Register now for the First Responders Program in Anacla

Posted on by heathersthomson

The Bamfield/Anacla First Responder Training Program will take place from April 25 to 30, 2016. The community expressed an interest in developing First Responder capacity recently. So, at this time, committed candidates are needed to fill 18 available spots .

Please note that nine of the spots are reserved for Huu-ay-aht Citizens, as per the Nations’ funding requirements. This five-day course will take approximately seven hours per session, with breaks for lunch and coffee. Food and beverages are going to be provided. There is a written and practical examination on the final day.

This is a great opportunity being delivered by the Nation, in partnership with the Justice Institute of B.C. (JIBC), as the first step in potentially offering a series of courses in Anacla that would ladder up to paramedic training in the long run. In the short term, it helps to build capacity to handle emergencies in the area.

Registration:
Amelia Vos – Environmental Technician
amelia.v@huuayaht.org
Phone: 250.728.3414, Ext. 119

Learn more about Culturally Modified Trees through this video!

Posted on by heathersthomson

“Sacred Cedar: The Cultural and Archaeological Significance of Culturally Modified Trees” is a report of the Pacific Salmon Forests Project and the David Suzuki Foundation, written by Arnoud H. Stryd and Vicki Feddema. It explains that First Nations have utilized cedar for at least 3,000 years.  Wood- and bark-working tools found in archaeological sites helped discover this.

The following video features the CMT that lays in Anacla near the entry to Pachena Bay. The intro states that “thousands of years ago, when the Huu-ay-aht people fished, hunted and carved their history into the cedar trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean, theirs were the only human voices. They had no idea that, one day, a giant ant would descend from the sky, pick up a chunk of one of those cedars and deliver it to their village…” Find out more about this story here:

“Indigenous Public Safety and Policing Forum” was a step toward change for indigenous peoples

Posted on by heathersthomson

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Indigenous Public Safety and Policing Forum took place on March 30th,  in Regina, Saskatchewan, bringing together more than 80 delegates and speakers, including AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

“This forum brought together many of the parties required to create justice systems that work for our people and communities,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  “I am encouraged by the many community driven approaches underway.  Our people will continue to lead the way in developing creative solutions built upon our traditional values and First Nations justice systems with a goal of improving public safety and policing for First Nations and others across Canada.”

“Undertaking this meaningful conversation with our Indigenous and public safety partners on issues related to gaps in  services in the criminal justice system, community safety and policing is a step in the right direction toward fulfilling the Government of Canada’s commitment to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples,” said Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale.

The Forum featured discussions on Gaps in Services in the Criminal Justice System; Community Safety Plans and Protocols; Policing; and connections to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.  There was a commitment from the federal government to renew, support and, based on direction from First Nations, revise where necessary the First Nations policing Program.

The Forum brought together Indigenous organizations, federal and provincial policing organizations and other organizations to begin a dialogue on working towards improved public safety and policing for Indigenous communities and people.  Participants included representatives from the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, the RCMP, Office of the Correctional Investigator, First Nation Chiefs of Police, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Indigenous Bar Association, Correctional Services Canada and others.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates and visit the AFN website at www.afn.ca.

Fresh Food Program is on hold

Posted on by heathersthomson

The Fresh Food Box is currently on hold. The program is a non-profit alternative fresh food distribution system that started in May 2015 and was paid for, in part, through a one-time funding opportunity that the Nation received called the LNG Generations Fund.

We are currently working on ways to locate funding to continue the program for another year and during this year develop a longer term solution.

We will advise citizens as soon as we have further information.

 

Fresh Food Box Program on Hold

 

 

AFN National Chief says that Federal Budget is a significant step in closing the gap for First Nations

Posted on by heathersthomson

The federal budget is a significant step in closing the gap in the quality of life between First Nations peoples and Canadians and beginning the process of reconciliation, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says.

“The budget begins to address decades of underfunding and neglect, which have perpetuated a growing gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  “This budget invests in important priorities for First Nations and all Canadians. Investments in housing, clean water, education, and child welfare will bring long-needed relief for those living in third world conditions, and build a stronger economy for everyone.”

The 2016 federal budget unveiled today is an historic $8.4 billion over 5 years in investments in Indigenous issues. It has committed to eliminate the 2% cap. It also allocates investments in First Nations Education; Infrastructure and Housing; Green Infrastructure on Reserve and clean drinking Water; First Nations child and family services; Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy; Aboriginal Languages Initiative; Health; Justice; Fishing and Environment. The federal budget also commits to engage with First Nations on a new long-term fiscal relationship.

“Creating the conditions for First Nations peoples to succeed, whether they live in the north, on reserve or in urban areas, is the best economic stimulus plan for Canada,” said National Chief Bellegarde.  “It will add billions to the economy and save billions more in social costs while creating a stronger, more just and prosperous country for us all.”