MARCH / APRIL 2015

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Countdown to

June Sports

FEATUREDKwakwala with Pewi

VanCity Update‘Namgis Electrician

Repousse with Gus CookGwa’ni

Vancity Credit Union Update

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 Greg Wadhams Bill Wasden Victor Isaac Robert Mountain Dixon Taylor

Words from our ChiefGilakas’la ‘Namgis. In this edition of ‘Kala’mas, I’d like to report on a forestry agreement that Council will be bringing to ‘Namgis members for approval through a referendum that will be held on June 19, 2015. I’d also like to provide you with an update on demolition of the residential school and report on strategies that we are pursuing to protect our Aboriginal title and rights.

Forestry Agreement

We will hold a referendum vote on June 19, 2015 to seek ‘Namgis member approval of a draft Forest Fund Agreement (FFA) between the ‘Namgis First Nation and the Government of British Columbia (BC). An information package has been sent to ‘Namgis members that includes a backgrounder on the FFA, a copy of the FFA and a legal opinion on the effect of the FFA on our Aboriginal title. If you haven’t received a copy of the information package, please contact Terrance Alfred at terrancea@namgis.bc.ca or at 250-974-5556.

At a General Meeting that will be held on May 30-31, 2015 we will host an information session on the FFA. Members of the technical team that negotiated the agreement on our behalf will be on hand to answer questions about the FFA.

Approximately 70% of all eligible ‘Namgis voters live away from Alert Bay. While we have resources to assist members living away from home to travel to Alert Bay to attend the Annual General Meeting which will be held later this year, we do not have resources to assist members with travel expenses to attend the May 30-31, 2015 General Meeting. (The date for the General Meeting has been moved from April 24-25, 2015 to May 30-31, 2015). Members living away from home who have internet access can view the May 30-31, 2015 General Meeting via webinar. For access to the webinar, visit our website at www.namgis.bc.ca and click on the link for the May 30-31, 2015 General Meeting.

Additionally, any members who are unable to attend the May 30-31, 2015 General Meeting can send their questions about the FFA to forestryreferendum@namgis.bc.ca and we will respond to your questions as quickly as possible.

Thanks to the members of the ‘Namgis technical team who negotiated the FFA and two other related forest agreements with Western Forest Products. The technical team included Doug Aberley, Rachel Dalton, Garry Ullstrom, Eric Woodhouse, Bryan Mills, George Speck, Councilor Kelly Speck and former Councilors Barb Cranmer, Brian Wadhams and Art Shaughnessy.

Residential School Demolition Update

Demolition of the residential school demolition is proceeding on time and on budget. Demolition of the building was completed by Quantum Murray on March 23, 2015 and all building debris, including brick, wood and metal, has been removed from the site.

Abernathy Contracting is currently removing contaminated soil from the site and replacing it with approximately 6,500 tonnes of backfill. This soil remediation work was temporarily halted with the discovery of bones at the site by ‘Namgis archeological monitors. Work resumed once the Coroner’s office determined that the bones discovered were animal bones.

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.

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Contaminated soil is transported off the island by barge and loading of the barges must be conducted during high tides, which has sometimes resulted in traffic and noise at irregular hours. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. This work should be completed by April 15, 2015, so we ask for your continued patience.

Once the soil removal and remediation is completed, part of the site will be hydro-seeded. A parking lot will be established on another portion of the site. Thanks to the many ‘Namgis staff members who have been assisting with this project, including, but not limited to Verna Ambers, Wayne Cook, Rachel Dalton, Derek Perrault, Steven Barnes and Bill Speck.

Aboriginal Title and Rights – Progress Report There are at least five pathways that any First Nation can pursue to protect and advance its Aboriginal title and rights. These five pathways were discussed at the ‘Namgis First Nation’s 2014 Annual General Meeting that was held at Alert Bay on November 1-2, 2014 and include the following:

• Build Wealth: First Nations can build wealth and use the wealth generated to protect and advance their Aboriginal title and rights.

• Exercise Jurisdiction: Where Aboriginal title and rights have not been extinguished by treaty or otherwise, First Nations can arguably exercise authority over their lands and resources.

• Litigation: First Nations can also go to court to protect their Aboriginal title and rights. For example, in the Tsilhqot’in case, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Tsilhqot’in have Aboriginal title to 1,750 square kilometres of land within their traditional territory. Similarly, in the Ahousaht case, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Nuu-cha-nulth First Nations have a commercial right to harvest marine resources within their traditional waters.

• Negotiation: In BC, First Nations can negotiate a treaty, also known as a final agreement with Canada and BC. First Nations in BC can also negotiate non-treaty agreements with Canada and BC.

