October 2015 by Salish Sea Sentinel

Volume 11 • Issue 09

OCTOBER 2015

BEARS BACK PAGES 9-13

ANYONE LISTENING?

CHIEF DELORME REPORTS

PAGES 4-5

OUR RIVER, OUR FOOD

HALALT’S AQUIFER FIGHT

PAGES 14-15

SILENCE NO MORE LANGUAGE REVIVAL

PAGE 17

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FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (15-092 02/2015)

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

The Salish Sea map was created in 2009 by Stefan Freelan at Western Washington University

OUR MISSION Coast Salish 24/7 Stay Naut’sa mawt SalishSeaSentinel

@SalishSentinel

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

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: Grizzly bear seeks salmon on the Orford River in Bute Inlet. Photo 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 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

Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com

www.stzuminus.com 9. TSAWWASSEN (604) 948-5219 chartman@tfnedc.com www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com 10. TSLEIL-WAUTUTH (604) 929-3454 bbaptiste@twnation.ca www.twnation.ca 11. T’SOU-KE (Sooke) (250) 642-3957 administrator@tsoukenation.com www.tsoukenation.com Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council Vancouver Island Office 1-250-324-1800 www.nautsamawt.org www.nmtcevents.com SALISH SEA SENTINEL

SALISH EYE Tricia Thomas Laxelewetstnaat

“It feels like I am walking alone…” Those words from Pearl Harris, principal at Stz’uminus Secondary School, perfectly describe how many of us feel in times of great loss. With the recent passing of many respected elders in our communities, we feel loss of our valued knowledge keepers and teachers. We remember that our elders were the children who were taken away to residential schools. Without the protection of parents and family, these children were terrified. The songs, stories and dances that connected them to their loved ones’ spirits had to be hidden deep inside because punishments silenced their mother tongues. Some elders say that it is hard to forget being kidnapped and forced to live with

ENJOY COAST SALISH TERRITORY strangers. It still feels wrong to share cultural secrets that might be stolen or abused. Other elders refused to teach their traditions for fear of endangering their own children and grandchildren. Thankfully, we are moving into a new era of acceptance for Aboriginal people to regain their cultural identities. One elder said he had no memory of his childhood language until after the 2008 Government of Canada apology. Suddenly, he could speak it fluently at the age of 72. His language was so deeply hidden that he couldn’t retrieve it until he felt safe. We need to protect our elders and assure them that it’s safe to remember. We need to encourage them to tell us their stories – their life experiences – before it’s too late. We need to learn from them about our history, kinships, territories and traditions.

Some residential school survivors never learned their language. Others were taught by their grandparents and are willing to pass it on. These Elders say that we need to learn our language, change the way we say things, learn who we are in our own words and say what is in our hearts. Our expressions represent our beliefs and attitudes. For example, the Aboriginal word meaning ‘we share one skin with the land’ describes our connection with the Earth. We raise our hands to all the Elders who courageously and generously share their valuable knowledge in classrooms, at gatherings, and through videos and books. Let’s make sure that their stories, songs and traditional teachings are passed down to future generations. Tricia Thomas has worked for the Salish Sea Sentinel since 2014 as a writer, photographer and multi-media designer. She is from Halalt First Nation where her company, Salish Eye Productions, is based.

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2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

‘15 ELECTIONS BC VOTE LOOKS CRUCIAL AS OCT 19 NEARS. People in BC normally hear the results of federal elections before voting booths close here. But the 2015 election on Oct. 19 looks to be a very close three-horse race among the Conservatives, Liberals and NDP with the Green Party becoming a force, especially on Vancouver Island. And, for the first time ever, strong Aboriginal vote could be the decider in several key ridings. That’s why Elections Canada announced in mid-September the launch of a campaign and pilot project targeting Aboriginal people along with students and seniors – the groups most affected by new voter identification requirements.

The ad campaign focuses on how to register and how to vote. The easiest way to register is to go to the Am-I-RegisteredTo-Vote spot at elections.ca and read the instructions. On Election Day, Oct. 19, you may only vote in the polling place designated on the card you should have received in the mail by Oct. 1. The ID requirements are stricter than before (details at elections.ca). Advance voting will be held over the Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 9-12. You can also vote at any Elections Canada office or by mail. Nominations closed on Sept. 28, so the complete list of candidates should be published by now. You must prove your identity and address to register and vote. 1 – Show a driver’s licence or any other government card with your photo, name and current address.

