Ma’wa’elłanx/April

FEATURING:• Beau Dick• June Sports Invitation• Language Revitalization• Post Secondary• OSG Promotion

Kwik’wa’lanx/March2017

Election for Chief Councillor: Candidates:

CRANMER, William Turner SVANVIK, Donald Verner

Advance PollFriday ~ April 28, 2017

9am to 9pm‘Namgis Elders’ Centre

Election DayFriday ~ May 12, 2017

9am to 9pm‘Namgis Elders’ Centre

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BAND OFFICE: 250-974-5556

TOLL FREE: 1-888-9NAMGIS (1-888-962-6447)

FAX: 250-974-5900

EMAIL: info@namgis.bc.ca

www.namgis.bc.ca

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm

‘NAMGIS COUNCILCHIEF: Debra Hanuse

COUNCIL: Arthur Dick George Alfred Steven Smith Kelly Speck Bill Wasden Victor Isaac Robert Mountain Dixon Taylor Brian Wadhams

Based on a foundation of culture, the ‘Namgis First Nation Council will strive

to create a self-governing, prosperous, healthy

community with a strong, self-sustaining economy so that every member has the

opportunity to achieve their highest potential.

Greeting from ChiefGilakas’la ‘Namgis.

After a long winter, it appears that spring has finally arrived. Although the volume of snow that we experienced during the winter of 2016-2017 was not record breaking, the snowfalls that occurred towards the end of March of 2017 certainly had to have set some records. Spring is a time of renewal. As part of this year’s renewal, an election will be held on May 12, 2017 to elect a new ‘Namgis Chief. For health reasons, I did not seek re-election. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the ‘Namgis people. Thank you for the trust that you placed in me. I wish all the best to both candidates in the upcoming election. In this edition of Kala’mas, I’d like to report on the following:

Special General Meeting on ‘Namgis BusinessesMore than 70 ‘Namgis members attended an historic special General Meeting on ‘Namgis businesses that was held at ‘Yalis on April 8-9, 2017. The meeting brought together ‘Namgis members and directors and CEOs of Atli, Danyas, Orca Sand and Gravel, Kwagis Power, Mama’omas and ‘Namgis Fuels. Company representatives delivered financial and activity reports to members and shared information about future plans. ‘Namgis members were afforded an opportunity to ask questions directly to company directors and CEOs. Council hopes to make this an annual event.Proposed revisions to our Election Regulations were also discussed at the general meeting. Jamie Taylor has served as our Electoral Officer for many years. Based on his extensive experience in conducting ‘Namgis elections, Jamie recommended a number of revisions to our Election Regulations to improve their efficiency. Christine Sweet, our legal counsel at Ashcroft and Company drafted amendments to the Election Regulations to address the issues raised by our Electoral Officer. Members at the April 8-9, 2017 meeting passed a motion to table the vote on the proposed revisions to a future general meeting.

It is always open to ‘Namgis members to propose revisions to the Election Regulations. If you are a ‘Namgis member and you wish to propose additional amendments to the Election Regulations, please submit your proposed amendments to Verna Ambers, A/Senior Administrator. Under the Election Regulations, a minimum of six days’ notice of any proposed amendments to the regulations must be provided to ‘Namgis members and proposed revisions must be considered and approved by ‘Namgis members at a general meeting.Designation VoteA designation vote was held on April 6, 2016 to revoke a timber surrender made in 1947 and to authorize a designation of Lot 1, which is the site on which Kuterra is situated, for leasing purposes. A total of 157 ‘Namgis members participated in the designation vote. By a vote of 124 to 33, ‘Namgis members voted to

