Salish Sea Sentinel February 2017 by Salish Sea Sentinel

Volume 13 . Issue 1

February 2017

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NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL NATIONS

Naut’sa mawt - Working together as one Mark Kiemele – Editor editor@salishseasentinel.ca Cara McKenna – Reporter/Photographer caradawnmckenna@gmail.com Tricia Thomas – Photographer Bronwen Geddes – Copy Editor Kelly Landry & Carmel Ecker - Design & Layout Manoj Sood - Advertising ads@salishseasentinel.ca 604-943-6712 or 1-888-382-7711 Gary Reith, CAO - Publisher Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 330-6165 Highway 17A Delta, BC, V4K 5B8 604-943-6712 or 1-888-382-7711 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #42922026 Undeliverable mail may be returned to: 330-6165 Highway 17A Delta, BC, V4K 5B8 circulation@salishseasentinel.ca 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 right 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: Audrey Siegl of Musqueam Indian Band holds up a drum at a mass rally against Kinder Morgan on the streets of Vancouver. – Photo by Cara McKenna Clarification The Sentinel failed to credit photographer Tricia Thomas for the following photos in recent issues: November – Cover photo; Page 3 the top large image of children; Page 6 the Stz’uminus development image; Page 21, the Witness Blanket image; and all images on Page 28. December-January – Page 7, Erralyn Thomas; Page 38, Lawrence Mitchell and children; Page 40, the Good family; Page 41, Kristin Thomas; Page 42, Fred Elliot; and Page 44, the Witness Blanket.

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

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 Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com www.stzuminus.com

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 (604) 483-9646 clint.williams@sliammon.bc.ca www.sliammonfirstnation.com 6. SNAW-NAW-AS (Nanoose) (250) 390-3661 chris.bob@nanoose.org www.nanoose.org

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

SAYSUTSHUN: NEWCASTLE ISLAND’S HIDDEN TREASURE By Celestine Aleck Long ago before we had cars, planes, trains and ferries, our Snuneymuxw war canoes were used as taxis to bring trading goods across to Vancouver and back. Two Snuneymuxw’s were hired out for a trip to Vancouver. They had rested up and were going to make their way back home. Three men came up to them saying “Snuneymuxw?” The two Snuneymuxw’s understood that they wanted to hire them for a ride home. The men paid the two Snuneymuxw’s and they got into the canoe with their belongings. Among those belongings there was a wooden box. The man that had the box sat on the box all the way to Nanaimo. When they were about halfway, two of the men began to fight over the box. The man who had sat on the box jumped off

the canoe and swam away. He didn’t want to have anything to do with this fight. The other two men who were fighting had both stabbed each other and fell over the canoe. The two Snuneymuxw’s didn’t know what to do, so they came home and just pulled the wooden box up in front of the longhouse. A wife came outside and asked why that box was outside and asked who it belonged to. The husband said, “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” The wife said, “Well, if it’s nothing to worry about, why is it there?” After a while, the husband finally told his wife: “Ok, we got hired back from Vancouver and on the way home these three guys killed themselves fighting over this box and there is the box.” The wife then said, “Well, if someone came along and thought you may have killed them for this box, you must get rid of it.”

Left: A provincial park map of Newcastle Island. Right: An aerial image of Newcastle Island. Inset: Celestine Aleck.

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He grabbed his friend and they picked up the box and brought it to the canoe. They had pulled up to Newcastle Island – Saysutshun – and dug a deep hole and placed the box in the hole. Then the man said, “Let’s see what all this fight is about?” So, the box was hammered open and there were bricks of gold, coins and paper money. They knew they couldn’t spend it, because it was probably stolen and people died for it, so maybe it was cursed. So they hammered the box back up and covered it with dirt and pulled huge rocks over the hidden treasure. Newcastle Island has hidden treasure. Our elders still talk about it to this day. Celestine Aleck – Sahiltiniye – from Snuneymuxw was featured in the last issue of the Sentinel as the author of eight books in the Strong Stories series available from www.strongnations.com

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

CHIEF DAN GEORGE EXHIBIT IN NEW NORTH VAN MUSEUM? Chief Dan George, the former leader of Tsleil-Waututh Nation and a famed Indigenous actor, could be on stage again. A new North Vancouver Museum is applying for funds to design a touring exhibit featuring Chief Dan George as an event for Canada’s 150th anniversary this year. The new $5.5 million museum will open in 2019 in Lower Lonsdale. An Aboriginal Voices working group has been part of planning the project and includes people from Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Dr. Suzie Nilson and Stella Johnny - Photo courtesy of VIU.

VIU OFFERS PLANT STUDY FROM TWO VIEWPOINTS A traditional knowledge keeper and a biology professor have joined forces to teach two different ways of learning and knowing science at Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan campus. Exploring plants and the environment from both Indigenous and Western viewpoints will be the focus of Dr. Suzie Nilson and Stella Johnny from Cowichan Tribes in the new course that started in January. Johnny has a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations studies from VIU and is currently working on her Masters of Education in Leadership. She said that

she is excited to share her traditional plant medicine knowledge with students and the protocols that surround the harvesting of local plants, as well as continuing to learn herself. “We share knowledge through stories that explain why the plant medicine does what it does, and those stories help us remember,” she says. “Protocol is very important. When you’re harvesting, you need to think about where and what time you’re harvesting, why you’re doing it, and make sure that’s stated clearly before you begin.”

