Stz’uminus and Ladymith Are Acting Neighbourly

Some of our nations have little or no formal relationships with their neighbouring municipalities or regional districts. And sometimes relations can get downright ornery when it comes to service agreements and other matters. Not so with Stz’uminus First Nation and … Read More

Explore Self-Governance

Exploring self-government is the theme of a Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council workshop series that starts in March.

The first of the two-part series – A Vision for Self-Governance – starts March 3rd and 4th at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo.

Best practices and … Read More

Election Wins Bridge Gap Between Communities

Three people from Naut’sa mast Tribal Council nations scored victories in recent elections in BC.

Bill Yoachim of Snuneymuxw gained the second highest number of votes for Nanaimo City council while Natasha Bob of Snaw-naw-as and Rhiannon Bennett who lives … Read More

A new team and a New Year at Homalco

Laughter filled Homalco First Nation council chambers when The Sentinel visited in early November.

Gathered around the council table, it was just twelve days after Maryann Enevoldsen was elected the new chief. Alongside her were councillors including incumbent Darren Blaney … Read More

Cross-border treaty challenges pipeline

A new international treaty effectively makes Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project illegal by Coast Salish law.

The International Treaty to Protect the Salish Sea was signed by 11 North American aboriginal leaders during a two-day gathering at Tsleil-Waututh First … Read More

Chief Williams looks ahead after final Indian Act election

Clint Williams was elected Sliammon chief for his fourth term on Sept. 13 by a narrow margin. With 199 votes, he defeated Gloria Francis who had 180 and Vern Pielle with 65.

Chief Williams spoke about his narrow victory as … Read More

Preserve AND Protect

Leaders from both sides of the border signed on to protect the Salish Sea when the Coast Salish Gathering was held at Cowichan in January, 2007. They all put their signatures on a large painted deer hide.One year later, when … Read More

Aboriginal economic development

Our nations help host CANDO National Conference

More than 400 Aboriginal economic development officers from across Canada will visit Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) communities later this month at the annual CANDO national conference in Nanaimo.

The theme for the … Read More

The Spirit of Wilson Bob

The spirit of Wilson Bob was in the room on Feb. 26 as the five Te’mexw treaty nations signed pre-treaty agreements for land with the BC government.

Each speaker from the nations honoured the achievements of the late Snaw-naw-as leader, … Read More

Tla’Amin Treaty signed at Legislature

There were tears of joy in the BC Legislature on Valentine’s Day as the Tla’amin Treaty was presented to lawmakers for approval.

High school student Ryan Pielle’s words visibly moved everyone at the ceremonies. As the young man’s voice faltered, … Read More