Volume 12 • Issue 04
MAY 2016
A DEGREE
and a DRESS PAGES 2-3
CARMEN’S TREATY PAGES 10-15
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NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL NATIONS
OPINION Coast Salish 24/7 Naut’sa mawt-Working together as one EDITORIAL TEAM Mark Kiemele - Editor editor@salishseasentinel.ca Cara McKenna - Writer caradawnmckenna@gmail.com Tricia Thomas - Photographer Bronwen Geddes - Copy Editor DESIGN Salish Eye Productions ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION Manoj Sood ads@salishseasentinel.ca 604-943-6712 OR 1-888-382-7711 PUBLISHER Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 330-6165 Highway17A Delta, BC V4K 5B8 Gary Reith, CAO 604-943-6712 OR 1-888-382-7711 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT # 42922026
The Salish Sea map was created in 2009 by Stefan Freelan at Western Washington University
Undeliverable mail may be returned to: 330-6165 Highway 17A, Delta, BC, V4K 5B8 circulation@salishseasentinel.ca
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www.salishseasentinel.ca Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 15th of every month.
The Salish Sea Sentinel is published monthly, ten 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: The photograph of Gina Harris was taken by her father Ray Harris of Stz’uminus.
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 4. MALAHAT (250) 743-3231 caroline.harry@malahatnation.com www.malahatnation.com 5. TLA’AMIN (Sliammon) (604) 483-9646 clint.williams@sliammon.bc.ca www.sliammonfirstnation.com www.sliammontreaty.com 6. SNAW-NAW-AS (Nanoose) (250) 390-3661 chris.bob@nanoose.org www.nanoose.org
Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com
www.stzuminus.com 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
IN HONOUR OF FAMILY… A DEGREE! GINA-MAE SHULQWILUMAUT HARRIS is finishing her teaching practicum in the Grade 2 class at S-hxixnu-tun Lelum primary school at Stz’uminus First Nation, having recently graduated as the first one from her family with a college degree. This is her story. My family and I celebrate my bachelor of education degree. My education journey has been successful due to the support from my family. My parents encouraged me to continue and my goal was to show my children that anyone can succeed when they put their mind to it. Education has brought me to places I never thought I'd be. It brought me hope for my future and I travelled internationally to teach in San Mateo, Belize, for a month! A few years ago, I completed a two-year diploma at Camosun College. I thought back then, “That’s good enough education for me”.
APOLOGIES
In the April issue of the Salish Sea Sentinel, we mistakenly gave Kevin Peacey of Klahoose a different last name. And we did it not once, but twice! Our apologies for making this mistake. Kevin is a Klahoose councillor and is also on the board of directors of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council.
2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
Gina Harris
I went on to the University of Victoria for social work. I could not continue due to financial constraints. I then went to work for a few years. Life-changing events brought me back home to Stz’uminus Thuqmin. I worked in the social work area and as an education assistant, all the while being encouraged to return to university to become a teacher. This encouragement was only a part of my decision to attempt university again. It was more than that. After my family’s life-
changing tragic event, I was at a huge loss in my life and I questioned myself. I wondered who I was. Education was such a bad experience in our history as hwulmuhw people. Even I had a negative experience in the public system. To make a long story short, I wanted to go somewhere to see if I could succeed, to be where no one knew me and what I went through in my life, to be in a space where it could be just me with the memories of my late sister. Maybe this is hard to understand, but it was my way. These were my thoughts when I applied to Vancouver Island University’s bachelor of education program. Surprisingly, I was accepted into third year of a five-year program. As I’m at the end of this part of my journey, I remember what my late grandma, Irene, said during my college grad years before: “This is a life-changing event and it must be celebrated”.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
IN MAY 2011 WE PUBLISHED THIS PHOTO WITH THE CAPTION: Gary Bob runs a chainsaw while nephew Tyler splits wood behind him as the Bob fam-
ily makes its regular donation of firewood to elders, single mothers and others in the Snaw-naw-as community.