2 – Show two pieces of ID, one with your current address. They may include a Status card, Canadian passport, firearms license, health or social insurance card among many others. 3 –Ifyou have no ID with your address, take an oath. Show two pieces of ID and have someone who knows you attest to your address. This person must show proof of identity and address and be registered in the same polling division.

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 3

ELECTION 2015

COULD IT BE THEY WERE LISTENING?

Leah George-Wilson from Tsleil-Waututh Nation emceed the event. Photo courtesy of BC Government

First Nation leaders from throughout BC gathered in Vancouver on Sept. 8-10 to meet with Premier Christy Clark and her cabinet. Once again, James Delorme, the chief councillor of Klahoose First Nation, was on the scene and sent us this report. IF THERE WAS A CHANCE for any continuation of optimism from last year’s BC Chiefs and Cabinet Gathering, it seemed too much to ask for from chiefs at this year’s event. But some hope remained among chiefs for some long-awaited success. Most, if not all, First Nations delegates who attended were looking for a sliver of progress that could be made between the First Nations Leadership Council and the BC Cabinet. Sadly, many chiefs I spoke with (between speeches and lunch breaks) had already accepted non-confidence in the process. Although we were celebrating the first-year anniversary of the landmark Tsilqot’in Supreme Court decision, many of us were still wondering if the government was listening to First Nations. Admittedly, I was skeptical upon arrival to 4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

the event, but surprisingly I found some common ground by the end of my experience there. This represented a drastic improvement in the relationship between First Nations and the Crown and the results have pleased me. Some highlights of the three day event included: the ever popular one-on-one meetings with a minister or deputy, the speaker series, sector panel sessions and

Chief Delorme (right) with Stz’uminus Chief John Elliot at the gathering.

the BC Chiefs Caucus session. Former Chief, and current Lawyer Leah GeorgeWilson was professional and charming in her role as moderator and the Leadership Council were stern, direct and unwavering in the messages to all Chiefs. Commissioner Wilton Littlechild from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave a moving and heartfelt speech that set the tone for discussions around real reconciliation and what it means for a modern society. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip echoed those sentiments declaring reconciliation needs to be seen as a ‘new reality’ for all First Nations. The individual time spent with ministers was a good approach by the BC Cabinet. It gave chiefs the opportunity to speak on matters that affected them. My time with ministers Amrik Virk and Teresa Wat opened up dialogue for opportunity

LEADERS’ GATHERING 2015 for the Klahoose. The information gained by these meetings will allow Klahoose to continue to have relationships with the government that produce fruitful and productive results. The only way this can continue is when both parties are open to discussion and compromise. The First Nations Leadership Council had a forward-thinking approach. It wanted to see a four-principle plan set in motion that would strengthen the rights and title of all First Nations in BC. The council is comprised of representatives from the executive of the BC Assembly of First Nations (Chief Shane Gottfriedson), the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chief Bob Chamberlin and Chief Judy Wilson) and the First Nations Summit (Grand Chief Edward John, Cheryl Casimer and Robert Phillips). The plan was presented to the chiefs at the caucus meeting on the first day. After some intense discussions around details of what the messaging should be, the overall consensus was to support the plan. On the second day, the plan was presented to the BC Cabinet for review. The final day included a host of speaker series sessions covering important subjects such as environmental stewardship, mining and forests, Aboriginal tourism, children and families, education and LNG. To my surprise on Sept. 15, the BC Government made an announcement. A commitment was made to the public and to all First Nations to implement a plan that includes the recommendations of the First Nations Leadership Council. Specifically, they highlighted the focus on reconciliation agreements and the proposed commitment document. Could it be they were listening? Of course, we still have the outstanding issues with LNG, the Site C hydro project and the Mount Polley mine disaster. These things have weakened the overall relationship between First Nations and the provincial government. However this new movement forward can possibly bridge the gap to meaningful discussion that helps make reconciliation a reality for all First Nations in BC.

