Tag Archives: Campbell River

Environment, Indigenous Nations

Homalco First Nation’s ecosystem approach to flooding protects people and culture

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Working with nature, and not against it, a Vancouver Island First Nation is creating a plan to climate-proof its growing community.

The Willow Creek watershed project will restore wetlands and watercourses in the Homalco First Nation’s territory to reduce flooding and other climate disaster risks, but also boost cultural values and sustainable economic development, said Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Chief Darren Blaney. 

Continue reading Homalco First Nation’s ecosystem approach to flooding protects people and culture →
Politics

Conservatives aim for right-wing trifecta on northern Vancouver Island

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Conservatives in Vancouver Island’s northern riding are aiming for an electoral hat trick as a federal election draws near.

Federal Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn held a True North Strong and Free election rally in Campbell River Thursday night that drew about 200 attendees.

Continue reading Conservatives aim for right-wing trifecta on northern Vancouver Island →
Politics

Area C Director’s Report: Support Service Allocations

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Warm greetings to residents of the Discovery Islands and Mainland Inlets, where the annual tree frog choir has begun its serenade.

Support Service Cost Allocations

As you may have gathered from local media reports, the February Board meeting was a little unusual. During the February 19th Board meeting we got only to agenda item four, where we stalled for the remainder of the meeting. Item four was a report titled “Support Service Cost Allocations”.

Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: Support Service Allocations →
Arts, Indigenous Nations History

Public Launch in Campbell River of Homalco First Nation’s Graphic Novel

Xwémalhkwh Hero Stories, was publicly launched at a reception at the Museum at Campbell River on February 27, 2025.  Homalco’s Community Launch was held in November, 2024, at the Discovery Inn.  Xwémalhkwh Hero Stories is the latest outcome of a journey of rediscovery and preservation of Xwémalhkwh history, culture, language, and traditions that began in the early 1990’s with recordings of the stories of the elders.  

At the gathering on February 27, the Project Manager and Editor of the Graphic Novel, Tchadas Leo, explained how the novel came into being as an outgrowth of Homalco’s radio station, The Raven, 100.7 FM’s podcast series, that used a portion from the recordings of the Elders to produce 12 episodes entitled, Remember – Recordings of the Elders Explored, available on Spotify. The gathering was treated to segment of one of the recordings with the voices of Elders speaking their language and translation.  This introduction provided the context for the graphic novel which tells three traditional stories.

Continue reading Public Launch in Campbell River of Homalco First Nation’s Graphic Novel →
Indigenous Nations, Politics

Haida Nation signs first-of-its-kind Aboriginal title agreement with Canada

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Haida Nation and the Government of Canada signed a historical agreement on Feb. 17, affirming Haida Aboriginal title on Haida Gwaii, including the islands’ land, beds of freshwater bodies, and foreshores to the low-tide mark. 

President of the Haida Nation Gaagwiis Jason Alsop said the milestone Chiix̲uujin/Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Agreement, which was initiated in 1913 by past Haida leaders, ushers in a new era of peaceful co-existence.

Continue reading Haida Nation signs first-of-its-kind Aboriginal title agreement with Canada →