The Aboriginal Newspaper of British
Columbia & Yukon
Top news for June - 2001
Published June 4, 2001
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Photo by Thomas Langley-Smith |
Two-Spirit Gathering preparation under way
National Aboriginal Day is fun and meaningfulThis is only a partial listing of the stories featured in the June 2001 issue of Raven's Eye. If you are not receiving your own copy of Raven's Eye, then you have missed out on a lot.
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Sea otter survey scheduledBy David Wiwchar
Raven's Eye Writer
PORT ALBERNIFisheries workers throughout Nuu-chah-nulth territory will undertake a survey to estimate sea otter population and its distribution along the West Coast of Vancouver Island in order to determine if the species should remain on the threatened species list.
The controversial critters are the cause of many heated debate between those who rely on eco-tourism for their livelihood, and those who depend on harvesting shellfish, an otter's traditional fare.
The otters' overpopulation in the northern region has led to a scarcity of sea urchins and abalone. But some argue the otter controls invertebrate populations and encourages the growth of kelp forests that protect beaches from erosion and provide a protected area for inshore fish to live and breed.
"The last count was done in 1994 by Dr. Jane Watson, who estimated the population to be around 1,500 animals, which means their population was growing at 18 per cent per year," said biologist Roger Dunlop. "At that growth rate, there could be 3,500 to 3,700 out there now, if their populations haven't plateaued at all."
The West Coast sea otter was much sought after in the 1800s and early 1900s by the European fur trade and were hunted to extinction. Otters were re-introduced from Alaska's Aleutian Islands in 1969 by the Atomic Energy Commission, which sent the creatures down before it started tests of nuclear weapons near Amchitka.
Since the original 89 sea otters were introduced into Checleset Bay 30 years ago, the result of their successful reproduction can be seen from Quatsino Sound to Barkley Sound.
"We had applied to DFO [the department of Fisheries and Oceans] to get funding for fuel and money to hire Jane Watson and a population biologist to do the analysis and report writing, but we haven't heard anything positive from them so we'll be doing it on our own," said Dunlop, who will be co-ordinating the study. "The plan is to start at Kyuquot with our biologists, as well as Jane Watson and the Kyuquot fisheries crew, and work our way down the coast doing raft counts and transects. We can't wait for DFO funding to be confirmed because this is the time of year when we have to do it so we can identify the pups as well."
Dr. Jane Watson, who has been studying the sea otters interactions with kelp forests since the original introduction of the otters in '69, will be assisting the Nuu-chah-nulth crews, and adding her expertise to the project.
Dunlops said though there seems to be a lot of sea otters out there, they are vulnerable if there is an oil spill. It could cripple the population and send it back to an endangered status.
Two-Spirit Gathering preparation under way
By Brian Lin
Raven's Eye Writer
VANCOUVERThe 14th International Two-Spirit Gathering won't take place until Pride weekend in August, but preparations are well under way and interest from all over the world promises a diverse and spiritual experience.
Organized by passionate individuals at the most grassroot level, the annual gathering offers two-spirited Aboriginals a place to interact and share their experiences in a safe environment.
The gathering is for Aboriginal people and for Aboriginals only.
"We don't encourage any non-Aboriginal people to show up," explained Chuck Lafferty, chief organizer of the event. "But we do welcome partners and family members of Aboriginal peoples."
He says that while non-Aboriginal gays and lesbians now have many opportunities to seek support and camaraderie, two-spirited persons need a space that is "specifically for Aboriginal people," which allows them to hold ceremonies and culturally specific workshops.
This year marks the second time the event is held here in British Columbia and more than a hundred people are expected to spend up to seven days at the Chehalis Lodge in Harrison Mills.
"The Two Spirit Gathering is created out of a need for a space where two-spirited people can feel safe, to have a community of our own," said Lafferty. "There's still a lot of homophobia out there, not only in the world at large but within our own community, so there is a real need for us to be together and share our stories."
This year the emphasis is on youth and Elders, as well as respect for diversity. "We're all nations coming together, so it creates some complications in terms of protocol," said Lafferty. It also makes each gathering unique and dynamic, largely depending on the individual participants. But the common goal is for them to "bond, to renew old allies and make new ones," he added.
The gathering will be held from Aug. 6 to 12. Participants will stay at the lodge and room and board is included. Lafferty said he's the only organizer, so far, but a few more people will soon be on board. Fundraisers will be held to help cover the cost of the gathering and lower the fee.
For more information or to help out, call Chuck Lafferty at (604) 861-8117 or email twospirtgathering@hotmail.com.
National Aboriginal Day is fun and meaningful
By Brian Lin
Raven's Eye Writer
VANCOUVERThe clear sky and the scorching sun beckon the arrival of summer, but for Aboriginal communities across Canada, June 21 means more than the first day of summer. It is also National Aboriginal Day.
Organizers at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre are gearing up for a variety of events to celebrate Aboriginal community involvement in the city. This year's celebrations will be held on Saturday June 23 so that more people can join in the fun. Confirmed activities include a hairdo contest where Aboriginal hair stylists compete for the most creative and fashionable look on top. They will also demonstrate their generosity by offering free haircuts after the contest.
From noon to 6 p.m., participants are invited to bingo games, workshops, powwows, cooking demonstrations and a Bannock baking contest; while Elders speak their wisdom and musicians sing and drum.
For the little ones, the centre will set up four tables of creativity to unleash their artistic potential.
But Aboriginal Day isn't just about fun and play, it was created to help communities build a bridge of understanding across very different, and sometimes conflicted cultures.
"Education is key to disposing of the negative aspects within our cultures and negative thoughts toward our people," said organizer Joel Koette. "[That's why] Aboriginal Day also promotes education, awareness of drugs and healthy lifestyles."
For more information or to volunteer your time, contact the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society at (604) 251-4844 or drop them an e-mail at info@vafcs.org.
Other Aboriginal Day celebrations in the city include Aboriginal Blues at the Yale on June 21 at 8 pm, featuring a concert with George Leach, Clyde Roulette and Billy Joe Green. Tickets are $15. For reservations call (604) 684-2532.
Also from June 22 to 24, the Vancouver Art Gallery will hold traditional and contemporary dance and music performances as well as an arts and crafts fair. Admission is free.
In Victoria, a new sculpture by artist Chris Johnson, also known as Ice Bear, will be unveiled on National Aboriginal Day. The sculpture, "Four Winds" is located on the inner harbor walkway at the foot of Swift St. in Victoria. Contact Charronne Douglas by e-mail at icebearstudio@home.com for more information.
More than 25,000 people across the country took part in National Aboriginal Day activities last year, with more than 250 events from coast to coast.
A number of promotional materials have been created by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) for this year's celebrations. The posters distributed for last year's National Aboriginal Day are available again this year, along with postcards, a bookmark and a pamphlet.
New to this year's National Aboriginal Day materials is a children's activity book. A children's game featuring fun facts about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people is also new. A National Aboriginal Day screensaver is also available, and can be downloaded onto your PC for free from INAC's Web site at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad. The promotional materials can be ordered online or by calling (819) 997-0380.
A list of events planned across the country can be found on the Web site as well.
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