Ray Harris from Stz’uminus talks with Premier Clark. Harris sits on the First Nations Summit executive. Photo courtesy of BC Government

I want to thank the Coast Salish nations from the Vancouver area for allowing me to visit their territory. It was a trip I will never forget and I look forward to the work this year to make reconciliation a reality. Thank you to chiefs and delegates for their honesty, smiles and laughteras well as to the BC Cabinet for hosting this event.

ONLINE BC Announcement – http://ow.ly/Sd15B Chief Delorme’s article on the 2014 gathering – Actions speak louder than words – is on salishseasentinel.ca

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH LEADER AN INDSPIRE-ATION By Cara McKenna Special to The Sentinel

LEONARD GEORGE was praised as an economic development visionary when the 2016 Indspire award winners were announced in Toronto in mid-September and a former Sentinel journalist was on the scene. In 1989, the unemployment rate on the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation’s reserve in North Vancouver hovered between 60 and 80 per cent. Today, it’s less than three per cent – a change that can be traced back to the work of Leonard George. That’s just one of the reasons why George has been honoured with an Indspire award for public service. Indspire CEO Roberta Jamieson announced the 14 award winners and said George: “has illuminated the future for indigenous peoples in his community and across the country. He’s done it all.” The room of indigenous trailblazers from across Canada heard that George has been a visionary in making positive changes in his community. He was chief of the Tsleil-Waututh for 12 years before becoming the band’s director of economic development and chief negotiator.

Speaking at the Coast Salish Treaty signing in 2014

6 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Carrying the Olympic flame in 2010

He was responsible for economic agreements that led to the 800-unit condo development Raven Woods, and was in charge of negotiations around wind turbines, construction, forestry and cultural tourism. Leonard George is also an actor, having appeared in Smoke Signals, Skins and Americathon and is a respected spiritual leader around the Salish Sea and beyond. George said it is a time of change for First Nations people and that awards are important to recognize positive work. “I’m so proud to have lived in a time where there has been so much wonderful change

for First Nations people,” he said. “I would say it’s better to find solutions than to worry about the negative issues.” George also acknowledged his wife who has stood with him and supported his work for 35 years. “I couldn’t have done anything I’ve done without her,” he said.

Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee medal in 2013 from Senator Larry Campbell

Drumming at the 2011 TWN cultural festival

Leonard will accept his award on Feb 12 at the Indspire awards gala in Vancouver.

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

SNUNEYMUXW CENTRE OPENS IN OCTOBER The long-awaited community multiplex in the heart of Snuneymuxw First Nation is due to open in early October. Chief John Wesley said an opening date was due soon for the building that features a gymnasium, a multi-purpose room, a commercial kitchen and the new Tuytaxun general store, as well as a cafe. With a view of the Salish Sea, and from the main reserve lands to other Snuneymuxw lands at the mouth of the Nanaimo River, the new gathering space will offer a place for community members to come together for special events as well as for fitness and supplies.

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TSAWWASSEN ON THE RIGHT PATH BICYCLERS AND WALKERS from the nearby BC Ferries terminal will be able to connect with Tsawwassen First Nation, thanks to $440,000 from BikeBC for a new multi-use path. Chief Bryce Williams said the new path will be a “core piece of our bike and pedestrian network. This links our emerging oceanfront trail network with our growing residential and commercial developments, and is an important piece of building a sustainable community.”

Tsawwassen Chief Bryce Williams (right) with Transportation Minister Todd Stone

The new off-street path will extend from Tsawwassen Drive North at Blue Heron Way to Breakwater Path. It will connect to the ferry terminal as well as to the recently-opened Blue Heron Way multi-use path.

Minister of Transportation Todd Stone said the path will provide recreational and tourism opportunities for the nation and an important link to existing Translink services throughout the Lower Mainland.

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THE 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. Sentinel photographer Tricia Thomas recently joined a journey to Bute to see what all the excitement is about and to learn about on-going research into the bears and their lifestyles.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 9

photos by Tricia Thomas

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AROUND THE SALISH SEA

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photo by Shawn O’Connor VIDEO CAMERAS mounted on trees are contributing towards research on bears around the Orford River and visitors will soon learn more about one family that includes Patty, Momo and Rocky. While tourists take in stunning sights of bears feasting on coho and chum salmon, a biologist working for Homalco First Nation is leading a team gathering samples of bear hair and studying video footage of the animals. Homalco Wildlife Tours wanted to learn more about the bears that live around Bute. Coast Opportunity Funds helped pay for a biologist to carry out noninvasive research on the number of bears in the area, how they are related and what they do when they’re not fishing.

