down fluent speakers from Klahoose, and record them saying each word and describe the meanings. Fluent speakers are harder and harder to come

by. They are moving on or moving away. Not only is Klahoose adding more words to the First Voices app, but it is also in the process of creating a a Coast Salishian dictionary of the Comox dialect with Tla’amin (Sliammon). Currently Tla’amin has 3,668 words and 2,466 phrases. Klahoose has 544 words and 305 phrases. If Homalco got involved, a ‘super-dictionary’ could be created. Alex Wadsworth, one of the developers of FirstVoices, said linguists from the University of Victoria will also soon be partnering on the project to provide support. Thanks to this grant, Klahoose is looking forward to preserving its language, which in turn is going to be an asset to the next generation. Language coordinator Jessie Louie

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 11

Looking Back ~ JUNE

Museum exhibit will showcase the diversity of the 34 First Nations languages in BC

Cheeneh ( Jeannie Dominick); Sx-waxwe (Chief Billy Mitchell); Pekultanaht (Rose Mitchell)

hen the exhibit Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC opens at the Royal BC Museum on June 21, National Aboriginal Day, a lot of credit will be due to one of The Sentinel’s favourite people – Siemthlut (Michelle Washington) from Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation. She has been preparing the exhibition since last year in her job as languages exhibition manager with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. The three-year-long exhibition will showcase the diversity of the 34 First Nations languages in BC and will also celebrate communities who are working to ensure languages continue to be vital. “Because of the efforts of so many, my generation is finally starting to see a time when traditional knowledge is acknowledged and accepted on par with academic credentials,” Michelle wrote

12 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

in an article titled ‘Finding the Words’ in the museum’s online quarterly publication Curious. The interactive exhibition, which runs until 2017, celebrates the resilience of one of the planet’s most linguistically diverse regions. There are 34 First Nations languages spoken in BC. Our Living Languages will be located on the Royal BC Museum’s third floor, at the entrance to the First Peoples Gallery.

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

MY MENTORS These people are my professors, mentors, and leaders in the inter-generational resurgence of culture and language. It is thanks Siemthlut (Michelle Washington to the courage and perseverance of so many others of their generation that we are able to still live our cultural teachings. They worked tirelessly during times of great hardship to preserve ancient practices for future generations. No matter which community we travelled to, I saw people volunteering their time and expertise with researchers from every discipline to document ways of life in anthropology, archaeology, history, linguistics, resource management, governance and education. Michelle Washington in Curious

Looking Back ~ JULY

WASABI MAKES T’SOU-KE EVEN GREENER By Cara McKenna

’Sou-ke Chief Gordon Planes steps into one of three large on-reserve greenhouses, carpeted with about 5,000 bright green wasabi plants. The plants are being sprayed with a thick fog of cool, nutrient-infused mist, meant to simulate the climate of Japanese mountains. “Pretty nice, isn’t it?” he asks affably. “It’s atmospheric.” The wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, plants are only about ankle-high but are expected to grow to about three feet in time. The three greenhouses represent a $300,000 investment for the T’Sou-ke First Nation. They are expected to bring in significant profit and have already created about 20 jobs for community members. The last of 15,000 plants were put in this month, and in about a year the wasabi will be ready for distribution. Wasabi is best known as the bright green condiment that comes alongside sushi, although the version commonly served in local restaurants is often imitation due to a wasabi shortage in Japan. T’Sou-ke special projects manager Andrew Moore said the primary profit is expected to come from the health industry. “The main market is in its medicinal qualities,” he said. “In a sense its sort of really consistent with First Nations healing plants and it’s really unique in B.C. It fits in very well with the whole concept of having plants to heal.”

T’Sou-ke First Nation Special Projects Manager Andrew Moore, left, and Chief Gordon Planes visit one of the community’s wasabi greenhouses as the plants are misted with nutrients. (above) Moore shows off one of the soon-to-be finished greenhouses..

