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Volume 5 Issue 18, Sept 9, 2011
Annual Children Health Fair is a Huge Success
Snuneymuxw News is published bi-weekly. We welcome your submissions: send to [email protected] or telephone (250) 740.2300.
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Snuneymuxw Members ~ we are updating our membership contact infor- mation for the upcoming Election. Please confirm your address and e-mail so we can keep you up to date and informed.
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Please contact Sandy Atkinson directly @ 250-740-2306 or by e-mail - [email protected]
Upcoming Election December 3, 2011
Please look for upcoming election information in the next community newsletter
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Annual Children's Health Fair
The Annual Children's Health Fair was held on Thursday August 25th. 50 families attended and 57 children participated in the Fair. During the event the children had their passport stamped as they went through the stations;
Vision checks—Dr. Eng’s office
Free Haircuts—Bryon & Sherry White & Naomi Good
Dental Screening—SFN-
Ages 4-6 Immunizations—SFN
Crafts—Marg Thomas
Environmental Health—Karen Larson
Talking to Kids About Sex—Lesley Stedmon
Nutrition—Princess Royal
Audio—VIHA
Door Prizes—Galaxy Cinema, Jumping Jiminy’s, Splitsville Entertainment & Romper Room
A big community thank you to Sandra Good, Health Director, Alice Padgham, Community Health Nurse and all of the volunteers & participants who made this event possible.
Marg Thomas and Presley & Bryon White
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SFN Men’s Group
Men are welcome to attend when they can and join any program at anytime. No registration needed. Come join Rick August SFN Addiction counsellor and Alan Caplan, a Nanaimo community counsellor with Snuneymuxw for a program especially for men. The group will focus on creating a safe place for men to:
explore their concerns and challenges learn about themselves For Information call Rick gain a greater understanding of healthy relationships August understand anger SFN Addiction Counselor
Phone: 250-740-2351
When: Monday evenings
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 Where: SFN Health Centre Kitchen
Aboriginal Legal Aid Outreach Intake Worker
Introducing a new Aboriginal Legal Aid Outreach Intake Worker, Fran Bob. Fran works on Wednes-
days and Thursdays and will be on site in our community. Fran can assist clients if needed. Fran will also help people find legal information, other services and resources. Below is when Fran will be in your area:
2nd Thursday @ Penelakut; Mid island Legal Aid office (1pm—3pm) 2nd Wednesday @ Lake Cowichan (10am—11am) @ Malahat (1pm—3pm) 2nd Thursday @ Snuneymuxw (9:30am—11:30am) @ Stz’uminus (1:30pm—3:30pm) ]4th Wednesday @ Mid Island Legal Aid office 4th Thursday @ Snuneymuxw (9:30am—11:30); @ Stz’uminus (1:30pm—3:30pm)
Call or Text Fran Bob @ 250-667-8893 or Mid Island Legal Aid 250-753-4396 You can also call to apply for legal aid @ 1-866-577-2525
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Welcome Back to School BBQ An Open House and Back to School BBQ was held on September 1st at Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School. The Snuneymuxw Dance Group performed a couple of beautiful song and dances.
A community BBQ was enjoyed by all. William Yoachim ,SNF Council Member and Chair of the Edu- cation Committee, was on hand to welcome our new interim Principal Penny Monsell and her staff.
From Left to Right: Mariah Michaud (baby Cameron); Lisa Rodgers; Michelle Sokoloski; Mona Dorman; Penny Monsell; Monica Raso; Jennifer Wyse; Terena Ross Missing from picture: School Custodian, Earl Manson; Bus Driver, Dave White; School Counsellor, Kyla Atkinson; Preschool Teacher, Becky Manson; Preschool Aide, Bridgette White
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SFN Health Centre invites you to be a part of Community Wellness & Promoting Culture
Community Wellness Workshop Culture is the key. This workshop supports the community, to recognize the power of their cultural values, draw upon community strengths, to under- stand current problems in terms of ongoing colonization and identify the next steps that will lead to community wellness. (2 Days)
When: Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, 29 2011 - 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day Who: community members that are interested in being a part of commu- nity wellness Where: Chief and Council Chambers
This respectful and interactive approach encourages the participants to share their culture, values, experiences and skills with one another while building on their own strengths.
For further information and to register call Leslee at the Health Centre- 250-740-2337. Limited space is available.
(This training is a requirement to all of the other ASCIRT “Community is the Medicine” workshops.)
