Eric Plummer
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Articles by Eric Plummer
Long-term health study continues with survey and in-depth look at young families
More than 1,200 responses have been collected so far for a long-form survey, part of a larger, multi-year project aimed to give Nuu-chah-nulth nations a clear picture of the health of their communities. The online survey for the Hishuk-ish tsawalk Healthy Children, Healthy Futures research project will be open until Dec. 10 for Nuu-chah-nulth people, as well as others who live on the First Nations’ reserves or treaty settlement lands.
Area 23 Roundtable navigates through precarious waters to sustain salmon
In an era when Pacific salmon remains in a precarious state and some see their right to fish under threat, a Port Alberni-based fisheries table is promoting its model as an example of collaborative resource management. Each year over a million salmon migrate from the Pacific Ocean into Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, funneling their way down the Alberni Inlet, destined for their origin in the Somass and Stamp River watershed.
Next premier pledges to work with First Nations – while axing Indigenous rights legislation
After leading the B.C. Conservatives in a landslide election victory on Saturday, the province’s next premier says he is “committed to working with First Nations” - while following through with a promise to reverse legislation that affirms Indigenous rights. In what is destined to become a historic political miscalculation, former premier David Eby called an early election this fall – just two years after the last vote.
Leaders debate future of DRIPA as B.C. election approaches
It’s been almost seven years since First Nations took to the red carpet in the B.C. legislature, celebrating in ceremony as MLAs stood on either side to mark a historic piece of legislation that put Indigenous rights into law. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed unanimously in Victoria on Nov. 28, 2019, making British Columbia Canada’s first province to legally recognize an international call to action.
Nuchatlaht title case heads to Supreme Court of Canada
A decade-long fight to win Aboriginal title over a portion of Nootka Island is not over for Nuchatlaht First Nation. The Supreme Court of Canada announced on Oct. 15 they will hear an appeal from the Province of B.C. to determine Aboriginal title to 201-square-kilometres of land on northern Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Is there evidence that proves Nuchatlaht’s historical occupation of the portions of Nootka Island they claim?
Orange Shirt Day 2026 in Port Alberni
The Ha-Shilth-Sa is published by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council
Orange Shirt Day brings plans for Caldwell demolition next spring
A smile spreads on the face of Rowena Keitlah with the mention that Caldwell Hall, one of the two remaining buildings that were once part of the Alberni Indian Residential School, will be torn down. Rowena first came to the institution at the age of eight, when she accompanied her six-year-old sister Agnes in 1967.
Tseshaht acquires large property for housing
The Tseshaht First Nation has acquired a large property on the edge of its reserve, with plans to attack its housing shortage through the building of dozens of homes. The purchase of 7444 Bell Road brings another 37 acres to the Tseshaht’s recent collection of land acquisitions. Located just on the other side of the First Nation’s reserve boundary north of the Tseshaht Market, the property used to be within the main reserve over 40 years ago, but was removed as the result of a land exchange.
Keeping hope alive on the Downtown Eastside, amid public concerns of ‘street disorder’
As Vancouver residents consider a tougher approach to drug use in a plebiscite vote this fall, a Downtown Eastside outreach worker cautions that the last thing substance users need is to be pushed into the shadows. Following recent direction from Vancouver City Council, an additional ballot will be available to voters during the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 17.
Inquest recommendations fall short on delving into ‘devastating’ problem, says Sayers
As Indigenous people continue to face a high rate of confrontations with police, a First Nations leader is disappointed that recent jury recommendations from a coroners inquest into a fatal shooting didn’t look further into the heart of the problem. “I was really hoping for stronger recommendations,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
Coroners inquest jury recommends better water taxi access for paramedics, tasers and an Indigenous liaison for the RCMP
After six days of witness testimony and over a day of deliberation regarding the police-involved shooting death of Julian Jones, today a coroners inquest jury announced their recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The RCMP is being advised to consider equipping all officers with tasers and body worn cameras, while acquiring an Indigenous liaison to work with Tofino’s detachment.
Coroners inquest into fatal police shooting in Opitsaht being held in Port Alberni
A coroners inquest begins Tuesday, Aug. 18 in Port Alberni into the fatal police shooting of Julian Jones – a proceeding that his First Nation hopes will “advance meaningful change” in how the RCMP responds to calls in Indigenous communities. The 28-year-old member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation died Feb. 27, 2021 during a confrontation with police in the Meares Island village of Opitsaht, near Tofino.
