Volume 11 • Issue 11
DEC-JAN,2016
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING AHEAD
LNG FOR TFN PAGES 2-3
JOINT GATHERING PAGES 4-5
MALAHAT RISING
PAGES 6-8
TOBA MEGAWATTS
PAGES 14-17
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NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL NATIONS
OPINION EDITORIAL TEAM Mark Kiemele editor@salishseasentinel.ca | 250-246-3438 Tricia Thomas triciathomas@salishseasentinel.ca | 250-709-2929 Bronwen Geddes, Copy Editor GRAPHICS & ART Salish Eye Productions ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION Manoj Sood ads@salishseasentinel.ca | 604-723-8355 PUBLISHER Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 330-6165 Highway17A Delta, BC V4K 5B8 Gary Reith, CAO 604-943-6712 | 1-888-382-7711 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT # 42922026 Undeliverable mail may be returned to: 330-6165 Highway 17A, Delta, BC, V0R 4G2 circulation@salishseasentinel.ca
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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. Salish Sea Sentinel is all rights reserved. Contents and photographs may not be reprinted without written permission. The statements, opinions and points of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials.
COVER PHOTO: All photographs that appeared on the Sentinel covers in 2015 were taken by Tricia Thomas.
1. HALALT (250) 246-4736 chief@halalt.org www.halalt.org
7. SNUNEYMUXW (Nanaimo) (250) 740-2300 johngwesley@shaw.ca www.snuneymuxw.ca
2. HOMALCO (250) 923-4979 m.enevoldsen@homalco.com
8. STZ’UMINUS (Ladysmith) (250) 245-7155
3. KLAHOOSE Qathen Xwegus Management Corp (250) 935-6536 www.klahoose.com
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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
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9. TSAWWASSEN (604) 943-2122 info@tsawwassenfirstnation.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 Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 8017 Chemainus Road Chemainus, BC V0R 1K5 (250) 324-1800 www.nautsamawt.org SALISH SEA SENTINEL
1
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
ENJOY COAST SALISH TERRITORY
Chief Bryce Williams at the Tilbury LNG facnility on November 15; The causeway leading to Deltaport adjacent to the industrial lands (above); The Tilbury expansion project (below) photo: Fortis BC; Rail cars on their way to Roberts Bank with TFN industrial lands in the background (opposite)
TFN VOTES ON DEC.16
Natural gas wells must be doublelined with steel and cement castings. The double lining can run up to 600 metres underground, 3-4 times deeper than groundwater supply.
Natural gas is 2-3 kilometers underground. This is where fracturing takes place, far below the groundwater supply.
2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
ANOTHER LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) facility is in the pipeline, so to speak, on the Salish Sea. Tsawwassen First Nation [TFN] members will vote Dec. 16 whether to permit an LNG export terminal on 80 acres of the nation’s industrial lands. When the Nov. 16 announcement was made public, Chief Bryce Williams was at an LNG event at FortisBC’s Tilbury facility, nearby on the Fraser River. He later said that a consultation period with nation members had already started and that he would support the decision of voters. That sort of consultation with members is now underway at another Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nation looking at LNG. When Malahat announced in August a partnership with Steelhead LNG for a floating facility in Saanich Inlet, most community members were as surprised to learn of the project as were neighbouring First Nations and other communities. A new chief and council were elected on Nov. 2. [See story on Pages 6-7.] Meanwhile, FortisBC is one of the partners in the joint venture LNG proposal. The company’s Tilbury LNG facility has been operating for decades and the current expansion project has provided jobs and apprenticeship for First Nations. The stage was set for this collaboration when TFN and FortisBC signed a memorandum of understanding in 2012. The company is also involved in the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre gas pipeline project near Sechelt that has the support of Skwxwú7mesh [Squamish] First Nation.
A SHIPPING POINT The proposed facility, located at the far north end of Tsawwassen Drive near where truck and rail traffic enters Delta Port and Roberts Bank. It would take up about 25 per cent of the 330 acres of land that TFN currently has designated for industrial use. Natural gas would be carried through an extension of a current pipeline. At the new plant, the gas would be purified and liquefied and stored in thermos-like tanks until ready for shipping. The tanks would link to a vessel loading facility at Roberts Bank through a new pipeline. About five to six LNG carriers per month would visit the facility. A TFN information sheet said the nation “is committed to ensuring best practices are used in every aspect of the supply chain; from taking the natural gas out of the ground to loading it onto ocean… every step will be done in a manner which is consistent with TFN’s values and environmental interests.”
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
If voters approve of the project, an array of regulatory hurdles would need to be crossed before the aniticipated start-up in 2022. But significant benefits would come before then in the form of 1,000 construction jobs and 50-100 permanent ones. Education and training programs would be put in place to ensure TFN members are given first opportunity to fill jobs at the
facility. Qualified businesses in the nation would be given preference to deliver services to the proposed facility. And about 25 per cent of the site would be designed for community recreation activities. The nation would also receive ongoing financial benefits.