Current research shows wasabi plants have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-platelet and anti-cancer effects, but the scarcity of the plant means its not used commonly, which is why T’Sou-ke predicts high demand. Chief Planes added that there is demand for wasabi as food, as well. “It’s really strong, stronger than the stuff you’d get in your local restaurants, and the quality is really good,” he said. “I think that’s why this product is more made for the high-end restaurants.” He said Vancouver Island is the perfect place to grow the spicy plant because of its temperate climate. There are other wasabi growers in B.C., but T’Sou-ke is the first First Nation to grow it in Canada as far as he knows. “It’s low maintenance,” he added. “It grows in gravel so it just sits.” As wasabi plants grow, they are misted with nutrients and kept temperate with shaded canopies and insulated greenhouse walls. There are also heaters for when it gets cold. Moore said that the wasabi greenhouses fit into a bigger food security and sustainability plan. “Maybe some of the profit we make from the wasabi will go into building another greenhouse or two for community gardens,” he said. “It’s all about sustainability… If we could just bring back some of those traditions and values, then we’d be alright.” SALISH SEA SENTINEL 13

HE MAIN REASON for the trip to Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island during the week before Christmas was to see the Klahoose First Nation sawmill in operation and to talk about the nation’s large-scale forestry work on Cortes and in the traditional territory of the Toba Valley. But, as so often happens when Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council communities, things got turned on their head. ‘She’ was there. Just about everyone refers to “Her” or “She” when talking about the newest addition to the community. ‘She’ is a chunk of Balsam fir, about 15 feet long, that was helicoptered, trucked and barged from Toba to T’oq (the Klahoose language name for Squirrel Cove) a few weeks earlier. Forestry work was going on apace in Toba with winter shutdown looming, when ‘She’ was noticed by workers Rob Reynolds and Keith McCrea. They work in the woods for Fireball Contracting owned by Klahoose members Bill Brown and John Reedel. They spotted a face carved into a tree and immediately knew it was something

14 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

Looking Back ~ FEBRUARY

A TREE THAT SPEAKS THE HISTORY OF KLAHOOSE NATION special. Klahoose forestry manager Kim Olney informed the nation and on Nov. 15, councillor Kathy Francis and a team of professional and cultural leaders made way to Yekwamen (Toba Inlet). The group made the journey to perform a traditional ceremony for the relocation of the culturally modified tree (CMT) to T’oq. Except that the tree is not a normal CMT, but something known as an arbor glyph (Google that), a quite unusual find in the forests of BC. The Klahoose web site said: “Cultural leader Norman Harry Sr. and a Tla’amin cultural leader Erik Blaney witnessed and performed a ceremony to ensure cultural protocol was observed. The heartfelt moments before the tree was harvested was both moving and surreal on that snowy winter Friday. Needless to say, the emotional event was a historical moment for those who witnessed.” The sidelong-looking face is carved into a balsam in a stand of trees that had begun growing around perhaps more than 200 years ago. The carving was done in the late 1800s. Archaeologist Dr. Quentin Mackie of

the University of Victoria calls such trees “extraordinarily rare” and said: “Now that the Klahoose have created a (web) page for it, we can all see this remarkable find. It’s really moving to see the face being swallowed by the living centuries of healing lobes.” The location of the tree was about 57 kms from the Toba River estuary. It was removed by helicopter for 30 kms and from there a crane truck carried it to the estuary. From there, it was barged to Squirrel Cove. It now rests in a specially built shed where it will dry and cure for several months. “The tree is a significant find for the Klahoose and continues to prove our occupation of the land and use of the area.” said Kathy Francis. “We are looking forward to housing the find in our administration building to share with our membership.” Chief James Delorme credited a number of Klahoose members as well as forestry and helicopter crews who work for the nation in Toba for bringing ‘Her’ to her new home.

Kathy Francis and Tracy Dimitrov with the carving

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 15

A powerful journey on rough seas S

nuneymuxw elder Gary Manson – Xulsimalt – has had some rough times on the ocean as a regular participant of Tribal Journeys. In eight years of taking part in the event, he has been in a canoe that flipped in rough waters, braved 15-hour days of paddling and once had his lips swell up from the sun and saltwater. Which is why, during the 2014 Tribal Journeys to Bella Bella, Manson was happy to stay on land as he welcomed over a dozen canoes arriving to Newcastle Island near Nanaimo on June 27. Equipped with a walkie talkie to communicate with paddlers, Manson stood on the shore in the pouring rain welcoming canoe after canoe before joining them for a salmon feast. Despite all the work, planning and money that goes into Tribal Journeys each year, he said, the benefits – getting away from technology and stress and back to nature and spirituality – are priceless. “It’s definitely a powerful journey,” he said. “In the sharing, the coming together,