AROUND THE SALISH SEA So, I decided to attend my college grad only the day before it was scheduled. My father Ray Harris said: “We must celebrate accomplishments. You have moved forward and broke a cycle in our family by attaining a degree”. Stay positive… even though the fact that my father and grandparents attended residential school and the intergenerational affects that many of our people have endured, with their guidance and support I continued my education. My father asked that I use my late sisters’ regalia’ to honour her, as she would have done for me. I did it in memory of her, for my children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents that are gone. I did it for myself, to see who I am, and return to my roots. Our language, culture, traditions and families are who I am. “Keep on keeping on,” is what my late sis always said. Moving doesn't mean for-
getting my education. I am grateful and I will continue on towards my Masters degree because the negative cycle is broken. Strive for the stars and never give up! Stay positive. If I can do it, anyone can! I am now teaching Grade 2 for my final practicum, which ends on May 6. I try to incorporate Aboriginal content as much as possible and I am taking Hul’qumi’num language and linguistics. My learning will never stop. Keep the positive cycle going. O’siem.
Her family Gina Harris with mother Diana Sampson
Parents: Ray Harris and Diana Sampson
getting. Culture and family is what got me here. It is so important to remember who you are and where you are from. My healing was from being around family, being on the water paddling, attending all our cultural ceremonies, and
Maternal grandparents: late Steve and Dora Sampson Paternal grandparents: late Lawrence and Irene Harris Children: Arainia, Edna and Patrick
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SENTINEL PROFILE
ANCESTORS’ GIFTS KEEP ANGELA GOING By Cara McKenna
WE COVER THE
SALISH SEA
WE’RE MAKING WAVES! The Salish Sea Sentinel is your company’s best choice for advertising to BC’s rapidly growing and highly lucrative Aboriginal market. We distribute up to 10,000 copies each issue by direct mail to readers including to every First Nations administration office in BC as well as to key decision makers at every level of government. Copies are also available on major BC Ferries routes and popular tourist attractions. Our focus is all about burgeoning Coast Salish nations on topics including including culture, economic development, governance and infrastructure. Please contact us at ads@salishseasentinel.ca to find out how we can help you reach Aboriginal markets throughout British Columbia.
4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
WHEN ANGELA WHITE was growing up, family members told her to embrace her Snuneymuxw identity. Even though things were hard at time, she remembers gathering food and medicines and learning other traditional ways. But now, many Indigenous youth aren’t so lucky to learn any part of their culture, and it’s having Indian Residential School profound impacts. Survivors Society logo “Many of the youth resort to names, bullying, alcohol and drugs,” she said. “It's up to us to bring [traditions] back… teach our kids pride, understanding and identity.” White, who works with the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society, spoke at the Through An Aboriginal Lens gathering at Squamish First Nation recently. The event was held as a way to begin a conversation around the over representation of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system and the prominence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. She was among high-profile speakers including BC Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton and Judge Steven Point – Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl – from Skowkale First Nation. Her speech touched on how the residential school system, and colonization as a whole, has profoundly impacted Indigenous people in Canada. Even though Indigenous people account for less than five per cent of Canada’s population, we account for 25 per cent of federal inmates. “The schools, the policies, the loss, took away every ounce of our inspiration to be anything better,” White said. “Because these children are only told that they were ‘no good dirty Indians’ and they will never amount to anything. And these are the messages that are being passed on to our generation today.” White said Indigenous people are living in a “normalized dysfunction” and the only way to recover is to bring culture and traditions back. “Our ancestors and our relatives have fought so hard to get us what we have today. It’s up to us that we live up to their expectations because they give us the gift of songs, dance, tradition, language.” She acknowledged that this is something that doesn’t come easily. Many crucial parts of culture, such as languages and certain traditional foods, are disappearing. But, she said, it must happen in order to make the next generations healthy and strong. “We all have a role. And those roles are important,” she said. “That's how we're going to bring back our culture and our identity into our communities.”
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
STILL LOVING IT! IT IS ALMOST ONE year since Colleen George left her longtime job at T’Sou-ke Nation’s administration office to begin working with wasabi. The last time The Sentinel saw her was in October, just after the first harvest from 15,000 plants growing in three large greenhouses. “I won’t ever go back to an office job,” she said then, and during a visit in late March, she said she’s still loving her wasabi work and learning more about the plant that produces foods, cosmetics, dietary supplements and medicines. She said that she used to go home from work at her office job and spend time in her garden to relax. Now she's in a garden all day. T’Sou-ke has a franchise agreement with Pacific Coast Wasabi which has greenhouses in BC, Washington and Oregon.
Colleen offers a visitor a taste of wasabi (above), all parts of the plant are useful (left).
