‘Magwabo’yi/October 2015

FEATURED• Rande Cook Honoured• ‘Namgis Territory Signs• Church Roof Project• Election Results• Tofino Bus Info

Annual General MeetingOctober 24 & 25, 2015

Alert BayLawrence Ambers

Recreation Memorial Centre

www.namgis.bc.ca

www.namgis.bc.ca2

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 Sharon Gordon Steven Smith Kelly Speck Bill Wasden Victor Isaac Robert Mountain Dixon Taylor Brian Wadhams

Words from our ChiefGilakas’la ‘Namgis

In this edition I’d like to provide you with an update on the following ‘Namgis companies:

• Atli Resources

Atli Resources is a forest company that is 100% owned by the ‘Namgis First Nation. It was established in 2009 to hold and manage ‘Namgis forest licenses. Andrea Lyall, Jim Bennett and ‘Namgis member Dan Everets are newly appointed Directors of Atli Resources. Andrea Lyall is a member of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation and a registered professional forester. Jim Bennet is a chartered accountant and Dan Everets has over 36 years of experience in the forest industry. We welcome Andrea and Jim and Dan to the Atli Board of Directors.

We also wish to thank outgoing Board members George Speck, Garry Ullstrom and Verna Ambers for their invaluable work and assistance in establishing and growing this company.

Atli doesn’t directly engage in logging. Instead, all logging by Atli is contracted out. This limits Atli’s ability to employ ‘Namgis members in its operations. We have asked the Atli Board to explore options for increasing employment opportunities for ‘Namgis members in Atli’s operations.

Log sales are contracted out to a log broker. Storey Creek Trading has been Atli’s log broker since 2009. In September 2014, Atli entered into a five-year agreement with Storey Creek Trading. Atil did not engage in any logging activity in 2014. Thus, the company earned no revenues during the 2014-2015 fiscal year.Instead, Atli spent most of 2014-2015 negotiating a limited partnership agreement with Western Forest Products (WFP). The name of the new limited partnership between Atli and WFP is Danyas Forest Products. Danyas” means “place of logging” in Kwakwala. Danyas will log lands that were earmarked as treaty settlement lands under the draft ‘Namgis Agreement in Principle. Logging under this partnership will take place over a two to five year period. Profits from the logging by Danyas will be shared 50/50 between Atli and WFP.

In addition to any logging that may be undertaken by Danyas in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Atli is currently engaged in logging on four blocks that have a total estimated volume of 58,800 cubic metres. Thus, we can expect revenues from ‘Namgis forest licenses and operations during the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

• Orca Sand and GravelOrca Sand and Gravel (OSG) is a partnership between Polaris Minerals Corporation and the ‘Namgis First Nation. OSG was established in 2007 to extract sand and gravel from the Orca quarry, which is located near Port McNeill. Polaris owns 88% of this enterprise and ‘Namgis owns the remaining 12%.

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.

www.namgis.bc.ca3

The Orca quarry has reserves of 121 million tonnes (Mt) of sand and gravel and the plant is capable of producing in excess of 6 Mt annually. The main quarry has an expected operating life of 25 years.The ratio of sand to gravel in the main quarry is 60% sand and 40% gravel. Purchasers of OSG’s product are currently seeking 60% gravel and 40% sand. Thus, OSG needs to secure additional supplies of gravel outside the main quarry. Polaris has identified a potential source of gravel at a site located near the Orca quarry and has applied for a license of occupation over this site. Polaris has initiated discussions with ‘Namgis to discuss next steps in connection with investigation and potential development of this new site. • Kuterra

Kuterra is a limited partnership that is 100% owned and operated by the ‘Namgis First Nation. Kuterra was established to operate the first land-based, closed containment Atlantic salmon farm in North America.

Our interest in preserving wild salmon and concerns about the effect of ocean-based salmon farms on wild salmon stocks are what motivated the Namgis First Nation to establish Kuterra. We are at the ground level of establishing a new industry in British Columbia, which unlike the ocean-based salmon farm industry, has no impact on wild salmon or the marine environment.

The Directors of Kuterra are Diane Cornish, Eric Hobson, Robert McKenzie, Per Heggelund, Bill Cranmer and Victor Isaac.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) is an entity that was established in 1984 to provide loans and advisory services to First Nations individuals and businesses. Each year, the NEDC celebrates the accomplishment of NEDC clients and Aboriginal businesses through its NEDC Aboriginal Business Awards.

