Search our website!

Our Lands - Our Story Treaty Information The Klahoose First Nation is negotiating a treaty with BC and Canada. This page provides background information about the treaty negotiations to help members understand why Klahoose is involved in treaty negotiations, what we will achieve if we sign a treaty, and how a treaty will affect Klahoose and Klahoose members. Members can contact Kathy Francis, Klahoose chief negotiator, at kathyfrancis@klahoose.org or call 250-935-6536 ext 241 for more information. Frequently Asked Questions What is a treaty? A treaty (sometimes also referred to as a “Final Agreement”) is a formal, legally binding agreement between an Indigenous Nation, BC and Canada that defines how the three governments will work together into the future. A treaty will include terms covering: Land that BC and Canada will transfer to Klahoose. These lands will be owned by Klahoose and managed for the benefit of the Nation. Payments from BC and Canada to Klahoose. A treaty will include both one-time payments to Klahoose when the treaty is signed, as well as ongoing commitments from BC and Canada to continue funding and supporting Klahoose into the future. Klahoose self-government powers. A treaty will describe the powers that Klahoose will have as a self-governing Indigenous Nation. Klahoose aboriginal rights and title. A treaty will clarify how, when and where Klahoose members can continue to exercise aboriginal rights and title in Klahoose territory. How the treaty can be updated. A treaty will include terms about how Klahoose, BC and Canada can update the agreement to reflect new needs or circumstances. Those are the major issues addressed in a treaty; however, a treaty is typically a long, complex document that will cover a wide range of things, not all of which are included in the list above (to find an example of a treaty, go to the Tla'amin Treaty information page to find a copy of the full Tla’amin treaty). Importantly, once a treaty has been agreed to and implemented by Klahoose, BC, and Canada, it will be protected by section 35 of the Constitution, which is the highest law in the country. This means that BC and Canada cannot change the treaty without Klahoose’s consent. It also means that Klahoose will be able to legally enforce the treaty in court if required. Why is Klahoose negotiating a treaty? Right now, Klahoose does not own or control its reserve lands. We have to seek approval from Indigenous Services Canada when we want to build or develop our lands. We also do not have status as a self-governing Indigenous Nation. We operate under the Indian Act and have to obey laws and rules set by Ottawa on everything from how we spend our money to how we build houses on our reserves. A treaty will change all this. It will move Klahoose out from underneath Ottawa’s control and recognize Klahoose as a self-governing Indigenous Nation with power over our own lands and affairs. The Indian Act will no longer apply to our lands, members or activities. We will elect our own government, which will manage our affairs for the good of the Nation and all members. We will also control our lands, including our current reserves and new lands that we acquire through treaty. Treaty is therefore about Klahoose taking control of its land, government and destiny as a self-governing Indigenous people. That is why we are negotiating with BC and Canada. What are the steps involved in negotiating a treaty? In BC, the treaty negotiation process is supervised by the BC Treaty Commission. The six-stage process begins when an Indigenous Nation formally agrees to enter treaty negotiations - see BCTC Negotiations and Stages for more information. The first three stages are all about getting ready to negotiate. The real work starts at stage four, which is when the parties negotiate what is known as an “Agreement in Principle” or AIP. An AIP sets out a lot of the details that will be in the final treaty, and typically includes an initial “land and cash” offer from BC and Canada that identifies the lands that will be transferred as part of treaty, as well as the payments BC and Canada will make. After an AIP, the parties finalize the full details of the treaty in stage five, followed by implementation of the treaty at stage six. Implementation would involve a vote by Klahoose members to approve the treaty, as well as BC and Canada passing legislation to give the treaty legal effect. The BCTC six-stage process has been followed by most Indigenous Nations with modern BC treaties. However, more recently, some Indigenous Nations have been skipping the AIP stage, or at least reducing the amount of time spent in negotiating an AIP, and moving to stage five to negotiate the final terms of the treaty. Even if the process is shortened, however, treaty negotiations take a long time, and require a big commitment of time and resources. Where is Klahoose in the treaty negotiation process? Klahoose has been formally involved in the treaty process for a long time. Negotiations started back in 1994 when Klahoose submitted a map of Klahoose territory and agreed to start the negotiation process. However, Klahoose suspended its involvement in the treaty negotiations in [Kathy to insert date], and no negotiations took place for many years. This is because BC and Canada's approach to treaty negotiations at that time was not acceptable to Klahoose. Rather than keep moving forward with a flawed process, Klahoose suspended the negotiations. Negotiations restarted in 2009 when Klahoose and BC signed an agreement called an “Incremental Treaty Agreement,” or