• Political Advocacy: First Nations can work towards persuading federal and provincial governments to change policies and laws that adversely affect our Aboriginal title and rights.

We have taken, or will be taking the following steps to protect and advance ‘Namgis Aboriginal title:

• Build Wealth The ‘Namgis First Nation has seven companies. We will continue to explore the development of business relationships with resource companies operating within our core territory as part of our wealth-building strategy. A portion of resources derived from our existing businesses have been used to build our internal capacity to participate in the management of

lands and resources within our traditional territory.

The FFA, which we will seek member approval of through a referendum, is an example of a business relationship that can provide us with an opportunity to share in the wealth generated from logging on a portion of our traditional territory. Without this arrangement, these lands would be harvested without any financial benefits flowing to ‘Namgis.

• Exercise Jurisdiction Based on the ruling in Tsilhqot’in, First Nation consent is arguably required for resource developments on lands where Aboriginal title claims are strong, but title is not yet proven. The requirement for consent also arguably creates space for the implementation and exercise of First Nation laws and jurisdiction.

First Nations in BC are working towards the development of a consent-based model of engagement and accommodation. We will continue support First Nation efforts throughout BC to persuade BC to adopt a consent-based model of engagement and accommodation. While work has not yet commenced, we also plan to develop our own consultation, consent, resource revenue sharing and shared decision-making policies.

• Litigation If a First Nation is interested in going to court to seek a declaration of Aboriginal title over all or parts of its traditional territory, one of the first steps that it must take is to gather, organize and evaluate evidence (archaeological, historic, anthropological, etc.) and to identify and interview potential witnesses (‘Namgis members and experts).

This evidence is not only essential to prepare for court; it is also vital to the development of negotiation and exercising jurisdiction strategies. While we presently do not have a mandate to go to court to seek a declaration of Aboriginal title, given the importance of gathering, organizing and evaluating the evidence listed above, we have obtained advice from experts to comprehensively identify and summarize the required scope of work.

Subject to financial considerations, we may host a special assembly sometime during 2015-2016. At this assembly, our goal is to have legal and other experts on hand to provide members with a summary of the Tsilhqot’in decision and its implications and present an analysis of the pros and cons of seeking a declaration of Aboriginal title through the courts.

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In 2003, many First Nations, including ‘Namgis, filed Aboriginal title claims due to concerns about limitation periods. Our writ was filed on December 10, 2003 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia under action no. L033530. If and when ‘Namgis decides to initiate a title claim, it will be necessary to take this action out of abeyance and to update the writ.

• Negotiation

The ‘Namgis First Nation does not presently have a mandate to negotiate a treaty following the March 2013 ‘no’ vote. There will be no resumption of treaty negotiations without a mandate from ‘Namgis members. However, we will continue to seek information from Canada and BC about any changes in their mandates and other potential negotiation opportunities.

‘Namgis Hereditary Chiefs and Council met with Canada and BC on March 31, 2015 to seek information regarding changes, if any, to federal and provincial treaty mandates following the Tsilhqot’in decision and Canada’s July 2014 announcement that it has provided fish mandates to its negotiators and is willing to negotiate incremental treaties. Negotiators for Canada and BC both reported that there have been no changes to their mandates following the Tsilhqot’in decision.

However, subject to obtaining a specific mandate for an interested First Nation, Canada is willing to negotiate incremental treaty agreements (ITAs) with First Nations on any topics within federal jurisdiction, including fish, certainty, own source revenue and environmental protection. Funding for First Nation participation in ITA negotiations with Canada is by way of contribution agreement. ITAs provide for early implementation of arrangements agreed to through this form of agreement and Canada’s expectation is that an ITA will be incorporated into any final treaty agreement concluded by Canada, BC and the relevant First Nation. While Canada expressed an interest in exploring an incremental treaty agreement on fish with ‘Namgis, there will be no negotiations without a mandate from ‘Namgis members. We will share more information and discuss this option at the General Meeting set for May 30-31, 2015.

BC expressed a willingness to explore an incremental treaty agreement with ‘Namgis on land. We will share more information and discuss this option at the May 30-31, 2015 General Meeting.

I wish to reiterate, there will be no resumption of any negotiations, including fish or land ITA negotiations, without a mandate from ‘Namgis members.

At the March 31, 2015 tripartite, ‘Namgis also sought information about BC’s decision to withdraw its support for the appointment of George Abbott as the Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission and Premier Christie Clarke’s subsequent statements on March 25, 2015 that BC will

seek to reform the BC Treaty process, which according to statements made by the Premier, may result in dismantling of the BC Treaty Commission. BC negotiators did not have any information about BC’s plans to seek reforms to the BC Treaty Process.