This year, Kuterra is the winner of the NEDC’s Environmental and Sustainable Business Award. We congratulate Kuterra on this achievement and express our heartfelt appreciation to the Board of Directors and staff at Kuterra for their hard work and dedication in helping us grow this new industry.

• ‘Namgis Excavating ‘Namgis Excavating is a partnership between the ‘Namgis First Nation and Lemare Lake Logging Ltd. ‘Namgis owns 51% of this operation and Lemare owns the remaining 49%. ‘Namgis Excavating was established in 2013 to bid on heavy equipment work related to construction of the Kokish hydroelectric power project.As construction of the Kokish project is complete, this company has been inactive since June 2014. Section 11.1 of the partnership agreement authorizes dissolution of the partnership upon unanimous consent of the limited partners. ‘Namgis and Lemare agreed to dissolve the partnership and wind up this company as of March 31, 2015.

• Greg Wadhams

There are not enough words to express our gratitude to Greg and his family for his years of dedication and service to the ‘Namgis First Nation and ‘Namgis people. His dedication, commitment and leadership in advancing our Aboriginal fishing rights and improving the quality of life for all ‘Namgis members, and especially our youth, is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Gilakas’la

www.namgis.bc.ca4

Election Results

‘Namgis Election Regulations - provisions regarding withdrawal by a candidate

9.03 Any candidate who has been nominated may withdraw at any time after his nomination, but not later than when ballots have been mailed to Non-resident voters, by submitting with the Electoral Officer a written withdrawal of his nomination, signed by himself in the presence of the Electoral Officer, or in the case of a Non-resident candidate, witnessed by a person who submits their name, address and is nineteen (19) years of age. Any votes cast for any such candidate shall be null and void.

9.04 Where a candidate withdraws their name from the running after the ballots have already been mailed to Non-resident voters, the Electoral Officer shall not disclose this withdrawal to anyone until after the election.

www.namgis.bc.ca5

Gilakas’la! Thank you ‘Namgis people for your warm and generous welcome to your territory. I am honoured that Chief and Council choose me for this role and I am committed to doing my best to reward your belief and trust in me. I am overwhelmed by the hospitality of the ‘Namgis.

I was commenting to a Councillor that I am sure I have eaten as much salmon as everyone else even though I have been here only two weeks. I have been gifted smoked salmon and regular salmon much to my delight - elk meat as well!

I am from Jamaica and have lived in Canada since 1974. I came here as a student and the first place I lived was in Nelson where I attended Notre Dame University. I later moved to Calgary, transferring to the University of Calgary. I worked, lived and raised my three children (two boys and a girl) who are all grown up now in Calgary. I am blessed with these three wonderful children. They have taught me many things.

My working life has been very much in First Nations communities in urban centres and in land based communities. I have worked in six land based communities: Cree, Blackfoot, Sioux, Ojibway and now the Kwak’waka’wakw (‘Namgis) people. I have been so honored to have been given the opportunity to live amongst and to learn so much about the many cultures of First Peoples communities. I am looking forward to learning the Kwak’wala language. October 2nd, Chief Councillor Debra was kind enough to sit with me at the James Speck Potlach and explain everything about the blankets, masks, rituals and ceremonies. I had a wonderful time. Thank you to the hosts of the Potlatch and to Debra for being my guide.

Well I am just beginning my third week here at ‘Namgis. I am reading and understanding the matters that members see as important matters to address and with the guidance of Council and the assistance and work from the staff, we will get it done. Do remember, that some things move more slowly than others because there are many things involved in moving them. The important thing is that we are moving.

Until next time, Halakas’la

Senior Adminstration OfficerHopeton Louden

a’ayutsa - understand, to try to

am’aǥinisba - nose is stuffed up

www.namgis.bc.ca6

Community Flu Clinics• Wednesday - November 4, 2015

9am to 4pm Cormorant Island Community Health Centre (Hospital)

• Thursday - November 5, 2015 9am to 4pm Cormorant Island Community Health Centre (Hospital)