Tlu-piich continues with softball finals and basketball
The third day of the Tlu-piich Games got underway beneath a hot mid-summer sun, with the bronze and gold-medal finals for the softball competition. The Hushbuxx claimed the gold with a 20-9 win over the Healing Hearts, while in the next game over on Port Alberni’s Echo Field the Wicked Ones earned a bronze by beating the Tatuus. When the baseball diamonds were clearing teams were warming up the hardwood of Maht Mahs for the second day of 3 on 3 basketball.
Building energy self-sufficiency at Yuquot
Construction begins this month on a microgrid designed to bring energy self-sufficiency back to one of Canada’s oldest village sites. Located on the southern shore of Nootka Island, Yuquot is the ancestral home of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, a historic place whose name carries the meaning “where the wind blows in many directions”.
Mowachaht/Muchalaht continue with Yuquot Spirit Summerfest tradition
While hundreds gathered in the Mowachaht/Muchalaht’s community of Tsaxana for the Northern Region Games, a smaller group of a few dozen came together to continue an annual tradition in the First Nation’s ancestral home. The Yuquot Spirit Summerfest gathering took place Aug. 1 in the village site on the southern shore of Nootka Island, where archaeological evidence shows signs of uninterrupted human habitation for at least 4,300 years.
Northern Region Games bring hundreds to Tsaxana
Hundreds converged in the Mowachaht/Muchalaht community of Tsaxana over the August long weekend to celebrate a quarter century of the Nuu-chah-nulth Northern Region Games. The on-reserve community just north of Gold River more than doubled in occupants for the community games, which each year brings together members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations. This year’s Northern Region Games were held July 31 – Aug. 3.
Substance-use recovery beds come to Port Alberni this summer
After years of lobbying, recovery support for those struggling with drug addiction is coming to Port Alberni. Standing in a courtyard at the back of the West Coast General Hospital, on July 31 Health Minister Josie Osborne announced that an eight-bed recovery and stabilization facility will be opening in the Alberni Valley later this summer. “Clients will typically stay between 30 and 90 days, receiving recovery-oriented care,” stated the B.C. Ministry of Health in a press release.
Did excessive logging debris fuel Mount Underwood’s ‘explosive’ growth a year ago?
Did excessive logging debris fuel Mount Underwood’s ‘explosive’ growth a year ago? By Eric Plummer Ha-Shilth-Sa | Canada’s Oldest First Nation’s Newspaper July 30, 2026 Category: Forestry PORT ALBERNI, BC — It’s been almost a year since Mount Underwood erupted south of Port Alberni, quickly spreading across a bone-dry slope to become the largest wildfire the area has seen in over a century.
Did excessive logging debris fuel Mount Underwood’s ‘explosive’ growth a year ago?
It’s been almost a year since Mount Underwood erupted south of Port Alberni, quickly spreading across a bone-dry slope to become the largest wildfire the area has seen in over a century. While this forest fire season has been relatively mild by comparison, some residents are questioning if slash left over from past logging fueled the rapid growth of the blaze in August 2025.
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' members track down Aaron Gunn for ‘tough conversation’ during MP’s visit to remote community
He wasn’t easy to track down, but two Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' members managed to find Aaron Gunn during the MP’s recent visit to Kyuquot to have a “tough conversation” with the MP about his past statements on First Nations issues. Gunn became the region’s representative in Ottawa after earning 38.7 per cent of votes for the North Island-Powell River riding during the national election in April 2025.
West Coast General gradually reopens its ICU
After being closed for half a year, the West Coast General’s ICU is now partially open, with hope to become fully operational once new staff assume their roles at the hospital over the coming months. On July 14 Health Minister Josie Osborne announced that the Port Alberni hospital’s Intensive Care Unit had permanently reopened one bed in mid May. The three-bed life support unit had been closed since Nov.
Young man remembered as court hearing commences
The preliminary hearing began today for a murder case in Port Alberni Law Courts, attracting dozens of family members who want justice for a 20-year-old man who lost his life nearly two years ago. Several loved ones travelled from Ahousaht to attend the court hearing, a case that is currently protected by a ban that prohibits the publication of the identity of the accused or any information that arises over the course of proceedings.
Overdose deaths decline to pre-pandemic level, but recovery remains a struggle with no detox facility in western Vancouver Island
Recent provincial data shows that drug fatalities have declined to a level not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, but a former user cautions that western Vancouver Island’s services for those who want to get clean remain painfully lacking. This month the B.C. Coroners Service reported 109 suspected deaths by illicit drug use in May – a low not seen since February 2020.
