Tag Archives: Chief John Hackett

Blaney asks the name of our riding be changed to ‘North Island – qathet’

It has been more than two months since the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission tabled their report for British Columbia in the House of Commons. Their mandate ‘was to propose new boundaries for federal electoral districts in the province to maximize voter parity while taking into consideration social and geographic factors, including respect for communities of interest or identity.’ Yet the commission has not yet responded to First Nations suggestions that they drop the name ‘Powell’ from North Island – Powell River.”

In response to a request from the Tla’amin First Nation, Rachel Blaney is asking the Electoral Boundary Commission to change the name of our riding to ‘North Island qathet.’ 

Continue reading Blaney asks the name of our riding be changed to ‘North Island – qathet’

Where to find qathet’s Ghost Salmon

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dam building over the last century destroyed all of qathet’s major salmon runs, and several small ones, too. Just a whisper remains of this region’s once-majestic returns.

Local experts are re-imagining these rivers for the future. For salmon. For ecosystems. And for reconciliation.

Standing on the rocky banks of the Powell River, you can see zero salmon. But 100 years ago, before the mill, you would have seen thousands.

These are the ghost salmon.

Continue reading Where to find qathet’s Ghost Salmon

Chippy west coast town starts its process to change a name

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Who’s leading the process to consider a name change for the City of Powell River? 

Tla’amin Executive Council members Erik Blaney and Brandon Peters, City of Powell River councillors Cindy Elliot and Maggie Hathaway, Mayor Dave Formosa, Hegus John Hackett, plus Stewart Alsgard (former City Mayor), Harmony Johnson (vice-president, Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation for Providence Health Care), Davis Mckenzie (principal of Toxw oxw Communications), and Lyn Adamson (previous executive director for LIFT Powell River) – these are the locals who in 2021, came together to form the City of Powell River’s name change committee, known as the Joint Working Group.

Continue reading Chippy west coast town starts its process to change a name

Unfinished business between First Nations and Catalyst Paper Excellence

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“We are working closely with the Hegus John Hackett and the Tla’amin Executive Council to ensure the steps we take in building this new relationship are thoughtful and measured.” 

That’s what Catalyst Paper Excellence stated in a media release on September 24, 2021, when the company announced the re-naming of the local mill to Catalyst tiskwat.

Less than three months later, on December 1, Catalyst made another announcement: the indefinite curtailment of this mill.

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Powell River Paper Mill changes its name to reconcile with First Nation

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Catalyst mill is changing its name, in collaboration with Tla’amin Nation. The Paper Excellence company will now be called tiskʷat (tees-kwat); the English translation is ‘big river.’ 

Continue reading Powell River Paper Mill changes its name to reconcile with First Nation