• Tuesday - November 10, 2015 4:30-7pm ‘Namgis Health Centre

www.namgis.bc.ca7

Cultural Corner with PewiCanadian Tenors: In early August, Clifton Murray from the Canadian Tenors contacted Randy Bell and asked him if he knew of anyone who would want to be part of their music video. Randy got all the details and contacted me and filled me in. I then contacted Clifton and we began organizing children from our community. I chose Anthony Alfred, Taysia Feschuk, Hannah Alfred-Nolie, Lillianna Mckinney, and Samantha Cook. For a few weeks I had these children come to my home to listen and practice the song with me for an hour a day. They did awesome and learned the song so fast! When it came time to finally record I had my sister video us and we all met down by the totem poles at the graveyard on front street. So many people stopped to see what we were doing and watched as the little girls, who were dressed in full regalia were doing. They sang their hearts out and danced so beautifully! Unfortunately Samantha and Anthony could not make it but thank them for helping us and learning the song. Next time.

The song that they were asked to learn was called “Under One Sky”. The song was made into a music video and Clifton and his group “The Canadian Tenors” traveled around the world taping all people to sing the same song.

This was such an awesome opportunity for our little Kwakwaka’wakw Children to be asked and we’re so happy to be able to help them out. The short clip video was made and they are now making an extended version of the music video and we will let you all know when it comes out. Way to go Kiddies! We’re very proud of you! Thank you to Thomas Wamiss for always being there for everyone helping them out when the opportunity knocks. You are a treasure to us. Also, Thank you to Brian Svanvik for helping to send the video out to the producers. Brian stayed an extra three hours helping us and we are very grateful for his kindness.

James Speck: Chief James Speck came to our school and asked our school to share a few dances at his potlatch. Man, were the kids very excited! They practiced like crazy and learned a few songs and dances to share at his potlatch. They were all so hyped up and very excited all day of the potlatch. As we got ready to dance, they were in my face panicking but overwhelmed at the amount of people they’d have to dance for. They all did awesome! Thank you to the parents for

bringing your children to the potlatch so that your children could participate. The girls did the ‘Ladie’s professional-Fort Rupert’ dance and the boys did a ‘Hamatsa’. Our kids go into the spirit world and dance with so much pride. Again, I am very proud of you all. Thank you to Chief James Speck for the invitation. You helped make 30 kids very happy!

Cultural Program: This year there have been many positive changes to the cultural program. We’re very happy to share that the kids now have Kwakwala in the morning and dance and song in the afternoon everyday!

Grade: Jr/K-3 get 40 minutes of culture a day. We split their time 20 minutes of Kwakwala in the morning and 20 minutes of dance and song in the afternoon.

Grade: 4-7 get 60 minutes of culture a day. We split their time to 30 minutes of Kwakwala and 30 minutes of dance each day. They are now adjusted and love our new schedule. The kids absolutely love to learn new dances and are very eager and love coming to class.

Words of the month:awakala- someone who talks slow

tsalxwałala- speak softly

bakwamkala- speak indian

kwakwalala’s- say it in kwakwala

hasola- to talk about someone

kayudatso- someone who talks too much

kayuda’enuxw- someone who is good at talking

kikołtsamkala- talking like you know it all

dłidłoxbala- to stand together talking

dłidładłola- relatives

‘Namwiyut- relative

wi’ump- ancestors

www.namgis.bc.ca8

Funds raised by Jail Birds

Verna Ambers raised $2,000.00 for the Food Hampers

Kelly Speck raised $933.70 for Church Roof

Margie Popovich raised $ 1,000.00 for the Bev Mountain Cancer Fund

Anne Jackson raised $600.00 for the Run for the Cure

Veronica Mclean raised $175.00 for Helping Hands

The Seafest/Musicfest committee wish to extend a huge thank you to our local RCMP for their part in arresting the unruly convicts, who got to spend some time in the Shoprite jail cell working hard to raise their bail in support of their chosen charities and Musicfest. A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped and donated.

Bail Funds Raised by Jail Birds

Tofino Bus

www.namgis.bc.ca9

Economic Development

Helen Glendale RetiresHappy Retirement Helen

October 9th was Helen’s last day of work as she has retired from working at the Health Centre as their Janitor. She has worked very hard in this position for the past 20+ years cleaning the Health Centre, Doctor’s Office, Dental Office, Elder’s Centre & Treatment Centre Offices. Before Helen started full time at the Health Centre she was working on-call for Christine McDougall. Upon Christine’s retirement Helen took on full time work at the Health Centre. Helen has enjoyed working with the numerous people who have come and gone from the different establishments & looks forward to rest and relaxation.