Chief Dan George.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 3

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

Darian at right with two Team BC teammates. Chief MaryAnn Enevoldsen - Photo courtesy of Government of BC.

‘BC BUD’ TRADEMARKED SAYS HOMALCO CHIEF Chief MaryAnn Enevoldsen talked about the potential of the medical marijuana industry in her end-of-theyear message to the Homalco First Nation community. “The most recent projections for the recreational marijuana industry are $22.6 billion a year. I intend to continue to pursue all opportunities in this industry from seed to sale. “Growing and owing dispensaries will be the areas in which I intend to fiercely pursue. Dispensaries located both on reserve and in the Vancouver areas will provide not only employment to members, but also have the potential to end poverty for our people. “I have been successful in trade marking ‘BC Bud’ and councillor Darren Blaney designed our logo and has incorporated our medicine man into the design.” 4 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

ABORIGINAL ICE TOURNEY ON ISLAND THIS SPRING About 450 players, coaches and team staff will be coming to Cowichan for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships from May 1-6. The tourney features elite midget-age male and female Aboriginal hockey players from across Canada to compete and celebrate cultural unity and pride. All-star players from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Eastern Door and Quebec, Atlantic and the North will be on the ice. Cowichan community leaders involved

with the highly-successful 2008 North American Indigenous Games are at work for the May tourney. Primary venues are arenas in Duncan and Cowichan Lake. The championships are coordinated by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council. Last year, the C team featured Island players like Darian Harris from Stz’uminus First Nation, Keenan Eddy and Ty Brant. It went undefeated at the tourney in Mississauga, Ontario.

More information at http://aboriginalsportbc.ca

AROUND THE SALISH SEA HEALTH AT THE HEART OF RENEWED ACCORD A renewed Vancouver Island partnership accord – focused on better health services and outcomes for First Nations families – was signed in December. Chiefs, elders and community members from nations joined representatives from First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Island Health and First Nations Health Directors to celebrate the signing. The first accord was signed in 2012 and the renewal builds

First Nations from throughout the Island participated in the ceremonies.

upon lessons learned since then about all aspects of health and wellness. “This accord illustrates just how far we have come,” said Joe Gallagher, the chief executive officer of the FNHA who is from Tla’amin First Nation. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships and health services in support of healthy, selfdetermining and vibrant BC First Nations children, families and communities.”

The renewed accord was signed at Snuneymuxw. — All photos courtesy of FNHA

Above: The renewed accord was signed at Snuneymuxw. Left: Joe Gallagher signs the accord.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 5

AROUND THE SALISH SEA ‘MANY STARS’ SHINES ACROSS CANADA

An artistic rendition of the new hatchery.

TLA’AMIN JOBS, SUPPORT FOR NEW SHELLFISH PLANT A land-based shellfish hatchery on the Sunshine Coast has received the thumbsup from Tla’amin First Nation. Workers from Tla’amin have been employed at the Hummingbird Cove hatchery and research station near Saltery Bay over the past two years. And the facility has received support from the hegus (chief) of the nation. “We were initially worried about waste going into the ocean, but that will be filtered,” Clint Williams told the Powell River Peak newspaper. “We have concerns about net-pen (salmon) farms, but this is a dry-land facility and we are eager to see that it is as green as they say it is.” The $40-million project south of Tla’amin lands and Powell River could create up to 50 permanent jobs. The project is a collaboration between Pacific Aquaculture International and Hummingbird Cove Lifestyles, part of a Chinese company. Set to open sometime in February, the hatchery is licensed by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans to produce 23 species including urchins, geoduck, sea cucumbers, scallops, oysters, clams and mussels. By 2020, construction is expected to be finished on a second project to grow shellfish. When that’s complete, Hummingbird Cove will be one of North America’s largest shellfish hatchery and farming operations. More information at www.humcoveaquaculture.com

Ellen White – Kwulasulwut – has been appointed to the Order of Canada. The Snuneymuxw elder whose name means ‘Many Stars’ was honoured for her work as a community leader and for her efforts to preserve the Hul’qumi’num language. The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, made the announcement on Dec. 30. He said, “Let’s be inspired by the examples set by these remarkable Canadians and use this occasion to build a smarter and more caring country in which every individual can succeed to the greatest extent possible.” Her son, Doug White Jr., said: “The entire family is extremely honoured for the recognition that has been bestowed upon our mother for her lifetime of work and service. “My mother has done significant work that has helped to build understanding between First Nations and non-First Nations people. “This includes the publishing of multiple books of Coast Salish stories and her political work and advocacy that has helped to establish good working rela-

Ellen White with Geraldine Manson.

tionships and improved quality of life by securing essential services such as water and electricity for our community.” In 2011, a few weeks after her 89th birthday, Ellen White received the Order of BC from then-Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point. And in 2006, she was described as a “figure of legendary proportion” when she received an Honourary Doctorate of Laws degree at the former Malaspina College in Nanaimo, now known as Vancouver Island University.