ITA. Under the ITA, BC gave Klahoose money to buy TLF 10 in the Toba River valley. The TFL was at that time owned by a private company that wanted to log the valley without our consent or involvement. Klahoose instead bought the TFL and then transferred it into a Community Forest Agreement (CFA), which has provided huge economic and employment benefits to the Nation. In return for this funding, Klahoose agreed to return to the treaty table, and negotiations restarted. A link to the ITA is found here. Klahoose is now at the AIP negotiation stage. We have settled approximately 90% of the language of the AIP chapters, and the next important stage is for BC and Canada to table what is called a “land and cash offer.” The land and cash offer would identify the lands to be transferred to Klahoose, as well as the payments BC and Canada will make to Klahoose under the treaty. In 2019, Klahoose made a land selection proposal to BC and Canada (more information on how that proposal was developed is below), and in 2020 - 2021 we worked with BC to clearly define the land parcels we want to acquire. However, further work on the land proposal has been stalled by Canada. In order for BC and Canada to make Klahoose a land and cash offer, they have to (among other things) negotiate an agreement regarding how they will share the costs of that offer. BC is ready to discuss that agreement, but Canada does not have enough staff to do the work on their end. We are, therefore, continuing to do work on the AIP chapters until Canada is ready to develop a land and cash offer. What value does Klahoose get out of treaty while these negotiations go on? Klahoose has already gained significant benefits from the 2009 ITA. We now own the largest forestry license in our territory, have management control of the forest in the Toba Valley, and generate significant economic value to support the Klahoose community. However, given how long treaty negotiations are taking and the delays caused by Canada, the Klahoose treaty negotiation team recently initiated discussions with BC on “pre-treaty land transfers”. This would involve Klahoose and BC identifying lands that will be transferred to Klahoose soon before the treaty is finalized so that we can own and benefit from the lands now and not just in the future after treaty negotiations finally conclude. The pre-treaty land transfer negotiations are confidential. However, as of April 2022, we have identified lands for transfer and had initial discussions with BC that were very positive and indicated a strong willingness to work with Klahoose to help us acquire lands now while treaty negotiations are ongoing. How is the community involved in these decisions regarding treaty negotiations? Klahoose Chief and Council are responsible for overseeing and directing the Klahoose treaty negotiation team. The Chief and Council are committed to keeping members updated and involving members at key decision stages in the negotiations. In the lead-up to the 2019 Klahoose land proposal, the treaty team, Chief, and Council did extensive consultation with the community. Community members, elders, and knowledge holders participated in workshops to identify our priorities and possible land parcels to acquire. The treaty team then used that information to generate maps, which were presented at workshops in Squirrel Cove, Powell River, Vancouver, Victoria, and Campbell River for more member input. Chief and Council also hired a consultant, Urban Systems, to prepare a survey of members to identify member needs and priorities for land acquisition. Chief and Council will be returning to the community to seek further input and direction once BC and Canada have made a land and cash offer, and we have a better picture of what a future treaty may look like. If we do move forward and negotiate a full draft treaty, Klahoose members will also be asked to vote on whether to accept that treaty. Klahoose members, therefore, will have the final say on whether to accept a treaty or not. How is Klahoose paying for all this? Treaty negotiations are funded by BC and Canada. Klahoose is not taking out loans or incurring any debt to finance the negotiations. In 2019, Canada also agreed to forgive any debt that Klahoose had accumulated to fund treaty negotiations since 1994. Does treaty mean we will lose our rights and status cards? No. Treaties have changed a lot since the days when an Indigenous Nation was forced to surrender all their rights and titles in return for a few pieces of reserve land. Signing a treaty will not require Klahoose to surrender our title or rights. BC and Canada are now agreeing to language in treaties that confirms that Indigenous title and rights continue to exist after treaty. Klahoose members will also not lose “Indian” status after treaty, and will continue to qualify for all programs funded by Canada or BC that support Indigenous people. Canada will also continue to fund Klahoose to deliver programs and services to our members. However, some things will change after treaty. Klahoose will have its own constitution, government, and power over its affairs, lands, and members. Klahoose will be able to approve developments, tax non-members on Klahoose lands, and generate revenue from an expanded tax base. Klahoose rights - such as fishing, hunting, and harvesting - will continue but will be exercised by Klahoose members in accordance with the rules and standards set out in the treaty. The current tax-exempt status may also change; however, that is still being negotiated, and any changes that do happen would likely be phased in over time.