Interested in economic development?

Interested in creating jobs?

Willing to work on projects?

We want you!

The Steering Committee is looking for two new volunteers to assist in the Tides of Change Economic Development Strategy.

Your voice matters! Your opinion counts!

Drop off your letter of interest to the Village of Alert Bay or email to: tidesofchange@alertbay.ca

www.namgis.bc.ca10

Crisis Line/A&D Numbers Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program

North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society (NVIATS)

NVIATS Office in Campbell River has moved:

1211 Cypress Street Campbell River,BC

V9W 2Z3

Phone: 250-286-3455 Fax: 250-286-3487

There are logs available to cut for firewood for ‘Namgis members. These logs are at the landing past the public works building in an area marked with signs and flagging tape.

You can access the wood from 8am to 4pm on weekdays. You are responsible for cutting and removing the firewood you need and are

doing so at your own risk.

Firewood

Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888 24 hour service

Alcohol and Drug On Call Line 250-974-8015

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program 1-877-477-0775 Extension 2 To access counselling support for residential school survivors and inter-generational family members.

There is one counsellor available in Port Hardy or various counsellors available in Campbell River. Travel, hotel, meals and taxi to appointments are provided.

A community engagement day Thursday October 15 at the Elders Centre from 10:00-3:00 to start the development of an agri-food plan for our community. Lunch will be served.

A garden party will be held at the Community Garden and Greenhouse (Namgis Family Services) from 11:00-2:00. We will work in the garden, have lunch (served) and develop a philosophy and future plan for this garden/ greenhouse space.

Folks can contact Nicole at the Health Centre (5522) with any questions.

Watch for future updates.

Community Engagement Day Garden Party

Post Secondary Education CoodinatorTo reach Donna Hunt:

Office: 250-974-5556 Extension 3302

NEW cell: 250-974-4363

Email: donnah@namgis.bc.ca

www.namgis.bc.ca11

HIV Testing is Routine In 2014, HIV infection is a chronic manageable medical condition. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows HIV infected patients to live long and productive lives, and reduces transmission of the virus.

In British Columbia, there are an estimated 12,000 people living with HIV. Each year 200-300 people ranging in age from 13 to 81 years old are diagnosed with HIV infection.

Despite advances in treatment, there continues to be significant and avoidable morbidity and mortality occurring amongst HIV infected individuals, much of which is attributable to late diagnosis. In the last decade in Vancouver, over 60% of diagnoses occurred after patients should already be on treatment. In BC up to 17% of patients have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Data from the United Kingdom, United States, and Vancouver indicate that people diagnosed late in their infection have had multiple missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis in acute, community, and primary care settings.

This delay in diagnosis has consequences for individuals as well as for the community. For individuals diagnosed late, there is an impaired response to ART, as well as overall increased morbidity and mortality. For the community, late diagnosis contributes to the spread of HIV. It is estimated that 54% of new HIV infections occur via transmission from individuals who are unaware of their HIV status. However, people who are diagnosed and are on effective treatment are significantly less likely to transmit infection to their partners.

To decrease late diagnoses, many jurisdictions, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, now recommend routine HIV testing in acute and primary care – in addition to existing approaches to HIV diagnosis. This approach recognizes that HIV testing based on the recognition of an individual’s risk factors is insufficient to meet the goal of early diagnosis for all patients. It has been demonstrated to be highly acceptable to patients and health care providers, and effective in reaching and diagnosing patients who were not benefiting from early diagnosis and treatment.

What is the BC doing?It is recommended that health care providers know the HIV status of all patients under their care.

Specifically, that providers offer an HIV test,

• Routinely, every five years, to all patients aged 18-70 years

• Routinely, every year, to all patients aged 18-70 years who belong to populations with a higher burden of HIV infection

• Once at age 70 or older if the patient’s HIV status is not known

AND offer an HIV test to patients including adults 18-70, youth and the elderly, whenever

• They present with a new or worsening medical condition that warrants laboratory investigation

• They present with symptoms of HIV infection or advanced HIV disease

• They or their providers identify a risk for HIV acquisition

• They request an HIV test

• They are pregnant

Source: HIV TESTING GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

HIV testing is available through the ‘Namgis Health Centre either by a laboratory requisition or by Point Of Care rapid testing (results are read in one minute). The community health nurses are available to provide HIV testing amoung tests for other sexually transmitted infections. Know your HIV status!

www.namgis.bc.ca12

Fisheries Update FSC Permits – Individual fishers are welcome to come into the Fisheries Office to obtain a permit to go fishing. Getting a permit is encouraged for two reasons. 1- It provides the documentation needed to show DFO that you have the right to gather tradition foods for yourself and your family/community members. 2 - It provides the Nation with an idea of how the resources are being used. Reporting catch is important for the Nation to know what it being harvested from the resources.