Lana Ciarniello of Aklak Wildlife Consulting began work in early spring tracking the grizzly trails around the Orford and Lana Ciarniello Algard Creek and up into sub-alpine areas above the inlet. The bears’ marked trees and beds have been photographed and recorded. Bears follow the same trails, Ciarniello said, often stepping in their own tracks repeatedly throughout the season, which creates an elongated footprint – sometimes mistaken for other tracks.

“They believe that is where the legend of the Sasquatch came from,” she said. To count and identify bears, hair samples are collected from rubbing trees and sent for DNA analysis that reveals gender. To determine ages, cameras are attached to trees so bears can be seen rubbing. Matching the level of the marks to the samples and comparing with the video footage gives information on a bear’s age. The recently identified family includes Patty (black triangle on her head), Momo (black stripe) and Rocky (black eye).

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 11

Mother Grizzly with cub fishing on the Orford River, where Homalco Wildlife Tours works with scientists to use non-invasive methods to identify the animals

This up-close-and-personal information about the bears’ behaviour and relationships will be shared on tours and compiled into a booklet for visitors. Researchers are also gathering information on visitor use and whether it is affecting the bears. When not watching the bears, guests can learn more about the Homalco traditional territory at the nearby information centre. Displays tell the stories of Orford Bay, the settlement at Church House (Aupe) and other significant places for the Xwemalhkwu (Homalco) people. Woven cedar hats, baskets, carvings and drums are also on view.

KLAHOOSE LAUNCHES VENTURE. In the territory around Yekwamen (Toba Inlet), Klahoose First Nation recently launched a new ecotourism venture with partner Aboriginal Journeys. Klahoose Coastal Adventures launched its whale-watching and bear tours in late August with several people from the community working as tour and cultural guides. Arlene Hope won the contest to name the company and artist Robert Mearns created the company logo. More information:

DID YOU KNOW? Bears belong to the Ursidae family of carnivores. In the language of Homalco, Klahoose and Sliammon, they are called . Further south, the Hul’qumi’num word for bear is spe’uth while the Coast Salish people from Sooke to Saanich use the SENĆOŦEN word SPÁ,EŦ.

Homalco Wildlife Tours: www.thebearsofbute.com Klahoose First Nation: www.klahoose.org

Bear design by Darren Blaney of Homalco First Nation

photo by Garry Henkel 12 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 13

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

Chief James Thomas talks about habitat to school children visiting a Chemainus River sidechannel at Halalt

“

OUR RIVER, OUR FOOD

Halalt will continue to do everything we can to protect our river and the aquifer. We are stewards of the entire watershed. It is our job to protect the fish and habitat from the estuary to the river’s source.”

by Tricia Thomas

THE FIGHT GOES ON. After 12 years of legal battling, ques-

- Halalt Chief James Thomas, Nov. 2012

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tions remain at Halalt First Nation about who owns rights to the water and how to ensure safety of the Chemainus River system. Three years ago, the Municipality of North Cowichan won a BC court decision allowing it to start pumping water to nearby residential centres in high-water months from the river’s aquifer in Halalt territory. Now, after the driest year on record, the Chief Thomas with grandson and municipality wants year-round access lawyer William Andrew to the aquifer. While the municipality wants quick solutions to meet provincial funding deadlines, Halalt points out that habitat assessments need to be done over time in order to determine whether the aquifer will be able to meet ever-increasing demands. The nation also wants to learn about the source of recharging the aquifer. If it is connected to the river, then overuse could devastate a river already heavily impacted by logging, agriculture and other developments. For 30 years, Chief James Thomas has been concerned about low river levels trapping salmon fry within the river’s channel. “Our fish were stranded or unable to hatch due to low flow in March this year – five months earlier than usual. Extraction of water from the Chemainus River aquifer would be a nail in the coffin for the juvenile salmon in our backyard.” Additionally, the municipality proposes to release water from the Banon Creek reservoir into the river if the aquifer ever becomes threatened. The North Cowichan website claims that: “temperatures will be improved in Chemainus River by flow release from Holyoak Lake and Banon.”