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approve the proposed lease and sublease of Lot 1 to a land-based recirculating aquaculture operation and to revoke the timber surrender. ‘Namgis members had seven days from April 6, 2017 to appeal the designation vote. There are only two grounds for appeal, namely, contravention of the Indian Referendum Regulations or a corrupt practice. The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has 21 days to notify the electoral officer that there is an appeal and the electoral officer has 10 days in which to respond. As at April 26, 2017, ‘Namgis has not received notice of any appeal from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.While we wait for the BC Region of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to complete and submit our designation package to the Minister for approval, work on the Head Lease will continue. Canada, as the legal owner of all reserve lands in Canada, has to be a party to the Head Lease. Thus, the Head Lease will be between Canada and a newly formed ‘Namgis Company called ‘Namgis Land Limited Partnership, which was established to hold the Head Lease and any other ‘Namgis real property interests. The Kuterra Board of Directors will seek buyers or investors who may be interested in subleasing Lot 1.Financial Policies Amended to Limit Council’s Ability to Provide Loan GuaranteesAt the April 20, 2017 Council meeting, Council passed an amendment to the Nation’s Financial Management Policies to limit the amount of loan guarantees that Council can provide to a cumulative maximum of $500,000 in each fiscal year. The amendment also limits the amount of loan guarantees that Council can provide in respect of ‘Namgis businesses up to a cumulative maximum of $500,000 every two years. To guarantee any loans over these $500,000 maximum amounts, Council must seek the approval of ‘Namgis members.Economic Development CorporationAt the October 2016 Annual General Meeting, ‘Namgis members approved an expenditure of own source revenues to establish an economic development corporation. I’m pleased to report that the ‘Namgis Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) has been incorporated. In addition to overseeing existing ‘Namgis companies, the economic development corporation will identify and explore the economic feasibility of new business opportunities and establish new businesses for ‘Namgis where such new business opportunities have been deemed feasible.

A key next step is to recruit Directors to the NEDC. The Board of Directors will consist of at least five members. At least two of the positions on the Board of Directors will be reserved for ‘Namgis members and the remaining three directors at large will be selected for their experience in operating successful businesses. Council has established a Board Recruitment Committee to oversee the recruitment of Directors to the NEDC. The Board Recruitment Committee is made up of Robin Henry, ‘Namgis Human Resources Director and Councillors Bill Wasden and Dixon Taylor. The Board Recruitment Committee will seek applications from interested ‘Namgis members once the criteria for ‘Namgis directors are finalized. In the meantime, our legal counsel Stan Ashcroft will serve as the first Director of the NEDC.

Housing Task ForceWith loans of more than $2.6 million and arrears of approximately $633,000 as of February 28, 2017, our $3.5 million Revolving Housing Loan Fund is almost depleted. Immediate action is required to leverage the limited funds remaining in the Revolving Housing Loan Fund to meet the present and future housing needs of ‘Namgis members.

On April 4, 2017 Council established a Housing Task Force which is made up of the Senior Administrator, Capital Projects Manager, Assistant Capital Projects Manager, Comptroller, Accounts Payable Assistant, Human Resources Director and Councillor Kelly Speck. The role of the Housing Task Force will be to implement changes to our existing Revolving Housing Loan Fund and Housing Policy recommended by consultants Dominique Collin and Pieter van Gils to improve the efficiency and

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sustainability of our housing program. The Terms of Reference for the Housing Task Force include the following:• Improve Integration in Administration of Housing Program: Management of the existing

housing program is divided among the Assistant Administrator, Capital Projects Manager and Accounting Department. Collin and van Gils recommended that the management of existing housing loans be improved by better coordination among the parties. The Housing Task Force will be responsible for designing a process flow for the housing program, which will include how payments are collected, verified, followed up on and entered into the financial system. This will likely include developing a new and easier to understand form of statement for recording housing payments.

• Arrears Policy and New Approach to Dealing with Arrears: Our Housing Policy presently does not include an arrears policy. The Housing Task Force will oversee the development of an Arrears Policy and a new approach to dealing with arrears.

• Case Manager: Collin and van Gils recommended that we create a new position entitled Case Manager. As soon as a member with a loan from the Revolving Housing Loan Fund falls into arrears, the Case Manager would be responsible for working with the borrower to determine the factors that caused the borrower to fall into arrears and explore solutions to address the situation. The new Arrears Policy will set out consequences where no satisfactory action is taken to address arrears after working with a Case Manager. The Housing Task Force will be responsible for drafting a job description for a Case Manager and then posting and hiring a person to fill this position.

‘Namgis Housing CorporationCouncil agreed in principle to establish a ‘Namgis Housing Corporation, subject to the approval of ‘Namgis members. This is a solution that is being explored by Council to address the challenges faced by members in accessing capital to buy, build or renovate homes on reserve. As reserve lands cannot be mortgaged, members cannot go directly to banks or credit unions to borrow money to buy or build homes on reserve.

The ‘Namgis Housing Corporation would make loans to ‘Namgis members, who qualify for a mortgage or loan from a financial institution, to buy or build a home on reserve or to do home renovations. Like a conventional lender, the Housing Corporation would require a down- payment on a home purchase and interest would be payable on mortgages and loans. Profits earned by the Housing Corporation will be used to enhance its ability to make more mortgages and loans available to qualifying ‘Namgis members. Members who do not quality for mortgages and loans from the ‘Namgis Housing Corporation would still be able to secure rental and other accommodation through the ‘Namgis Revolving Housing Loan Fund.