THREE OTHER PROJECTS Just over a year ago, TFN announced the first projects on 70 acres of its industrial land. The serviced land, known as Tsawwassen Gateway Logistics Centre, included a large warehouse facility, a container examination centre and a cardlock truck fueling facility.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 3
JOINT GATHERING 2015
Tsleil-Waututh elder Alice Guss spoke as Harold Tarbell and Jessie Hemphill listened
Chief Robert Joseph spoke about reconciliation
NATIONS’ LEADERS GATHERED FOCUS ON MANY ISSUES
“
“Ask who you are, dig for common humanity and then we can find that we belong here. We want more than just politics.” - Chief Robert Joseph
Reporting for the The Sentinel Johnny Hanuse Klahoose First Nation
The Joint Gathering 2015 in downtown Vancouver – co-hosted by the BC First Nations Leadership Council and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – was a venue for discussions on emerging issues as well as an opportunity to build relationships, promote partnerships and foster leadership for a sustainable future. ON THE UNCEDED TERRITORY of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations sits the Pinnacle Harbour Front hotel, which was the host building for the fourth annual Joint Gathering conference. There were many important players in First Nation governance and the Canadian government present, including the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Hon. Carolyn Bennett, minister of Indig4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
enous and northern affairs (via conference video), various members of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and chiefs (both hereditary and elected) from all over BC. The evaluation of last year’s Joint Gathering confirmed that it was a positive encounter between First Nations and government officials and so it continued for another year.
RECONCILIATION
This year there were three main topics spread over three days. The first day, Nov. 16, was dedicated to housing issues. But the keynote speaker on the first day Dr. Chief Robert Joseph, spoke about the important roles of reconciliation and the need to build meaningful relationships. When he stood up to the podium and began speaking you could see that it truly had a deep meaning for him. “Sometimes reconciliation comes to a point of conflict, but every step is important,” he said. “It happens when your
mind, heart and soul says ‘I want to take a step [forward]’. “Everybody in this room has experienced trauma. Even the normal people,” he added as the crowd laughed. But in all seriousness, he said that he believed forgiveness is really important with moving forward. “Ask who you are, dig for common humanity and then we can find that we belong here. We want more than just politics.”
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The second day was about child and family services. The keynote speaker was Chief Edward John who is the senior advisor on Aboriginal child welfare for the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). He talked about priority areas of Aboriginal child welfare and permanency planning for children and youth in care. The relationship between MCFD and chiefs was not where he had hoped it to
AROUND THE SALISH SEA be, he said, adding that in order for a positive change, there needs to be a clear line of communication. “You are the gatekeepers,” he said. “Be diligent and ask important questions. Don’t just pass them along.” He presented a list of ideas on how chiefs and government can improve their relationships to better the lives of those incare.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development was the topic of the third day. Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson from the BCAFN spoke about improving the quality of life through a community-driven, nationbased economic strategy. After his speech, he played a video of the Jimmie Creek run-of-the-river project in Toba Inlet. In the video was the message: “Why would we ever need something like Site C dam when we could have nation-
A full room listened to Grand Chief Doug Kelly speak
based run-of-the-river projects like these ones?” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip offered closing remarks to the gathering with some insights and reflections. He then went and protested Site C in front of BC Hydro. These were just some small examples of the topics discussed. To take full advantage of the gathering, and with so many people in attendance, a series of separate meetings to discuss other issues
were held in rooms throughout the hotel. The Joint Gathering 2015 was a true demonstration of coming together, putting actions in order and looking towards the future. The Joint Gathering 2015 was coordinated by NmTC Events which is a department of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council.
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
A FRESH START FOR
MALAHAT Chief Caroline Harry with councillors Vincent, George and Matt
NO MORE SECRET AGENDAS. No more major decisions without consultation or regard for the environment. No, we are not talking about the promises of the recent federal election. These are the policies of the new Malahat Nation leaders elected on Nov. 2 who say that a spirit of openness will prevail as they begin to govern. Caroline Harry was elected chief. The 40-year-old mother and grandmother is the first-ever female chief of the nation. She has lived and worked in the Malahat community for more than 20 years, working in treaty, health and education.
working together for sustainable communities
She stepped up to run for chief – something she has done before – after the former chief Michael Harry resigned over alleged improprieties in August. The other members of council later resigned so that the special November election could be called. Leading up to the election, the 300-member nation was divided over a controversial decision to build a floating liquid natural gas [LNG] facility at the Bamberton industrial site purchased by the nation last summer. Many Malahat members, as well as neighbouring First Nations and other
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communities, were upset when they learned of a deal made by the former chief and council with Steelhead LNG. An agreement-in-principle was signed with the company for a floating LNG facility which some said could pose a threat to the environmentally-sensitive Saanich Inlet. Chief Caroline said her first step would be to invite the other nations surrounding the inlet – Tsartlip, Tseycum, Pauquachin and Tsawout – to work together on a solution regarding the LNG project. “I am beyond happy to build a connection once again,” she said. “We are all family, one way or another.” She also acknowledged the past council’s comprehensive community plan as having benefits for her people. “We will focus on life skills, employment and training to create job opportunities for our members. No one should be left behind.” Newly elected councillor Vince Harry also took a positive view. “There are a lot of good things going on here. We will look at where last council left off and decide on where to go with it.” Also on the new council are brothers George and Matt Harry who have become role models in the Malahat community since they graduated and apprenticed in construction, built their own homes and helped to complete the Kwunew Kwasun cultural resource centre. “We need to focus on making changes as a nation,” Matt said. “Education is very important. Going back to school… life resets itself, you get another chance.”
