First Nations

The First Nations language pole project, underway in Port Alberni, has been stalled due to lack of funding. Artist Tim Paul can occasionally be seen working on the project behind a fence at the Maritime Discovery Centre. (JERRY FEVENS PHOTO/ Special to the News)

Port Alberni’s First Nations language pole suffers another setback

First Nations Education Foundation still looking for funding for a final push

The First Nations language pole project, underway in Port Alberni, has been stalled due to lack of funding. Artist Tim Paul can occasionally be seen working on the project behind a fence at the Maritime Discovery Centre. (JERRY FEVENS PHOTO/ Special to the News)
Participating in a Zoom press conference on Thursday morning (Oct. 15) about the death of Traevon Desjarlis-Chalifoux in Abbotsford were (clockwise from top left) Harvey McLeod, Theresa Campiou, Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Robert Phillips and Sarah Rauch.

Family of Indigenous teen who was found dead in B.C. group home pushes for public inquiry

Body of Traevon Desjarlais-Chalifoux, 17, was found in closet 4 days after reported missing

Participating in a Zoom press conference on Thursday morning (Oct. 15) about the death of Traevon Desjarlis-Chalifoux in Abbotsford were (clockwise from top left) Harvey McLeod, Theresa Campiou, Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Robert Phillips and Sarah Rauch.
A Sinixt drum circle on the stage of the Capitol Theatre in Nelson. The case, which began in 2010, was heard at the Supreme Court of Canada on Oct. 8. Photo: Bill Metcalfe

UPDATED: American Indigenous group, province argue over cross-border rights at Canada’s top court

The case of Richard Desautel was heard in Ottawa

A Sinixt drum circle on the stage of the Capitol Theatre in Nelson. The case, which began in 2010, was heard at the Supreme Court of Canada on Oct. 8. Photo: Bill Metcalfe
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs is among Indigenous leaders and organizations that have pushed for a thorough investigation into the death of a First Nations youth in an Abbotsford group home. (Black Press file photo)

Action demanded over death of First Nations youth in Abbotsford group home

Family and Indigenous organizations push for thorough investigation

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs is among Indigenous leaders and organizations that have pushed for a thorough investigation into the death of a First Nations youth in an Abbotsford group home. (Black Press file photo)
Thomas Dennis (second from left) is seen in this undated photograph with some of his grandchildren. (Facebook photo)

Search suspended for Indigenous elder last seen mushroom picking in northwest B.C.

Mushroom picker Thomas (Tommy) Dennis has been missing since Sept. 16

Thomas Dennis (second from left) is seen in this undated photograph with some of his grandchildren. (Facebook photo)
Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., left, joins Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on the steps of the B.C. Legislature for an announcement about the safety of Bamfield Road, Sept. 11, 2020. (BC GOVERNMENT PHOTO)

EDITORIAL: It’s time to move on Bamfield Road project

Residents are tired of their pleas being ignored, like they have been for the past two decades

  • Sep 23, 2020
Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., left, joins Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on the steps of the B.C. Legislature for an announcement about the safety of Bamfield Road, Sept. 11, 2020. (BC GOVERNMENT PHOTO)
Emaciated grizzly found dead on central B.C. coast as low salmon count sparks concern

Emaciated grizzly found dead on central B.C. coast as low salmon count sparks concern

Grizzly was found on Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw territory in Smith Inlet, 60K north of Port Hardy

Emaciated grizzly found dead on central B.C. coast as low salmon count sparks concern
Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., left, joins Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on the steps of the B.C. Legislature for an announcement about the safety of Bamfield Road, Sept. 11, 2020. (BC GOVERNMENT PHOTO)

QUINN’S QUIPS: Reconciliation is only as strong as its partnerships

Bamfield Road deal is an ideal example of the province working with First Nations

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr., left, joins Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on the steps of the B.C. Legislature for an announcement about the safety of Bamfield Road, Sept. 11, 2020. (BC GOVERNMENT PHOTO)
Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)

Tofino-area First Nation considering closing doors to visitors again

Swamped with tourists, scared of COVID-19, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation says more support needed

Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)
A candlelight vigil was held near the Redstone Gas Bar on Wednesday, Sept. 2 for 17-year-old Nevada Billy. Tsideldel First Nation Chief Otis Guichon called her death a tragedy. (Rebecca Dyok photo)

Northern B.C. First Nation chief sounds alarm as community mourns loss of 3 youth in 6 weeks

“Covid-19 is going around but that’s not what’s killing us —it’s alcohol and drugs.”