PARK PLAN REJECTED, BUT OPTIONS EXIST A request from Snaw-naw-as First Nation leaders to have part of their unceded territory turned into a national park has been rejected by the land’s legal owners. The chief and council had requested to have a section of Nanoose Bay waterfront, owned by the Department of National Defence (DND), turned into a public space. The land is near the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges facility. DND told chief and council that the site can’t be turned into a public park because it must stay fully secure under its current framework. “This will continue to apply for the foreseeable future,” said DND spokesperson Ashley Lemire. “Therefore, enhanced access to the land, i.e., creating a public park, unfortunately does not meet this criteria.” Lemire said that DND is still open to exploring other possibilities around the property and will continue its dialogue with chief and council. Chief Brent Edwards told the Nanaimo News Bulletin that the nation is now asking for marine-only access to the site. “We’re just going to keep hammering them because they are not using that property,” he said. “We think it is something that not just people in our community, but people in the surrounding communities, will support.”

AROUND THE SALISH SEA IT MAY STILL BE WINTER, BUT IT’S TIME TO THINK FARMING Registration is open until Feb. 15 for students in a new season of growing at the Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School. It is a unique collaboration between the First Nation and the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University that fuses sustainable agriculture and traditional indigenous food systems. “Anyone can attend TFN Farm School,” said Corrine Singfield. “There are no prerequisites or exams. All you need is a desire to grow some serious food in a sustainable way.” The nine-month, part-time program teaches the art and science of small scale organic farming and direct marketing in a hands-on way. Learning and growing takes place at the 20-acre organic working farm on the nation’s traditional lands. The farm boasts a traditional medicine garden, a mixed fruit orchard and market garden, animals including chickens and pigs as well as incubator plots on which program graduates can launch their own farm-related businesses.

Top: Crowds attended a 2015 pig roast at the farm. Middle: Ruth Adams gave a welcome at a farm event in 2015.

More information at www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm

TSAWWASSEN’S PROJECTS ARE PUT IN PERSPECTIVE IN REPORT FROM CEO

Chris Hartman

“For 200 years the Tsawwassen First Nation was a welfare state, but no longer.” Those were the words of Chris Hartman, head of the nation’s economic development corporation, who spoke to the South Delta Probus Club late last year. Hartman spoke of an expected 5,600 permanent retail and warehouse jobs on Tsawwassen’s treaty settlement lands. The nation’s joint ventures and long-term land leases in retail, industrial and housing could bring in up to $14 million in tax revenues and 6,000 new residents. Revenues from the recently opened Tsawwassen Mills and the Tsawwassen Commons, housing developments and the Deltaport Logistics Centre all contribute to the nation’s infrastructure improvements. Work has begun on the logistics hub

that will be able to house over four million square feet of state-of-the-art intermodal, goods-handling, light manufacturing, warehousing and distribution services. He also talked about the future of Splashdown waterpark that closed at the end of last summer. A prediction he made at the Probus meeting came true in early January when a hotel complex was announced for the site. It will include a new waterslide. He also explained how Tsawwassen members, who are all shareholders, receive dividend cheques, but will lose their tax-exempt status in a few years and start paying income tax. Hartman added that through career training, preferential hiring and self-employment assistance, members are being given the tools to succeed in the long term. SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 7

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

WATER AND HYDRO DEVELOPMENT EYED BY TLA’AMIN A proposed hydroelectric development that could increase Tla’amin Nation’s water supply, among other benefits, is one step closer to being built. The nation is moving forward with a full feasibility study for the project that will involve researching fish habitats and conducting various other assessments. The BC government, which is funding the study, said that there is potential for a three-megawatt hydroelectric development

This is one step on a long journey, but it is a journey that we are choosing to take together. Hegus Clint Williams

8 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

on the Sliammon River and Lake. (Sliammon was the name of Tla’amin before its treaty was signed in April 2016.) The development, if built, would involve upgrading and replacing current infrastructure. It could provide the community with sustainable energy, jobs and income through selling electricity to BC Hydro. “The end point of this project is to have a clean-energy power source that will provide sustainable revenue and jobs and training opportunities for our community,” Tla’amin Hegus (Chief) Clint Williams said in a statement. “This is one step on a long journey, but it is a journey that we are choosing to take together.”