Before bringing the proposal to establish the ‘Namgis Housing Corporation to ‘Namgis members, Council will continue to work on draft lending policies. The lending policies will address factors such as eligibility for housing loans, the loan application process, interest rates, security, down-payments, maximum loan amounts and amortization. Financial Policies Amended to Limit Council’s Ability to Provide Loan GuaranteesAt the April 20, 2017 Council meeting, Council passed an amendment to the Nation’s Financial Management Policies to limit the amount of loan guarantees that Council can provide to a cumulative maximum of $500,000 in each fiscal year. The amendment also limits the amount of loan guarantees that Council can provide in respect of ‘Namgis businesses up to a cumulative maximum of $500,000 every two years. To guarantee any loans over these $500,000 maximum amounts, Council must seek the approval of ‘Namgis members.

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Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP will be at Alert Bay on May 16, 2017

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP is an independent agency that reviews complaints made by the public about the on-duty conduct of RCMP members.

As a result of the coming into force of the Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act, the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC) was replaced with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (CRCC).

The Commission is not part of the RCMP. The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (the Commission) is an agency of the federal government, distinct and independent from the RCMP. Its mission is to enhance the accountability of the RCMP by providing civilian review of RCMP activities and member conduct.

Representatives of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission will be at Alert Bay on May 16, 2017 to share information about the organization and the process for filing complaints about the RCMP with the Commission.

Two meetings will be held, with the first meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Council Hall and the second from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Council Hall.

Meetings: May 16, 2017

Location: Council Hall

Who: Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP

Times: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Civilian Review and ComplaintsCommission for the RCMP Meeting

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‘Namgis Language Project UpdateJessica Frederick is the linguist working on the ‘Namgis Language Project. For four months, Jessica has been busy undertaking work on the project. In a short time, there were a handful of community events/dinners held in Alert Bay. The intent of the project was to collect community feedback, isolate Kwak’wala learning issues and develop a strategic plan to bring the community into a stronger future with exceptional language results.

With the completion of this project, community members will be gifted with a Kwak’wala resource package. This package will contain seven posters promoting basic conversion; the children’s CD with transcription and translation; a small Total Physical Response card set with instructions and many more goodies. If you would like to sign up to receive one of these packages, you can contact Jessica at:

jessicajfrederick@hotmail.com or at 250-230-0308

In addition to the current project, an application has been submitted for an additional five years of funding. The possibilities are endless if further funding is approved. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

The community support for this project has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who attended the events. Community support of language learning is critical to its success.

Thank you and much appreciation to:

· Nicole McLelland and Verna Ambers for securing funding

· Jessica Frederick for taking on the project

· Advisory Committee (Pauline Alfred, Gloria Cranmer, Audrey Wilson & Pewi Alfred)

· Pewi Alfred for all your valuable input and resources

· Juanita Alfred for all your hard work in making all the events a huge success

Congratulations to the youth team of Avery Smithson, Darren Hunt and Margureit Isaac-Wadhams who were the winning team in the Kwak’wala vocabulary knowledge competition. This young group of students who attend the T’lisalagi’lakw School, were ecstatic as they were the only team out of seven entries, that did not have a fluent speaker on their team AND, they were super excited because the team that they beat in the finals consisted of Gloria Cranmer, Emily Recalma, Rene Taylor and Merna Cranmer. Way to Go Avery, Darren & Margureit in winning the $300 prize and more importantly, showcasing your knowledge!

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Darren, Margureit & AveryWinners of Kwak’wala Vocabulary Knowledge

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‘Namgis Dental Clinic Update

SD85 Aboriginal Programs

Over the next several months, SD85 will be gathering feedback from the Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit community in relation to education. This communication is an important piece in planning and organizing Aboriginal Programs and Services and meeting the needs of our students. When you are presented with the opportunity, please take a few moments to fill out our survey. Your input and voice is extremely valuable and needed. Gilakas’la!

Irene Isaac

District Principal,

Aboriginal Programs SD85

NO SHOW AND SHORT NOTICE CANCELLATIONS FEBRUARY 2017: 63

LOST REVENUE TO OPERATE THE CLINIC: $18,900.

This a personal callout from me. I have been working for 13 years to keep this clinic financially viable. The patients need to do their part Immediately. If you want to have a dental clinic you must respect your appointments.

