News

February-March 2003

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Pole raising at the Haida Heritage Centre.

HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE

The Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre Society is developing a Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands, BC).

The Centre is a 46,000 square-foot, $19.2 million project, of which almost $17.5 million has been committed to date. The Society is also working on raising a $4 million endowment fund.

The first phase of the project, the carving and raising of six Haida-designed monumental poles (representative of six of the major villages of the southern Haida) on the Centre site has been completed. (right)

Construction of the Centre should be complete in 2004. Components will include a welcome atrium, gift shop, café featuring traditional Haida foods, performing arts theatre, a large expansion to the existing Haida Gwaii Museum, the Bill Reid Teaching Centre, and a program management centre.

Donations are welcome. The Society is a registered charity (#1059674-50).

Contact Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre Society, P.O. Box 1523, Skidegate, BC, VOT 1S1. Phone: 250-559-7709.

Email: amanda@island.net

Thanks to Amanda Reid-Stevens

THE CANOE PROJECT

Mel White, a member of the Heiltsuk Band on BC's Central Coast, tells us about a new project he's launching to build native canoes from red cedar using cold molded wood lamination, using techniques developed by Harold Aune.

The techniques allow ancient designs to be replicated reasonably quickly without using large, old growth red cedar trees required for traditional dugouts.

The Canoe Project is a cultural enrichment program in which design and construction skills to replicate traditional Northwest Coast craft are taught to First Nations candidates who wish to acquire these abilities. This will lead to these builders being capable of producing craft for many purposes such as historic revival voyaging, tourism companies, racing craft or artistic endeavours.

Contact Mel White at 250-652- 0396 or canoeproject@lycos.com.

ABORIGINAL TOURISM FUNDING

For information on funding for Aboriginal- owned businesses, visit Web: www.abceac.ic.gc.ca.

EYES ON THE KOEYE

Larry Jorgenson operates the QQS Project Society on BC's Central Coast which supports Heiltsuk Youth, Culture and Environment and raises funds to protect the Koeye watershed. The Society holds annual science/ culture camps and owns the Koeye Lodge facility in trust for the Heiltsuk. All Society profits are put back into the projects.

The Society offers some services for kayakers: showers, food and a bunk if need be, as well as education about the estuary and its wildlife. They also maintain ten cabins (with woodstoves, bunks, etc.) which the Society has built around the territory, and these are available for use by donation.

They have satellite phones and first aid people, plus regular travel back and forth to Bella Bella from the Koeye. They provide services to ecotourists, eco foundation retreats, an outdoor education program, and winter healing programs. They are currently restoring the lodge site.

This year the Society is building a bighouse at the Koeye, an interpretive centre, canopy walk, a ropes course, and bear viewing areas. Despite the activity they are committed to low impact, and so they restrict numbers and access.

The Society is now seeking volunteers for projects like trail building, medicine gardens, construction, etc., and can provide room and board plus some exceptional kayaking opportunities.

You can contact Larry Jorgenson at 250- 957-2567(h) or 957-2941(w). Qqs(Eyes) Projects, Heiltsuk Hemas Society, Koeye River Sanctuary, Box 786, Waglisla, BC V0T 1Z0.

Email: lwjorgenson@hotmail.com.

Web: www.qqsprojects.org.

ANCESTORS' HANDS RAISED

Last year, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Squamish Nation received a grant to integrate the story of the Squamish Nation's connections to the Museum's physical location, Vanier Park (Snauq).

This project, to carve a traditional welcome figure and wayside signage, will enhance multicultural awareness and promote healing, honouring the Squamish ancestors who occupied Snauq and were forcibly relocated in 1911. Active involvement of the Squamish Nation at Snauq will help Squamish families feel more connected to the area.

The current Squamish Nation K'ay'achtn exhibit, installed in the summer of 2001, will be expanded to strengthen and recognize the historical connection between the Kwu-shawmen Snauq (Snauq Ancestors) and the Squamish Nation today. It includes the recording of traditional songs and dances.

A similar welcoming 'grandmother' figure was raised in the summer of 2001 at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. A 16 foot log for the second figure was delivered to the Museum in October and is being carved by Darren Yelton, well-known Coast Salish artist.

For more information, contact D. Tardiff: dtardiff@telus.net.

TAKAYA TOURS

Takaya Tours, a First Nation-operated tourism venture owned by the Tsleil- Waututh Nation (People of the Inlet) of North Vancouver, BC, has been honoured with several awards.