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BIG NUMBERS FROM TSAWWASEN FIRST NATION’S INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS By Cara McKenna, photos from Sentinel archives
TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION is progressing on a mega industrial development that is set to make the post-treaty community a major economic force in Metro Vancouver. The first phase of the development is beginning on 90 acres of industrial land and involves partnerships with major companies for various facilities that will be used for distribution, warehousing and light manufacturing. The developments are expected to generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in employment income.
TFN lands with BC Ferries and Deltaport in background
6 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
And that’s outside of the massive numbers expected to come from the nation’s retail developments, which are nearing completion. Chris Hartman, CEO of the TFN Economic Development Corporation, said there would soon be ten times as many jobs as there are Tsawwassen members, adding that opportunities will be extended to other First Nations. “Before the end of this year, we could have almost a million square feet under construction to be completed by the middle to end of 2017,” he said. “I think people are recognizing the value of our particular location close to the port, but also serviced by Highway 17, Highway 99 and three railways.” A significant part of the industrial development will be a container screening facility, in partnership with Port Metro Vancouver, which is expected to open in 2017. Also expected to open next year are a diesel cardlock facility in partnership with Canada, a 1.2 million square foot logistics facility in partnership with Great-West Life, and a trans-load facility in partnership with EuroAsia. While the nation already has its hands full building the megadevelopment, Hartman said the nation will soon be seeking partners for phase two of the project, which will utilize more than double the land base used during phase one.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PRIME JERICHO LANDS DEAL A TSLEIL-WAUTUTH MILESTONE By Cara McKenna TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION has regained partial ownership of 38.7 acres of its traditional territory — which happens to be some of the most valuable real estate in Canada. The First Nation, along with Squamish and Musqueam, successfully purchased Chief Maureen Thomas the remaining tract of the Jericho Lands in Vancouver, which was once a shared village site for the three communities. The nations split the $480 million it took to buy the land back from the province. It adds to an adjacent 52-acre property the communities acquired with Canada Lands Company two years ago.
The lot is located in the affluent Point Grey area of Vancouver, and includes some of the most expensive and coveted real estate in the country. Leaders of the three communities say there are no current plans around what will be done with the land, and that there will be meetings between the three nations and residents of the area to decide. Tsleil-Waututh Chief, Maureen Thomas, said it is a huge milestone for all three nations. “By acquiring the [site] together we are regaining our lands back where our ancestors once lived and creating a future for our children and grandchildren to flourish,” she said. Some residents have expressed concern about what might happen to their homes now that the land has new ownership. But the area’s MLA, Andrew Wilkinson, said selling the lands is another step towards reconciliation.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 7
SENTINEL PROFILE
Telfer Barnes and Tina
Tina Wesley
Tina at work in the hatchery
TELFER AND TOBA MADE TINA “HOME IS THE PLACE TO START.” That was one of the many lessons Telfer Barnes passed on to his daughter Tina as she was growing up, living close to the land around Toba Inlet decades ago. So it makes perfect sense that Tina Wesley has returned home to Klahoose First Nation where she can look out her office window towards Toba and put the many lessons from her father to good use as fisheries officer for her people. “He was so ahead of his time,” Tina says of her father. “Dad always talked about the destruction of the environment. He warned me about damage to oceans… We lived at 10 miles, between the Big and Little Toba rivers. The abundance of fish was incredible. “He taught me to be environmentally aware at such a young age… We worked the drift nets and spent hours pulling them in… There was no dumping of anything; everything was recycled. I saw the innocence of our environment and assumed the whole world was like that. “He taught me to ‘do it right or not at all’ and that I was just as good as a boy, capable of doing anything from fishing to mechanics and building. I was in awe about it, those lectures from dad, and I still am.” 8 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
Some of those lessons came as Tina worked log booming grounds with her father at age 13. Others came while building a waterwheel for their house in Attwood Bay in Homfray Channel. And those many lessons, summed up were: “Every individual has a choice, what tools you use and what you do with them… that if you want to make a difference, fisheries and resources is a good place to start… home is the place to start.” So, that was why, after suffering a serious back injury, Tina went to university and earned a degree in resource management.
“It was a blessing in disguise,” she said of the injury. “It gave me the opportunity to come home… This is my niche in life, my passion. I know I can make a difference.”