I thank all of you who keep your appointments or give us 24 hours notice of cancelling.

Debbie Armstrong - Dental Program Manager

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Citizens of the YearCongratulations Pewi Alfred ~ Citizen of the Year!

Everything about Pewi is selfless. She gives her all and is fully committed to our community, our culture, family and most important, our children ~ our future.

Pewi runs a traditional dance group. She is always there to help with potlatches and singing practices. She helps anyone who wants it with language. She did a Kwak’wala immersion program with her Gran and is one of a handful of fluent people her age.

She keeps the school children’s program open for community members to learn about culture. Always kind, always giving, always selfless.

21 years dedicated to our children.

Congratulations Gwantilakw Hunt CranmerYouth Citizen of the Year!

Kind, polite and into culture. She is still in school, she works at culture shop, and is very immersed into culture.Gwanti is part of her Auntie Andrea’s dance group and is a beautiful dancer.

She is also a skilled weaver, often selling her weaving at the dance performances in the summer.

She is a good role model for her little sister Gwitmo.

Overall she is a great young lady with a very bright future.

Congratulations Ladies AuxiliaryCommunity Group of the Year!

“The Mall’ and its volunteer members is a long-standing community organization that we all look forward to going to shop at whenever it is open which is usually twice a week.

Without the volunteers who organize donations and displays, this community service would not happen.It raises a lot of money for our hospital that goes towards additional equipment and services not included in VIHA budgeting.

The Thrift Store also provides a great greeting place for our citizens who take time to chat with neighbors and shop at same time.

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Jr All Native Basketball TournamentIn March 2017, ‘Namgis member Gavin Bruce III represented Alert Bay & ‘Namgis First Nation at the Jr All Native Basketball Tournament (JANT) in Kelowna, BC playing for the Vancity Sons in the U17 Boys bracket. This year’s JANT was attended by 61 teams, 650 players, across 4 brackets (U13 Girls/Boys and U17 Girls/Boys) and hosted by the Okanagan Nation & Syilx Basketball Program.

Vancity came to play, winning all but one game in their hunt for gold. After losing in the quarter final game to last year’s champions, Snuneymuxw Native Sons, Vancity battled through the back door to meet them again in the gold medal game. Vancity and Snuneymuxw fought hard and were in a tight game by half time, with Vancity gaining an impressive lead by the 4th quarter. Final score was 82-66 for Vancity to win the U17 Boys bracket!

Gavin Bruce III was also awarded First Team All Star for his exceptional play throughout the tournament!

The Vancity Sons is made up of urban native youth representing multiple First Nation communities from across BC, and practice out of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Vancouver, BC. In the 20+ year history of Aboriginal Friendship Centre teams participating in tournaments this is the very first championship won by Vancouver! On April 5th, the Vancity Sons were honoured with a celebration at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre where they proudly unveiled their championship banner hanging in the rafters of the centres gym. Gavin is very proud to represent Alert Bay & ‘Namgis First Nation in this tournament annually, as well as in the upcoming 2017 NAIG in Toronto, ON while playing for U19 Team BC. He hopes to inspire other ‘Namgis youth to pursue basketball as a sport, and is excited for the day that Alert Bay will have a team represented at the All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert, BC.

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Outdoor Careers Training

My name is Brendan NICKLE and I am the newest member to the community of Alert Bay.

I have 4 1/2 years service with the RCMP previously being a Machinist by trade in Alberta

prior to joining.

I have recently moved from my last post, Fort St. James with my wife, Sherry and two children

Trinity and Callum.

We are very excited to explore the island and learn about the culture of Cormorant Island.

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Kwak’wala

tsapa : dip food (eg. -in eulachon grease)

wayutan : eulachons, half-smoked

First Voices

takila : eulachon net, making an

kana : dip-netting (for eulachons)

tłi’na : grease, eulachon

tsapan : i’m having (eulachon) grease

samgatsi : container to boil eulachons over a fire ( like a vat)

tsamta : stringing eulachons on a stick to smoke

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Message to Post-Secondary StudentsAs we are nearing the end of another term, I am sending a reminder to all Post-Secondary students being sponsored through ‘Namgis, how important it is to get your transcripts in to us as soon as they are available. Having transcripts in your file keeps us updated on how well you are doing, are you attending classes and are you taking enough courses to keep you in our program based on PSSE Guidelines.

We are happy to see the hard work and commitment most have made since I have moved into this position.