AROUND THE SALISH SEA His brother George added: “I’m glad a lot of schools are bringing in the elders to teach children their own language. Our elders had conversations in front of us and we need to bring that back again and have our people speaking the language fluently.” Chief Caroline called on the elders for guidance and support as she recalled the words of her late grandfather: “Remember that no matter how many times things fail and go wrong, the only thing you can do is correct it. We have to work together and stick together because we are all family. Don’t leave and don’t give up!” She said: “My kids have seen that I never gave up and year after year I ran for chief and finally made it, so it’s an inspiration for them. Life is all about learning and one day our children will be our leaders.”
NmTC helps out The new Malahat council met with a trio from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council in mid-November. Attending the information session were NmTC administrator Gary Reith, finance director Lisa Scott and governance advisor Valerie CrossBlackett. Reith said it was good that the Malahat leadership were open to learning what lies ahead for them. “Chief Caroline and councillors George, Matt and Vince Harry were elected just two weeks before. Only Vince had served on council before. “We reviewed NmTC’s services with them and looked over the roles and responsibilities they now have as members of the band council. It looks as though they want to be well prepared for their four-year term.” He added that Chief Caroline suggested that capacity building and communications are key priorities.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 7
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
‘Stay in School’ message directed at Malahat youth A job and education fair at the Kwunew Kwasun cultural centre in early November was one of the first public appearances by Malahat Nation’s new council members. And newly elected councillor Vincent Harry used the occasion to tell community members, especially youth, to stay in school. In a heartfelt talk, he said: “I decided to return to school at age 54. Everyone else was about 21 and I thought I was old. But when my mother graduated, she was 67 years old, so I thought I’m not too old. “For awhile when I was back in school, I thought you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, especially in math, multiplying and dividing fractions were hard for me. But I stayed. “I’d encourage students to stay in school. It opens up lots of opportunities. I can’t stress the importance enough.”
Vincent Harry spoke about going back to school
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Life is all about learning and one day our children will be our leaders. - Chief Caroline Harry
The fair was geared toward Malahat members curious about employment and training opportunities as well as those wanting more information on completing high school or what to do after graduation. Among those having booths at the event were: Camosun College [Aboriginal Trades Training], Western Maritime Institute, Thrifty Foods, Steelhead LNG and the Vancouver Island Health Authority. George Harry talked about education
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 9
HONOURING OUR SOLDIERS
OUR VETS REMEMBERED PEOPLE FROM AROUND the Salish Sea gathered at the Somena Big House in Cowichan territory on Nov. 11 to honour Aboriginal veterans. It was an emotional day for many, particularly for those whose family members contributed to Canada’s war efforts. That’s because Aboriginal veterans are often called the ‘forgotten soldiers’. Many thousands of Aboriginal men and women traveled and fought with the Canadian military troops in WW1 and WW2, as well as in the Korean War. But even then, the Government of Canada did not consider Aboriginal people citizens. Two Cowichan carvers, Harold Joe and George Rice, were among the organizers. Joe and his team carved a raven totem to represent the fighting spirit of the veterans. He also carved a war canoe and paddles to honour forgotten warriors. Halalt First Nation contributed wood for the paddles.
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The day began with a mask dance ceremony to bless the totem and canoe, surrounded by flags representing attending nations. Family members carried veterans’ photos and medals around the floor of the bighouse, along with paddles engraved with names. The canoe and totem will rest at Vancouver Island University in Duncan until they go to the destination for the next honouring ceremony. Last May, when Joe and Rice met with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council to get support for their plans, Joe said: “It is something that has never been done for our people and it is important to honour them.”
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
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Reconciliation is about all Canadians making efforts to better understand the role Indigenous Veterans have played in Canada and expressing their heartfelt gratitude. It is our hope that Canadians across the country join us in honouring them today. - Statement by Canada’s Carolyn Bennett, minister of Indigenous and northern affairs, and Kent Hehr, minister of veterans’ affairs.