In response to BC’s unwillingness to appoint a new Chief Commissioner, the remaining Commissioner’s at the BC Treaty Commission, in accordance with the statutory authority conferred upon them, appointed Commissioner Celeste Haldane as A/Chief Commissioner for April 2015. Commissioner Jerry Lampert will serve as A/Chief Commissioner during the month of May 2015.

• Political Advocacy

Over the past year we have engaged in two main initiatives to persuade the federal and provincial government to change policies and laws that affect our Aboriginal title and rights.

On November 28, 2014, ‘Namgis made a submission to Doug Eyford, the Ministerial Special Representative appointed by the Government of Canada to make recommendations on the reform of Canada’s Comprehensive Lands Claims Policy. Issues addressed in our submission included certainty, fiscal relations, revenue sharing, fisheries, own source revenue, consent-based decision making and shared decision-making, overlaps and shared territories, negotiation process and mandates, dispute resolution, negotiation loans and the impact of the Tsilhqot’in decision.

The Ministerial Special Representative released his report entitled “A New Direction – Advancing Aboriginal and Treaty Rights” on April 2, 2015. The report contains 43 recommendations designed to improve Canada’s Comprehensive Lands Claims Policy and relations with First Nations. We work with other First Nations in BC to press for implementation of the recommendations, if any, in the Special Representative’s report that address ‘Namgis interests and concerns.

Over the past year, we have also engaged in discussions with provincial ministers to promote the use of land based aquaculture and to express our concerns about the impact of open net finfish aquaculture on wild salmon, which is vital to the survival of our people. More recently, I appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries on March 24, 2015 to promote the use of land based aquaculture and to ask for the moratorium on net pen aquaculture in the Discovery Islands to be extended to Johnstone Straits and the Broughton Archipelago until 2020, so that siting criteria and research on the impact of net pen aquaculture on wild salmon can be completed and assessed. In the coming year, we plan to continue our advocacy to protect wild salmon.

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RCMP Constable Dave BandurakIntroduction from the ’New Guy’

Hello ~ I arrived in Alert Bay last November from Terrace where I was posted for over seven years. I am at this time being referred to by most of Alert Bay as the “New Guy”. I have met a number of people on the Island and have discovered most people have a nick name here. I was speaking with “Elk” one day who told me I would have to “earn” my nickname. I guess I earned the name “New Guy” by being the newest guy here so that makes sense. Once a newer guy comes then the community will have to come together and vote on a new one or you will have to start calling me “Old Guy”.

So I’ll tell you some more about this New/Old Guy: I have worked my entire career in Terrace prior to Alert Bay and have done a variety of investigations and I have a large amount of drug investigation experience. With the drug issues here in Alert Bay I am looking at doing what I can to help stop drug dealers from operating on the Island so I encourage you, if you have drug information, are nervous about your safety or not wanting to be identified as a witness I can explain how we can work with you and keep you safe and anonymous. The other members here are as equally enthusiastic about tackling these issues as I am but what I am hearing is that the public may be concerned about how to work with the police. I have come to learn that those who want to stop drug problems have to work with us on these problems as we are unable to do our jobs without the public helping us so I can only encourage people to come forward. I look forward to meeting more people in the community and helping make Alert Bay a great place to live.

Thanks,

Dave

Post SecondaryThe 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 get an application forms, you can contact:

Donna Hunt at 250-974-5556

By email: donnah@namgis.bc.ca

Online: www.namgis.bc.ca

Youth Soccer CampSaturday, May 2nd & Sunday, 3rd, 2015 At the Big House Soccer Field in Alert Bay, 102 Park Street If needed, please bring healthy snacks and water.

10:00am to 12:00pm for ages 9 to 13 years old

12:00pm to 1:00pm Lunch Break

1:00pm to 3:00pm for ages 14 to 16 & 17 to 19 years old.

Open to all Aboriginal Youth in the Vancouver Island Region.

Parents or Guardians, please sign the registration form and the waiver form, then drop it off to Tanis Dawson.

To Register, please contact:

Tanis R. Dawson Community Health Representative ‘Namgis Health Centre Phone: 250-974-5533 ext. 2123 Email: TanisD@namgis.bc.ca

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ARCHERY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CAMPOn March 16,17/2015, 13 youth gathered at the Bighouse soccer

field to learn skills in archery. The instructor was Daryle Mills, a

Cree/Metis Youth Worker at Wachiay Friendship Centre along with 3

youth from the Eagle program.

Even though the weather was a bit chilly, it did not deter the youth

(ages 6 to 12 years old) from coming out for the two days to practice

archery. Most of the youth were naturals even though this was their

first time learning archery.