Tina’s resume
Fisheries Officer- Klahoose First Nation Resource management degree Environmental engineer Heavy equipment operator First-aid medic Habitat restoration and assessments
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
SNUNEYMUXW CONSIDERS ITS LOST RESERVE LANDS SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION is moving forward on reaching a financial settlement with Canada over the loss of its reserve in the City of Nanaimo. Chief and council will be holding several community information meetings around the agreement in late April and early May. The settlement is set to go before a ratification vote of about 1,200 eligible members in June. A statement from the nation’s leadership promises that, if the settlement passes, a “significant portion” of an expected $49-million will be distributed to members. The settlement is over a 79-acre Snuneymuxw reservation in the heart of Nanaimo, across from Newcastle Island, that was taken from the nation in the 1880s. People from Snuneymuxw have been fighting for a resolution for decades. The nation’s leadership is also pushing Canada on finding replacement lands to make up for the lost reserve. The first meeting will take place on April 30th at Suquamish Clearwater Casino in Suquamish, WA, followed by a meeting on May 1st in Vancouver at the Native Education Centre. A third meeting is set to take place in Snuneymuxw on May 7th.
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SELF-GOVERNING… AGAIN
AFTER ABOUT 8,000 YEARS of self-governance, the 150 years under the Indian Act is merely a blip on the radar of the Tla’amin people. Many gathered around the fire outside Governance House in the early hours of April 5 to burn copies of that act as a new era began. A few days later, hundreds gathered there for the unveiling of six new poles and then the crowd travelled into nearby Powell River for hours of speeches, gift giving and celebrations. 10 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
The Tla’amin Treaty marked the largest transfer of lands in BC history – 8,323 hectares including 1,917 hectares of the former Sliammon Indian reserve and 6,405 hectares of provincial Crown land. The agreement with Canada and BC, more than 20 years in the making, also saw a capital transfer of $33.9 million and an economic development fund of $7.9 million for the nation.
Copies of the Indian Act were burned shortly after midnight on April 5. photo courtesy of Roy Francis from Tla’amin Nation
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 11
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
DOORS ARE OPEN, CARMEN TELLS YOUTH CARMEN GALLIGOS WAS ONE OF THE SPEAKERS DURING TLA’AMIN TREATY CELEBRATIONS ON APRIL 9. HERE IS HER TALK, FOLLOWED BY HER PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY.
Carmen Galligos
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Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak as a Tla’amin youth today. Thank you for bringing us all together for this special time. It’s tough living far from where my heart lives, so I’m grateful for times like this. I’m so excited for what lies ahead of us. We will have so much opportunity to renew and strengthen our relationships with each other, with our lands and with our culture. I’m looking forward to the rights to share our traditional territory and teachings now, and the comfort that they will be preserved long enough to share with future generations. We are following the footsteps of our ancestors. As we start to blossom into this new era, it’s important to remember the core teachings that our ancestors have left behind. Without our Taow (teachings), we wouldn’t be here to enjoy what lies ahead of us. We are also following our current elders and leaders, and someday soon we will need to step into these shoes. Before that happens, if any of my fellow youth are on the fence
about pursuing something, I encourage you to believe in yourself and go for it. As a youth, there are so many open doors for us now. Let’s get out there and strive for who we want to be. Let’s go farther than we’ve ever been before and make our families proud. It’s inspiring to see how far our community members have gone in the past. I’m sure each of you can think of an example of someone who inspires you. Each time one of us works hard and succeeds, it makes us stronger as a whole nation. It’s been a long haul to get to today and I can raise my hands to all the hard work that everybody has put in. Let’s carry on from today forward as one. We will be our strongest as we stand together.
Carmen’s biography “I’m in my first year in the civil engineering technology program at Camosun College. I’ll graduate from here as a civil engineering technologist and then I will have the opportunity to bridge to a university to complete becoming an engineer. “I chose to study in this program because its something that really interests me. The courses in this program sit well with the areas I’m strong in academically. “We’re also in a time of constant innovation and growth right now, all over BC and even in Tla’amin. There’s always new infrastructure being created. It would be a dream to work as an engineer in my own community or possibly other First Nations communities, helping them meet their goals. “I know how proud everyone is of our new Governance House and it would be great to work towards helping people be proud of the environment they come from.”