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ALISHA A PERFECT ‘MATCH’ FOR BUSINESS A YOUNG WOMAN from Sliammon First Nation – Alisha Point – thinks she made the perfect match when she started working for Raven Events this summer. She has been focusing on Raven’s highly successful trademarked Aboriginal Business Match [ABM] events, which involves travelling across the country, bringing together decision makers at all levels. “What I like about my job is that I directly contribute to the success of a business forum that fosters the development of a new legacy between Aboriginal and NonAboriginal people,” she said. At ABM, Aboriginal businesses and communities find partners, explore new ideas, access new markets and expand their network. “All of this results in concrete economic activity on reserves and beyond. ABM facilitates the creation of wealth through business, making communities strong and healthy. None of this is abstract. I see it working and that is very rewarding.” Alisha’s mother is Arlene Point and her grandparents are Doreen and Alex Point of Sliammon. Their roots extend from Sliammon to Church House and Musqueam where the Point name originates. She lives at Sliammon with her “wonderful and brilliant” eight-year-old son Landyn and partner A.J. who is from Homalco First Nation. When not making business matches, Alisha enjoys reading, sketching, beading cases and earrings, boating and fishing and seasonal harvesting local resources, such as mushrooms and shellfish. If there is one lesson she has learned so 12 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
far through ABM, it’s that “success in business is driven by the people involved. No matter how large or small the company and no matter what stage of economic development a community may be at, it takes that one person who pursues business goals with ambition and respect while always looking for mutual benefit. “These leadership qualities can create real change and self-determination for our communities and their business people.” Alisha has put her own version of that philosophy into practice by working in her own community. “The most important work I have done was when I was a volunteer member of the Sliammon constitution working group, which consisted of
community members, elected members of Sliammon Chief and Council and lawyers. “We read over the final draft of the Tla’Amin Constitution and this is where I had the chance to familiarize myself with what the constitution even was, what it consisted of, and how this was relevant to the Tla’Amin Treaty. “The constitution is the foundation of a government operating under a treaty and is the framework by which decisions, laws and policies are to be made by a treaty government.” The Tla’Amin Constitution was approved in a vote by members and adopted in 2009. Effective day for the Tla’Amin Treaty is April 2016.
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SEEING YOURSELF IN THE CCP MIRROR By Bronwen Geddes Comprehensive community planning workshop in Whistler
“WHY PLAN?” asked Jessie Hemphill at the recent comprehensive community planning (CCP) workshop in Whistler. “Because your community is worth it!” Over the last decade, CCP has become one of the most popular forms of planning among First Nations in British Columbia. It is a community-based process that is founded on the voices and ideas of members. The recent CCP workshop, held in the Squamish Lil’wat cultural centre in Whistler, spread over three days and included participants from almost 60 First Nations across Canada – ranging from Haida
Gwaii in the west to Prince Edward Island in the east. Halalt and Stz’uminus delegates attended while many other Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council member nations – including Homalco, Klahoose, Malahat, Snaw-nawas, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, and T’Sou-ke – have been involved in working with their members in the comprehensive community planning process over the last five years. Interest in this grass-roots approach to planning is spreading across the country. CCP is all about sitting with members, hearing their stories, hopes and dreams for their community. At the end of a commu-
nity-based planning process, which can take several years, First Nations have a road map for the future. They have a plan in which every member can see themselves and the result of their input. More than half of BC’s 203 First Nations have already started in the CCP process. Many have completed their plans and are using those plans to guide them and ensure that their community moves forward in a good way. Bronwen Geddes is the community planning advisor for Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 13
JIMMIE CREEK PROJECT
WHAT DOES A MEGAWATT MEAN TO YOU?
Leaders of Klahoose and Sliammon nations recently travelled to Toba Inlet for an update on the Jimmie Creek run-of-river project since work began one year ago. Johnny Hanuse was there to report and take photographs
What does a megawatt mean to you? How does another run-ofthe-river project affect your life or community? These are some of the questions that might be asked while looking at the development of Jimmie Creek in the Toba Valley. On the tour were: Chief James Delorme and council members Billy Barnes and Kevin Peacey of the Klahoose First Nation, members of the Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation, Chief Clint Williams of Tla’Amin (Sliammon) and representatives of the Alterra Power Corp. The power of water has always been a miracle for humankind. It has sustained human life from time immemorial and has reminded us of the dangers of Mother Nature. Technology and time have brought a new respect for the energy that can be honed from its raw power. Chief James Delorme says, “Own-source revenue from green energy projects like this and our Toba Montrose project brings Klahoose a new level of success for generations to come.” The Jimmie Creek project currently employs 43 Klahoose band members and 11 other First Nations people. 14 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
Community In order for a project like this to happen successfully, a great group of professionals is required to devote time, energy and ideas. Anyone that has worked in a camp like this understands that at times more than half of his or her life is spent in camp over the course of the project. These types of projects build a community. So what does a megawatt mean to you? It means jobs, economic development, planning, mechanical and electrical engineering, support for many Klahoose business interests and much much more. In the end, the Jimmie Creek run-of-the-river project will produce 62 megawatts of power at any given time. The energy is measured in megawatt hours (MWh) – operating for one hour at 62 MWh) of power. In one year the Jimmie Creek run-of-the-river project will produce 160,000 MWh of clean, renewable energy per year.