Salmon Enhancement ActivitiesSnorkel Program – This year has been a challenging one for the snorkel program, for most of the summer the waters were too low to swim the entire river and sockeye were not moving in large numbers.

The following week commencing on September 09 – 11th, Pool jumps from Nimpkish/Sebalhal down to Eve Creek saw an estimated 26,528 sockeye. The following week saw 30,564 which was the largest sighting in the Swim Survey. It is speculated that some had already gone into the Vernon Lake and the Woss Lake. The fish in the Nimpkish Lake system was not observed as swims only happen above.

Territory Monitoring Activities Marine & Valley Observe, Record, Report Patrols are still occurring weekly through the marine and valley portions of the territory. In addition, the crew has started doing the hails for the commercial chum fishery.

Hatchery Activities The aeration tower upgrades occurred throughout much of September and is now all back together. Hank has been checking the water flowing through for total gas pressure, nitrogen and oxygen using a tensionometer supplied by Fisheries.

Rande Cook HonouredPremier Christy Clark announced recipients of the 2015 BC Creative Achievement Award for First Nation’s Art.

The legacy of First Nations’ Art reaches back thousands of years. Today’s artists are preserving and expanding this proud tradition with works that inspire and resonate not just in British Columbia, but far beyond our borders.

‘Namgis artist Rande Cook is one of the recipients of this award.

While growing up, Rande was drawn to the traditional art forms of his people and was especially connected to the ceremonial masks and art of the potlatch. Apprenticed to master carver John Livingston, Cook honed his carving skills focusing primarily on the northern tribes of Vancouver Island. After completing college, Cook immersed himself in jewelry making, creating unique pieces while maintaining the traditional motifs of his heritage. Cook continues to explore the ancient fundamentals of form while simultaneously striving for diversity and originality.

Detailed information about the awards and a list of past winners is posted on the foundation’s website at www.bcachievement.com

The awards will be presented later this Fall at a ceremony in Vancouver.

www.namgis.bc.ca13

The ‘Namgis Dental Clinic of Alert Bay team members Dr. Ron Ducharme DDS and Dental Assistants Kitty Bentley and Tammy Payne visited the “Well Babies Clinic” to provide dental education to new and expecting parents.

The Well Babies Clinic is part of the Community Health Program of the ‘Namgis Health Centre.

The focus of the clinic is on healthy infant and child development during pre-natal through a child’s first year of life.

The ‘Namgis is as well, a Program of the ‘Namgis Health Centre. We work in conjunction with the Well Babies Program to promote dental health. Thank you to The BC Dental Association for their kind donation of materials. Thank you Dr. Frank Foster for your dedication to our clinic and facilitating the donation on our behalf.

Christ Church Roof

Community Dinner

The recent loonie auction held October 12th was very successful, raising $ 3,740.

Reverend McKeon expressed gratitude to the many community members who came to the auction, donated items, volunteered and provided food. He reported that renovations are now underway and once the work is complete a report on funds raised will be shared with the community.

It is now expected that the total cost will be approximately $ 130,000. It is anticipated the shortfall in funds will be repaid gradually through annual payments.

The Cormorant Island Community Justice Committee is a partnership between the ‘Namgis First Nation, the Village of Alert Bay, the Whe-la-la-u Area Council and the RCMP.

The committee meets monthly to discuss issues related to justice and public safety.