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
Poles were the stars When six poles were unveiled on April 9, they marked not only stories-told-incedar beside Governance House, but also a return of almost-lost carving skills to the community. Elder Alvin Wilson never learned to carve as a young man. But of the work, he said: “I’m glad they’re picking this up and passing the tradition on.” He worked with head carver Darren Joseph from Squamish Nation, Powell River carvers Phil Russell and Ivan Rosypskye, alongside the nation’s Randy Timothy, spokesman for the project, and Vincent Timothy. Working under tight deadlines, the team
carved logs donated by Klahoose First Nation from its forestry operations around Toba Inlet. There are male, female and child welcome poles. Standing behind them are poles representing the past, present and future. Wilson visioned the ‘past’ pole with a watchman sitting above a bear with a baby
and an orca. Joseph designed the ‘present’ pole with ancestors at the top over an eagle, raven and bear. Around the pole are salmon, orca and halibut representing the other carvers. Students at Brooks and James Thomson schools helped design the ‘future’ pole with a thunderbird ready to fly as well as handprints of several youth.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 13
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
The Tribal Council More than one speaker referred to the old Alliance Tribal Council, the forerunner of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, publishers of this magazine. “Chief Joe Mitchell (of Sliammon) made the Alliance Tribal Council the genesis of the self-government quest,” said Howard E. Grant – qiyəplenəxʷ– from Musqueam First Nation. He is executive director of the First Nations Summit. Eugene Louie, former Sliammon chief agreed. “The Alliance led the way, way back when.” Hegus Clint Williams with his talking stick
Clint’s talking stick Clint Williams now has a new title – he is now known as hegus instead of chief. By his side during the celebrations and ceremonies on April 9 was his talking stick. It was the first time he publicly showed the treasure. “It was given to me by my aunt and uncle – Alvin Wilson and his late wife Lorraine – after my first election as chief,” he said. “It gives me good memories of my grandparents.”
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Members were brushed off with cedar
Scouts’ Honour Scouts Canada’s has given Tla’amin a gift of 74 acres of land. The Scouts had owned the land, southeast of Lund, since 1974. Three other lots that were part of the treaty settlement surround the landlocked parcel.
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
Dr Evan Tlesla Adams was emcee
Stewart Alsgaard, former Powell River mayor, was honoured for his years’ of support
Klahoose Chief James Delorme
Kim Baird
T’al - wild woman of the woods - mask dance
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 15
COAST SALISH CULTURE
WELCOME HOME, BABIES! Words by Cara McKenna photos by Tricia Thomas
ACCORDING TO SNAW-NAW-AS stories, when residential schools began and ceremonies became illegal, ancestor Nanoose Bob burned all of the First Nation’s regalia in an effort to protect people. Much of the community’s culture was lost, including one of theCoast Salish nation’s most treasured ceremonies – to welcome babies into the community. Snaw-naw-as recently brought that ceremony back for the first time in decades.
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COAST SALISH CULTURE
About two dozen babies and children were welcomed in a daylong event in the community hall with food, ceremony and song. Elder David Bob said Snaw-naw-as decided to keep the event open to children as old as five because the community hadn’t held such a ceremony in so many years. “We haven’t done this in as far back as I can remember,” he said. The ceremony was prompted when organizer Niki Voysey, who works with the Inter-
Tribal Health Authority, attended a similar event at another First Nation. She realized that Snaw-naw-as was mostly having ceremonies for things like deaths, but not many positive events. Charlie George, who was emcee, told people at the event that the ceremony was to introduce the little ones to their people. “My family here at Snaw-naw-as, they wanted to welcome home their children,” he said. “We’re bringing them home today.”
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 17
COAST SALISH CULTURE
HOMALCO DRUMMERS THE HOMALCO DRUM group gets together regularly in the community hall to sing old songs and learn new ones. Many of the songs can be heard by visitors to the Bears of Bute this summer.
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AROUND THE SALISH SEA
Members include (from left) councillor Dorothy Andrew-Paul, Chief Maryann Enevoldsen, Conrad Robinson, Kalvin Hackett, Michael Andrew, Janet Wilson and Cheyenne Hackett (back to camera).