ALMOST $50 MILLION COMING TO SNUNEYMUXW Snuneymuxw First Nation is awaiting the arrival of nearly $50 million from Canada later this year. Snuneymuxw has created the Thlap’qwum Community Settlement Trust to administer funds that will come from 98.1% of Snuneymuxw votes saying ‘Yes’ to the largest specific land claim in BC history that involved the 79-acre Thlap’qwum lands near downtown Nanaimo. Once the money arrives, about $10,000 will be distributed to each member with children’s money held in trust, earning interest, until they turn 19. Community trustees have been named and will begin training soon so they can fulfill their role as trustees of the funds, developing policies that will guide both them and the membership. The trustees include: • Keith Atkinson is a member of Snuneymuxw, a registered professional forester and CEO of the First Nations Forestry Council. • Sandra Good is a long-time councillor, probably best know for helping create and run innovative programs at Snuneymuxw’s health centre. • Dave Mannix spent the last eight years as executive director at Coast Opportunity Funds and was Snuneymuxw’s economic development officer for 12 years.

• Captain Robert D. Nelson is a Snuneymuxw member who worked for BC Ferries from Haida Gwaii to Swartz Bay. He has a maritime studies degree and an MBA. • Margaret White has worked for 28 years in various roles and served a term on Snuneymuxw council. She currently works for the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group and Hul’qumi‘num Fisheries Limited Partnership. • Don Woods is an administrative trustee with Toronto Dominion Securities.

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT MONEY?

When the Sentinel first decided to do a series about personal finance, we didn’t want to simply have articles about bank and credit union services or well-used words about things like investing and spending money. Then Joe Allen of Nanaimo offered his words on what to do with a land claim disbursement. He is aware of the recent Snuneymuxw First Nation $49 million specific land claim settlement in the city.

The path for what to do with the money from a land claim disbursement—or any other large amount of money you might receive—may walk with a different spirit than the disbursement from residential schools. The schools’ attachment to that disbursement was one that most people want to move away from and place in the past. This settlement money is about the decolonization of cultures and the celebration of the traditions of potlatch and the bighouse. This is an opportunity for individuals to share and learn by engaging community

and connecting with the land in a spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual way. Instead of buying a new vehicle or electronic gadget, why not invest in yourself? Your money can ignite the energy to walk past inequity, racism, and rejected language and culture. This disbursement is an opportunity to learn about heritage. Perhaps you can visit with an elder or relative to share history and talk about the future. As you talk with others, and think about what you can do with all that money, remember the four domains of learning: spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual. Spiritual is all about our journey to learn our potential as human beings. Western educational theory trivializes emotion. It advocates objectivity and unemotional detachment in student-teacher relationships. Instead, use this opportunity to follow an Indigenous style of education with emotions that can be as important as the learning process itself. This non-

colonial style of learning creates the desire to know, rather than the hierarchical, paternalistic practice of being told what to know. The physical is about creating a safe place for yourself, both physically and emotionally. Connect to the land and create a sense of place. Finally, the intellectual side is about respect and patience for ourselves and others. The opportunity to create good for all of you receiving this gift—and to give to future children, grandchildren and generations to come—is here. Invest this money in personal education and discovery, both in the your community and using Indigenous thinking Indigenous-thinking resources like Vancouver Island University and others. Joe Allen is a financial security advisor and investment representative for Freedom 55 Financial and Quadrus Investment Services in Nanaimo joe.allen@freedom55 financial.com. SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 9

PIPELINE OR PIPEDREAM? By Cara McKenna The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, now approved by Canada and BC, has Indigenous leaders, local governments and environmentalists threatening to fight the project to the bitter end. Kinder Morgan’s $6.8 billion expansion of the pipeline will nearly triple capacity between the tar sands of Alberta and the coast of BC and is set to increase tanker traffic in Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s backyard sevenfold. Scientists have cited numerous risks, including an oil spill that would devastate the Burrard Inlet and other parts of the Salish Sea, as well as the possible extinction of southern resident killer whales. But both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Christy Clark have claimed, ironically perhaps, that the approval of Trans Mountain will actually help to protect the fragile coast. Late last November, the prime minister announced Canada’s approval of the pipeline along with more funding for clean energy and coastal cleanup. A statement said that the Trans Mountain project will “grow our economy while protecting the environment Canadians cherish.” Then, on Jan. 11, BC’s premier cemented the deal by adding her approval of the project, saying the province reached an “unprecedented” revenue-sharing agreement with Kinder Morgan of $50 million per year. “And every penny of that will go into environmental protection,” Premier Clark said. “This is about protecting our coast.” Many predict the pipeline project will be the main item on the agenda during BC’s provincial election in May. Meanwhile, Charlene Aleck, a councillor from Tsleil-Waututh Nation, said she was struck by the government’s insistence that the pipeline was safe for BC waters. “How can (Trudeau) not know that hundreds of scientists have looked at this project and said that it isn’t safe?” she asked. “Not for the water and certainly not for the climate. The assessment that we had done by experts showed more than a 70 per cent chance of a serious spill in the next 50 years. “This is a drastic contradiction.” Continued on page 12

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PIPELINE OR PIPEDREAM: QUESTIONS REMAIN AS BC ELECTION DRAWS NEAR Continued from page 10

In November, several thousand people showed their discontent towards the pipeline by gathering in Vancouver to march against the project in the days before it was approved. People who spoke out against the project included not only Indigenous leaders and environmentalists, but also the mayors of Vancouver and Burnaby who both reasserted their stance against the project. “If Trudeau pushes this pipeline through and this pipeline begins going through Burnaby Mountain, through our conservation area, through our park, I’ll be standing in front of the bulldozers,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan. “I want to know how many of you will be standing there with me.” So far, more than 20,000 people have

Tankers and freighters in English Bay. The number of tankers is expected to increase sevenfold if the project goes ahead.