Hats off to Daryle Mills and his team of instructors, who found a way

to get here by water taxi on the second day as our unpredictable

ferry was too full for them.

Thank you to Kim Leming for organizing; Dorothy Rufus for helping

with organizing; Daryle Mills and the youth from the Eagles;

Aboriginal Sports, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council

for sponsoring the event; and all the youth who participated.

HAPPY HEALTHY LIVING IN APRILEat Well ... Be Active ... Save Tobacco for Tradition

Eat Well: ... Put some wellness into your lifestyle this spring with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain phylochemicals which “are known to have disease - preventing properties”. (Kasik-Miller, Dietitians Today). For example, “sulforaphane, a phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables, was found to detoxify cancer-causing chemicals before they do damage to the body” (Tang, Dietitians Today) so help yourself to some broccoli, cabbage or brussel sprouts.

Be Active ... Need a little motivation to get some spring in your step this April? Try a pedometer (step counter) “it’s a good motivational tool and works even better when you set a goal in combination with wearing [one]. Studies show that pedometer users walk at least 2,000 more steps each day than nonusers, and using a pedometer helped people increase their overall physical activity levels by 27% (Harvard Health).

Save Tobacco for Tradition If you smoke and are not ready to quit, why not consider quitting for a day?! Check out QuitNow’s ‘Tobacco Free Tuesdays’ contest. It’s held on the first Tuesday of each month. You could win $250.00 and all you need to do is pledge to be tobacco free for a day. Go to www.quitnow.ca for more details.

For more information on Phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables, check out: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newsarchives/110308p34.shtml

www.namgis.bc.ca7

June Sports June 19, 20 & 21, 2015

Before you know it, June Sports 2015 will be upon us.

Planning meetings are starting to be scheduled. Keep your ears open for meeting times. Get involved. There are many changes going to take place this year - there will be more hands needed to pull this tournament off.

Youth Soccer may be in jeopardy unless volunteers come forward.

If you have any questions or are willing to step up and help, please call the Band Office: 250-974-5556

VANCITY UpdateYou may have noticed that things are now moving ahead quickly! The Vancity Cormorant Island community branch will open for business on Wednesday, May 20. We will be open three days a week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

If you would like to beat the rush and start the account opening process now you can pick up a New Member Application package at the Village office, or call our Member Service Centre at 1.888.826.2489 which is open 7 days a week, or send an email to cormorantisland@vancity.com. Please welcome our new staff members Donna Myers and Jeanine Johnny who are currently training and learning the Vancity systems and processes, and Kim Van Velzen who will be providing additional coverage and support. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Beat the rush and pick up a New Member Application Package at the Village office

How can I contact Vancity:

Call us at 250.974.3165 or toll free at 1.888.826.2489Email us at cormorantisland@vancity.com Or drop by the Branch once we open on May 20th

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REPOUSSE ART with Gus Cook

How I got started: I kind of fell into repousse. After the recession, work slowed down a lot, especially for the smaller companies like the ones I was working for at the time. Being on EI, for the first time in my life, I had time to look for other work. Rande Cook and I, over dinner, talked about doing some art. Rande and another artist, were fresh out of the repousse and chasing courses in Europe and New York, so why not repousse? Seemed alright to me at first, I never thought it would go anywhere. I figured I

would have to spend at least 5-10 years to get any good, and wasn’t sure if I was into it. It’s not an easy life being an artist. There’s never a fixed, or for sure ‘pay day’. The beginning was tough. I actually went back to construction for about six months or so. With hopes of doing something with my school, I was also doing volunteer work teaching guitar lessons to autistic children. I was trying to get some work experience. Eventually I made my way back to the shop, and haven’t stopped since. I began my first piece, with Rande doing one side, and me trying to match it up on the other. I’ve always been a decent visual learner, so this worked great for me - learning by watching a demonstration. When I first got excited about the art is when I tried to replicate, or copy an older dzunukwa mask; one of my first silver pieces. I realized if I had a photo of the piece, especially multiple angles, I could do a pretty good representation of the original.

At first I was using only a handful of punches to do an entire piece. Rande once admitted to me after splitting one of my first bakwas pendants, that he ‘went through’ on almost all of his repousse pieces, “it’s easy to close up” he said. This to me was a green light to question, why? There’s got to be a reason. Even though Rande continued to help with designing, I began looking for answers about moving metal - researching tools and various techniques. The more I looked into it the more I wanted to learn. Some may think I’m fairly advanced, I think it’s because not many artists from our area have worked with metal using these techniques. Actually when compared to others from Europe, Asia, and many other countries where repousse began, I am an infant and have a long way to go.