Culture & Heritage The Klahoose First Nation has a rich culture and heritage, full of traditions which its people are proud to continue to observe and honor. Our Songs Welcome song The canoe is deeply rooted in the Klahoose way of life and cultural identity as both a sophisticated form of travel on the water and a unique art form. Klahoose participates in the 'Tribal Canoe Journeys' each year to celebrate and revitalize canoe culture. Tribal Journeys have been bringing coastal peoples together to paddle ancestral travel routes for over 30 years. Klahoose also holds the 'Awaken the Canoes' event each year, in preparation for the annual Tribal Journeys. Awaken the Canoes nuxʷɛɬ Language revitaliization is an important priority to the Klahoose First Nation. Teaching and speaking Ayajuthem to younger generations is a crucial part of maintaining the culture which is why the Klahoose are developing a Language Revitalization Strategy Learn More Here Come Learn Our Language qʷaga tɛwšim ʔəms qʷaytɩn

Request a Meeting with Chief & Council What constitutes needing an in-person meeting? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. If you answered yes to any of these questions, please fill out the form below. If you have not answered yes to the above questions, please email info@klahoose.org with your question or concern, and we will answer you within 5 - 10 business days. How can we help? First Name Last Name Email Phone Choose an Issue Please briefly outline the issue below: Send Thanks for submitting! We’ll get back to you shortly.

FORMS/FILES This page is here to help you connect with all the forms and files you may need, as a Klahoose Community member, Cortes Community Member or just general public. Gym-use agreement This is a form in agreement to Klahoose's standards of use of the gym facility. These are to be given to the front desk at the Multipurpose Building or emailed to info@klahoose.org PDF file Gym-use release and waiver of liability form This is a form in agreement to Klahoose's standards of release and waiver terms in use of our gym facilities. This is to be given to the front desk at the Multipurpose Building or emailed to info@klahoose.org PDF file

Emergency Services Sometimes life gets hard, but you are never alone. Check out the resources below for help. Suicide Help • 1-800-SUICIDE If you are in distress or are worried about someone in distress who may hurt themselves, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) 24 hours a day to connect to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. Mental Health Information Line • 310-6789 (no area code needed) Mental Health Information Line Answered 24/7/365 it provides empowering emotional support, information on appropriate referral options and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. KUU-US Crisis Line • KUU-US Crisis Line Society First Nations and Aboriginal specific 24/7 crisis line based in Port Alberni and serving the entire province. Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717 - Youth Line: 250-723-2040 - Adult Line: 250-723-4050. Kids Help Phone Available 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from professional counsellors. Now, Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through Facebook Messenger. Youth in BC • Youth in BC Visit www.youthinbc.com for youth resources or chat with a counselor online. You can also call 1-866-661-3311 (toll-free in BC) 24 hours a day. Battered Women's Support Service Hours are Mon – Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & Wed, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Indigenous Women’s Program BWSS offers cultural services by Indigenous women for Indigenous women. 1-855-687-1868