Vancouver Island: Less snow and rain leads to higher risk of wildfire this summer
The Coastal Fire Centre reports a shift from warm, dry conditions to cooler, wetter weather over the first week and a half of July. However, previous weather conditions point towards a drier summer season for Vancouver Island. “Looking at the next seven days from a typical standpoint, we’re not elevating dryness specifically. But we’re also not bringing in much precipitation either.
Lisa Marie memorial highlights the need for closure
Twenty-four years after her disappearance, the pain has not diminished for the family of Lisa Marie Young – although the continued showing of support from the Nanaimo community has sustained a hope that her loved ones will one day get answers. The 21-year-old woman has been missing since the early hours of June 30, 2002, when she was out celebrating with friends in Nanaimo.
‘Be the person you want to be’: Families cheer on the grads of 2026
For Anika Jensen, graduating this June has been a family affair. The 17-year-old is allowed to invite half a dozen people to watch her cross the stage at the Alberni District Secondary on June 25 – but this month an earlier graduation event put on at the high school by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council allowed even more relatives.
Nuchatlaht looks ahead after winning land title, but province wants to appeal
As the Nuchatlaht look at the future of managing their territory after a recent title victory from the B.C. Court of appeal, the possibility looms that their nine-year court battle may not be over. The provincial government has applied to the Supreme Court of Canada to hear the Aboriginal title case that concerns 201 square kilometres on northern Nootka Island.
Offshore chinook catch restricted on west Vancouver Island
To protect threatened salmon stocks destined for the Fraser River, DFO has announced a widespread chinook closure west of Vancouver Island – but the restriction has sparked opposition from First Nations that underwent years of court battles to fish commercially. As of June 5, chinook harvesting is prohibited by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the offshore region stretching from south of Nitinaht Narrows to the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
‘Never let go’: Alcohol concerns intensify following deaths in Nuu-chah-nulth communities
In the wake of a call from the provincial health officer for stronger regulations to curb drinking in British Columbia, Nuu-chah-nulth leaders are stressing the urgency to address alcohol abuse in their communities. “The weight is coming down on us,” said Hasheukumiss, Ahousaht’s acting Tyee Ha’wilth, on June 2, after his on-reserve community suffered two alcohol-related deaths in one week, including the passing of a 25-year-old member from liver failure.
Supreme Court of Canada to hear case that tests UNDRIP legislation
Canada’s highest court has agreed to hear a case that tests the legal weight of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in how it applies to B.C.’s mineral tenure system. Expected to come before the Supreme Court of Canada in spring 2027, the case was brought forward by the B.C. government, after the province lost its argument in two lower courts.
Alberni Valley reflects on Mount Underwood as it braces for another wildfire season
The plume of smoke that towered over Port Alberni in August 2025 has long disappeared, but an undercurrent of anxiety remains among residents as the region braces for another wildfire season. As of mid-May, a dry summer is predicted in the area. Environment Canada is forecasting warmer than average temperatures on Vancouver Island and the south B.C. coast for June and July, one of several factors that can lead to wildfires in the summer.
New totem pole at RCMP detachment sets standard for ‘respect, trust and accountability’
A totem pole that now stands by the Nootka Sound RCMP detachment is “a visual reminder” of the trusting connection between the region’s First Nations people and the police, says the piece’s carver. On May 13 Mowachaht/Muchalaht members pulled away a covering to unveil the totem pole, which was carved by Sanford Williams, one of the First Nation’s most renowned artists.
Piecing together a budding kelp growing industry
Throughout British Columbia’s coastline stretches vast forests of kelp, dense underwater vegetation that’s home to a diversity of species. Growing year-round under the ocean’s surface, this seaweed produces oxygen, stores carbon and helps to mitigate the effects of global warming. As coastal First Nations have known for countless generations, kelp can be useful outside of the water as well. It offers nutrients and vitamins - a healthy meal component.
‘It’s a lifeline’: School potlatch open to all for a celebration of Nuu-chah-nulth culture
An annual tradition amongst Vancouver Island’s northwest school district continued this month with a spring potlatch at Gold River Secondary. On May 12 the high school’s gymnasium was packed for a day of cultural performances in the territory of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation.
Shipwreck in Broken Group Islands
A shipwreck occurred in the Broken Group Islands on the weekend, prompting the Coast Guard to rescue the two who were aboard and an assessment of how much of the trawler’s 530 litres of diesel leaked in the ocean. According to initial reports from the Canadian Coast Guard, the Northern Challenge, a 40-foot commercial fishing trawler, hit a rock in the Broken Group at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The vessel soon took on water and began to sink.
