Honouring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Persons with Community Gathering

Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“Huu-ay-aht”) and Mosaic Forest Management Corporation (“Mosaic”) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) which affirms their commitment to reconciliation, sustainability, and adherence to Huu-ay-aht values on its traditional territory (“Ḥahuułi”).   This MOU also solidifies both parties’ commitment to a viable forest sector in the Alberni Valley by continuing to seek mutually beneficial economic opportunities.   Building a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, open communication, and fair dealing will help both parties ensure all operations that take place within the Ḥahuułi follow Huu-ay-aht’s three sacred principles: hišuk ma c̓awak (“everything is one”); ʔuuʔałuk (“taking care of”); and ʔiisaak (“utmost respect”).   “We look forward to working with Mosaic to ensure Huu-ay-aht forestry interests and long-term strategic vision for our citizens are achieved across the Ḥahuułi in a manner that respects UNDRIP and Huu-ay-aht values,” said Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “Signing this MOU will bolster our efforts in protecting our land through watershed renewal and will provide new employment, training and mentorship opportunities for Huu-ay-aht citizens.”   “We strive to build strong relationships with First Nations partners consistent with our deep respect for indigenous rights and our commitments under the Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification,” said Mosaic President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Zweig. “This new agreement further solidifies Mosaic and Huu-ay-aht’s commitment to work together to create opportunities for shared benefit.”      A Working Group has been established to ensure efficient, effective and regular communications to address issues and identify opportunities that both parties can work on together, including: Stewardship and restoration objectives that ensure the land and resources are well managed (through activities such as watershed restoration activities and better tree planting efforts); Support for the prevention, control, and eradication of wildfires and invasive species; Increased education, training and mentoring opportunities for all parties; and Sub-contracting and employment opportunities for Huu-ay-aht citizens. By strengthening their relationship and continuing to work together, Huu-ay-aht and Mosaic will increase the economic viability and sustainability of the forestry sector in the Alberni region for the benefit of all future generations.

By Dave Zryd

Sometimes, just sharing our feelings can make us feel nervous, vulnerable, angry, or confused.  Communicating what we’re feeling can be difficult. There may be a lot going on for you during this unusual time with the Coronavirus “bug” still floating around, unseen, yet still very dangerous. A lot of us slip into denial about the risk, socializing, shaking hands, and hugging, even though we may know someone, who knows someone, that recently died from catching this deadly, “flu-like” bug.

The threat is still there, and most of us are going to come through OK, because we are washing our hands and keeping our social distance with others. Even if we don’t get physically sick, something else may be going on that needs attention. How do we talk about what we are going through, personally?

As always, communication is the key – that releases the heavy feelings we carry. If we “clean as we go” our house will stay fresh. The same is true for our built-up feelings – sharing can help reduce our mental “heaviness” and take out the “garbage” that is piling up in the corner of our minds. 

A daily check-in can help. Sharing our feelings is something that comes easy for some of us, and others will do anything to avoid real sharing.  It is scary and unpredictable once you start opening up. The alternative is to clam-up and become isolated from others, even develop a fake “I’m fine” personal front.  People know when you are not OK – body language is pretty easy to read, and if you withhold your feelings all the time, you will get pressured to share. “Are you Ok?”

To keep a strong connection with our loved ones, we need to nurture intimacy on a deep level.  To really connect, we have to open up and share our feelings, keeping the circle strong in the family.

During the last few weeks and months under the Covid-19 virus threat, a lot of disturbing feelings are going to be coming up. One facilitator I know, Jane Middleton Moz, likes to say that, with feelings, you need to “name it to tame it”. That is, when we share our feelings, we get closer and care more about each other. “Connection is the cure” for keeping everyone strong and grounded as we face the next challenging time with more freedom but uncertain risks as we go out into the community.

So, what’s going on for you? I can guess some people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, sad, and even confused or angry. Life is so different from usual: What can we do safely, when, with who? Can I hug my grandmother now? Am I going back to school, work, fishing, or do I just stay home and be completely safe? Doctors and nurses are coming up with guidelines for us, and they seem to change daily. So, again, take a deep breath and remember “all will be well” in time.