Medical Travel: NOW AVAILABLE PROVINCE WIDE Starting February 3rd, 2025, the Klahoose Nation will manage our entire Medical Travel Program, continuing to do so for Klahoose Band Members living in the community, and delivering service to members off reserve in B.C. This program provides support to all members in B.C. with eligible travel expenses to access health and wellness services that are not available in the community where they live. Klahoose Medical Travel Program Letter - Steven Brown. Meet your Medical Travel Team! Klahoose Medical Travel Program Info Flyer COMING SOON Online Form Submission Klahoose Health Page Anchor 1 Medical Travel Team Medical Travel Coordinator Anita Noble No Current Bio. Medical Travel Clerk Tiffany Jamieson Hello! My name is Tiffany Jamieson (Francis), and I am very excited and honored to join the Klahoose First Nations team as their new medical clerk. I was raised on Klahoose and am very proud to be from our beautiful nation. I currently live in Powell River with my husband and son. I have a home-based business in the beauty industry that I have run on the side for the last five and a half years. I have spent 16 years in the industry. I am looking forward to starting this new journey with you all. It has finally been an honor to be able to work for my nation. I will be working mainly remotely, but you will see my face occasionally in the community. I look forward to seeing all your lovely faces again! And if we haven’t met yet, please stop in and say hi! Contact Information Telephone: 1-506-717-7988 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm PST) Email: medicaltravel@klahoose.org ONLINE FORM SUBMISSION COMING SOON Health Centre Services Childrens' Oral Health Initiative A First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) initiative aimed at reducing early childhood tooth decay in children ages 0 to 7. Online Booking Website Registered Massage Therapy Email: sean/lymworth@gmail.com Phone: 250 935 0064 Online Booking Website Ongoing & Crisis Counselling Lisa Marie Gruger, MA Registered Clinical Counsellorlmg@lmgruger.ca OR 1 250 287 5974 Updated Hours Online Booking Website Weekly Medical Doctor Visits Medical doctor visits will be posted on the website and community newsletters. 1 250 935 0251 Oral Health Dental Hygenist Services Mobile Dental Hygienist visits will be posted on the website and community newsletters. 1 250 935 0251 Additional Services Provided: - Chronic Disease Prevention & Management - Lab sample collection for analysis at Campbell River Hospital - Onsite ECG, A1C and Hemoglobin lab testing - Pre and Post Natal Care - Nutrition Support & Information - Custom Orthotics - Hearing Screening/ Hearing Aid provision - Child Development Services in Kids Space Rooms in Community - Speech Language/Occupational Therapy services for children - Home and Community Care programs including personal care workers in the home - Addictions Prevention and Health Promotion including supportive counselling pre and post treatment - Drug and Alcohol recovery Groups Mental Health Emergency Services Community Bus Sevce Klahoose First Nation Community Bus Service The Klahoose Community Bus is a transportation service from Cortes Island to Campbell River, connecting people to amenities and essential services, such as, medical appointments, government offices, banks, and grocery stores. The Bus makes scheduled runs to Campbell River twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis and should be made no later than 8:00 AM the day of departure. Please click the button below to see how to book and our departure times! Download Community Bus Schedule Klahoose Health Department Contacts Klahoose Health Center Office: (250) 935-0251 Gina Hallihan Community Registered Nurse Klahoose Health Center Phone: 250-935-6536 ext. 327 Email: ginahallihan@klahoose.org Kari Hackett Health Center Manager Office 250-935-6536 ext 251 Email: healthmanager@klahoose.org Stephanie Konefall Senior Policy Analyst for Child Welfare Klahoose Health Phone: 250-935-6536 ext. 329 Email: stephaniekonefall@klahoose.org Klahoose Medical Travel Phone: 1-506-717-7988 Email: medicaltravel@klahoose.org Eugene Semple Social Worker Klahoose Health Center Phone: 250-935-6536 ext. 333 Email: eugenesemple@klahoose.org