Repousse differs from engraving and carving in that everything is hammered. There’s no metal removed-carved; it’s the same amount of material you start with throughout the process. Although I have recently started finishing my pieces with engravers, you can only get so fine with a hammer and punches, engraving allows for a much cleaner finish.

Repousse can be done a number of different ways, but basically it starts with a flat piece of sheet metal, and working (hammering) from both the front (chasing) and the back (repousse) to create a three dimensional piece. Everything is done with various hammers and punches (chisels).

When I first started, I was using one hammer and about four or five punches. I now use multiple hammers and about 80 punches to do each pieces. Different punches are used for different stages - eg. repousse stage requires more bold and rounded tools. And chasing needs crisper punches for the finishing. Metals used are copper, silver (sterling and argentium) and gold.

A work week for me - I’m still fairly new in the art world, so I’m still trying to ‘make some noise’ as they say. Again there’s only a payday when you finish a piece, if you sell it. So, a work week for me is long hours - usually 6-7 days a week. Every piece I do I want to ‘out do’ my last. It’s a fault of mine. Some say life is not a competition. I compete against myself every day. Whether it is a run, a song on the guitar, or my next major repousse piece, I’m trying to get better every time. Life for me is trying to improve, and constantly learn. When I stop learning I get bored and want to move on to something new. Which is why repousse-art seems to be working well for me, I’m constantly learning something new with every piece.

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Art work I do?

Everything I do, at the moment, is done with repousse and chasing. Some might say I’m a jeweller, mostly because I do more jewelry then bigger pieces. I like the bigger pieces myself. If I had a choice I would focus more on that. But it’s the time and money factors; it’s hard to spend a solid month on one big piece, without it being a commission. I’ve done a few full size rattles, masks, frontlets, plates, and most jewelry.

Future shows?

Meh...who knows, I’m not a fan of the spot light. I’m more like the guy sitting three rows back quietly absorbing the information I need to do what I do. If I was asked though, of course I would. It’s great for exposure, which is always nice for a rookie like me.

Who/what inspired me?

I would have to say my drive comes from my hard working parents. I tell everyone this - my old man used to wake me up on the boat with a big spotlight shining in my face, and say “Gus”! And of course it’s 5 a.m. My response was “What?” Then he’d say, “If you’re going to do a half ass job today, just stay in bed” then laugh hysterically. It was the little things like that that gave me the drive to get things done. Watching my Mom constantly work to make us happy, working full time, and still putting out our lunches, and dinners every day. Doing all the little things great Moms do. I’m happy to say I was blessed with some inspiring parents, and hope to pass it on one day. Nothing in life is easy, but all good things are worth some good old hard work.

Education is another tool that has always inspired me. Some think it’s a waste of time if you don’t ‘use it’. Education teaches you to think. Be aware that every problem, no matter how big or small, has multiple solutions, and even if you perfect it, you can still make adjustments to get better. Always question everything and everyone.

Future plans?

Makes me laugh a bit - three years ago I never would’ve thought in a million years I would be an artist. And before that I was training to be a martial arts instructor. I’ve always been the ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy. So who knows … I’ll definitely be expanding my skills soon, hopefully before this year ends ... my progress is only halted by tools at the moment. I want to move into larger scale raising and things that haven’t been done with our designs. I hate to say ‘be the first to do it’ because repousse and the techniques I’m using have been around for thousands of years. I want to use some of these skills to make some crazy things. I have lots of ideas constantly growing in my head. I’ll keep those to myself for now :) Also wood, our original art form, I am hoping to dabble in some wood soon if time will let me. Lots on the horizon I hope … Basically if I never stop learning, I’ll be golden....dreaming big!

Teaching the youth?

Of course, I am looking into teaching ASAP. There aren’t many repousse and chasing classes in Canada, so I would love to start something to get that going one day. For our youth, for sure that would be awesome to come home for a bit a share some of what I’ve learned.

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‘NAMGIS ELECTRICIANLindsay BeansSupporting our members to go after their dreams.

Lindsay graduated - Electrical Foundation at BCIT on March 7, 2014 with the highest grade in her class: 94%. Lindsay intends to do the same with my second level as well.

She found work right away as an apprentice Electrician with Nelcan Electric in Vancouver. Lindsay has been working almost a full year with Nelcan Electric doing residential and commercial electrical work around Vancouver.

Lindsay is going back to BCIT on March 16, 2015 to complete the second level of apprenticeship. The course is for ten weeks.

“My goal is to become a Journeyman Electrician by 2017 - ideally a power line technician for BC Hydro. Working as a female electrician has had its challenges but it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” states Lindsay.