12 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

signed a growing petition vowing to do “whatever it takes” to stop the project, including risking arrest. Amy George, an elder from TsleilWaututh Nation, was emotional as she talked about the risks. “I hope Justin is sitting down and watching this because there are too many of us saying ‘No’. We are the people and we are the ones this is going to affect,” she said. “The billionaires are expecting that we will give up our lives so that they can make another billion.” Environmental and Indigenous groups have already launched a slew of legal challenges against the project. On Dec. 20, a collection of conservation groups announced it was filing a new court

action asking for the federal approval to be overturned, because it failed to protect endangered southern resident killer whales. Many also argue that Cabinet broke the law when it approved Trans Mountain, based on the National Energy Board’s (NEB) report and said the NEB process was flawed. Raincoast Conservation Foundation scientist Paul Paquet said the tanker increase in the whales’ habitat could devastate the population. “Not only will this increase the risk of spills in their habitat but it will lead to more noise in an already noisy ocean that interferes with their feeding and communication,” he said. “We have consistently said that approving this project is approving the probable

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extinction of the southern resident killer whales. We can’t let that happen.” According to scientists, there is a greater than 50 per cent chance that Kinder Morgan’s project, as is, would put southern residents on an irreversible path to extinction within the next 100 years. Aleck also agreed that the NEB process was “fundamentally flawed.” “Consultation with First Nations was, to say the least, inadequate,” Aleck said after Clark announced provincial approval for the pipeline. One thing is clear; they (governments) are trying to force a dangerous project on many thousands of people that really do not want it. “Regardless of today’s announcement, the Kinder Morgan pipeline will never actually be built.”

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SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 13

THE BATTLE OVER OIL Photographs of an anti-pipeline protest in Vancouver by Cara McKenna

OIL SPILLS… SEEMS LIKE NOT ‘IF’ BUT ‘WHEN’ By Mark Kiemele Vancouver has become one of the world’s leading maritime hubs, shipping mineral and agricultural resources from BC, Alberta and the Prairie provinces to world markets. Some say this is an economic feather in BC’s hat. Others say the projected increase in oil tanker traffic—not to mention the growing number of freighters and other ships—is “a ticking time bomb” when it comes to potential environmental disasters and potential damage to bridges and other infrastructure. The structural integrity of the Second Narrows and Lions Gate bridges has been called into question. Those structures carry almost 200,000 vehicles per day, but an examination of their piers’ integrity, when it comes to collisions with ships, is still underway. And in April 2015, when a cargo ship spilled thousands of litres of bunker fuel into English Bay, communication troubles delayed the emergency response for several hours with the Coast Guard receiving the brunt of the criticism. That incident came just days after the

16 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), an industry-funded body, is working on setting up oil-spill response bases around the coast, including five on Vancouver Island.

Coast Guard and Transport Canada held a marine safety and risk reduction summit hosted by T’Sou-ke First Nation, where the words “world class response” were on the experts’ lips. Meanwhile, the federal government has set aside $1.5 billion for its Oceans Protection Plan for all of Canada. The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), an industry-funded body, is working on setting up oil-spill response bases around the coast, including five on Vancouver Island. The WCMRC is also creating Indigenous community response teams and offer training for

search, rescue, environmental response and incident command. Critics say this all portends that oil spills will happen someday. But Trans Mountain said that support afor the pipeline expansion project from Aboriginal groups “is strong and growing, with 51 communities now in support.” It said that since federal approval came on Nov. 29, a dozen more communities have signed on with their support. The company has signed confidential mutual benefit agreements (MBAs) worth more than $400 million with First Nations in BC and Alberta. Trans Mountain said “the 51 agreements include all of the First Nations whose reserves the project crosses and approximately 80 per cent of communities within proximity to the pipeline right-of-way.” Two nations from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council—Halalt and Malahat—are among those who signed MBAs with the company. But a Halalt spokesperson said signing did not indicate wholehearted support for the project; rather, it was a way of “keeping a hand in the game” if the project finally goes ahead.

People gather on a dock in the Sooke Basin to see the oil on the water following a large oil spill.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL â&#x20AC;¢ 17

Robert Joseph and Paul Lacerte.