Chief & Council Chief Kevin Peacey Councillor Arlene Brown Councillor Sharon Francis No current photo available Councillor Helen Hanson Councillor Laurier Louie Mathieu

Klahoose First Nation Events Calendar Here you can see the dates for: Klahoose Health Centre Doctor days Events include Kl ahoose Leadership meetings, AGMs, culture nights, Tribal Journey updates, community campouts, etc. Elder & Community lunches, and much more! When you see a day with a "+" or "+(#)," there are multiple events on this day, and you can click to view them. If you want to add this to your calendar, right-click and select "add to calendar."

Strategic Planning Strategic Planning establishes a cohesive long-term vision using technical assessments, input from stakeholders, and the results of Community consultations. Strategic plans increase accountability from leadership and industry, provide clear, action-oriented guides to decision making, encourage future funding opportunities, help Nations assert Title & Rights, support strong governance, and much more. COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN (CCP) It is a holistic planning exercise that encompasses all aspects of a community, including, land, economic development, governance, education, infrastructure, culture, and social development. Why Develop a CCP? A CCP can be a powerful guiding document, providing a framework for decision making, identifying principals for land and resource management, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening governance. The Klahoose CCP outlines the overarching vision for the Nation that can provide the framework for other Strategic Plans. Where is Klahoose at in the process? The process was initiated in 2015 led by a Klahoose Planning Team in consultation with members, and Chief and Council. A CCP is a living documents that will change, be updated, and grow overtime. Klahoose has completed Phase 2 of the CCP process. TERRITORY WIDE LAND USE PLAN It establishes a long-term vision for the future of Klahoose Land management, working as a tool to guide KFN Council, staff, community members, and others in decision-making. It includes policies, goals and objectives informed by input from community and leadership, technical reviews, and building on other planning work, such as, the Comprehensive Community Plan. Why Develop a Land Use Plan? Some of the Strategic Objectives we hope to achieve with the Land Use Plan are: Protect language, culture, and traditional way of life Assert and clarify title and rights Improve communication and understanding with neighbors Advance reconciliation and improve relationship with the Crown Clarify expectations for consultation or involvement in decision making Ensure benefits from development in the Territory Improved environmental protection and outcomes Improved decision making and accountability Facilitate community and economic development Who is working on the Land Use Plan? Strategic Planning Coordinator Technical Advisors and Support Territory Wide Land Use Planning Committee How can Klahoose Members get involved and learn more? We need your feedback to develop a strong Land Use Plan that reflects what you want for your Territory. Please give us your feedback. Sign into your account to read about the Basic Principals of the Land Use Plan and fill out the survey to let us know what you think. You can also find links to one of our upcoming virtual zoom meetings in your Members Account or on the community Facebook page. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN It is an evaluation of Klahoose’s infrastructure needs over the next 40 years. The CDP is intended to be a guiding document that brings together Member’s priorities, cost estimates, technical reviews, and assessments. Why Develop a Community Development Plan? A CDP can open the door to future funding and lay a path forward for faster, informed infrastructure development based on community priorities. What’s Next? CDP process and community engagements revealed the need for several public infrastructure projects and an urgent need for expanded housing stock. As a direct result of engaging in the process and hearing the needs of community immediate work on a housing development plan, and a dock facility upgrade, have already begun. As funding becomes available other infrastructure priorities will also be pursued, including: Recreation Centre Daycare Cultural Centre Big House New Administrative Office Space Cemetery Expansion Outdoor Multi-sport Court Fish Hatchery Upgrade A draft is complete and awaiting finalization, read the CDP summary booklet below. ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMNT PLAN It provides the opportunity to connect community, KFN leadership, staff, and businesses to a shared, long-term vision for the future of Klahoose Economic Development. Why develop an Economic Development Plan? It can be key in opening the door to funding, ensure Klahoose values and priorities are reflected in economic development activities, increase accountability, and help create sustainable employment opportunities that benefit members. Where are we at in the process? Research, and preliminary work is complete, a draft is underway. Phase 1 Report Phase 2 Report CDP Summary Booklet

