Tag Archives: Alexandra Mehl

Animals, Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Entangled humpback whale reported off the coast of Tofino

Editor’s note: Another example of humans negatively impacting nature, the story of the humpback whale’s comeback and a glimpse into the history of First Nations whaling.

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tofino, BC – On July 22 an entangled humpback whale was reported to be seen off the coast of Leonard Lighthouse, near Tofino. 

Since the initial sighting Fisheries and Oceans Canada, alongside Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society (SIMRS), have struggled to relocate the humpback and encourage community members to call the DFO marine mammal incident reporting hotline if seen, while remaining 200 meters away.

Continue reading Entangled humpback whale reported off the coast of Tofino →
Environment

Strathcona Regional District receives funding to mitigate climate-related disasters

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Regional District that encompasses Campbell River, the Homalco First Nation, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, K’ómoks First Nation, Nuchatlaht First Nation, Gold River, and Sayward received over $1.1 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to strengthen its resilience against climate-related disasters.

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Animals, Rivers & Oceans

Deep-sea octopus nursery discovered in Nuu-chah-nulth waters

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Offshore of Vancouver Island, in Nuu-chah-nulth waters 65 kilometers west of Hesquiat Harbour, lives a nursery of deep-sea octopuses brooding their eggs. This is one of four known octopus nurseries in the world, said DFO researcher Cherisse Du Preez.

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Cost of Climate Change, Indigenous Nations

First Nations’ emergency capacity stressed as wildfire season rages on

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This year, before students even closed their books for the summer, forest fires sparked throughout the region. 

The Cameron Bluff fire, which is believed to have been human-caused, grew to 229 hectares, closing Highway 4 for most of June – the only highway in and out for many West Coast communities.

One month later, the 16.6-hectare Klanawa River fire was discovered in what Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack referred to as the shared territory between his First Nation and Ditidaht.

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Indigenous Nations, Tourism

A historical right to invite people into the territory: Ahous Adventures marks first season with grand opening

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tofino, BC – National Indigenous Peoples Day also marked the grand opening for Ahous Adventures, an eco-cultural tour company that offers whale watching, bear watching, and the hot springs tour through the lens of Ahousaht nation.

Continue reading A historical right to invite people into the territory: Ahous Adventures marks first season with grand opening →