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The Old People/Sul’seluhw: Used Prayers, Ritual and Ceremony to Maintain Balance within our Communities
This photo appeared in the Na- Grandma White wore a kerchief George (1974) said, “ When a tional Geographic magazine 34 on her head as did many older man sits down in quietness to years ago, at the time it remind- women in Duncan when we visit- listen to the teachings of his spirit ed me so much of the wonderful ed with our mom, Katherine many things will come to him in old women we saw, during the White (when married to Willie knowledge and understanding.” 1950’s, when we were young. White). We were always told During those same community
Actually very young! This short when seeing older people we meetings, families were told if article is meant to bring together had to always say hello. If it was you learned to listen intently you some of the classic teachings of one of moms’ sisters we had not benefit because in their view the old people and to frame only to say hello, but had to say, when they spoke and we listened some of the purposes for prayer, “I love you!” It was her way of intently, then, their teachings ritual and ceremony. Hopefully, teaching us the value of older were passed along to us. These some of these you will have people. teachings in Halkomelem are heard already, know something Many of you would have your identified as Sinyews and ac- own memories of how either cording the Sul’seluhw “have grandparents or parents, espe- always been in our families, your cially if from traditional families, family”. Rituals, ceremonies, re- reinforced the value of old peo- inforced by prayers, talk from the ple. After all of this time, this is old people and or KweKwal rein- still a favourite photo. Today, I forced the values associated with don’t know if all older women ‘belonging’ and ‘helping one an- wear kerchiefs like that. Cer- other.” These values and teach- tainly, women who attend Win- ings are as old as time itself and pre-date the arrival of the xwula- National Geographic Magazine ter Dance Ceremonies continue to cover their heads. The next nitum to our territory. time you are attending a Big- One of the earliest references about it – otherwise if it is new, to house ceremony you might regarding our Ancestors’ use of think about it some more. check this out? songs to celebrate and our The women photographed be- During the sixties and seventies mourn passages was recorded long to the Shaker Church and old people/Sul’eluhw and speak- by the Wesleyan Methodist Min- are from the Colville Indian Res- ers/KweKwal used to say, ister, Thomas Crosby. He ar- ervation in Washington State. “Remember to always listen to rived in our territory in 1863 The image might be described as what your parents and grandpar- where Noble families had estab- ‘Sacred” in that they have been ents are saying – it is their gift to lished villages and resource captured either singing and or in you.” At the time young people sites. Within a short time of his prayer. Many of you already were also trained especially in arrival he learned the Snuney- know that preparing to learn the presence of adults to sit qui- muxw had many different kinds about sacred/ritual activities al- etly and to listen. Learning to be of songs. Of these he said, “they ways began with being able to sit quiet was an essential first step had a great variety war songs, quietly and or to reflect on teach- to learning about our ways and marriage songs, songs for feasts ings called Sinyews. traditions. Of quietness, Dan and public gatherings, mourning songs for the dead, songs when
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the fish came, dancing songs, canoe songs and know as Benson to help with ritual quests and to many others.” Before he began to preach against hunt. When Thomas Crosby arrived in Nanaimo the use of shamans and our ceremonial life he he described it “as a small town,.. almost entirely asked where songs came from? He was told by built of logs, situated on a hillside facing the har- “an old song maker we get our songs from the bor, with a large Indian village a mile away along wind in the trees, waves on the seashore, a rip- the shore.” pling stream, from the mountain side, from the Thomas Crosby recorded birds, and from wild animals.” It is for these rea- what is likely the earliest im- sons that the land that surrounded our immediate ages of a Shaman providing village sites also represented ‘places of power’ healing services inside one where young people went to bathe and cleanse of the Snuneymuxw long- themselves. It is for this reason that our people houses as well as a close-up have always believed that the land too was sa- of Shaman with his head- cred. Given Minister Crosbys’ evidence it would gear. During his time also seem very clear that if songs came from the- amongst our people Crosby se sites then it would have been essential for our actively worked to stop the Ancestors and through them ourselves to have people from winter dance continued access to ritual, resource and sacred activities, and calling for help from Shamans. sites. Our Ancestors used more than village sites When he finally left Snuneymuxw he took with later assigned to them. him many ritual and ceremonial objects. The federal government would outlaw potlatch activi- ties for 67 years from 1884 -1952. Chief Dan George referred to this period as “Our Sad Win- ter.”