Groups Sort by: Recent Activity All (1) My Groups Suggested Groups Klahoose First Nation Meetings Private · 3 members Request To Join

What's New? Introductions! Klahoose Elk Draw 2023 To view the process of name pulling, please watch the video below! ​ Congratulations to all our winners and hands raised to all who patricipated. ​ ​ Gorge Harbour Marina Resort Update At the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, we have been diligently working through some large, necessary infrastructure projects, and have updates for our valued guests and community. Please follow the link below to read more: Press Release Darryl Louie - Work BC Success Story! We recognize one of our Band Member's success and milestone through his dedication to complete the Heavy Duty Machine Operators program through Work BC! We are very proud of you, Darryl! Please read Work BC's success story write up on their website: Work BC - Darryl Louie Julie Hanuse's retirment from the School District 72! Julie Hanuse has been a dedicated Education Coordinator for School District 72 for many, many, years. Her endless amount of love, leadership and support has shown through the kid's, some now adults, lives. We raise our hands and thank Julie for her grace, knowledge and infectious laugh as she is celebrating her SD72 retirement, this year. We appreachiate you, Julie! Images by Shannon Hanson Klahoose Band member's win Kellogg's Frosted Flakes NHL Contest and trip to Las Vegas, Nevada! PDF download of full story Darin and Loretta Hanson, Denise Hanson and Sierra go to winning 2nd Game of Vegas Golden nights against Florida Panthers June 5th. Read Loretta's write up below! To learn more about successful Wastewater Treatment Systems, check out this article in The Atlantic , or, this case study in, The Green Municipal Fun All Posts Log in / Sign up Aug 8 1 min Julie Hanuse's Retirement from School District 72! Julie Hanuse has been a dedicated Education Coordinator for School District 72 for many, many, years. Her endless amount of love,... Aug 8 1 min Darryl Louie - Work BC Success Story! We recognize one of our Band Member's Success and milestones through his dedication to complete the Heavy-Duty Machine Operators Program... Aug 8 4 min Klahoose Band Member Wins Kellogg' Frosted Flakes NHL Contest and trip to Las Vegas, Nevada! June 20,2023 Game #2 of the NHL Playoffs I brought thee friends with me on the most exhilarating trip of a lifetime that I had won... Jan 9, 2023 1 min New Art project by renowned Carver Ernest Puglas, available to view by guests during our 2023 season Klahoose Wilderness Resort News Release - January 2023 READ HERE Jan 4, 2023 1 min KFN Podcast Episode #2: Meet Paul Muskee, QXMC's Operations Manager - Learn about Shellfish Join us for episode 2, our interview with Paul Muskee, Operations Manager at QXMC, and learn about Shellfish! We talk about his role at... Oct 16, 2022 1 min Klahoose First Nation's Podcast: Episode #1 - Interview with Jason Johnson Meet Jason Johnson, QXMC's new General Manager, and learn about our businesses, Green Energy Initiatives, and more! Oct 16, 2022 3 min Cortes Currents Article: SUMMER 2022 HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FOR QXMC OCTOBER 3, 2022 ROY L HALES LINK HERE: https://cortescurrents.ca/summer-2022-has-been-very-busy-for-qxmc/?fbclid=IwAR098SGvr-UjGZwM9UOKZS...