people are starting to stand up and show who they are. Our culture was almost lost due to laws that were put on us in our history but this is a revival. “It’s grown to mega proportions and its brought culture back to a lot of the villages where culture was lost.” Davey George Krise from the Squaxin Island Tribe, who paddled from Washington State, said after four days on the water that he felt great, but knows how to pace himself after 15 years of paddling. “You become that water,” he said. “You become strong and tough. And the spirits of our ancestors, I know they watch over us.” By the end of the 2014 journey, over 1,000 pullers from as far away as Oregon, took part in the five-day Qatuwas Festival hosted by the Heiltsuk First Nation at Bella Bella. The Qatuwas Festival wrapped up on July 17. PHOTOS (above): Gary Manson keeps in touch with paddlers; protocol was followed as the canoes came ashore; Gary Manson welcomed the travellers; from the shore of Newcastle Island, the city of Nanaimo Many canoes from Washington State made the journey

16 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 17

Gail Blaney, Kasia Zimmerman and Murray Mitchell

Uncovering the ancient TLA’AMIN HUNTING DOG

community’s imagination was sparked as the long history of Tla’amin (Sliammon) came alive at a community gathering recently. The inspiration came from a group of Simon Fraser University archaeology students, under the tutelage of Dr Dana Lepofsky, who summarized their work started in 2008. There were glimpses at many discoveries made through digs into old middens, ancient house sites and other areas in Sliammon territory, from Scuttle Bay – Klekwahnnohm – to Harwood Island – Ahgykson. There was much interest in the accounts of people using the land and sea for the past several thousand years and 18 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

how that use shaped the community that exists today. But audience attention really perked up when the Tla’amin dog came on the scene. Researcher Kasia Zimmerman talked about the important role of the dogs for hunting and protection as well as the more recent use of the dog’s hair for wool. “Good hunting dogs were prized and treated well. They were fed what people ate and received ancestral names and burials…” So, how did she get to know about the Tla’amin dog in the ancient and recent past? Zimmerman spoke to many elders, of course. But the real evidence came from close inspection of the remains of

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

dog samples and DNA testing of at least a dozen of those animals’ samples. Some of the remains had been buried 3,500 years ago. The testing showed that the dogs lived on almost 100 per cent marine protein, much like their human masters. It was also revealed that the lineage of four of the Tla’amin dogs was linked to the Chihuahua that is thought to have originated in ancient Mexico. Evidence also showed that crossbreeding was done with wolf and coyote, perhaps for those animals’ hunting prowess and perhaps to create the medium-to-tight fur that could be used for weaving. Other discoveries showed that the root

Looking Back ~ AUGUST of the False hellebore was used by both humans and dogs to improve smell, sight, speed and endurance, all qualities essential for a successful hunt. Not only were Tla’amin dogs well treated, often being kept in peoples’ house or shelters, but their high status was recognized in death. Excavations at one site revealed two dogs buried near an elderly woman almost 2,000 years ago. Women were often the main carers of the dogs and took them on hunts. Statements from elders showed that until the 1960s, the dogs were used to chase deer to water where hunters waited. Dogs also figured in many stories, often with transformation themes.

PLANK HOUSES AND HERRING Other topics discussed at the community event included the long history of plank houses throughout Tla’amin traditional territory, use of resources from cooking to other means of processing, settlements on Harwood Island and Lepofsky’s own research into the cultural importance of herring throughout coastal BC. The Tla’amin-SFU Archaeology and Heritage Stewardship Program partnership was formed in 2007. The goal was the add to the extensive oral history of the community while providing educational opportunities for Tla’amin and its neighbours. While archaeological excavations ended in 2012 and interviews with community members were completed last year, the work is not over yet. Zimmerman and the other graduate students who presented their findings at the community gathering – Julia Jackley and Chris Springer – will be working on their theses and then combining their findings into a Tla’amin historical atlas; tangible evidence of thousands of years of Tla’amin history. More information about the Tla’amin archaeology project, herring research and other topics can be found at Dr Lepofsky’s site at: http://www.sfu.ca/archaeology/ faculty/lepofsky.html