A community dinner is being planned for early November to engage residents of Cormorant Island on health and safety issues related to prescription drug use on the island. Watch for posters - details

‘Namgis Dental Clinic

www.namgis.bc.ca14

U’mista Orthography Anglicized Rendering Occupied Settlements

1 Kwagu’l Kwakiutl Fort Rupert

2 Mamalilikala Mamalilikulla

3 ‘Namgis Nimpkish Yalis / Alert Bay

4 lawit’sis Tlawitsis

5 Da’naxda’xw Tenaktak New Vancouver

6 Ma’amtaglia (Madilbe’) Matilpi

7 Dzawada’enuxw Tsawatainuk Kingcome

8 Kwikwasut’inuxw Kwiksootainuk Gilford Island

9 Gwawa’enuxw Gwawaenuk

10 Haxwa’mis Hahuamis

11 ‘Nak’waxda’xw Nakwoktak

12 Tlatlasikwala Tlatlasikwala

13 Nak’amgalisala Nakumgilisala

14 Gwa’sala Gwasilla

15 Gusgimukw Koskimo

16 Gop’inuxw Giopino

17 Gwat’sinuxw Quatsino

18 T’latsinuxw Klaskino

19 Wiweka’yi Weewaikay

20 Wiwek’am Weewaikum

21 Walitsma Walatsama

22 Kwixa Kweeha

KWAKWAKA’WAKW NATIONS The following list of Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations is ranked in the order of status each community has achieved in the potlatch. This list was provided to ethnographer Wilson Duff by Mungo Martin

(Galois: 1994, 7-8).

Interesting Facts About ‘Namgis

www.namgis.bc.ca15

Economic Development OfficerAs the new Economic Development Officer, I am excited about working with the Village of Alert Bay and the ‘Namgis First Nation in implementing projects and ideas that were brought forth in Tides of Change. Both communities have worked really hard in setting common goals to provide jobs, and a sustainable growth for the future. Tides of Change not only reflects the cultural history and diversity of the past, but enriches economic, social and environmental initiatives for the future. My commitment and drive is to assist in various initiatives to support year-round business opportunities, while enriching current businesses, whether they are large or small.

To me, Alert Bay is a gem of a surprise, being on the edge of the Broughton Archipelago. Its location is in one of the top natural regions in British Columbia,

and its strategic location as a harbour, provides a rest for those who wish to venture further. Even if its just to admire our sunrise and sunsets. I have found that the people here are friendly and helpful, and from talking to various people on the street and in their shops, there is a ‘can-do’ enterprise in the air. They want to succeed, and they want Cormorant Island to live onward.

Being a proud maritime community, it fits in my own personal life. Having sailed for 40-years, this was one of the attractions that brought me here. Also, the community has a strong and unique artistic side that supports a diversity of talent. One of my hobbies is nautical rope work by weaving mats, bell ropes and rope fenders. Learning new things helps creativity and optimism, and to learn from failures along the way.

Presently, historical signs that are being implemented around the island illustrates a lot about the place and its people. By displaying and sharing one’s heritage, it preserves our past as we move into the future. More signs are coming, so please take a moment and share these experiences with your family and visitors alike.

At the moment, I am working on many community initiatives that reflect Tides of Change. One that I am proud of is having available business training slated for November 2015. The training will benefit established businesses, artists, or anyone who want’s to open a business. Best of all, support will be provided during and after training. Information will be coming out shortly.

Deer Population ManagementDue to low numbers of black-tailed deer within ‘Namgis Territory we are asking all hunters to refrain from harvesting does of any size for 2015 until a more accurate count can be made and we have a better understanding of the health of the deer population within our territory.

Black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer. Does (female deer) give birth to twins as a rule, although young does may have only one, and triplets occur once in a while. Typically does produce offspring throughout their lives, 90% of which give birth each year. Few black-tailed deer live more than eight to ten years.

So at the high end, a single 3 year old doe harvested this year, will mean a loss of up to 10 deer that would have been born within our territory, and if 4 does are harvested this year, that means a potential loss of 40 deer within our territory over the next 6 years.

Wildlife counts the number of animals in different areas throughout our territory each year, and based on that information the black-tailed deer population is 20% of what it was just 5 years ago in our territory. To put that into perspective, an area that had 40 deer five years ago, now has only 8 deer living in that area.

www.namgis.bc.ca16

Territory Signs‘Namgis has a network of 5 cabins built throughout our territory, each in a different location. They are at Plumper Island, Bonanza Lake, Mt Cain, Woss Lake, and Vernon Lake.

Each cabin has been given a name based on its location;

The Plumper Island cabin is called Kuludas, which is the proper name of the island, and means ‘Place of porpoises’

The Bonanza Lake cabin is called Tłuładi, which was the name of an area along the Kwagis River (Kokish) and means ‘Having elk’

The Mt Cain cabin is called Papikałan, which is the name of a village site on the Davie River, and was chosen because there are marmots on Mt Cain.