Coming from a family of fisherman, carpenters, loggers, and welders, Lindsay has always been influenced by the trades and wants to make her family proud by taking on an Electrical apprenticeship. Lindsay’s goal is to move home one day and help our community.

Way to Go Lindsay! We’re so proud of you! Reach for the Stars!

‘Tides of Change’ Project - Ec DevHere is a short update on the Tides of Change project.

‘Tides of Change’ update and a new face in town

The Tides of Change (our Economic Development Plan) planning process is wrapping up. Which means that it is time to start implementing some of the actions in our plan!

The Village and ‘Namgis have jointly hired Colleen Hamilton of EcoPlan for a month to start working on some of the short term actions, while we work towards hiring a longer-term employee.

Working out of the Village and ‘Namgis offices, a few of Colleen’s priorities for the month are:

• Historicalandculturalsigns • Farmersmarket

• Tourismpromotions(website) • Litterreduction

• Beginningtheharbourplanningprocess • Andabunchofothersmallprojects

Say “hi” if you see her around, or stop by if you want to chat. You also can reach her at colleen@ecoplan.ca.

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SOCCER REFEREE CLINICHats off to the group who took part in the clinic to ensure soccer games can continue to thrive in our community.

On February 20, 2015, the following people completed the Soccer Referee Clinic in Alert Bay:

Tamara Quatell Karissa Clendale May Shaughnessy

Darryl Dawson Amber Alfred Richard Prevost

Peter Mountain Tanis Dawson Gavin Wamiss

Ariel Nelson Georgia Walkus

Lorraine Charlie

The instructor said, “the average score on the exam was the highest of any course that I’ve taught. Thank you for your attention, participation and interest during the class.”

Thank you to Jim Betker, instructor and Aboriginal Sports, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council.

‘NAMGIS GENERAL MEETINGMark your calendars: May 30th & 31st, 2015 in Alert Bay at the Lawrence Ambers Memorial Recreation Centre

Agenda

1) Financial Disclosure

2) Aboriginal Title & Rights Strategy Update

a. Community Engagement Report

b. Community Vote Forest Fund Agreement (Information Package previously sent to you)

3) Economic Development Annual Report

Please be advised that webinar will be set up for Band Members to tune into this meeting. Visit our website: www.namgis.bc.ca and click on the link for the May 30th & 31st, 2015 General Meeting.

Unfortunately, there will be no travel reimbursements for those who travel to participate in the ‘Namgis General Meeting.

Lunch and snacks will be provided on both days.

The Parking Lot questions from our last Annual General Meeting will be distributed to participants.

An Annual General Meeting will be held at a later date

The General Meeting that was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 has been postponed. Instead, the General Meeting has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. Notices with the new meeting dates are in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact:

Verna Ambers, ‘Namgis Assistant Manager

Phone: 250-974-5556 ext. 2012

Email: VernaA@namgis.bc.ca

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Word-ending (Pronoun) that you use when you want to say “that” in conjunction with the words that end with an “u” and “o” Your lips are rounded when you say these vowels “u” and “o” at the end of a word. If you carry that sound you will slightly hear a “w” sound and that will help carry your pronoun with more of a flow. Try saying this sentence a few times, and pay attention to how your mouth is rounded, and carry that sound. Example: k̓adayuwux̱ da- That is a pencil/pen k̓adayu+w+ux̱ da- That is a pencil/pen k̓adayu- pen/pencil

Notice: The last sound that you hear is the “oo” sound like in the english word “boo” or “oe” sound in the english word “toe” Here are some phrases to practice with: x̱wa̱ldayu- saw k̓ik̓adayu- pencils k̓wa̱mdzu ʼyu- dress a̱ ʼya ʼsu-hand/ arm gugwa̱ ʼyu- foot/leg guga̱gwa̱ ʼyu- feet/ legs p̓a̱sp̓a̱ ʼyu- ear p̓ip̓a̱sp̓a̱ ʼyu- ears t̕ła̱ng̱ayu-fork bada ʼyu-butter knife di ʼx̱stanu-toilet paper dig̱a̱m ʼyu- towel t̕sugwayu- soap t̕sut̕sa̱xw ʼxe ʼyu-tooth brush

In the case where you have the object in your hand, touching or close by you will use the whole word plus “gada” at the end of the word. “k̓adayu gada” which will translate to “This is a........” (right here, touching, holding or close to you) Here are some words to practice with: x̱wa̱ldayu- saw k̓ik̓adayu- pencils k̓wa̱mdzu ʼyu- dress a̱ ʼya ʼsu-hand/ arm gugwa̱ ʼyu- foot/leg guga̱gwa̱ ʼyu- feet/ legs p̓a̱sp̓a̱ ʼyu- ear p̓ip̓a̱sp̓a̱ ʼyu- ears t̕ła̱ng̱ayu-fork bada ʼyu-butter knife di ʼx̱stanu-toilet paper dig̱a̱m ʼyu- towel t̕sugwayu- soap t̕sut̕sa̱xw ʼxe ʼyu-tooth brush