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FINDING A NEW WAY FORWARD By Cara McKenna Acknowledging harms. Respect. Forgiveness. Opportunity. Those were just some of the ways that business students from across British Columbia defined reconciliation in a video that was screened during a ‘Reconciliation as a Call to Action’ panel at the Port Theatre in Snuneymuxw territory on Jan. 4. The event was hosted as part of the MBA (Masters of Business Administration) Games, a yearly event that includes both competitive and educational components. Reconciliation Canada ambassador Robert Joseph, a residential school survivor and hereditary chief of Gwawaenuk First Nation, told the group of hundreds of students to hold on to the idea that they can make a difference. “It’s not easy to talk about reconciliation and then go about trying to make it happen,” he said. “It takes courage and a lot of work.” “I want you to be brave, be courageous, stay the course and (when) you are the leaders and you are the community, hold on to this idea that we are better together.” Joseph said he believes that now is a “pivotal moment” in Canadian history. “The distance between us is so huge, so hurtful, so chaotic,” he said. “On our 150th birthday, we have this opportunity like none we’ve ever had before. There may never be a time again if we don’t grab this opportunity to make things right between all of us.” Meanwhile, Nanaimo-Ladysmith NDP Member of Parliament Sheila Malcolmson talked about reconciliation on a more local level. She told the story of how beloved former Snuneymuxw chief Viola Wyse changed Nanaimo for the better.

It’s not easy to talk about reconciliation and then go about trying to make it happen. It takes courage and a lot of work. I want you to be brave, be courageous, stay the course.

The MP said that more than a decade ago, Nanaimo was an “astonishingly racist” place and described a huge divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. But when Wyse was elected in 2006, Malcolmson said, the chief worked hard to build relationships between her nation and the outside community. “(Wyse was a) strong woman who stood up for her community, who said we’re not going to tolerate that behavior anymore,” Malcolmson said. “It’s changed us.” When Wyse passed away suddenly in 2009, the impact of her work could be seen in full force,” Malcolmson said. “Nanaimo, which I’ll say had been a really rough, really racist town, came Continued on page 20

A MESSAGE TO SENTINEL READERS

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER We live in exciting times of opportunity to not only make things right for those things that went wrong, but to create a new way forward together. We envision together a future that embraces inclusion and equality, peace and harmony and living out the values and principles that we already espouse. This means that reconciliation is not just for Indigenous people, but for all Canadians. Conversely, it is not just for non-Indigenous people. The honest truth is that we need each other if we are ever going to discover our common humanity. Sustaining reconciliation is prompted through deep dialogue, heightened understanding and transformed relationships. We are in this together and we should all be engaged in the process of reconciliation. The will in this country to do so is strong. Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is a hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation and is currently the ambassador for Reconciliation Canada and a member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council.

Viola Wyse in 2007.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 19

MOOSE HIDE FAST FEB 16 The small square piece leather pinned to Robert Joseph was from the Moose Hide Campaign, a project to support change that will end the cycle of violence that women and children experience. On Feb. 16, the campaign will host its annual fast in Victoria as a pledge to end that violence. http://moosehidecampaign.ca Continued from page 19

out for her funeral,” she said. “Leaders came from across the country. Hundreds of people filled the recreation centre… I had this strong sense… that 10 years ago, the town would not have shut down for a funeral for an Indian chief.” Chief Joseph added that it’s a tribute to Indigenous peoples’ spirits that

20 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Paul Lacerte pins a piece of moosehide onto Chief Robert Joseph.

communities across Canada are so strong today. “Imagine all the people who have come here since the beginning of colonization, and the Aboriginal people of

this country are still walking,” he said. “They know that we’re all here now. We’re here together now. None of us are going to go away and we have to find a new way forward.”

WHAT DOES RECONCILIATION MEAN TO YOU? In the last issue of the Sentinel, we featured content from Secret Path, a multimedia project led by Gord Downie, front man of the band Tragically Hip. It tells the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died in 1966 as a runaway from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School in Kenora, Ontario. The project includes a 10-song album by Downie and others as well as a graphic novel by Jeff Lemire that has already become a best seller. Proceeds from sales of Secret Path go to the Gord Downie Secret Path Fund for Truth and Reconciliation at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at The University of Manitoba. We also invited readers to answer the question: What does reconciliation mean to me? Top entries will receive a copy of the “Secret Path” book and album download. Readers can still send their submissions to editor@salishsea sentinel.ca. Below are two submissions we’ve already received, one long and one short.

RECONCILIATION BEGINS IN OUR HEARTS By Craig Spence Like many Canadians, I don’t know what to do about reconciliation. But as a writer I know ‘doing nothing’ constitutes a dereliction of duty. As I said to a First Nations acquaintance over coffee last week, there are many people of European descent who are as troubled and perplexed as me when it comes to reconciliation: people who acknowledge the devastating assimilation that was perpetrated against aboriginal peoples in North America; and the unchecked occupation and pillaging of indigenous territories and cultures that had been established over thousands of years. Acknowledging those atrocities is an important first step, but it doesn’t bring us much closer to an understanding of what is expected of us, and what we as individuals can do to help set things right. So I decided to go see Carey Newman’s Witness Blanket on exhibit at Vancouver Island University’s View Gallery in Nanaimo, thinking I might discover something in the 40-foot

display of residential school artifacts that would give me insights. As I studied the fragments of residential school history compiled in the Witness Blanket, I thought, “I did not do this.” And asked, “Why should I apologize?”