JIMMIE CREEK PROJECT
Power House The project begins at the intake, which is a large structure that hosts the entrance for water to flow through the penstock pipes. The structure itself is mostly made of concrete. However, years of work experience and research in the Toba Valley have shown that the rock tends to be relatively weak and deteriorates easily over time. Since water will be constantly flowing past and through this concrete structure, a different type of rock had to be mixed into the cement to build the intake infrastructure. Rock was shipped up to the project site specifically for cement mixing. In order to build the intake, the water flow from Jimmie Creek had to be diverted from its natural path with a temporary dam. The contractor in charge of the dam has water pumps running 24/7 to deal with any leakage so as not to disturb or interfere with the intake construction. Once the project is completed the temporary dam will be taken out and Jimmie Creek will flow through the penstock pipe down to the powerhouse. The installation of pipelines has made significant progress in making its way down the Toba Valley towards the powerhouse. The penstock will run a total distance of 2.8 kilometres and will be made up of 185 different sections. The sections range from 12-18 metres in length (40-60 feet).
Water travels into the intake and through the pipelines, which for the most part are underground, and heads towards the powerhouse. At the intake, or penstock, the water is at its lowest pressure. This means that the pipes at the intake can have thinner walls that gradually thickens as it nears the powerhouse. The steel pipes at the powerhouse are over 25mm (1 inch) thick to withstand the pressure of water flow year round. The powerhouse is where the turbines will be, producing energy from the water flow of Jimmie Creek.
Turbines Jason Sirois of Alterra Power was present for a part of the turbine construction in India. He was there for some of the pressurization testing to ensure the seals were in place and the pumps were working properly. The turbines have been delayed in transit to Canada due to the permits needed to transport them from India and insurance policies that require them to be sent to Canada on two separate ships. Nonetheless, the turbines are on their way.
Who is Alterra? Alterra Power Corporation is the company that bought out Plutonic Power and signed impact benefit agreements with Tla’Amin, Klahoose and Homalco nations. Those agreements set out the terms, including revenue sharing, for building hydroelectric facilities in the nations’ traditional territories.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 15
JIMMIE CREEK PROJECT
Lots of Megawatts Alterra Power already operates the fiveyear-old 235 MW Toba Montrose run-ofriver power plant under a power purchase agreement with BC Hydro until 2045. It is 40 per cent owned by Alterra and 60 per cent by the Montreal-based portfolio management firm Fiera Infrastructure. The Jimmie Creek expansion project is adjacent to Toba Montrose. With a projected annual production of up to 166,000 MWh, Alterra owns 51 per cent of the project. There is a BC Hydro power purchase agreement through 2055. Two other proposed projects in the region are classed by Alterra as ‘early stage assets’. They are the 15MW Tahumming River hydro project in the Toba Valley and the Bute Inlet run-of-river project with a total capacity of more than 1,000 MW across 17 sites on three river systems.
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customized comprehensive com-tech 16 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
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People
JIMMIE CREEK PROJECT
Sliammon Connection In 2007, Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation signed an impact benefit agreement (IBA) with Plutonic Power for development of the transmission line corridor from the East Toba River/Montrose Creek run-of-river hydroelectric projects. The IBA – in recognition of the fact that the transmission line is located within Tla’Amin traditional territory – included a list of benefits including: • Annual payments for the project’s life; • Employment and training opportunities; • Opportunities for Sliammon-owned companies in construction and operations, In exchange, Tla’Amin gave full support for the project.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 17
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
SALMON STRUGGLE, WE STRUGGLE
WHEN SALMON STRUGGLE, WE STRUGGLE. Around the Salish Sea, salmon represent our traditions, our food and ceremonies. Their survival in the face of daunting change is an inspiration for Coast Salish people as we find our way back to who we are. Low snowpack followed by extreme hot, dry weather has created a life-and-death struggle for salmon returning to their spawning grounds. Record low water levels and high water temperatures have threatened salmon survival. Eggs that hatched early died; adults have been unable to complete the cycle of returning to the streams where they hatched after years in the ocean. At Halalt First Nation, the Chemainus River side channel saw salmon eggs hatching in early March due to warmer water temperatures. Chief James Thomas said, “This is an anomaly! I have never seen such low water levels during this time of year.” Despite efforts to boost water levels in the spawning channel, he said the likelihood of the natural spawn surviving and making it to the ocean is slim. Low water levels delayed the start of the run this year. Fish arriving at the mouth of the river were forced to linger in the estuary where sea lions were quick to feast. “Once the fish enter fresh water, they cannot return back to the sea,” Thomas said.
FIRST NATIONS BOOKS Brought to you by David Ellis, Bookseller
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it back, relax and let David bring his library to you. Whether you are planning to restock your Band library, or searching for a rare, out-of-print book, David Ellis would be delighted to bring his unique collection of books to your community. Amongst his vast collection is a stock of Coast Salish language, history, art, “proof of claims” documents and First Nations children’s books. David has been visiting Coast Salish communities for 24 years and more so in recent years as he helps communities and schools build their own libraries. He has worked closely with over 100 First Nations on a daily basis and can provide the vital information needed to cope with complex environmental and social issues. If you would like to lower administrative costs and make the best use of your staff time, let David do the legwork as he builds a library that is unique to your community. Contact David Ellis at davidellis@lightspeed.ca
Halalt, Stz’uminus and Penelakut fisheries capture salmon for broodstock at the Chemainus River by the Bald Eagle Campsite
18 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
The biggest reference library for Coast Salish culture.