A candlelight vigil was held near the Redstone Gas Bar on Wednesday, Sept. 2 for 17-year-old Nevada Billy. Tsideldel First Nation Chief Otis Guichon called her death a tragedy. (Rebecca Dyok photo)
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Boat ramp near Muchalat Inlet, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)

Vancouver Island First Nations council calls on B.C. to act after first COVID-19 case on reserve

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council representing 14 Nations calls the first case on Mowachaht/Muchalaht reserve a ‘critical situation’

The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Boat ramp near Muchalat Inlet, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)
The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Boat ramp near Muchalat Inlet, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)

Vancouver Island First Nations council calls on B.C. to act after first COVID-19 case on reserve

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council representing 14 Nations calls the first case on Mowachaht/Muchalaht reserve a ‘critical situation’

The Mowachaht/Muchalaht Boat ramp near Muchalat Inlet, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)
Muchalat Inlet, near Gold River, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)

‘It’s scary’: Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation identifies first COVID-19 case

After the First Nation member tested positive in Gold River, the community is being closely monitored for more cases

Muchalat Inlet, near Gold River, British Columbia. (Wikimedia commons)
A Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation guardian took this photo about a month ago of dozens of vehicles parked along a forest service road in the Kennedy watershed. (Submitted photo)

Ucluelet RCMP increase patrol at Kennedy watershed

“There’s no social distancing and there is a lot of drugs; total destruction of the environment.”

A Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation guardian took this photo about a month ago of dozens of vehicles parked along a forest service road in the Kennedy watershed. (Submitted photo)
Tsilhqot’in First Nations have closed salmon fishing in their traditional territory due to conservation concerns. Tsilhqot’in First Nations, known as the River People, dipnet for salmon one at a time for their main food source, as seen here in recent years on the Chilcotin River.(Gailene William/Submitted)

B.C. Indigenous leaders call for closure of all Fraser River sockeye fisheries

Tsilhqot’in First Nations have closed fishing for their members to save critical salmon stocks

Tsilhqot’in First Nations have closed salmon fishing in their traditional territory due to conservation concerns. Tsilhqot’in First Nations, known as the River People, dipnet for salmon one at a time for their main food source, as seen here in recent years on the Chilcotin River.(Gailene William/Submitted)
Dr. Judith Sayers, who starts a three-year term as VIU Chancellor in October 2020, intends to use her new role to push the boundaries of what a university education entails. (PHOTO COURTESY VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY)

Vancouver Island University appoints Dr. Judith Sayers as chancellor

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president is considered a leader in Indigenous rights advocacy

  • Aug 15, 2020
Dr. Judith Sayers, who starts a three-year term as VIU Chancellor in October 2020, intends to use her new role to push the boundaries of what a university education entails. (PHOTO COURTESY VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY)
In a picture from April 2018, Wickaninnish (Clifford Atleo) plays the drum while singing the Nuu-chah-nulth song on the court steps in Vancouver after winning aboriginal fishing rights . Photo credit, Melody Charlie.

DFO says 5 aggrieved B.C First Nations were consulted on fisheries plan

Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations calls response ‘a sham,’ adding DFO never incorporates their views

In a picture from April 2018, Wickaninnish (Clifford Atleo) plays the drum while singing the Nuu-chah-nulth song on the court steps in Vancouver after winning aboriginal fishing rights . Photo credit, Melody Charlie.
Port Alberni artist Shayne Lloyd works with a scissor lift to reach the top portion of a mural he is painting on the side of the Canadian Maritime Engineering building across from the Port Alberni Train Station. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Work begins on mural near Harbour Quay

Mural will depict the creation story of Tseshaht First Nation

Port Alberni artist Shayne Lloyd works with a scissor lift to reach the top portion of a mural he is painting on the side of the Canadian Maritime Engineering building across from the Port Alberni Train Station. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
A T’aaq-wiihak fisher with his grandson lands Chinook salmon in Tofino. Photo by Melody Charlie.

Five Vancouver Island First Nations call out Canada for ‘discriminatory’ food fish practices

West Coast nations say government ignoring court-won right to chinook and coho

A T’aaq-wiihak fisher with his grandson lands Chinook salmon in Tofino. Photo by Melody Charlie.
Port Alberni RCMP are looking for First Nations regalia stolen from a vehicle at Paper Mill Dam on Aug. 1, 2020. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Indigenous regalia stolen from car in Port Alberni

RCMP are asking for information on three ceremonial items

Port Alberni RCMP are looking for First Nations regalia stolen from a vehicle at Paper Mill Dam on Aug. 1, 2020. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)