Your job is to stay safe, be patient, and stay connected. We truly are all in the same canoe on this trip. Your canoe will stay steady and move ahead, with a check-in now and then, sharing feelings and connecting with each other. It’s OK to say you are worried, scared, or confused.  Naming the feelings will take the charge out of the situation. Emotionally opening up to friends lets off some pressure. It is great to feel the support that is there for you, when you do find the words to express what is going on inside. As you get more comfortable sharing, others will do the same, and you might be surprised at what you hear. Everyone of us is going through something that needs support now and then.

Dave Zryd has been an employee of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for 27 years, as a clinical counsellor (BCACC reg # 971), serving the communities in the southern region and occasionally in other regions for specialized counselling, men’s issues, and EMDR trauma therapy.

Prior to the NTC, Dave was at the old Kakawis Treatment Centre, before it moved to Port Alberni, where it is now known as Kackamin. While at Kakawis Dave learned the importance of Indigenous culture for successful treatment of personal and family problems, many of which were the result of residential school experiences.

Today Dave lives in Port Alberni and can be reached by phone at cell 250-720-5815 or the Quu Asa office, direct number 778-421-8091.  His email address is david.zryd@nuuchahnulth.org. He is available for Zoom video sessions and looks forward to meeting new clients and, of course, checking in with community members he has known for years.

See here for more information: Lands and Permits

On behalf of Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin (Derek Peters), Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to announce that our Tayii Ḥaw̓ił has made the personal decision to enter a treatment facility at this time.

Irene, Olivia, Nora, and the rest of his family said he has made the very courageous decision to spend time focusing on his own wellbeing and taking care of himself. They said ƛiišin has recognized his need to slow down and focus on healing of grief, trauma, and addiction. He realizes he has not made good personal choices over a short period of time.

ƛiišin has expressed his desire to be stronger, most importantly for himself, but also to set a healthy example for his daughter and be closer to his family.

“Olivia and I are very proud of him and will be right here to support him. We are grateful that the Nation has moved so quickly to help,” explained Irene. “ƛiišin, you are important to all of us, Olivia and I are very proud of you. You are showing resilience and continue to uphold our teachings and the sacred values.”

She added that he lives these values:

• ʔuuʔałuk – In his desire to take care of himself,
• Hišuk ma c̕awak – That he is willing to share his journey with everyone as we are all connected, we are all one family. We have a strong nation we must walk together with one another, and
• ʔiisaak – To love and respect himself and to invest in himself.

“Our family has supported him every step of the way, with open arms and love,” She added. We wanted to let you know from our family that he is in good hands. Although, it has been just a little over a week, I can tell you he is sounding well and happy and putting in the work. He is utilizing all resources so he may be supported through his growth.”

In an email to Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. last week, ƛiišin shared his wishes to seek addiction treatment at Edgewood Treatment Centre in Nanaimo. He expressed his wishes that his journey be shared with Huu-ay-aht citizens in hopes that others will be inspired by his example. He also asked that his speaker, Wišqii, stand in for him during this time to fulfil his duties with the Nation, as he understands the importance of this role.

Chief Councillor Dennis expressed his admiration for the bravery ƛiišin has shown, as often acknowledging you have a substance problem is the hardest step. He said by doing that and entering a treatment program, ƛiišin is showing citizens how important it is to take responsibility, focus on your health, and lead by example. Robert also said he is proud of ƛiišin for taking the extra step to make his decision public. He said this is a difficult journey, but by sharing it with others ƛiišin is also leading the way for more citizens to seek treatment.

“The example he is setting as our head chief will lead to a healthier Nation in the end, I hope others will see what he is doing and decide to follow his lead.” the Chief Councilor explained. “As a Nation, we have seen a wave of people going through treatment, and this for the betterment of the Nation.”

Executive Council respects and honors ƛiišin’s decision to have Wišqii fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Huu-ay-aht’s head chief until the time he feels he is ready to return.

“We are strong leaders, and because of that we can take on the extra work that may come our way as a result of ƛiišin’s absence,” Robert Dennis said. “We will do this to support him.”

If you or someone you know would like to seek treatment, please contact Rena Johnson at Rena.j@huuayaht.org or call 250-735-4326.