Words that end with a consonant “ ł, s, m,ḵ, kw, k, p... etc”

You carry the last sound that you hear, because there is NO vowel at the end you simply use the last sound/consonant.

ha̱m ʼxda̱ ʼmił- table k̓waxda̱ ʼmił- chair a̱ ʼwi ʼnagwił- floor gwagwa ʼł- paper tła̱ta̱mł-hat daga̱ns-sock di ʼdaga̱ns-socks sa̱ms-mouth xum ʼs-head xa̱ndzas-nose g̱ig̱a̱ ʼyag̱as-eyes g̱a̱ ʼyag̱as-eye ḵ̓ina̱m-lots kat̕sa̱naḵ-spoon x̱a̱ta̱m-carrot kwa̱nikw-bread ke ʼk-cake ʼwap-water ḵ̓wa̱nḵ- wet x̱a̱g̱a̱m-comb t̕sup̓a ʼx-glove t̕sit̕sup̓a ʼx-gloves dadat̕sa̱ ʼwakw-jacket ha̱nx̱solas- window

Words that end with an “ i or e”- we add a “y” and then add -ux̱ da- that is a...... but If you want to say “this is a........” then simply add -gada ʼnigwat̕si- light (lamp/fixture) ḵ̓a̱s ʼa̱ne ʼ-shirt ḵ̓waḵ̓waxsidze ʼ-toes uxwsa̱ ʼyap̓e ʼ-shoulder up̓ige ʼ-knee/knees a̱ldzi-meat kwu ʼsi-potatoe a̱magat̕si-toilet gigi-teeth ha̱nx̱at̕si- mirror ha̱ m̓e’-food

Words that end with an “a” Vowel. This vowel or ending can be very tricky. You take the vowel ‘a’ off of the ending of this word and add the- ‘ux̱ da’ ending, and if you are using -gada keep the ‘a’ at the end of the word. Lets practice! Example: ux̱ da- t̕a̱xa̱lux̱ da- That is a door or gada- t̕a̱xa̱la gada- This is a door t̕a̱xa̱la-door dza̱mba-jeans sa̱ y̓a-hair pi ł̓a̱ga’-plate x̱a̱lḵ̓wa-bowl k̓wa’sta-cup

KWAKWALA with Pewi This was in the February 2015 issue of Kala’mas without the translations. Members have requested the translations.

www.namgis.bc.ca13

COUNCIL CORNER - William Wasden Sr. Hello to you all and thank you for showing your confidence in me by electing me to Band Council and entrusting me along with the rest of our Chief and Council to conduct the business of the ‘Namgis people. I was elected in December of 2013 and have been entrusted with the health portfolio and find it a very challenging job to undertake. In my mind, the health department is being managed quite well with a few minor requirements that need addressing and this is being done at the regular monthly meetings of your Health Board.

We are at this time going through a process of “Accreditation” for the Center as well as the Treatment Center. This is a long and difficult process that only boosts the status or

credibility of the Health Department when dealing with funding agencies. I would like to thank our staffs under the direction of Georgia Cook and Shannon Whonnock who are mainly responsible for carrying out this important work.

As part of this portfolio, I have also been assigned the seat on the Inter Tribal Health Authority which is situated out of Nanaimo. They also are working on achieving “Accreditation” and at this point, we are reviewing all of their policies which are a requirement for accreditation.

I attended a meeting hosted by the First Nations Health Authority in Parksville where the topics of discussion were all important to our membership and may make big changes. One of those changes may be the patient travel policy which may become the responsibility of the First Nations to set the level of assistance available. These changes will require time to filter to our level but they are in the works.

I was requested by Chief Deb Hanuse to attend a workshop on ‘Alternatives to Treaty’ hosted by the BC Treaty Commission. This was an intense three day workshop that dealt with many topics such as the highs and lows of the Ni’sgaa treaty, incremental Treaty agreements, capacity building, overlaps with other nations as well as resource agreements in place of treaty chapters. There were many interesting concepts in how to deal with the resources that belong to us and I’m sure that these will be discussed at the Council level and with membership when time allows.

Ready, Set, Learn at the Alert Bay School Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Contact person: Roberta Harris - Alert Bay School: 250 974-5569

The Ready, Set, Learn Event is a time for parents/caregivers to bring their three, four and five year olds to the Alert Bay School to participate in an afternoon of activities which will include a variety of stations that support early learning. Children are required to attend with an adult to go through the stations with them.