AROUND THE SALISH SEA But Halalt says that influx of warmer water will harm the spawning and rearing environment for the five species of salmon inhabiting the river. Halalt, Lyackson, Snuneymuxw and Penelakut currently use the Chemainus River side channel for salmon enhancement. Due to higher than normal temperatures in May, there were 25 early-run Chinook instead of the usual 2000 fish, in the past. The previous working relationship between Halalt and the municipality seems to be eroding. In July, the municipality began water testing without consulting Halalt and without notifying the nation of its application to the Environmental Assessment Office for year-around pumping. As drought patterns increase, watersheds throughout Vancouver Island are threatened. Halalt wants to avoid mistakes that have devastated parts of California through unsustainable groundwater use. It warns of possible land sinking, saltwater intrusion and contamination. Damage to an aquifer is permanent. It is also asking: How many generations of salmon fail to return to their spawning grounds before they are gone forever?

Roger Elliot of Stz’uminus (right) and Kenny Thomas of Penelakut transplant kw’a’luhw (chum) salmon eggs at the side channel in Febraury

For more information: Search salishseasentinel.ca for “salmon starve” Search for “Chemainus well” at northcowichan.ca

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 15

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

DARIAN SCORES!

ELSIE’S BOOK HONOUR

DARIAN HARRIS SCORED a goal in his first game with the Orangeville Ice Crushers. His parents Tim and Shauna Harris cheered so loudly that they could probably be heard in the city about 80 kms from Toronto. The 17-year-old forward from Stz’uminus First Nation joined Orangeville to play in the tough Greater Metro Hockey League in Ontario after a sterling junior hockey performance in BC. On the day he left for Ontario, Darian wrote on his Facebook page: “I just have to say thank you to everyone for supportHat-trick during Game 4 ing me through my hockey career. It’s sure not easy, but I’m trying my hardest. I’m really gonna miss a lot of people, but I really have to say a huge thank you to my parents! I would not be flying out in 3 hours if it wasn’t for them. I know I don’t say it a lot but I really do appreciate everything you guys do for me and thank you for everything that I have!”

ELSIE PAUL has received a Clio award from the Canadian Historical Association for her book Written as I Remember It: Teachings (eems taeaw) from the Life of a Sliammon Elder. The award in Ottawa came along with the 2015 Aboriginal history book prize. The association said the award recognized Elsie’s “willingness to share her narrative with all of us”. Elsie Paul on the cover of the The book, which was featured in The February 2015 issue Sentinel earlier this year, was written with Paige Raibmon and Elsie’s granddaughter Harmony Johnson. Elsie was born in 1931. Grandparents Jim and Molly Timothy raised her in Sliammon. She married William Paul in 1948 and the couple had nine children. More information at www.cha-shc.ca

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GUAGE N LA

BACK TO LIFE by Tricia Thomas

STZ’UMINUS First Nation members got together for ten days in August to cook, circle talk, tell stories and play games – and nobody spoke a word of English! Karol Louie, teacher at Nutsamaat Lelum daycare, raved: “We cooked fish soup, fry bread and baked bread and it was all in Hul’qumi’num! This is one of the best language courses I have taken.”Dr. Donna Gerdts organized the immersion class. She is a Simon Fraser University linguist and researcher. Originally designed for teachers and fluent speakers, the approach was adjusted to include the many community members wanting to participate. “There was more than one teacher and we were separated into groups (fluent, intermediate and beginners) based on our level of Hul’qumi’num,” said Louie. “What I liked most was the repetition.” Starting in 2002 with a strategic plan to revitalize the Coast Salish language, the Stz’uminus goal is to certify fluent speakers to teach a language ‘Nest’ program – a Hul’qumi’num immersion class – funded by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. Pearl Harris, principal at Stz’uminus Senior Secondary said, “In future, we’ll have a room where parents can attend and learn Hul’qumi’num together with their children.” According to a 2011 Vancouver Island community-based study, elders are a crucial link to restoring culture. Supporting elders to speak and share their language is the first step in the process. Many are ‘silent speakers’ who understand what is being said, but refuse to speak themselves.