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AROUND THE SALISH SEA
IN MEMORY OF COAST SALISH VETERANS A PRAYER POLE and a warrior canoe were raised in remembrance of Coast Salish veterans. In an event at the Cowichan campus of Vancouver Island University, the two carvings were unveiled in a ceremony attended by veterans from BC and Washington State. It followed an event last Remembrance Day at the Somena longhouse in Cowichan that honoured veterans from both sides of the border. “Most of the time our veterans are not really acknowledged,” said master carver and VIU elder-in-residence Harold Joe. “Recognizing Coast Salish veterans for what they have done for us is important. It’s a great thing.” George Rice carved the prayer pole under the guidance of Harold
Joe while Joe, Roger George, Cory George, Walter Thomas and George Rice carved the warrior canoe. The pole will have a permanent home at VIU. The canoe will be made available for other communities to use as an ‘ambassador of remembrance’ and will travel to another community next Remembrance Day. It is estimated that more than 7,000 Aboriginal Canadians served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. BC Parks and Khowutzun Forestry Services donated timber for the project. Financial support was provided through Veterans Affairs Canada.Financial support was also provided through Veterans Affairs Canada.
Photos by Tricia Thomas
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AROUND THE SALISH SEA
Anita’s flame burns brighter ANITA NOBLE HAS a new job to add to her part-time work as the medical travel assistant at Klahoose First Nation. She was recently was named to run the Candle Creations business from the backroom in the old band office at Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island. “The creativity attracted me to this work, plus I like working by myself,” she said. “I’ve always liked drawing and there is so much potential here.” Anita is another one of the many Klahoose members who have returned home.
She left at age 16 to live in Manitoba and returned to the community in 2012. In addition to coming up with a plan to sell Candle Creations products with Aboriginal themes, Anita said that it is a perfect opportunity to get the community involved. “I want to bring people together
to make candles and I’ll try to sell them.” She hopes to hold workshops as well as sell candles at markets on Cortes and perhaps in nearby Campbell River. “Give me time,” she said looking around the studio. “It’s going to be good.”
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 21
GOVERNANCE
Chief Bryce Williams. photo by Tricia Thomas
BRYCE WINS THIRD TERM AS CHIEF BRYCE WILLIAMS has been elected to his third term as chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation. He was running against Ken Baird and Andrew Bak, both of whom work for the nation. A total of 187 members voted out of an eligible 291. Williams and 13 legislators who were also voted in, including Baird, will serve a three-year term. It is the fourth legislative assembly to be elected since Tsawwassen’s treaty came into effect in 2009. The legislature meets twice per week over two sessions every year over a period of up to two months. Legislators decide what Tsawwassen laws, if any, will be enacted and pass an annual budget.
22 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
Chemkwaat – Valerie Cross-Blackett
ELECTION TO AN
‘AMAZING INSTITUTION’ WHEN I SUBMITTED my nomination to run for a position on the Tsawwassen Legislature, I was ready for any outcome. If I was elected, I would work for my people as I promised. If I wasn’t elected, I would accept the wish of my people with grace and understanding that it was not my time to serve as a Legislator. I have never really been a political person. My roles in the past have been ones that lift up and support our elected leaders. But, after resigning my position as manager of governance services with Tsawwassen, I felt like there was still work
to be done that I could be a part of. My work with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council does allow me to be involved, but not to the degree my heart felt it should be. As I mailed in my nomination and paid my candidate’s fees, I began to realize that this was the beginning of a new journey. I am humbled by the support I received from members as they learned of my candidacy. Members reached out to me and vocalized their support. One family even invited me to their home so that we could discuss my ‘campaign platform’ and answer questions.
