Stz’uminus elders describe orcas as ‘family’ at NEB hearings

By Cara McKenna 

When Pearl Harris of Stz’uminus First Nation was a child, she learned to see the killer whales who would pass by her territory as family. 

The elder said southern resident orcas would often come up to shore of Shell Beach, and she would watch and listen to them.  

With guidance from her grandmother, Harris learned … Read More

New calf born to endangered orca population

Photo by Melisa Pinnow, Centre for Whale Research

A new baby orca has been born to the endangered southern resident killer whale population, according to the Centre for Whale Research (CWR) in Washington State. 

The centre announced on Jan. 11 that a … Read More

New NEB process for pipeline ‘flawed,’ leaders say

Photo: Coldwater Indian Band Chief Lee Spahan shares his concerns about the new NEB assessment.

Canada’s energy regulator is repeating the same mistakes when it comes to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, say leaders who are opposed to the project.

The … Read More

Tribal X plays hard rock with Indigenous edge

Above: Andrew Campbell of Homalco and Musqueam belts it out during a Tribal X practice in Maple Ridge.

By Cara McKenna 

On an Autumn night at their jam space in Maple Ridge, Indigenous hard rock band Tribal X are playing a … Read More

Bear tours connect Homalco members to territory

File photos by Todd Peacey

When Homalco member Ella Paul started out as a guide for her nation’s grizzly bear tours, it also gave her an opportunity to reconnect with her territory. The community’s former village sites are all remote … Read More

Nation revitalizes traditional fish weir to manage salmon

Above photo by Bryant DeRoy.

By Cara McKenna

Traditional fish weirs were once used by Indigenous communities all along the B.C. coast, but the technology was banned by the federal government during colonization. 

Now, the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella … Read More

Wild Salmon Caravan calls sockeye home

Above: Wild Salmon Caravan organizer Dawn Morrison opens a salmon ceremony in Vancouver.

A week-long journey that follows wild salmon on their annual run to Adams River began with a day of ceremony and celebration in Coast Salish territory.

The Wild Salmon … Read More

T’Sou-ke chief recognized for ‘legendary’ community vision

T’Sou-ke Chief Gordon Planes (Hya-quatcha) has been honoured with an award for his community vision and achievements in sustainability and renewable energy.

Planes was presented with the prestigious Individual Achievement award at the annual B.C. Indigenous Business Awards gala in … Read More

Victory: Squamish Nation celebrates after court ruling halts pipeline

Coast Salish leaders are celebrating a Federal Court of Appeal ruling that quashed Canada’s approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline project.

The court’s ruling made on Aug 30 states that Canada failed to adequately consult with First Nations affected by … Read More

Salish plant nursery targets sustainability

A Tsawwassen First Nation member hopes to increase her community’s food security with a plant nursery that started up this spring.

Sarah Lang’s Salish Nursery aims to help people to grow their own produce, herbs and medicines by selling starter … Read More