“Apology must be more than words...” It’s natural to look for a way out when we are confronted with something that looks like ‘blame.’ Then it occurred to me that apologizing is about more than accepting blame, it’s also about taking responsibility for the effects of grave social injustices that are still impacting the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians today. As a nation, we do inherit the blame for our ancestors’ actions, and if we do not apologize in that sense, who will apologize and begin the work of healing? As importantly, by apologizing, we accept as individuals our responsibility to make right as best we can the wrongs

that still weigh heavily on so many people in this land. Both facets of apology must be made and continue to be sincerely offered for as long as it takes to establish trust and achieve reconciliation. Apology must be more than words, too; a sincere apology emerges out of genuine soul-searching and personal reform. To apologize in that sense means becoming aware of our own prejudices, and correcting them over time. It means respecting the people and cultures of First Nations – of any social or cultural group for that matter – and making room for them not only on the land, but also in our hearts.

MAKE CONNECTIONS By Robert White What does reconciliation mean to me? – Holding our brothers’ and sisters’ hands and making meaningful connections that can be passed on generationally.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 21

ENERGY AND FOOD SECURITY WORKSHOPS AT T’SOU-KE FOR NMTC MEMBERS

22 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Building capacity for energy and food security will be on the agenda during two days of workshops in March at T’Sou-ke Nation. Those sessions will be part of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council’s nation-to-nation (N2N) mentorship initiative. Up to two participants from all eleven NmTC nations are invited to attend the March 14-15 events with youth attendance encouraged. The first day’s focus will be on energy security for nations interested in reducing their energy use or producing alternative forms of energy. T’Sou-ke is approaching energy self-sufficiency with its impressive solar installations that generate electricity and hot water to homes. Andrew Moore from T’Sou-ke will lead the discussions with guests from BC Hydro and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. There will be a solar tour of the community, as well as discussions about energy conservation best practices and sources of funding and programming. The second day will focus on how T’Sou-ke is working towards its goal of food self-sufficiency by reconnecting to traditional food systems and building community and commercial greenhouses. Led by Christine George, there will be hands-and-boots-on learning about beach harvesting and traditional foods, as well as tours of the community’s Ladybug nursery and commercial wasabi greenhouses. Travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be covered for up to two participants from each NmTC nation. All nations are encouraged to include one youth participant. More than two participants are welcome if space permits, but expenses will only be covered for up to two.

More information at www.nmtcevents.com Main photo: Ladybug nursery will be visited. SALISH SENTINEL • 23 Inset: Solar panels at workSEA on community buildings.

LEADERS AT THE ‘HUB’ OF CLIMATE CHANGE PREP Climate change is becoming a priority for all communities around the Salish Sea. The board of directors of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council recently backed the creation of a climate change leadership Hub. The initiative will investigate ways of reducing the vulnerability of eleven First Nations to the negative consequences of climate change, as well as explore ways communities might benefit from long-term adaptation and mitigation opportunities. (Read about the tribal council’s first N2N (nation-to-nation) workshop on energy and food security on pages 24 and 25.) “It is impossible to predict exactly what the impacts of climate change will be to the Coast Salish territory,” said Christine Callihoo, who is working on the Hub project. “But some of the implications that we

24 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

can probably expect include flooding, changes to our water supplies, land and aquatic species, health care, our economies and other issues. “Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for everyone. To reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities, there is a general recognition that we must collectively adapt.” She said that because Coast Salish nations are primarily located around the shores of the Salish Sea, they are even more susceptible to potential impacts of climate change. “Credit must go to the nations’ leadership in recognizing that the safety and security of their communities requires strategic planning and actions to address the potential impacts,” Callihoo said. “There is a need to assess how climate change might impact assets, including community infrastructure, natural resources, traditional foods and medicines,

as well as each community’s economic and social sustainability.” The Hub’s goals are to: • Draw on community members’ knowledge and ability; and • Proactively engage and collaborate among nations, as well as with their neighbours and partners. “We will be committed to put into action both mitigation and adaptation measures, much as Coast Salish nations practiced for millennia,” Callihoo said. “Resilient and adaptive communities have the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” In addition to Christine Callihoo, a senior climate change adaptation planning practitioner, the climate change leadership Hub will also draw upon the expertise of flood management specialist Tamsin Lyle, who is a senior engineer and lead researcher on the City of Vancouver’s coastal flood risk assessment project team.

LOGGING TRUCKS OPEN DOORS FOR HALALT REVENUE, JOBS Two shiny, new logging trucks appeared in the driveway leading to the Halalt First Nation offices just days after New Year’s. Raven August, the nation’s referral officer, was quick to introduce a visitor to both the trucks and the Halalt lands department’s new employee, Caitlin Kenny. They hopped up on the big rigs for a photo. The trucks belong to Halalt Logging Contracting limited partnership. Initially the vehicles will be sub-contracted out to other firms in the DuncanChemainus area, but the nation hopes to work them on its own projects as it builds relationships with Timberwest and other large forestry companies on the South Island.