AROUND THE SALISH SEA In T’Sou-ke territory, the Charters River has noticeably fewer salmon returning upstream compared to previous years. Low levels could disturb spawn from previous salmon deposits. Volunteers at Charters River salmon interpretive centre have been capturing returning fish and collecting their eggs. T’sou-ke fisheries manager Joe Planes said that recent downpours turned the Sooke River into muddy, heavy currents. Fish hatcheries may offer the best chance for salmon’s freshwater survival. In Snuneymuxw territory, Brian Banks, manager at Nanaimo hatchery said water released from the Fourth Lake dam by the Harmac pulp mill “helped to maintain a safe water level in the Nanaimo River this summer, but the temperatures got high and we had a lot of pre-spawn mortality.” Since the hatchery will be doing egg takes until December, Banks expects to meet its quota, but expressed concern for natural spawn. Joe Planes with Wally Vowles and Margaret Banner, volunteers at the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre - owned and operated by the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society
Proud neighbour, committed to community. At Port Metro Vancouver we are committed to the development of long-term working relationships with Aboriginal groups who share an interest in the lands and waters we manage. As we monitor the safety and efficiency of traffic on the water, we wish all marine travelers a safe and enjoyable season. For marine-related assistance within Port Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction, call our 24/7 Operations Centre at 604.665.9086.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 19
NEWS IN BRIEF
CHIEF SAYS ‘NO’ TO EXPANSION T’SOU-KE GETS ITS LAND T’SOU-KE NATION has taken possession of about 150 acres at Broom Hill near Sooke, completing a second phase of its incremental treaty Chief Gordon Planes agreement with the provincial government. The land was transferred back to T’Sou-ke and the nation will hold it as private land until a time that a final treaty is ratified.
Map via Google
Chief Gordon Planes said “This transfer shows how T’Sou-ke has obtained real benefits for our people by using all of the tools available to defend our Douglas Treaties and to negotiate modern government-to-government agreements with British Columbia.” T’Sou-ke is part of the Te’mexw Treaty Association.
SNAW-NAW-AS CHIEF David Bob gave strong opposition to expansion plans for a marina near Parksville. He voiced his concerns about Beachcomber Marina’s plans in a letter to the Regional District of Nanaimo. “This entire area is a sacred site to the Snaw-naw-as First Nation and extends beyond the foreshore, Chief David Bob out into the waters where you are proposing your rezoning,” the letter said. “The reason this entire area is a sacred site to us is that over the centuries the ocean levels have risen and fallen and there are significant middens in that area.” He wrote that his nation “will oppose this legally, politically and take the necessary action to stop the expansion of this development in this area.”
Naut’sa mawt
TRIBAL COUNCIL NEW! Naut’sa mawt shipping@nautsamawt.com Tribal Council now offering preferred shipping rates. The Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council has partnered with Overland West Freight Lines and Comox Pacific Express to provide CONNECTING WESTERN CANADA reliable shipping services at preferred rates! Overland West Freight Lines is an industry leader in regional LTL (less than truckload) service. Our Need something shipped? Please contact strategically located terminals, transportation Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council first so we can professionals, and leading edge IT services ensure that we have the capability and expertise to meet and exceed help you with your shipping needs.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
SCHOOLS PLAN SIGNED
Beachcomber Marina plans for a zoning ammendment application. Photo by Regional District of Nanaimo
AN INNOVATIVE local education agreement (LEA) was recently signed between Cowichan Valley School District 79 and Malahat Nation. It demonstrates a commitment to enhanced learning objectives by focusing on Malahat students’ individual needs and cultural experiences. Board representatives believe the new LEA will improve outcomes for the students, now that their families, the Malahat Nation and SD79 are working together to support them in their education. Chief and council stressed the importance of having a ‘life plan’ included as part of the youths’ education plan.
Chief Caroline Harry said: “The plan evolves with the individual as they advance through school. Their education is shaped around what they want to do when they graduate.”
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 21
YEAR IN REVIEW
LOOKING BACK
There were many milestones over the past year as we continued our Sentinel journeys around the Salish Sea. The magazine began to appear on major BC Ferries routes, we expanded from 16 to 24 pages and continued our mission of Coast Salish – 24/7. We also added more content created by people from the 11-member nations of the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. Most significantly, we hired Tricia Thomas from Halalt First Nation whose fine photographs have graced every cover of The Sentinel since September 2014. The following are some of the highlights from the past year. But you can read the full stories and see all the photographs – plus much more – by visiting the salishseasentinel.ca web site. And don’t forget to sign up for our monthly email newsletters to keep you informed about news that matters around the Salish Sea.
22 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
LOOKING BACK
MAY
IT’S LIKE OPENING THE DOORS EXCERPTS FROM the book by Elsie Paul– Written As I Remember It: Teachings (ʔəms tɑʔɑw) from the life of a Sliammon Elder helped to explain an important part of our cultural heritage – traditional bathing and cleansing. Elsie realizes that many of our people have lost touch with the old ways, while others learned to keep such things hidden away because of restrictions placed on our culture by Canada’s past laws and ways of thinking.