Please feel free to keep in touch with our office, send an email or text to let us know if you are doing well or need help in some areas. I have been getting calls and emails from counsellors, parents and others with questions regarding a funded student, I am hoping that all matters concerning your ongoing support will come from each of you personally, it is important that you know our post-secondary office is here for you. Students need to send in confirmation each term to tell us you will be carrying on to the next one or will you be opting out for a bit. If you do not let us know then we will follow your original application and sometimes that is not the accurate way to deal with it causing a cease in living allowances etc.

We would like to encourage continuing and new students that we must stay within the education budget in all fairness to everyone. The book and supply area only allows $600 per term. If you do not use the whole amount, it does not mean you carry the balance over to the next term. A suggestion may be that if you have excess receipts for books and supplies at the end of our fiscal year which runs from April 1 – March 31, and we have unspent money, then we can consider reimbursing you.

You do not need new applications unless you are moving from your original request for funding for a certain area of study or you are moving institutes. If you are unsure, please just call the office and I can assist you.

I am enjoying working for you all, I hope you are getting the necessary assistance from our office and I wish you all continued success with your educational goals.

I do have a work cell, if you need to contact me after work hours I do have the phone on over the weekend and usually until 9 pm nightly. I realize that some cannot reach our office because of your class scheduling which is why I give you this opportunity. (250-974-4363)

Christine (Deane) Wadhams, Post-Secondary Coordinator‘Namgis First Nation

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Kwak wala We are all students. We are all learning.We are all open to share and learn together

Reality: HELP! Our language is dying!

Now what? These thoughts have crossed my mind in the past 20 years.

Lately, I’ve been thinking of OUR language, kwakwala.

Important isn’t it? Why is it important? Let’s ask ourselves this question.

Frustration has overcome me. I work from 8am-3pm daily at the Tłisalagi’lakw School. I love and appreciate my work. Yes I would still hold classes and would still be learning and teaching as I love our language. I teach up to 65 students daily.

Everything we do depends on grants and proposals though. Or does it? When thinking deeper while looking at the whole picture I think, does money really talk? Do we walk our walk and talk our talk? Of course, in some cases but I feel that our language is very important and we need to take that leap to save it with or without money because that time may never come and we’ll all be kicking ourselves, thinking we could have done this and that when the time has passed.

My heart melts when I hear a child speak using our accent and language. They are definitely our reasons for living and so are our old people. We need to keep this in mind.

There have been many classes in Alert Bay since 1980 when our orthography was created but language has been here longer.

Let’s make a stand with ourselves. Kwakwala - My thoughts and questions I’ve

asked myself Who’s responsibility is it to revitalize the language? I feel, that it is our responsibility as Kwakwaka’wakw to revitalize our own language alongside our precious “old people”. We cannot save kwakwala without them. Everything must filter through them. As they are our professors and they are very important. Who’s responsibility is it to preserve the language? It is completely up to all of us to work as one to help preserve kwakwala whether it be through dictionaries, reading, writing, attending classes, daily conversations, labels around the house, labels around our village, creating a group so that we all can learn to use Kwakwala on a daily basis. Also, making these a challenge before it is too late. Who can teach language? Our “old people” and everyone and anyone in their household. Where can and will we teach it? I have so much hope that with such a concern as our language is severely endangered, and our language is highly important that there will be a facility where we can all learn together - with a great turnout. Would everyone go? I would hope so and this is a dream I have. In hopes as this is our part of our identity. I feel that people will learn and get attracted if they have the desire. It has to be part of their everyday lives. It’ll take dedication and commitment. Is there money involved? We have hope that there will be money involved. My thought on this subject is that “no money is going to save our language, it is up to us”. Of course, money will help with materials and time but

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with spoken language, we cannot put money on it. But it is more important than money” What if there was no money? I know that Jessica Fredrick applied to get funding towards revitalization for the ‘Namgis. We’re crossing our fingers we get it as this will help us get a bit more ahead and have a starting point. Pretty much taking the bull by the horns. Again, no money is going to save our language. Would we give of our time because it is very crucial? Speaking for myself, I know that I would give more time as this is what I’ve been doing for many years. I would hope others would too. I feel it is important that everyone will look at the big picture rather than a microscope vision. This is serious! Who will do this job to help preserve and revitalize? All of us should contribute and it isn’t up to just one person to save it. It is our personal responsibility and each family and a community. Every office should be learning and I feel this will help. Does it matter what dialect is taught and learned? I feel, we should save it all! If possible, that is. Are there many differences in dialects? Through my studies in the last 20 years I have seen only a few differences in accents, how certain words are pronounced, stress marks, and a few differences between men and women and I found there were differences by generations and even between brother and sister. Does the writing system matter? Yes it matters! But, secondary importance. I know many people make the statement that the