Sliammon and SFU worked together on the project

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 19

Looking Back ~ MARCH

5,500-YEAR-OLD DISCOVERIES AT STZ’UMINUS

hen construction began on Stz’uminus First Nation’s sewage works in 2003, no one realized that history would be in the making. As excavation began around the site of a pumping station at Shell Beach, the first artifacts began to be uncovered…a stone box, tools made of stone and bone, foundations for posts for ancient longhouses. As work on the project nears completion several kilometers from Shell Beach at Kulleet Bay, the community is still learning about the discoveries that tell a story of their ancestors from thousands of years ago. In all, more than 2,000 artifacts have been collected. But more importantly, the remains of over 120 individuals, all identified as aboriginal, are awaiting reburial during a special ceremony scheduled for later this spring. Archaeologists working for the engineering company who designed the project have carbon-dated some of the findings as being about 5,500 years old. “This is a very big thing for us,” said capital and public works manager George Harris as he gazes into a pipeline excavation in which four or five skeletal remains lie. As the archaeological team clears away soil and debris with brushes and hand trowels, nearby community A foundation for a longhouse members work as rakers and screeners, checking all excavated soil for bone fragments and artifacts. Heavy machinery and dump trucks idle on the roadside as the work painstakingly progresses. This is not your run-of-the-mill highball construction job. For Lawrence Harris Jr and Dale Frenchy, their work sifting through soil has become a treasure hunt of the first order. They anticipate their daily finds and speak excitedly about past discoveries. A small animal bone fragment of an intricately-carved human face with a tear drop falling from one eye… an intact stone hearth with remnants of fires from before the time of Christ…a green translucent stone shaped into a wedge with its edge still almost chisel sharp…a siltstone carving of a seal…hammers, anvils, bowls, clubs, sinkers, anchors, hooks, harpoons and arrow heads, all tools used daily by ancestors…and decorative items made from the bones of bear, wolf, deer, fish and birds. Archaeologists discovered much about Stz’uminus and about animals with which they shared their lives. 20 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Infrastructure work exposed ancient articles

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2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

Looking Back ~ MARCH

BROTHERS BUILDING MALAHAT

rothers Matt and George Harry are helping to build Malahat First Nation in more ways than one. There are the two houses the brothers built last year along Jesken Road while they were taking construction apprentice courses. And from the windows of their new homes, they can see the new Kwunew Kwasun cultural resource centre that is nearing completion. The brothers also sit on the board of directors for Malahat Economic Development Ltd that is creating some exciting opportunities for both the nation and its neighbours in Mill Bay. “These two guys are the future heads of the Malahat construction company,” administrator Lawrence Lewis said while praising their achievements for themselves and for the nation. The brothers also typify and The Malahat Way of thinking about the community that was best shown in the hugely successful gala that was held for the learning centres in early November. “Make things happen every day and we can change the world,” is one of Lewis’s definitions of The Malahat Way. Matt and George certainly have made things happen since they start their apprenticeships last year. The built their own houses and attended courses at Vancouver Island University while also taking time for evening upgrading courses in math and other subjects. And they have been putting in more hours working on getting Kwunew Kwasun finished by April that even involved work on a high, slippery roof over the Christmas holidays. Meanwhile, they have become role models for many in the Malahat community. “We always talk to kids about how important it is for them to stay in school. We tell them that you have to work hard to get to where you want to be.”

Matt and George Harry

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 21

Looking Back ~ NOVEMBER

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH STRONG IN OPPOSITION TO PIPELINE

Tsleil-Waututh Nation chief and council

22 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Looking Back ~ JUNE

N THE EARLY YEARS of this decade, Tsleil-Waututh Nation was often a lone voice when it came to talking about the wisdom of pipeline projects, bringing Alberta bitumen to the coastal waters of BC. The community on the north shore of Burrard Inlet has a daily view of the Kinder Morgan tank farm on the shoreline in Burnaby. And the seemingly endless trains of railway cars loaded with fossil fuels from Alberta and the coalfields of the USA. During the last provincial election, the nation sent out this message to all parties: “Tsleil-Waututh Nation supports sustainable economic development and encourages all citizens to call upon their elected leadership to focus on finding green, sustainable alternatives to our energy needs. “After serious consideration, TsleilWaututh decided to oppose Kinder Morgan’s pipeline project. The nation has experienced the results of crude oil handling and refining on Burrard Inlet for a number of decades. The risks associated with the pipeline are just too great for the nation to accept.”