GOVERNANCE I have to admit I was a bit nervous attending my first campaign meeting. The whole family was there – mom and dad, sisters, nieces, aunts and uncles! The family hosted me and four other candidates that day. It was a wonderful experience and I was honoured to share that experience with fellow candidates. Election day came and I was elected. I didn’t receive the most votes, nor did I receive the least votes. I was right in the middle, just where I thought I would be. I received emails, texts, Facebook posts and messages congratulating me on being elected as a Tsawwassen Legislator. Then I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” Then I remembered that the Tsawwassen Legislature is an amazing institution. I was part of the team that developed it and I have watched it grow and mature
into the governance role it was designed to fulfill. I love that it works to blend modern and traditional governance practices to meet the needs of our people. I have seen the Tsawwassen Legislature review budgets, amend laws, engage in heated but healthy debate and approve resolutions that have made a direct and positive impact on our members and our lands. There is still much work to be done. The Legislature is really a young institution and it is still developing. I am honoured to be a part of that growth. I am honoured to be a Tsawwassen Legislator. I am honoured to serve the Sćəwaθn Məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen People) like my kwθə syəẃeneɫct (ancestors) before me. All My Relations, Chemkwaat (Valerie Cross-Blackett)
TFN LEGISLATORS Jesseca Adams Louise Ahlm Ken Baird Laura Cassidy Tanya Corbet Valerie Cross-Blackett Nikki Jacobs Andrea Jacobs Jason Morgan Steven Stark Loretta Williams Sheila Williams Victoria Williams
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 23
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA YOU'VE BEEN MULLING OVER IN YOUR HEAD FOR AGES? WONDERING IF IT WOULD EVER WORK OR HOW MUCH WORK IT WOULD ACTUALLY BE? ERIK BLANEY IS THE PERSON TO CALL. He is heading up the Herons Nest, the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council project aimed at individual entrepreneurs. Now in its third year, the Herons Nest has its own Facebook page. “People should feel free to message me and ask questions or seek insight on how to plan out your business,” Erik said. He has also recently featured two projects on the page.
OYSTER BAY
Erik also wrote that “Stz’uminus First Nation started day one of construction yesterday on its Oyster Bay project. Things are getting very real, building the first 10,000 square feet of retail and office space. Stz’uminusis is currently looking for office, restaurant and retail tenants to join the growing roster. Contact Chenoa Akey at Coast Salish Development at 250-9242444. 24 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
TRUE FOUNDATIONS True Foundations reached out to the Herons Nest in the summer of 2015 and has received business development help over the past year. Laurier Mathieu is the owner of the business and is from the Klahoose First Nation. His business is based in Powell River, but is designed to be mobile. He has had contracts on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver. The services offered include crane hoisting, pile driving and mobile welding. Laurier has two Link Belt crawler cranes and a 60-ton Bacyrus Erie along with a Skagit 80-ton and other top-notch equipment. All equipment listed has been inspected and certified The company won a subcontract job with SureSpan on the Evergreen SkyTrain expansion in Port Coquitlam where Laurier said “I drove 400 piles inside a month and a half ”. True Foundations has also hoisted timber-frame buildings and completed a hoisting job for BC Hydro. Contact Laurier Mathieu at laurier_13@hotmail.com
AROUND THE SALISH SEA
HARRY MANSON HONOURED SNUNEYMUXW SOCCER STAR Harry Manson will be honoured at the BC Sports Hall of Fame Banquet of Champions in Vancouver on June 9. Manson, who died in 1912, paved the way for many other Indigenous soccer players during his lifetime and has already received several honours in recent years for that reason. In October, a soccer tournament was held in his name in North Vancouver. And last June, Manson was inducted into the Legends category of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary. He was also named a Pioneer in Canada’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014. Harry’s name in his language – Xul-si-malt – means ‘One who leaves his mark.’
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Cowichan Days Duncan, BC
Sasquatch Festival Scowlitz, BC
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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 25
NAUT’SA MAWT NEWS
MONEY TALKS, NMTC BOARD LISTENS By Mark Kiemele MONEY IS OFTEN on the agenda when Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council’s board of directors meet. But when billions of dollars are under discussion, it gets the attention of everyone. The presentation by Harold Calla of Squamish Nation was about money – and much more. The executive chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board visited T’Souke Nation’s territory to inform NmTC directors about a newly
Board member listened to the presentation on the major projects coalition
formed group called the First Nations major projects coalition. If that sounds a bit dull, Calla had a few zingers to wake people up, such as: “Beads and trinkets not going to happen here.” “The last thing bureaucracy wants is for First Nations to get organized.” “Why do we let money go to Ottawa and then have to go beg to get it back?”