writing system helps them “learn faster” but I have not seen this yet. I think because I teach at the school, I teach spoken language first, and than introduce letters afterwards because they will have the language to compare to the alphabet and vocabulary and than words come after. Yes, literacy is important and in time after hearing for a bit, than writing can be introduced. Does it matter what writing system is used? No. No matter what writing system that is used, doesn’t completely matter for revitalization and preserving. It depends on what writing system you learned from the start or want to learn. It is still the same language - Kwakwala. I feel, we need to just learn them all. For myself, I have learned to make a code breaker and this helps when using the North American Phonetic Alphabet, International writing system, the Boas dictionary, Grubbs dictionary, School district 72, old hymn books and old dictionaries etc. It’s creating our own road-block when this is minor compared. Personally, I love using the U’mista orthography, which is what I learned from my granny Pauline. Write these questions down and take the questionnaire yourself. Gilakas’la, Tłakwasgamgi’lakw “Pewi” Alfred

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Master Carver Beau DickKwala’yu : You’re the Resason I’m Living

Gigame’ Walas Gwa’yam

To his beloved Kwikwasutinuxw Nation, Chief Walas Gwa’yam was born November 23, 1955 to mother Geraldine ‘Tłakwasgam’ Dawson and father Blackie Ben Dick. Beau was their one and only son.

For the first four years of his life, he lived in Gwa’yi (Kingcome). At a young age, he and his mother moved to Vancouver. In both places, he was exposed to his culture through stories. He was smart: by the age of 13 he could recite Winston Churchill speeches by heart. As a teenager, he returned to Alert Bay, where he learned to carve.

“Beau had a special knack for art. He would sit by his father and grandfather and other carvers and watch them whittle all day and he soon began to whittle and became the artist he was. He developed his artistry from some pretty prominent Kwakwaka’wakw artists like Doug Cranmer and Tony Hunt as well as Haida artist s like Bill Reid and Robert Davidson so, he learned from the best and became the best. He created masterworks – totem poles, masks. He was also a terrific painter.

Wayne Alfred remembers: “When Bo-Bo was a young teenager, he made some paintings for Ray Rosback. Beau got $30 for one painting; $40 for another one and $80 for a plaque. This was big money back in 1968 when he was thirteen. This really inspired me when I was a young boy. The old people were talking about this young kid who was an amazing artist. This acknowledgement was worth far more than money. Bo-Bo, as he was known back then, started a protest walkout from school because Mr. Martin, a tyrant Principal wouldn’t give the students their share of the earnings. The students had big plans with money for the art that they had made. The money came from the big centennial 1967 Canada’s Birthday Celebration Carnival. It turned out great because of people like Bo-Bo. Later on, Beau was teaching art. Designing and making manbags, handbags, pouches, wristbands, belts, paintings (8’ by 4’). Some of this artwork is still around. Beau and I hung around with the old people. We were amazed with the songs,

dances, art, stories – nobility and connection to pass on. Beau would place his artwork at the Big House when the Princess Patricia and Prince George tour ships came in every Thursday in the spring and summer. Beau and I watched the old people. We respected them and learned from them, how important it was for them to practice our culture and save it.”

“His creativity was unparalleled amongst the Kwakwaka’wakw people. He is widely recognized as the greatest (Northwest coast) artist since contact. His style of teaching was gentle, unique and demonstrative. His giving nature was reflected in his openness to share his knowledge with those committed enough to learn,” says Alan Hunt.

Benjamin “Beau” Kerry Dick is survived by his companion Bernadette and his four daughters, Kerri-Lynne, Cora, Linnea and Geraldine; and his six grandchildren, Gavin, Ryan, Troy, Sunita, Angel and Sage, and his seventh grandbaby on the way (Kerri-Lynne).

“When he was younger, before he had any children, he said that he wanted four boys,” Linnea remembers. “And he always joked and said ‘but I’m so happy that I had daughters because you made a gentleman out of me.”

Linnea also stated, “He taught me to have strength. Acknowledge the past but not to live there.”