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH CHIEF Maureen Thomas talked about her sadness as she announced on May 2 that her community is going to the Federal Court of Appeal over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. “It’s a sad day for me,” Chief Thomas told the gathering of media, community members and other supporters. Behind

her were the green tanks at Kinder Morgan’s pipeline terminus across Burrard Inlet. After reminding the crown that Tsleil-Waututh means ‘people of the inlet’, she added: “Today it is with a real heavy heart that we are going to fight…the government had the opportunity to sit at the table with us, but they refused…We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that our lands and waters are going to be protected…This is a decision of our people as a whole. “I feel the government has let us down again. They have not learned from past lessons…We have to stand up for what we believe is truly right."

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

As for the chances of a small First Nation taking on both the government and a powerful industry in Alberta’s oil sands, the chief said: “One person can make a huge difference…We are trying to protect this area for our future generations. We have to be the ones who stand up… This area has been continually declining in providing our people with food…We have to find a way to stop that decline and rehabilitate to the best of our ability.” The decision by Tsleil-Waututh to go to court was forced when, on April 2, the National Energy Board set the terms of its review into the expansion of the 60-yearold pipeline. The nation said it was “commencing this legal action to ensure that the Federal Crown fulfills its constitutional and environmental statutory obligations to the nation and all Aboriginal communities with respect to resource and infrastructure projects in their respective territories.” And Tsleil-Waututh warned, “This legal challenge will demonstrate that Kinder Morgan’s new pipeline and tanker proposal is open to significant delay and uncertainty.” NEB review hearings on the project are expected to begin in September. SALISH SEA SENTINEL 23

Looking Back ~ OCTOBER

From left to right: Jewell James, Leonard George, Chief Phil Lane Jr., Robert Nahanee

PIPELINE NOW AGAINST COAST SALISH LAW

ne chief cited criminal acts against the environment as a groundbreaking treaty was signed at Tsleil-Waututh Nation. A new international treaty effectively makes Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project illegal by Coast Salish law. The treaty document was signed by 11 North American aboriginal leaders during a two-day gathering at Tsleil-Waututh First Nation on Sept. 21-22. Signees included Tsleil-Waututh Chief Maureen Thomas, former TWN chief and spiritual leader Leonard George and Jewell James of Lummi First Nation’s treaty protection office. The signing followed a weekend of feasting, ceremony and private deliberations in the TWN community centre. Eugene Kung of West Coast Environmental Law said the treaty sets out in ‘unextinguished’ Coast Salish law the reasons for protecting the Salish Sea from tar sands oil products and projects. “It talks about the connection to the sea itself and its importance to indigenous people of this area,” he said. “It makes the Trans Mountain project 24 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

specifically illegal in Coast Salish law and opens it up to enforcement, again, in Coast Salish law.” He said the treaty is noteworthy in light of the Supreme Court’s recent Tsilhqot’in decision because the Crown’s goalposts have moved past mere consultation with First Nations towards requiring consent. Kung said he can imagine the treaty coming up in a Canadian or international court as a threat to Kinder Morgan’s proposed pipeline expansion. “In terms of Canadian law and Kinder Morgan’s approach, this should not be ignored,” he said. “It’s a very serious, very far distance from consent.” Chief Darrell Bob of Xaxli’p First Nation near Lillooet, who also signed the treaty, said his nation offers its full support given the government and corporate world’s “criminal acts” against the environment. “We’re in denial,” he said. “We need to come together as a people to look after our Mother Earth. Without question, we have a duty and a responsibility.” Rueben George of Tsleil-Waututh Sacred Trust said the treaty will soon be “toured” to nations in order to gather more signees.

Raising the pole at TWN in 2013

HEALING POLE TOUCHED BY MANY HANDS A seven-metre totem pole, carved by Jewell James of Lummi Nation, has been raised at Beaver Lake Cree Nation, 100 km northeast of Edmonton. The raising took place after the pole traveled for about 8,000 kms, including a Sept. 1 stop at Tsleil-Waututh Nation, in protest of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline. The journey took about one month and made stops at First Nations fighting oil development around the West Coast. The pole arrived at TWN on day 16 of the journey where another healing pole stands overlooking the terminus of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Burrard Inlet. James also carved the first pole.