ß So it’s really important when you go to the river to – in your mind and in
your thoughts and in your prayer, that you’re brushing that away. sohoθot. sohoθot. You would send your cedar down the river, and your cedar will drift away. It’s taken all that tiredness and the grief and the sadness. It’s gone down the river. That’s why they use the river a lot. But if you’re not near a river or anything, you just use the shower. And while you’re in the shower you think those same thoughts. You know, all the negative energy – if there’s negative energy on you, it’ll go down that drain. So you have to keep that in mind and talk to yourself. It’s so important to do this. Not just go in there to take a shower so you will be clean in body. You have to be clear in mind. You’re clearing your mind. You’re clearing your inner self. That grief, you’re lettin’ it go. You’re allowing it to go. Reconnect... with nature, family, friends, colleagues, yourself
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 23
LOOKING BACK
MARCH
KYLE’S RUGBY JOURNEY AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL of sport, performance and success require discipline, setting goals, strength and, of course, support from family and community. One youth is on his journey to athletic excellence and he needs our support. Sixteen-year-old Kyle Joe is a hard-working student living at Stz’uminus First Nation. He has been a dedicated rugby league player for several years and now has his sights set on becoming a great player and traveling the world through his sport. Kyle is one of 28 young athletes chosen for the Western Canada’s under-17 selections squad. Starting on Feb. 27, prospects gathered for a one-week development camp at Shawnigan Lake School, Rugby Canada’s centre of excellence.
APRIL
YOUTH TAKE ON TRADITIONAL FOODS CHALLENGE SNAW-NAW-AS AND HOMALCO communities challenged their youth to learn about the traditional foods of their ancestors. And youth responded when the first part of the challenge took place on the shores of Nanoose Bay in early March. Three weeks later, the challenge was revived at Homalco as the young people continued to identify, collect, prepare and, of course, eat. “Learning how to survive though traditional food knowledge will stay with you for the rest of your life,” Snaw-naw-as elder Doreen Sport said as she shared her teachings about how food from the land has nourished us throughout time.
24 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
SHORE TO SHORE UNVEILING THIS MONTH YEARS OF WORK by Stz’uminus carver Luke Marston will be revealed on April 25 when his bronze sculpture – Shore to Shore – is unveiled in Stanley Park. The work celebrates the connections of Portuguese adventurer Joe Silvey and his first and second Coast Salish wives, Khaltinaht and Kwatleemaat. Marston is the great great grandson of Portuguese Joe and Kwatleemaat. Portuguese Joe and his wives return to Stanley Park in the form of three life-sized human figures facing outward, surrounded by the fins of a 14-foot traditional cod lure.
2015 A YEAR OF GROWTH
LOOKING BACK
MAY
OUR GREAT MOTHER EARTH JUST TWO WEEKS before oil spilled into the waters of the Salish Sea around Vancouver’s harbour, First Nations people gathered at T’Sou-ke to learn and talk about what would happen if… After two days of talk at the Marine Safety and Risk Reduction Summit, hosted by T’Sou-ke First Nation, the closing words of Pacheedaht elder Bill Jones reverberated with many: “There’s one person that’s excluded out of Bill Jones of Pacheedaht any rights at all. And that’s our Great Mother.
Politicians have made sure that corporations are represented as persons and our Great Mother is not. That to me is a very hurtful slight on our Great Spirit. “And I think that one day when we go down that river, we must realize that we need to assert to our politicians and lawmakers that indeed our Great Mother, the Great Spirit, is a person who has rights and privileges because the Great Mother, the Great Spirit, have made us. “When we recognize that, then we know our hands are joined again to our Maker.”
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LOOKING BACK
JUNE
INSIDE EVERY CHILD… ONE DAY Kai Blaney, son of Homalco councillor and artist Darren Blaney, came home from school with a surprising story. When Kai’s fellow students were looking at an old photo of residential school students, they noticed the profound sadness in their eyes and thought it was because the children had perhaps simply missed a school field trip. Kai explained that the children looked so sad because they had been taken from their families when they were very young. This inspired his father to create a piece of art in order to share the history and culture of his people with the students at Southgate Middle School in Campbell River. He designed a transformation mask to represent the spirit that was taken from native people by residential schools and called it The Indian in the Child’. Two other carvings of Raven and Wolf were mounted on either side of the mask on a large cedar plank.
JULY - AUGUST
‘Welcome to our home’
THE SALISH SEA is an amazing place. Of course, the Coast Salish people have known that for a few millennia. But we are pleased to share it. These places reveal the real wealth around us and the waters, and lands and the resources created from them. Some people like to travel to far-away places to learn something about cultures that existed 2,000 years ago and more. But we hope you will also want to learn more about this place we call home, a place that archeological data show as being inhabited for 10,000 years or more. We weren’t able to create Great Pyramids, Coliseums, Taj Mahals or Great Walls made of stone. The material for building our houses, our poles and canoes grew from the earth – the Great Cedar. Our old house poles have disappeared, replaced by new structures and new generations. But we will never forget our ancestors or their values for this place.