Beau also had many generations of carving buddies who became his brothers and nephews. Many of whom he collaborated with and worked alongside together at the shop: Wayne Alfred, late nephew Marcus Alfred, Randy Champagne, Aubrey Johnson, Shawn Karpes, Garry Peterson, and many others. He also became a great mentor himself, and had many young apprentices who worked with him. Beau loved his students and he would want all to carry on with their special gifts, and continue to be great.

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Beau was an old soul who had so many amazing talents and teachings. He was always willing to teach and pass along the knowledge of our ancestors. In the Big House, Beau was one of the main providers for many, many families. There were many times when Beau gifted masks, rattles, head pieces, screens, talking sticks, and totem poles to families across our Nations as they prepared for their potlatches. He was always there to ‘Save the Day’ to help where and when he could. As an attendant, he always knew how to prepare the regalia and the dancers before they went out to dance. He initiated many hamatsa into the secret society. He always felt it was his duty to make sure everything ran smoothly, and they always did when he was there. He truly had an amazing gift to connect with others to teach and emphasize the true spirit of every dance. Beau was generous to a fault

When he was not working, he enjoyed sharing stories. All who had the pleasure to hear Beau speak knew he was the greatest storyteller. He also loved music, and surrounded himself with music. He was a gifted musician who played guitar and the harmonica. He enjoyed performing for friends and family. He was always “borrowing” lyrics from published artists’ songs, and combining it with his own style.

Family meant everything to Beau! He was very proud of his family and loved each of them unconditionally. He brought so much strength, love and humility to our world. He always worked hard for his family and his Nations. He had the biggest Spirit and a captivating presence. He was so full of wisdom and was admired by all who were fortunate to meet him. Although, he loved to joke and imitate his loved ones, he always knew when it was time to get to work done. He was a great leader who walked with so much grace, love and the utmost respect for everybody. He made sure everyone felt like they were loved and belonged.

“Beau was an amazing, amazing man,” says Robert Joseph, a Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation. “Many considered him a shaman, a spiritualist. It was even said that he had one foot in the spirit world whenever he was practicing our customs and traditions.” “People will eventually recognize that Beau was really a legend. His

contributions are important not just to the Kwakwaka’wakw but to mankind. He was that great an artist.” He was a charismatic, caring man – a magnet and a mentor; a virtuoso storyteller but also a master listener, unmistakable with his long hair and beard and signature hat.

“It was quite remarkable for people to have had the Beau Dick experience,” says Lakota artist Dana Claxton, a colleague at UBC where Beau was artist-in-residence. Six students attended Beau’s funeral. Several of them helped shovel dirt into his grave. There were emotional bonds, but he taught them about his knowledge, the knowledge of his culture.

“A cacohphony of emotions,” is how his dealer, LaTiesha Fazakas, described working with Beau. “He could be extremely difficult and uncompromising and just when you thought the ride was going to be too much you would realize there was a bigger picture at play. That was the magic of it all. Beau made you believe in magic, destiny and transcending value of art.”

www.namgis.bc.ca16

Promotion at OSG Shay Peterson

Shay was offered and has accepted a promotion to Operational Supervisor at Orca, Sand & Gravel. Shay joined OSG approximately seven years ago and has been a terrific employee at the site throughout his time there and we are happy to have him now moving up to a higher leadership role.

Shay will supervise one of the two shifts of the Orca mine and plant operations and work closely alongside Jim Foldy, our Production Manager.OSG has stated they are grateful for the continued support and the ‘Namgis community providing great employees and leaders like Shay.