Looking Back ~ JUNE

BRITTANY WELDS A NEW CAREER

hen Brittany Wilson was pondering what was ahead for her after high school, she thought for a while about entering the legal profession. But then she decided she would rather be a welder than a lawyer. When The Sentinel last talked to Brittany on May 20, she was celebrating her 23rd birthday, taking time off before getting her resumes out to potential employers in the shipbuilding and other industries. “It shouldn’t be too hard,” she said of her job Brittany Wilson search. “Welders are very much in demand.” Especially welders like her. She was one of the best in the class in the seven-month Level C welding program for 18 participants from Sliammon and Sechelt First Nations. Walter Paul, a training advisor with the First Nations Employment Society (FNES), rated her highly despite the fact that welding is often considered work for men. “There are getting to be more women in non-traditional trades like welding,” he said. “Welders are in big demand. Women who do welding might not have the physical strength of men, but the industry is looking at different ways of doing things, like using lifts and other aids.” The FNES program was run in conjunction with Vancouver Island University at a building in Powell River that had classrooms on the main floor and welding facilities, complete with individual booths, in a large basement shop. The five-day-a-week sessions started in September and finished in mid-March. With her first level of learning behind her, Brittany will be working on building up the number of work hours before going on to the next two levels of training. After that she becomes a qualified welder. Walter Paul said FNES was able to directly purchase 18 places in the program. “Otherwise, welding programs have a waiting period of over two years. I did an assessment on 38 applicants and selected the final 18 based on their literacy, numeracy and other skills. That was important because welding requires math, document reading and other abilities. “The literacy requirements are sometimes a scary thing for people, especially older ones going back to school. It can be difficult and strenuous. So, we have to think outside the box to make sure they are successful. We customize the training for every student.”

FNES, along with the Vancouver Island-based Coast Salish Employment and Training Society (CSETS) and Aboriginal Community Careers Employment Services Society (ACCESS) are partners in the Coastal Aboriginal Shipbuilding Alliance. The CASA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Seaspan Marine, the company that won a $12 billion contract for building the non-combat vessels for Canada. A similar agreement was signed with Meridian Marine and Aggressive Tube Bending that will lead to career opportunities for Aboriginals in the greater maritime industry.

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2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 25

Looking Back

Coast Salish artists shine

Darren Blaney, Homalco artist, showed his latest jewellry creations

With deep roots in traditional methods and designs, artists from our nations are finding new ways to create their works, from carving and weaving to jewelry and other art.

Noel Brown at work on the VIU totem

26 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Sosan Blaney from Sliammon is well known for her woven cedar hats

Craig Galligos of Sliammon with the pole he recently completed

Looking Back ~ MARCH

TSAWWASSEN CELEBRATES AS A CENTRE OF TRADE

he tradition of Tsawwassen First Nation being great trade people was called to mind when Chief Bryce Williams spoke at an event that marked the start of construction of the Lower Mainland’s largest shopping centres on Jan. 24. “I want you to picture this place as it was 200 years ago,” he told the crowd, recalling great salmon runs “on our doorstep” as well as the multitude of plants and other wildlife, the ceremonial potlatches and other cultural events. “We entered into our treaty in 2009 firm in our belief we would stand strong again as a wealthy and generous self-governing people, welcoming many to our lands.” Tsawwassen nation’s modern day wealth came in the form of a first cheque that was received the day before for lease of the lands from developers of the Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons retail complexes. Ivanhoe Cambridge and the Property Development Group (PDG) leased the lands for 99 years, following community members voting 97 per cent in favour last year. “We don’t travel as much in our canoes as in the old days, but we still remain at the centre of a great trade route,” Chief Williams said, referring to the ferry terminal, Deltaport, Highway 17 and the newly con-

Gift exchange at the mall event

structed perimeter road along the south shores of the Fraser River. “We are in historic times and it’s a great honour to be involved in such a monumental project. “Combined with our complementary agricultural, residential, and industrial activities, this development is a significant move forward in creating a truly sustainable community for our members.” As speeches were made inside a tent near the newly constructed interchange at 48th Street and Highway 17, cranes and trucks were at work laying foundations for the gigantic regional shopping complex that are due to open two years from now.