26 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
2015 A YEAR OF GROWTH
The Coast Salish have always welcomed guests and only expect they will honour our protocols. Get to know us; we’d like to get to know you. Come here not just as a tourist, but also as a participant in the lives we live on the Salish Sea.
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 27
LOOKING BACK
SEPTEMBER
NEW CHIEF, AN ELECTION AND NOW LNG THE SUMMER OF 2015 may be long remembered at Malahat First Nation. The small nation on Saanich Inlet doesn’t make the news that often, but starting in mid-July, people around the Salish Sea began paying it attention. It began with the nation’s purchase of the 535-hectare Bamberton property adjacent to the reserve lands. The deal for the former industrial site was reported to be $37.5 million, but Malahat was keeping mum on how it would use the land Then, in early August, came the sudden resignation of Chief Michael Harry over alleged financial improprieties. His name appeared in BC Supreme Court filings in a case involving a contaminated soil treatment facility in nearby Shawnigan Lake.
OCTOBER
Days later the first web rumours surfaced about using the Bamberton site for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. A few days after that, councillor Tommy Harry was named interim chief and his first big announcement was that a Malahat general election would be held two months early, on Nov. 2.
NOVEMBER MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
BEAR FACTS TOURISTS FROM around the world are flocking to viewing sites at Bute and Toba Inlets on BC’s central coast to see grizzly and black bears in their natural habitats feeding on returning salmon. Homalco Wildlife Tours has been guiding visitors for years to the nation’s traditional territory on the Orford River, halfway up Bute Inlet. And now another Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nation has launched Klahoose Coastal Adventures for whale and bear watchers in Toba Inlet just north of Bute. Homalco Wildlife Tours: thebearsofbute.com Klahoose First Nation: klahoose.org
28 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
POWERFUL KNOWLEDGE SHARED! A PIT COOK, salmon roasting, butchering a first deer… and Zombies! The eighth annual Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference was hosted by Kwakiutl First Nation in its two main villages, Tsaxis and Cluxewe in early October. The 300 participants from around the Salish Sea explored the villages and studied Kwakiutl’s food harvesting, preserving methods and Kwak’wala place names. Then there was the Zombie Apocalypse food challenge in which brave people were dared to eat raw seafood in order to keep them safe while being chased by zombies.
2015 A YEAR OF GROWTH
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES… ENGINEERING…SALES AND MARKETING? Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council is looking for people from our eleven nations who want to know about our new Mentorship Program. We want to link applicants with our partners to provide a paid, professional work environment for up to one year. The idea is to help you realize your career and personal goals and eventually secure permanent, full-time employment based either in the Lower Mainland or on Vancouver Island. We want to know if the NmTC Mentorship Program sounds interesting to you. Let us know by sending an email, including your resume, to jobs@nautsamawt.com
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
SPREAD THE WORD! FA M I LY SAFE Make sure your KEEP YOUR
FAMILY is SAFE
PUT UP A SMOKE ALARM. DO NOT TAKE IT DOWN.
Working smoke alarms DOUBLE your chance of escape if you have a fire. Make sure family, friends, neighbours and everyone you love is protected.
SAFETY
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IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
• Test smoke alarms monthly • Change batteries once per year or install alarms with a 10-year battery • Replace alarms every 10 years
Technology that SAVES Lives
Steven and Gwen Point install a smoke alarm in their home.
SafeAtHome.ca SALISH SEA SENTINEL 29
WE BEAR THANKS! “Patty”
“Rocky”
WE PAWS FOR A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ROCKY AND PATTY AT ORFORD BAY, BUTE INLET We had a wonderful time fishing for salmon in the Algard and Orford River this year. We have had lots to eat and will now have to say goodbye for this year. We are going to our dens now for a long nap, but wanted to thank all the humans that came to admire our family, and all my cousins, the Bute-iful Brown Bears of Orford Bay. We also wanted to raise our claws in thanks to all the tour providers who brought visitors here, and to our friends at Sonora Resort. Two Paws up to all the Homalco First Nation Tour Guides who kept us safe. They did a great job, went the extra distance and were always conscious of taking care of this place we call home. As bears, our environment is incredibly important to us, so we would like to thank our friends the Xwémalhkwu people for taking such good care of our shared territory. 30 SALISH SEA SENTINEL ghdffyj
We give thanks to the lands, waters, fish, and wildlife that inhabit the Orford River for providing such a rich and lavish place for us to share with the Xwémalhkwu people, and their guests. It was particularly pleasing to hear the sounds of Salish songs and traditional drums again in the Orford, a sound we remember from long ago…a sound we will come back to listen to next year, for sure!
We are looking forward to seeing more of you next season! Emote!
From the Bute-iful Bears of Bute
“Out of this World” Cultural and Wildlife Tours
May to mid-October
www.thebearsofbute.com