Takaya's work has been recognized by the Aboriginal Tourism BC Awards committee with a Cultural Authenticity Award as well as a Young Adult Achievement award to Justin George, Co-Manager. Takaya Tours was also honoured by the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for being among the top three contenders for the Innovation Award as part of their annual Business Excellence Awards.

Entering its fourth year of operations, Takaya Tours is now the premier First Nation ecotourism venture in the Lower Mainland of BC. Operating from bases in North Vancouver and Port Moody, Takaya offers a range of safe and exciting activities that mix outdoor adventure with an authentic interpretation of Coast Salish culture. These include guided, interpretive paddles in replica ocean-going canoes or in sea kayaks. Guests have the opportunity to paddle in the protected waters of the Burrard Inlet and the Indian Arm while First Nations guides sing songs, tell legends of the Tsleil-Waututh people, and point out ancient village sites.

Takaya also offers sea-kayaking lessons and rentals as well as tours designed for educational and corporate groups. Guests can customize their tours to include activities such as cedar bracelet and drum making, medicinal plant hikes and salmon barbecues.

Shuttle pick-ups can be arranged from any downtown Vancouver hotel. Ph: 604-904- 7410.

Email: info@takayatours.com.

Web: www.takayatours.com.

KAYAK TRANSPORT & SUPPORT

Village Island Tours, based on Village Island in the Broughton Archipelago at the abandoned Indian Reserve of Mamalaliculla, has a new aluminum high speed vessel which is available for cultural tours, kayak transport, and whale watching. The licensed captain, Ted Sewid, a Kwakwaka'wakw, dresses in First Nations attire and offers stories from a First Nations perspective. The boat can take up to 12 passengers as well as all gear and kayaks from Port McNeill, Alder Bay, Alert Bay, and Telegraph Cove. Kathleen Westergaard works from the office in Sayward and is in contact with the operation 24 hours a day with cell phone and radio.

Village Island Tours & Water Taxi: 250-282-3338. VHF 79-A (alpha mode).

Email: village island@telus.net.

Web: www.villageisland.com.

FIRST NATIONS OPPOSE FISH FARMING

Many First Nations have shown strong resistance to the fish farm industry in BC, working to prevent destruction of their environment and the wild fish resource they've relied on for thousands of years.

Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, recently stated that, "The Union of BC Indian Chiefs has always taken a zero tolerance approach to fish farming. The lifting of the moratorium on fish farms has opened the flood gates to the wanton destruction of our wild salmon fishery and other valuable marine life in their delicate indigenous ecosystem.

"There is no rightful place for any fish farming ventures in our Indigenous coastal waters. The evidence gathered so far has predicted fatal impacts to our First Nations people that traditionally harvested salmon and shell fish. This is totally unacceptable!"

"We've declared war on the fish farming industry," said Ed Newman, a Heiltsuk Nation aboriginal elder from Bella Bella," in the Victoria Times Colonist. "They might have to throw a lot of us in jail, but we don't care. We have to protect our way of life. We don't want the central coast to become the garbage dump for the Atlantic salmon farming industry. This territory is our food basket. We live off the sea and we are trying to protect our way of life."

"Enough is enough," said Chief Nuximlayc of the Nuxalk First Nation of Bella Coola, in the Vancouver Province. "It is like when smallpox came into the valley. It killed our people. Now they want to do the same to the salmon."

Chief Bill Cranmer, of the Namgis First Nation at Alert Bay and head of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, representing bands in the Broughton Archipelago, believes all local fish farms should be closed permanently. "We want them out. We just can't forget the other creatures that depend on these returning salmon, like bears and eagles. Everything that depends on these salmon returns suffers when they die off and somebody has got to be accountable."

Thanks to Suzanne Connell, Georgia Strait Alliance.

Heiltsuk and Nuxalk Chiefs at Ocean Falls Protest. Ian McAllister photo

OCEAN FALLS PROTEST

The January 15th protest against the fish farm industry at Ocean Falls involved at least two dozen boats, four airplanes and about 200 people from the Heiltsuk and Nuxalk Nations, as well as Americans For Wild Pacific Salmon, Raincoast Conservation Society and the Forest Action Network.

Protestors arrived in Ocean Falls at around noon to be greeted by thirteen police officers in combat gear. Twenty-eight employees at the site were flown out as the flotilla arrived. The fact that the RCMP were present in such large numbers was quite insulting to the Heiltsuk as they met with the RCMP on a few occasions prior to the protest and made it clear that it would be peaceful.

All of the Chiefs, elders and woman of distinction were in full regalia and each spoke directly to the construction workers and Omega employees, opposing the plan for a massive expansion of fish farms into the Central Coast. And in no uncertain terms they said they will continue to fight this hatchery using all means possible until it is permanently shut down. Omega Salmon Group is owned by Pan Fish of Norway, focus of international protests.