Karol Louie (right) sharing language through song at Nutsamaat Lelum in Stz’uminus

“Working through our language brings out a lot of emotions because there is a reason that we lock up,” Harris said. “No one tells us we can’t speak anymore, but we just don’t. We’re working on it.” Some Tsleil-Waututh members also took part in the Stz’uminus class for two days. They shared their own communitybased approach that incorporates gesture signing into the language program called ‘Where are your Keys?’.

Where are your Keys?’ is a comprehensive method used to revitalize endangered langauges. Visit whereareyourkeys.org

Hwu’nii’mul’wut - Karol Louie

working together for sustainable communities

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 17

OUR TRADITIONAL FOODS

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURS SEE MALAHAT LNG PLANS ESTHER HARRY and her grandson Keith saw details for an industrial project planned on their doorstep when they went to the Kwunew-Kwasun cultural centre on Sept. 16. They were among many Malahat First Nation members who turned out – along with people from neighbouring communities, politicians and even a few protesters – for an information Keith with his grandmother Esther Harry evening about the nation’s proposed liquefied natural gas plant in Saanich Inlet. “I really don’t care for what’s going on,” Esther said of the announcement in August of plans for the floating LNG facility at the nation’s recently purchased 535-hectare Bamberton property. “I never knew what was going on until we saw it in the papers.” Keith was also surprised by the project plans and said: “We need more information. They should explain it a lot more.” But senior staff from Malahat, along with partners Steelhead LNG and Williams Northwest Pipeline, said the open house was just the first of many opportunities to learn details about the project through the initial phases over the next few years. Also on hand were leaders from neighbouring nations, including Tsartlip from just across the inlet, as well as about a dozen antifracking protesters wearing Anonymous masks. Looming over the LNG project is the Nov. 2 special election for a new chief and council. Days after the Bamberton purchase was announced in early August came the sudden resignation of Chief Michael Harry. He stepped down over alleged financial improprieties involving a contaminated soil treatment facility in nearby Shawnigan Lake. Councillor Tommy Harry was named interim chief and his first big announcement was that Michael Harry and two other councillors had resigned. The November date is two months before the previously scheduled vote. It will be the first under the new Malahat custom election code. 18 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Fracking protestors wearing Anonymous masks

Salish Sea Sentinel Magazine

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Please contact Tricia Thomas at triciathomas@salishseasentinel.ca

COAST SALISH 24/7 - STAY NAUT’SA MAWT

OCT

2015

HWISULENUXW (LEAVES FALLING OFF TREES)

2-4 Tsawwassen First Nation’s fourth members gathering to learn about upcoming initiatives, provide feedback to staff and elected officials, and visit with family and friends, River Rock Casino, Richmond.

16 Malahat Nation Champions gala- Nation building takes a community of champions, with special guests singer Tanya Tagaq and actress Roseanne Supernault, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Hotel.

2-4 Vancouver Island Traditional Foods conference, Fort Rupert. www.indigenousfoodsvi.ca

NOV

2015

2-4 Comprehensive community planning (CCP) Workshop, hosted by Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Whistler. 16-18 Joint Gathering 2015 hosted by the First Nations Leadership Council and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Pinnacle Harbour Front Hotel, Vancouver. DEC

2015

6-8 Xyntax Summit, users from across Canada meet in Banff. www.xyntax.ca

TTH’AL’XWUMUTSUN

SHTS’ULWE’SUM

2 The annual general meeting of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council will be held in Snuneymuxw territory with the venue in Nanaimo to be selected soon.

14-16 International LNG in BC conference, Vancouver Convention Centre lngconference.ca Roseanne Supernault

SALISH SEA CALENDAR

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL 19

NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL

IT’S OFFICIAL!

MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY 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.

Guests from the Tsawwassen community

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.

CHIEF BRYCE WILLIAMS recently said farewell to Gary Reith, the chief administrator for Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC), when the tribal council hosted a lunch for Tsawwassen First Nation leaders and staff. NmTC offices have been on Tsawwassen First Nation lands for 30 years, but the growing nation needed the building for its administration. NmTC’s Lower Mainland office is now located at 330-6165 Highway 17A in Delta.

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

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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CALL US FIRST! 20 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

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