The Woss cabin is called Wa’s, which is a place name along the Woss River where the river goes dry, and means ‘River on ground’

The Vernon Lake Cabin is called Tlaǥwani’ǥwis, which refers to the red stones in the river and along the lake, and means ‘Red colored beach’

New signs were ordered to let people know who’s land they are in, each of the cabins’ names, and who to contact for more information.

www.namgis.bc.ca17

Mama’omas Limited Partnership (MLP)Requires members on its Board of Directors.

There are three (3) seats to fill.

If you:• are passionate about the fishing industry.• support MLP who leases/renews commercial fishing licences,

strives to increase employability.• have the time to dedicate to meetings.• can set aside personal interests and act in the organizations’

interests.• have courage to question the status quo.• are an applicant that is free of any outstanding debt with

MLP and the Namgis First Nation.

If you answered yes to all the above and are interested in becoming a member, please drop off a personal summary briefly describing your background, contact information, and how you can benefit the Board of Directors of MLP.

You can drop your summary off to the Admin. Annex Building at 43 Gatu Street (Treaty building), or by e-mail to PatriciaL@namgis.bc.ca or fax to 250-

974-2643.

Personal summaries will be accepted on or before October 30, 2015

Deadlines for processing the applications are as follows:

• May 15th for those students wishing to start College/University in September.

• November 15th for those students wishing to start College/University in January.

To apply, you can visit the ‘Namgis First Nation website: www.namgis.bc.ca and follow the Post Secondary Education Application link

Or you can call Donna Hunt at 250-974-5556 or 250-974-4363

Or call the Band Office: 250-974-5556

Post Secondary Applications

www.namgis.bc.ca18

Notice for Nominations of School Board Members to serve as ‘Namgis Education Board Members:

(2) Two ‘Namgis Representatives to serve a two-year term (1) One Whe-la-la-u Representative to serve a two-year term

Notice is hereby given to the Electors of the ‘Namgis First Nation that on Wednesday – October 21, 2015 nominations will take be taken at the T’lisalagi’lakw School from 8:00am to 8:00pm for the purpose of nominating two (2) Representatives for the ‘Namgis First Nation to serve on the ‘Namgis Education Board for a (2) two-year term.

Notice is hereby given to the Electors of the Whe-la-la-u Ara Council that on Wednesday – October 21, 2015 nominations will take be taken at the T’lisalagi’lakw School from 8:00am to 8:00pm for the purpose of nominating one (1) Representative for the Whe-la-la-u Area Council to serve on the ‘Namgis Education Board for a (2) two-year term.

Advance Poll: Wednesday – October 28, 2015 8:00am to 8:00pm Election Day: Wednesday – November 4, 2015 8:00am to 8:00pm

‘Namgis Terms Expiring: Bert Isaac and Shannon Alfred Whe-la-la-u Term Expiring: Jamie Hill

‘Namgis Education Board

ał’alisala - someone just arriving in town

ał’ugwaxsa’makw - people from different tribes

The Alert Bay RCMP continues to receive reports of ongoing unsafe driving practices. Significant efforts have been made to correct these behaviors through educational campaigns as well as written warnings and letters to offending drivers locally. In conjunction

with the Christmas party season impaired driving initiatives, the Alert Bay RCMP will be increasing enforcement action in all areas of driving safety in our ongoing efforts to support safe roadways for our community members. Please be aware of the consequences of some commonly reported infractions.

Failing to wear seat belts, using electronic devices while driving (3 demerit points), and failing to obey stop signs (3 demerit points). Each offence carries a $167 fine.

The Alert Bay RCMP encourages members our community to continue to report dangerous activity as we work together in the area of road safety. Please contact the detachment at 250-974-5544. Should the call be after hours or when members are tied up on other matters please leave a message on non-urgent matters or select the option to speak with a dispatcher if it relates to something requiring more urgent attention.

As always, 911 remains the emergency contact for crimes in progress such as a drunk drivers, violent incidents or thefts in progress.

We wish everyone all the best as we move into the holiday season and look forward to interacting with designated drivers at our ongoing checkstops.

Sgt Brett SINDEN, Detachment Commander, Alert Bay RCMP

RCMP Safe Driving Enforcement