Thanks to Ian McAllister, www.raincoast.org.

BAD PR FOR FISH FARMS

In the past year the salmon farming industry has received a substantial amount of negative publicity from the mainstream media. Stories highlighting problems with the industry have appeared in Time Magazine, Newsweek, LA Times, USA Today, The Globe and Mail and even on CNN. For example, the LA Times, with a circulation of one million, published a lengthy front page article that compared the concerns with industrial fish farming to those associated with "feedlot cattle and factory chicken farms". The writer explained that "like cattle pens, the salmon operations bring product to market cheaply. But harm to ocean life and possibly human health has experts worried."

Time Magazine, a publication with over 4 million readers, also openly criticized the industry, claiming that "if [fish farming] methods don't change, either voluntarily or by government regulation, we may get plenty of fish and shrimp to eat - at least for awhile - but lose the wild stocks they came from and the clear blue waters in which they once swam."

In response to this bad publicity, the National Alliance of Salmon Farmers has developed a communications department in order to ramp up their public relations work.

ALEXANDRA MORTON TO SPEAK

Alexandra Morton, internationally known whale researcher, author and photographer will be in Victoria on February 26, 2003 at St. Ann's Academy Auditorium to give an evening slide presentation and talk on issues surrounding salmon farming. Doors open at 7 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Admission by donation.

For more information contact the Georgia Strait Alliance: 250-381-8321.

Warning: last time was a sell-out, so get there early!

ORCA NETWORK

The Center for Whale Research has confirmed the two new orca calves first observed in the fall of 2002 are L102, born to L47, and K35 born to K16. These calves join L101, born to L67 in October, and are very good news for the orca community. (See photos at www.orcanetwork.org.)

Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales. Whale reports are emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on the network, and posted on their website.

To report whales call 1-866-ORCANET (672- 2638) or email susan@orcanetwork.org.

For sighting archives, news, and much more, visit www.orcanetwork.org.

PROTECTION AREAS

BC's Central Coast LRMP table has approved Gillard and Jimmy Judd Islands (adjacent to Stuart Island) as "Protection Areas," i.e. they will be protected from resource development.

An agreement has also been reached on the boundaries for the Protection Area surrounding Estero Basin (covered in WaveLenth's Jun/Jul 2000 issue, available on our website under Back Issues at www.coastandkayak.com).

A wide southern boundary protects the whole southern viewscape. The tradeoff was a small non-visible enclave on the southern shore that may be logged in the future.

These Protection Areas are now subject to final discussions between First Nations and the provincial government before becoming official.

SEA OTTER RECOVERY

Workshops were held in Queen Charlotte City and Port Alberni in January to draft a National Recovery Strategy for BC's sea otters which will form a key component to recovering this Species at Risk. BC's sea otters are classified as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

The draft Sea Otter Recovery Strategy will be available for public comments through the Fisheries & Oceans Canada website and at local fisheries offices. Comments may be directed by email (ConveyL@pac.dfompo.gc.ca) or fax (250-756-7118).

STARRY NIGHTS ON THE LAKE

On Friday, April 25th, Washington Water Trails Association is hosting its 2003 "Starry Night on the Lake" Auction and Dinner. This fundraising event will be held in Seattle. The organizers promise great food and loads of auction items including a new kayak, amazing weekend getaways, fine dining, and gear galore.

Make your reservations with Washington Water Trails Association: 206-545-9161, wwta@wwta.org, or on the web at www.wwta.org.

Washington Water Trails Association is a nonprofit collaboration of people who love to enjoy the world by small boats. WWTA works in an environmentally sensitive manner to establish and steward access to Washington's waterways for non-motorized beachable watercraft, and encourages educational and recreational opportunities on blue trails throughout the state.

SEA KAYAK GUIDE COURSES

The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC is holding Assistant Guide Exams, May 3&4, May 31 & June 1, and June 21 & 22, 2003. And they are also holding Lead Guide Exams on April 11-13 and May 9-11, 2003. To register, contact Kerry Orchard at info@skgabc.com. Web: www.skgabc.com.

GREAT ESCAPES RAFFLE

You can support marine conservation efforts by buying tickets for a chance to win one of three spectacular getaways on the BC coast. Donated prizes include a sailing trip from Bluewater Adventures, a weekend for two at Hollyhock Retreat Centre, and wildlife watching with Tide Rip Tours. Only 1,000 tickets available at $4 each or 3 for $10. To order by phone call Georgia Strait Alliance at 250-753-3459.