Come to the school with your child to experience ideas about early learning and the things that you can do naturally every day to enhance your child’s skills.

www.namgis.bc.ca14

A long time ago, when the world was still young, at a time when many spirit beings wandered the world, a man named Gwa’nalalis and his family settled at a place called Xwalkw. After a time a supernatural being named Kaniki’lakw, came to Gwa’nalalis and asked him,

“Do you want to be a mountain”? Gwa’nalalis answered, “No, for mountains have slides and then crumble away for as long as the days dawn in the world”

He was then asked if he wanted to be a cedar tree and Gwa’nalalis again answed “No, for cedar trees when struck by lightning, split and fall, then they rot for as long as the days dawn in the world”. Gwa’nalalis was then asked, “Do you want to be a large boulder”? He answered, “No, for I may crack and then crumble away for as long as the days dawn in the world”. Finally, Gwa’nalalis was asked, “Do you want to become a river”? He answered, “Yes, let me become a river that I may flow for as long as the days dawn in the world”.

So the supernatural being, Kaniki’lakw, put his hand on Gwa’nalalis forehead and pushed him down saying, “There you will be a river for as long as the days dawn in the world, and you will be full of salmon so that your descendants may never starve.” The river is still known as Gwa’ni. It is the river of the ‘Namgis.

It was at this river, Gwa’ni, that Captain George Vancouver encountered the ‘Namgis people in 1792. As a result of European contact the river came to bear the name of the ‘Namgis, although it was translated as the Nimpkish River. At the time of contact with Captain Vancouver, the ‘Namgis were already familiar with European trade goods, largely as a result of their established trade with their neighbors, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth, on the west coast of Northern Vancouver Island. The ‘Namgis were one Nation among many other Kwakwaka’wakw Nations who, it has been estimated, had a combined population of eight to ten thousand people.

The villages of the ‘Namgis were organized into extended family units (‘na’mima) each sharing a single Big House. The ceremonies and rituals of the Potlatch regulated all aspects of ‘Namgis social life. Central to that social life was a reverence for the natural world. For example, when taking and using anything of the natural world the ‘Namgis always thanked the spirits inhabiting those things for giving themselves up for use by the ‘Namgis.

The first European settlement and the establishment of a non-aboriginal economy amidst the ‘Namgis began in the 1880s. The first industry to be established was a fish saltry at Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Since that time the ‘Namgis have been intimately involved in virtually every part of the economic life of the North Island. It was as a result of their involvement in the local economy and as well as the influence of missionaries, that the

‘Namgis people have since abandoned their village at Xwalk at the mouth of the Nimpkish River. The ‘Namgis now reside at their village called ‘Yalis at Alert Bay. The traditional territory of the ‘Namgis and the resources contained therein continue to be a vital part of their culture and social life today.

GWA’NI

www.namgis.bc.ca15

FREE HOME ENERGY UPGRADESECAP - Energy Conservation Assistance Program

The Energy Conservation Assistance Program helps qualified* low-income households with a personalized home energy evaluation, installation of energy saving products and personalized energy efficiency advice.

Get a free home energy evaluation, products and advice

Improve the comfort and efficiency of your home, free of charge. In partnership with BC Hydro Power Smart and FortisBC, the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) provides qualified* low-income BC Hydro and FortisBC residential account holders with free:

•Personalizedhomeenergyevaluation. •Installationofenergysavingproductsbyaqualifiedcontractor. •Personalizedenergyefficiencyadvicetohelpyoucreateamorecomfortablehomeforyourfamily.

This program is available to both renters and home owners in detached houses, townhouses, duplexes and mobile homes, with the installation of energy saving products that may include:

•energysavinglightbulbs •faucetaeratorsforthekitchenandbathroom •water-savingshowerheads •waterheaterpipewrap •doorweatherstrip

Some homes may also qualify for:

•ENERGYSTAR®refrigerator •Wall,attic,and/orcrawlspaceinsulation •Ahigh-efficiencygasfurnace

Every home is different. Your evaluator will determine which energy efficiency upgrades your home is eligible for. The Installation of some products may require multiple visits.

Who qualifies

•BCHydro,FortisBCGasandCityofNewWestminsteraccountholders •Householdsindetachedhouses,duplexes,townhouses,mobilehomes •Annualhouseholdincomebelowtheincomethresholds

Visit the following website for more information and application form:

https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/ps_low_income/energy_conservation.html

If you have any questions or would like an application form, contact the Band Office: 250-974-5556 or drop by the Office.

www.namgis.bc.ca16

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