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The major projects coalition has received seed money from Canada. It now wants to convince the Trudeau government that loan guarantees are the only way to ensure that First Nations become truly equal partners in projects tapping into natural resource wealth across the country. “How do we move the goal posts?” asked Calla. “That’s the purpose of the coalition… In order to consider projects,
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NmTC Mentorship Opportunity 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 us an email, including your resume.
jobs@nautsamawt.com 26 SALISH SEA SENTINEL
DOYOU YOU HAVE HAVE AAGREAT DO GREATSTORY STORYTO TOTELL TELL, ...a photo or artwork to share? A PHOTO OR ARTWORK TO SHARE? The Salish Salish Sea Sea Sentinel Sentinel is always looking for contributors Theour Salish Sea Sentinel always forwith from 11-member nations toisshare wordslooking and photos contributors from our 1 1-member nations. If our readers.
you know someone that is a high achiever,
Tell us your story! – If you know someone who that is a high a cultural leader, someone you respect – we achiever, a cultural cultural leader, leader someone or is a person you respect you respect – we would – we would toand hear from you! like would to read likelike towhy read why how and you how honour you honour them. them. Send us an email with your story idea and we will do the rest. Send us anwho email with your idea and And everyone who offers offers an anarticle articleorstory orartwork artwork that that is used is we used in do theorrest. in thewill the magazine magazine on orour on salishseasentinel.ca our salishseasentinel.ca site will sitebewill given be given an honourarium. an honourarium.
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NAUT’SA MAWT NEWS First Nations need to understand what they’re being asked to participate in. We need free prior and informed consent.” Since the First Nations Finance Authority was established, about $250 million has been lent across Canada. But that money, loaned for periods of 10-30 years, is small change compared to what is needed for First Nations to become true equity partners in projects. “To fulfill our traditional duties, we have to sit at boardroom tables,” Calla said. He talked about the many proposals, both large and small, that come across the desks of First Nation leaders. “We should define terms rather than just responding to proposals. But that’s difficult to do as one nation and it sometimes seems like they’re picking us off, one at a time.” And while projects such as oil sands, pipelines, mining and logging can be detrimental to people and cultures, Calla said
Harold Calla. photo by Cara McKenna
there can only be power if First Nations are partners in such projects. “We're all about the money. It's what we do with it that's different,” he said. “Self-government, inherent rights... How do we bring life into these things?” he asked. “We have to quantify the value of our traditional territories, for a start. “I’m not saying we should always say ‘yes’, but we need to be able to say ‘no’ knowledgeably. That’s why we have come together as a group with the federal government’s support. “Industry doesn’t control us any more, but don’t be afraid of it,” Calla said. “I don’t fear projects proceeding, unless they proceed without our involvement. “If we believe in Aboriginal rights and title and believe in all those court decisions, we have to stand up... bring life into these things.”
NOMINATIONS OPENED FOR FIRST ELDERS COUNCIL ELDERS FROM NAUT’SA MAWT Tribal Council nations will soon be providing knowledge and wisdom in their roles as members of the first Elders Advisory Council. Nominations from all nations’ elected leaders as well as from individuals are invited until May 13 for candidates to stand for election to the council. The new body will provide advice on Coast Salish traditions, language and culture to the NmTC board. To be eligible to serve, people must be: • A member of one of the eleven nations; • Recognized as an elder within their nation; • Not a member of a nation’s elected council; and • Interested in serving their nation and NmTC.
Chiefs and councils from nation or individual members can nominate an elder to stand for election. Up to four members of the Elders Council will be elected. The composition of the council will, if possible, include one regional representative from each of the NmTC regions: Northern Vancouver Island Homalco, Klahoose and Tla’amin Mid-Vancouver Island Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, Stz’uminus, and Halalt Southern Vancouver Island T’So-uke and Malahat Mainland Tlseil-Waututh and Tsawwassen Nomination forms and other details are on a link at: www.salishseasentinel.ca
Bryce Williams, chief of Tsawwassen, is the new chair of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. He takes over from James Thomas, chief of Halalt, who served two terms in the position.
SALISH SEA SENTINEL 27
NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL PROUDLY PRESENTS
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HELP SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE The Nau’sa mawt Tribal Council works together as one to support and strengthen its eleven Coast Salish member communities through economic development, strong governance, community planning, financial management and technical services.
ALL FUNDS TO BENEFIT THE ELDERS OF THE NAUT’SA MAWT COMMUNITES.
FOR EVENT INFORMATION CONTACT: Naut’sa Mawt Tribal Council Gail or Caitlin, Event Organizers 604-943-6712 assistant@nautsamawt.com Accommodation has been made available at local hotels.
The Nau’sa mawt Tribal Council Nations: Halalt • Homalco • Klahoose • Malahat • Snaw-naw-as • Tla’amin
28 SALISH SEA SENTINEL Snuneymuxw • Stz’uminus • Tsawwassen • Tseil-Waututh • T’Sou-ke
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