‘Gigantic’ was a word that certainly came to mind as numbers were announced inside the tent. Ivanhoe Cambridge said that the first tenant of its Tsawwassen Mills project, that will cover 1.2 million-square-feet, is Bass Bro Shops hunting and fishing retailer. Meanwhile, PDG’s Tsawwassen Commons will cover about half as much space and will include a Wal-Mart super store as well as Rona. Up to 7,000 jobs are expected to be created during construction with several thousand permanent retail jobs created in 2016 when all the stores open for business.

The developments will change the face of Tsawwassen FIirst Nation

2014 A YEAR OF GROWTH

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 27

Looking Back ~ JULY

CANOE RACING… The Stz’uminus girls’ crew practiced their stroke before a race

The Stz’uminus girls’ crew practiced their stroke before a race

The Rainbow canoe took the lead in the late stages of the race at Tsleil-Waututh Nation

28 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

very year, in early spring, paddlers get in their canoes on the Salish Sea to begin training for another season of racing. From the first races in Coupeville, Washington until the season finale at Neah Bay, canoe families from Coast Salish tribes from throughout Puget Sound, BC’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island gather for the weekly races. Tsleil-Waututh Nation put the races in context when it hosted its annual Whey-ahWichen Canoe Festival in early July 2014. “We look forward to hosting this event each year to share our rich culture and connection to the sacred land and water with the North Shore community and our First Nation families who will

Looking Back ~ JULY

it’s about culture & connections

travel to participate in this culturally significant event. “Traditional canoe racing is a celebration of our connection to the rivers and ocean in our territory and represents who we are as a people. The canoe embodies discipline, respect, teamwork and unity, and honors the trade and diplomatic relations we have with our neighboring First Nation communities. “Canoe training and racing has been a part of our cultural fabric for as long as Coast Salish people have occupied the territories around the Salish Sea and Burrard Inlet.” Photos are from the mid-June races at Cowichan Bay, hosted by Cowichan Tribes, and July’s Tsleil-Waututh event.

George Peter checked the cooking salmon under the watchful eye of his father Ron.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 29

Looking Back ~ NOVEMBER

SEAFOOD, ESPECIALLY SALMON, ON OUR MENUS The Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference is being hosted in late October by the tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) First Nation in Ucluelet. In 2008, Snuneymuxw First Nation hosted the first of these gatherings. A notable report from that initial conference showed how important seafood is to Indigenous people around the coast. If there were any doubts about how vital the Aboriginal food fishery is to coastal First Nations, they were put to rest by the consumption patterns found in the traditional seafoods survey. The study* questioned people living in five communities around Vancouver Island and discovered that: • First Nations people eat 15 times more seafood than the average Canadian • Total seafood consumption of all people surveyed averaged 60 kilograms per person per year. That equals two servings a day. • About 90 per cent of that food comes directly from the sea, not from supermarkets or restaurants.

Salmon, of course, is the number one seafood eaten in all five communities. It makes up more than half of the seafood diet in every community. On average, 38 kg of salmon is eaten per person every year. But there are other favourite seafoods, depending on where one lives. For example, the top five favourites in Snuneymuxw were prawns, crabs, halibut, butter clams and Manila clams. In Ahousaht the top five were halibut, Manila clams, herring eggs, butter clams and sea urchins. And on the north end of the Island, at Quatsino, the favourites were halibut, prawns, eulachon grease, rockfish and crab. (KG/YEAR) 100 80

Where do our seafoods come from? RESTAURANT (3%) SUPERMARKET (8%)

TRADITIONAL HARVESTING (89%)

* The seafoods survey was done by Tom Child, then a University of Victoria graduate student who is Kwakiutl, from the Hunt family, at Fort Rupert near Port Hardy.

How much seafood do we eat?

SALMON SEAFOOD

60 40 20 0

Weiwaikum

Snuneymuxw

Quatsino

Pacheedaht

Average seafood consumption in five Vancouver Island First Nations communities.

30 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Ahousaht

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