Scott Dryden ~ Vice President, Operations

~~~~Congratulations Shay on your promotion ~ Keep up the great work!

Beau used his artistic talent and his special nature not only to make and teach art, but also to protest injustice – the effects of cultural suppression, the threatened environment and bring healing. He curated a cultural and artistic element to the 2013 Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver. Also in that year, he led a walk from northern Vancouver Island to Victoria, where on the steps of the BC Legislature, he performed a copper-breaking ceremony – a traditional form of shaming an opponent. “Our people have endured near annihilation, subject to poverty, diseases

inflicted upon us, homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction. Now they’re poisoning our waters, destroying our homelands. Our old growth forests are disappearing,” he said. The following year, he led a copper-breaking ceremony on Parliament Hill – this time travelling to Ottawa from UBC in Vancouver with stops in First Nation communities along the way. Beau regarded those trips as works of art, as well as political interventions.

He spent the last 2 years of his life, joyously with Bernadette Phan. Beau and Bernadette met in Alert Bay. Months later they were reacquainted in Vancouver. Their encounters stuck with Beau and it did not seem to take long for their love to blossom. Their lives together were full of art, laughter and spirituality. They playfully grew together, respecting each other’s differences while relating to each other’s individuality. They made love look simple and magical.

Although he is not with us physically, Beau will remain with us forever. His powerful legacy will live on from the teachings and experiences we each shared with him, and how he encouraged everyone to get in touch with their gifts and identity. We will forever miss our Chief Walas Gwa’yam, our Master Carver, our Maker of Monsters.

www.namgis.bc.ca17

June Sports Individual Family Trophies

June Sports 2017

59th Annual June Sports Soccer Tournament 2017 P.O. Box 210 – Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0

(250) 974-5556 Fax (250) 974-5900

Dear Coach/Manager:

On behalf of the ‘Namgis First Nation, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to our 59th ANNUAL JUNE SPORTS CELEBRATIONS which will be June 16, 17 & 18, 2017.

This year we are inviting 10 Men’s soccer teams and 8 Ladies’ soccer teams.

Early-Bird entrance fee for Men’s & Ladies’ will be $400 per team if you have your entrance fee in by 4pm on May 26, 2017

Entrance fee after May 26, 2017 will be $450 per team.

Final Deadline for entrance fee is 4pm on June 2, 2017

Teams will be taken on a first-payment/first-serve basis so, please get your entrance fee paid as soon as possible. Please do not phone and ask to reserve your team as we MUST receive the entrance fee to reserve your spot.

DUE TO PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD IN THE PAST WITH PERSONAL CHEQUES, ALL ENTRANCE FEES ARE TO BE EITHER A CERTIFIED CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO THE ‘NAMGIS FIRST NATION.

June Sports has many family events such as the Prince and Princess Pageant on Thursday – June 15th in the Bighouse at 6pm; parade starting on Friday – June 16th at 9am sharp.

Family Fun (Bounce-a-Rama) at Rec Centre at 7pm: Friday ~ June 16, 2017

For a list of accommodations in Alert Bay, please visit http://www.alertbay.ca/about-alert-bay/ . On this link, there are many brochures – one being accommodations. Limited space is available so please book early.

In the spirit of the 59th Anniversary of June Sports, we look forward to your participation.

On behalf of the ‘Namgis First Nation & June Sports Comittee, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact: Randy Bell 250-974-5556 Ext #3301 randyb@namgis.bc.ca Alana Jacobson 250-974-8059 alanaj@namgis.bc.ca

June Sports Committee is requesting that families with trophies, please have selected recipient’s name/s to Alana Jacobson, Zabrina Svanvik or Verna Ambers by half time of the Men’s final game ~ no later!

Last years’ winners, please return trophies at half time of Men’s final game.

Thank you! Happy 59th June Sports!

www.namgis.bc.ca18

Crisis Lines:Vancouver Island Crisis Line

1 – 888-494-388824 hour service.

A & D On call Line250-974-8015

Alcoholics Anonymous meetingsMondays: 7 p.m. at Sunshine Room

Wednesdays: 7 p.m. at Sunshine RoomSundays: 1 p.m. at NTC (when group in session)

Narcotics Anonymous meetingFridays: 7 p.m. at NTC (when group in session)

ALANO Meetings held every Tuesday at 7p.m. at

A.A. Sunshine Room. For relatives and friends of alcoholics.

‘Namgis Council Portfolios:Aboriginal Title and Rights

All Council

Economic Development Rob Mountain Dixon Taylor

Social Services Kelly Speck

Brian Wadhams

Public Works and Housing Kelly Speck Victor Isaac

Education Dixon Taylor

Health and Recreation Bill Wasden Kelly Speck

Community Justice Rob Mountain Kelly Speck

Finance Dixon Taylor Victor Isaac

Aquatic Resources (Fisheries) Victor Isaac

Rob Mountain Art Dick

Brian Wadhams

Forestry/Parks & Protected Areas Art Dick

Steven Smith Brian Wadhams

Bill Wasden

Database Contact Information

Please ensure that your contact information is up to date with us.

Please send me the following:

Mailing Address Phone Email Address It would be great to have the email address as we send out information this way at times and will be doing more so in the future. The Kala’mas is no longer mailed out. An email is sent out to the members that we have email addresses for with the link to the newsletter. If you do not have an email address and are interested in receiving a copy of the newsletter mailed to you, contact:

Gina Wadhams info@namgis.bc.ca250-974-5556 Ext #3115