PRIVATE HOME INSURANCE • CONTENTS INSURANCE • COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT • EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND PENSION SERVICES SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 25

YEAR-END AGM FOR NMTC There was work and pleasure when people travelled from around the coast to attend the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council workshops, annual general meeting and banquet in early December in Richmond. First, directors and other members from the eleven member First Nations rolled up their sleeves for a day-long workshop on developing capacity for leaders. NmTC developed training programs for both potential and elected councillors in partnership with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Carden Consulting. NmTC governance advisor Valerie Cross-Blackett and Laara Mixon of Carden told how the programs were the result of six weeks of interviews with current and potential leaders. They said training – which can be customized – make elected officials accountable while helping them to carry out their work and take responsibility for their actions. “Good governance benefits employees and citizens,” Valeria said. “There are both economic and financial benefits. “We have a right to self-determination. As leaders, we have a responsibility to exercise that right and to make things happen. When leaders focus on possibilities, it’s infectious.” The required annual general meeting was held on the following day. The agenda included the election of the first NmTC elders council (see story), hearing from the independent auditor as well as the tribal council’s chief administrative officer Gary Reith. Both reported that NmTC was in sound financial shape and was carrying out the mandate from directors of the eleven nations. 26 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Governance director Val Cross-Blackett assists chair Bryce Williams as CAO Gary Reith looks on.

Guest speaker was ‘Sophie Pierre Councillor Vincent Harry from – Aqam – from Ktunaxa nation. Malahat won a paddle.

Actress and singer Andrea Menard was the emcee.

Chief MaryAnn Enevoldsen and Dorothy Andrew of Homaclo opened proceedings.

COUNCIL OF ELDERS GUIDING NMTC Elders will be sharing their wisdom and advice with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) leaders in the coming year. Five members of the new council of Coast Salish elders were elected for year-long terms and introduced to directors at the tribal council’s annual general meeting in December. They will hold cultural and spiritual roles, rather than political ones, and will advise and guide on matters such as following cultural protocol and traditions. Members of the council and their nations are: Janet Moore, Halalt; Vera Peacey, Homalco; George Harris Sr., Stz’uminus; Germaine Sutherland, T’Sou-ke; and Elsie Paul, Tla’amin. The new elders’ council initiative is led by NmTC governance director Valerie Cross-Blackett – Chemkwaat. She said elders will attend tribal council meetings and will be on hand to deal with any sensitive matters in NmTC’s operations. They will also be responsible for territorial welcomes in their home nations before meetings. “It’s important for our elders to be a part of what we’re doing,” Cross-Blackett said. “They provide strength and peace and courage when things are tough. And we need those things… in order to really connect back with our culture and to make language and culture at the forefront of our operations.” Two current members, Janet Moore and Elsie Paul, continue work they began when they were appointed to the first elders’ council last July.

Youth representative Mikaela Whitelaw with her grandmother Janet Moore – Qwa miyah – who sits on the NmTC elders council.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL • 27

COMMUNICATIONS IS HER PASSION Edith Moore is starting a new job as communication liaison for Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. Her role will be to pass information to member nations and assist in the exchange of knowledge between communities. By Edith – Qut Qet – Moore O’siem. Passion is a powerful thing. Reflecting on how my parents raised me, I can see where my passion and love for my own people started. My English name is Edith and my traditional name is Qut Qet. I am proud to say that I am from the Halalt First Nation. My grandmother was Edith Norris (née Thorne) and I carry both her English and traditional names. Being raised by a missionary is where my passion all started. My father, Les Moore, came to visit Vancouver Island on a crossCanada trip from England back in the 1940s. He never left after he met and fell in love with the then-chief ’s daughter, Janet Norris. They began a ministry together, as their hearts called them to reach out with a message of God’s love to reserves, such as Nitinat, Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Bella Coola and many others that could not be reached by road. So, they worked with the Mattaniah Indian Mission, which was a Christian marine mission based out of Chemainus. Of course, their children were part of this quest, and this is where I believe my passion was seeded. I am so pleased to announce that I will be a communication liaison for NmTC with our nations. Once again, I am following my passion of reaching out to our people by being part of the NmTC vision. This vision is to assist our nations in building skills and capacity in the core areas of community planning, governance, finance and economic development. It is the tribal council’s belief that we can learn from one another as we move forward together. Now having a communications liaison person, a gap will be filled to better meet all our communities’ growth and development. My hope is to meet and build real relationships within every one of our member nations. My goal is to listen to the needs of our members and NmTC staff. And my plan is to better connect us all with personal communications. We are taught as First Nations people to go visit, sit and listen and to share food and drink with our relatives. If you have a need or a message, then that message is delivered face-to-face. This is the way I was taught to communicate and this is the teaching I will respect and follow in this new work. So, with much excitement, I can’t wait to visit our nations to meet with each and every one of you, my respected relations. 28 • SALISH SEA SENTINEL

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