Mountains and streams away from village sites were used to reinforce traditional training. Photo Dan From the old people we learned that songs, pray- Our Ancestors travelled throughout the territory ers, rituals and ceremonies were passed down to hunt, fish, gather berries, cedar and of course from one generation to the next in order to pre- to cleanse themselves at puberty, ritual training or pare ‘places of safety’ for the young, the family prior to a ceremonial event. In 1889 the Anthro- and of our communities. Today, members of the pologist Franz Boas said our territory extended Shaker Church provide ‘healing and brushing’ from Five Finger Island, to Dodd’s Narrows in- services, as do specialists who feed the Ances- cluding the area from Dodd’s Narrows to Yellow tors, transfer food and clothing for families for the Point, Nanaimo River basin and Gabriola Island. Ancestors. The people also went to the mountains we now
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They are called Yokwals. Their training is as old as time itself and predates the arrival of the xwula- nitum to our homelands. The Coast Salish of British Columbia have been described “as the most con- servative of any Indians on the north west coast” especially in terms keeping our traditional activities alive. Our grandparents, great grandparents worked very hard to make sure these gifts were passed down for a new time and a new place. Of this practice, Chief Dan George said, “for thousands of years I have spoken the language of the land and listened to its many voices.” I yas eye un Suli!
William A White – Article Rita George-Greene – Graphics Aug 2011
1. A single elder is Sul’eluhw. More than one elder is Sul’seluhw 2. An earlier version of this paper “Some Thoughts About Prayers” W. White was prepared for a recent Snuneymuxw community workshop to help with identifying community cultural strengths. Organizer Joan Brown. Hay ch q”a Siem! 3. With many thanks to our youngest sister Rita who took an ordinary document and made it look fantastic! 4. Chief Dan George and Helmut Hirnschall My Heart Soars Hancock House Publishers, 1974:54 5. 1851 Xwulanitum Miners sank a mine shaft right across from the village of Skwacuma. 12 more arrived in 1852 6. Thomas Crosby. Among the An-ko-me-nums 1907: 102 -103 7. Thomas Crosby. Among the An-Ko-me-nums 1907:103 8. Franz Boas, “Notes on the Snanimuq”. 1880 9. Thomas Crosby. Among the An-Ko-Me-Nums 1907:42 Including the two archival photographs 10. Norman Feder. “Incised Relief Carving of the Halkomelem and Straits Salish” in American Indian Art Magazine. Spring 1983: 52 11. Barbara Lane. “A Comparative and Analytic Study of Some Aspects of Northwest Coast Religion” Unpublished PhD Dissertation. University of Washington. 1953:1. She was speaking about our relatives from Cowichan although earlier ethnographic studies grouped us with the Cowichan. 12. Chief Dan George and H. Hirnschall My Heart Soars Hancock House Publishers, 1974:64 13. When we worked with the Sul’seluhw/Q’Puthet Unwinus (Centre for Coming Together) in the seventies they provided this phrase which meant “May you be happy and in good Spirits!” Hystapka Sul’seluhw!
May you be happy and in good Spirits! Huy Tseep qu Sul’seluhw “Remember to always listen to what your parents and grand- parents are saying – it is their gift to you.”
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CONGRATULATIONS!
UNDER 7 SOCCER TEAM UNDEFEATED
Top Left to Right: Coach—Tara, Riley, Memphis, Jemma, Julienne, Bottom: Kiesha, Kaylee , Jayden, Allen, and Patrick.
Congratulations to the Under-7 Team! They were undefeated in the 14th Annual Coast Salish Summer Games of 2011. This was hosted on August 15-18 in Tsartlip. The sev- en and under division consisted of seven teams. Our Snuneymuxw Youth have devel- oped great soccer skills at such a young age and hope to see them excel in the future. From: Anna Wyse
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Storm Water Discharges
Attention: If any Snuneymuxw member notices abnormal storm water dis- charges coming from the outlet pipes that drain into the estuary along Shore- line Drive – please contact any of the following persons immediately:
Doug Muir: SFN Community Infrastructure & Housing Coordinator @ 250-740-2331
John Elliot: City of Nanaimo Manager of Utilities @ 250-758-5222 Or Rick Morgan: City of Nanaimo General Foreman of Wastewater @ 250-756-5306
Examples – abnormal storm water discharges:
Continuous bubbles – (soap suds) Thicker, muddy looking water; sludge or toiletries. Any other discharge besides normal rain water.
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Snuneymuxw First Nation 668 Centre Street Nanaimo, BC, V9R 4Z4
SFN Pest Control Telephone: 250-740-2300 Fax: 250-753-3492
Last month you may have noticed the PCO pest control rep- resentative (Jeff Kitchen) working around homes on all the re- serves. We are becoming more aggressive in our campaign against unwanted rodents (rats) so we increased the amount of bait stations (poison boxes). The boxes are locked and secured into the ground so they are safe for children and / or pets. The poison boxes will be continually monitored by PCO along with regular summary re- ports submitted to SFN administration
If you have any further questions or concerns, you can con- tact Doug Muir at 250-740-2331
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Greetings from the Pastors of NNVC.
"Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole,and prosperous. Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are---- Just start now by talking to your mountains how big God is". I Praise the Lord for your life.
INVITATION For the convenience of our Community and everyone as well as for functions etc, we endeavoured to have our Church Basement area upgraded so that we can move away from continuous mopping and cleaning when its flooded during Winter Seasons every year. We need your support and assisatance.
There will be a 'DINNER FOR A CAUSE' on SATURDAY 17/TH SEPTEMBER 2011 commencing at 6pm and the Venue will be at St Paul's Anglican Church Hall on 29 Church Street,Nanaimo BC, V9R 5H2. Collections will be at the door(entrance) to the Hall which will be $40/Double, $25/single and $10 for children under 12 yrs.
Music and few items will be performed by the Nanaimo Native Victory Church Praise and Worship Team. Come and enjoy with us the Island Style of Food ranging from Lovo(underground Oven) Seafood and other dishes as well.ALL WELCOME.
Acts 20:35..The Lord Jesus said...More Blessings come from giving than from receiving. May Gods providential care and blessings be with you all and all your loved ones.
Blessings
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Snuneymuxw News Youth Centre Break In and Van Vandalized
There was a break in at the Snuneymuxw Youth Centre on the Nanaimo Reserve, Au- gust 29th, 2011.
Taken from the Youth Centre were 20 back-
packs and a WII. The Youth Centre van was also severely damaged during the break in. From the pictures we can see 5 windows were smashed and broken glass inside the van.
If you have any information about who may be responsible for this damage or if you heard or saw anything please contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477
All information will remain confidential- please come forward if you know anything- your community needs you!
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SnuneymuxwSnuneymuxw News News Acupuncture Clinic
With: Bibi Bennekou R.Ac
When: Mondays from 2:30 to 4:30
Where: Health Centre Kitchen Bibi is a registered acupuncturist in Nanaimo who offers clinics throughout the
city and also works at Chinawest-Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre. TREATMENT The treatment will use the acupuncture points of the ear. This will allow people to receive their treatment in a group setting Each treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes
APPOINTMENT No appointments are needed Please arrive sometime between 2:30 and 4:00 The last appoint will be at 4:00
COST The cost of the treatment is $25.00 If you have extended health benefits it will be covered through most plans It is covered through SFN extended health benefits If you receive Social Assistance or Disability benefits it will be covered through your Medical Service Plan by using your Care Card. Please bring your Care Card with you If you have a low income, you might qualify for treatments through the Medical Service Plan. Please bring your Care Card and Bibi will check for you. Rides are not provided
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It’s Back to School
OPEN TO ALL SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN
When: Monday—Friday
Starting: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Time: 7:45—8:40 am
Place: Health Centre Kitchen
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You are invited to join us in the
Celebration of Life
To honor those we love In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day
Thursday September 15, 2011
Where: Snuneymuxw Health Centre Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm What: Dinner Children’s activities Drum group & honor ceremony for those we have lost to suicide Supportive resources and information table Talking Circle
Call the health centre for more information 250-740-2337
Snuneymuxw Health Centre working with Inter Tribal Health Authority - ASCIRT (Aboriginal Suicide and Critical Incidence Response Team Training) to provide awareness and healing. .
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HEALTH ALERT UDATE - HEPATITIS A
Vaccine Shortage
The Hepatitis outbreak on Vancouver Island is still active with new cases being reported. The most recent total count of cases is 75. Vaccination for Hepatitis A is strongly recommended for all children 6 months to18 years old who are members of First Nations Communities on Vancouver Island. The shot will protect children and youth from becoming ill and prevent spread to their families and com- munities. Fortunately our community has not been affected in any significant way and many of our community members have already had their first Hepatitis A vaccination. One vaccination of Hepati- tis A vaccine will protect people from Hepatitis for a few years. A second dose of vaccine given 6 months later will protect people from Hepatitis for their entire lives. Many people who had their first vaccination for Hepatitis A are now coming due for the second vaccine Unfortunately because of the amount of vaccine needed for the outbreak on Vancouver Island we are unable to provide the second dose of vaccine at this time. The good news is that the second dose can be delayed for months and once given will still provide life long immunity to Hepatitis A. Children from 6 months to 18 years who have not had their first Hepatitis A shot can still have the vaccine. The vaccine is available at Snun- eymuxw Health Centre - please phone ahead for an appointment – 250-740-2337. Hepatitis A shots are also available at Nanaimo Health Unit – please call 250-755 – 3345 for an appointment.
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus (this is a different disease than Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C). The virus or germ is in the bowel of the infected person and is spread by poor hand washing after using the toilet. If the infected person still has the virus on their hands and are preparing food the germ goes into the food and people eating this food can catch Hepatitis A. One of the best strategies for preventing the spread of Hepatitis A is frequent and thorough hand washing especial- ly after using the toilet and before handling food.
People (especially children) with Hepatitis A may have no signs or symptoms. Other symptoms of the disease are:
Fatigue Fever Stomach pain Nausea Appetite loss Yellowing the skin or eyes Dark urine Light coloured bowel movements
The above symptoms can happen anywhere from 2 – 6 weeks after the person is exposed to the Hepati- tis A virus. The symptoms may come back in the following 2 – 6 months.
Most people who have Hepatitis A get over the disease and then are immune to it for the rest of their lives. People with other chronic diseases can have more serious outcomes from Hepatitis A. Fortunately we have a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis A. Many travellers to Mexico and other parts of the world may have already gotten their Hepatitis A vaccine.
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the Ts'its'uw'atul'
Organization of William Head Institution
Saturday September 17, 2011
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
at
William Head Institution
Gate Clearance is required. Forms available at your Band Office.
For more information contact:
Aboriginal Liaison Officer Wayne Seward 391-7013
Forms must be submitted no later than FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9th, 2011.
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GREAT DEALS FOR Unsecured Dogs The Housing Department SALE will be running a series of Affect Newsletter “Energy related info bites” to assist with energy sav- Delivery ing techniques and ener- 2004 Honda 150 dirt bike gy information in general Please remember to chain and that was just tuned up! – please watch for them. secure you dogs. The newsletter asking $2000. Must see can not be delivered to houses Changing old habits are challenging but it can be where the dog may pose a risk. done! Your cooperation is appreciated. KLR 250 Dirt Bike also re- Simple things can make the difference! cently tuned up to run per- Have you got Mould in Another Energy Tid-Bit fect $1800. your Home? from the Housing De- Any mould can be reported partment: to the housing department. Kawasaki 100 Racing bike Most people’s hydro Housing will contact Health bills break down like – excellent condition- Canada (Karen Larson) to this: spent $900. To run great come into the home to do Hot water heating again! a health Canada Assess- – 22% (showering, ment of the home. washing clothes) Grand Oak Headboard!!! Please call Anna Wyse or Space heating – Jackie Good for more in- 60% (forced air Worth $2200 brand new! formation on Health As- heat, baseboard Gently used asking $500. sessments. heat) Or best offer! 250-740-2300 Lighting – 5% Appliances – 13% Call 722-4694 or 739-1888 and ask for Rick or Julie to try bikes or view! 1168 Raines Rd.
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Red Road to Recovery Legal Aide Intake Services Prayer Group N.A. Meeting for all Membership With Brother Mark When: Saturdays 7:30 pm This new service is made pos- Mondays 7 pm Where: 668 Centre St. in sible under a partnership ar- 614 Centre Street Chambers rangement between Kw’umut Who: Open to all Lelum Child & Family Services Narcotics Anonymous and BC Legal Aide. Community Garden Contact Danielle Wilson or The message is that an addict, Calling all gardeners! Our George Deigh 250-591-0933 any addict, can stop using, lose community gardens need the desire to use, and find a you! If you have the time to new way of life. weed please contact Karen Nanaimo Fire Hazard Ahenakew @ 250-740-2300 Our message is hope and the Rating ‘Extreme’ promise of freedom. We would like to remind all SFN members that the Nanai- School Zone mo Fire Hazard Rating is There is a school zone in Cedar Creek Caskets 'Extreme' front of the SFN Administra- Please call in your time of Remember, if you spot a fire tion building. need. call 911. The speed is 30 kph Business (778) 424-2222 Just a reminder to slow down Cell (250) 228-2804 and watch for children play- Looking for Work? ing. Email [email protected] Do you have your Class 4 For more information please visit online at www.ccreek.ca. Driver’s License? Level 1 First Aid? If so, contact Gary Simp- Firearms Courses 250-740-2300 son @ 250 753-551 for further details.
Firewood Lot closed due to fire hazard
. Stay connected wherever you are: We can send you an email copy of the Snuneymuxw News, published every second Friday. Email [email protected] or phone 250-740-2300. Send us your postal address for a mailed issue.
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