Port Alberni’s railway service expands, with renewed First Nations participation
After two years of running a short stint along Port Alberni’s waterfront, the historic train extended its route today to the Barclay hotel - with hopes of eventually running the attraction to the eastern extent of Nuu-chah-nulth territory at Cameron Lake.
Ten years of ‘a crisis of disconnection’
When Rita Watts reflects on British Columbia’s drug crisis, a young First Nations man she encountered one day outside of Port Alberni’s Shopper’s Drug Mart comes to mind. Watts noticed the fellow slumped over on the sidewalk as she stepped out of the store. “I sat in my vehicle and cried, because this young man was just so wired, and he looked maybe 13, 14 years old, sitting there with a pipe in his hand,” said Watts. “He needs help, he needs guidance. Where’s his parents?
‘A sense of meaning as peoples’: Tla-o-qui-aht marks spring with large-scale cultural celebration
Born as an alternative to Tla-o-qui-aht’s growing participation in the Vancouver Hoobiyee event, a new cultural celebration has arisen that the First Nation plans to make an annual gathering in its home territory. From April 17 to 19 hišumyił ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ - meaning ‘To Gather Tla-o-qui-aht’ – was held in Tofino, culminating in the convergence of hundreds of Nuu-chah-nulth-aht packing the Wickaninnish Community School gymnasium for a full day of cultural performances on Saturday, April 18.
Premier slammed over proposed suspension of DRIPA sections
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Judith Sayers is not a huge fan of British Columbia Premier David Eby these days. Earlier this month Eby detailed his plans to temporarily suspend, for up to three years, various sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which is often simply called DRIPA.
17 teams to face off at Maht Mahs for Fentanyl ball hockey tournament
Over the second weekend of March Maht Mahs once again turned into a hub of ball hockey action for a three-day tournament held to support those affected by the toxic drug crisis. Held March 6-8, this year the annual fentanyl ball hockey event attracted 17 teams, including groups who travelled from Tofino, Port Hardy, Alert Bay and Vancouver.
Women take a leading role in a livelihood of fishing
On the B.C. coast, fishing is a tradition that runs deep in the blood of Indigenous families – but the critical role women have had in sustaining this livelihood has at times been an untold story. Rosemary Georgeson, who has Sahtu Dene and Coast Salish roots, took her first steps on her father’s old fish packing boat. To support his family living on the south of Galiano Island, George Georgeson was a commercial fisherman – a common occupation for coastal residents at the time.
Cloud of uncertainty for salmon farms as federal deadline proceeds
As the sun appears to be setting on salmon farming in British Columbia, the industry remains a divisive topic amongst coastal First Nations. Some declare their territorial right to economic development, while other First Nations say pathogens spread from fish farms aren’t giving wild Pacific salmon stocks a chance to recover.
Herring spawn returns to Island's west coast
On Monday seagulls could be seen divebombing into the ocean near the base of Catface Mountain, the waters near the shore a milky hue. The birds were tapping into a current of excitement spreading through Nuu-chah-nulth territory, as herring continue their late-winter tradition.
Salmon fishers face a squeeze if feds proceed with more orca habitat protections
Commercial and recreational fishers could be facing more of a squeeze this year, as DFO considers adding to restrictions on salmon harvesting in areas used by southern resident killer whales. Listed as endangered under Canada’s Species At Risk Act, the number of southern resident orcas is currently believed to be 74, migrating in three pods throughout the coast of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon.
Is recreational fishing a right or a privilege?
Nuu-chah-nulth representatives are appealing for tensions to ease before this year’s recreational fishing season opens, as a campaign continues to warn anglers that their right to fish is “under threat” by upcoming revisions to B.C.’s Salmon Allocation Policy. The issue arose during a recent Council of Ha’wiih Forum on Fisheries, which was hosted by the Nuchatlaht First Nation in Campbell River Feb. 18 and 19 on the traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai.
From agriculture to skin care, kelp presents new coastal business opportunities
Entrepreneurs who come from a long line of commercial fishers are capitalizing on an ocean harvest that has nothing to do with catching fish. Kelp is presenting growing possibilities on international markets, contributing a valuable, self-regenerating ingredient to agriculture, food products and even the skin care industry. Stevie Dennis has been fishing on boats since the age of 14, when he learned from fellow Ahousaht member Lewis Frank.
Hoobiyee delayed, culture group working to hold event at later date
A Vancouver-based dance group is working to ensure that one of B.C.’s largest First Nation cultural events happens this year, but Hoobiyee will not be held at the end of February as was previously announced. A celebration of the Nisga’a New Year, Hoobiyee is usually held annually at the end of February or beginning of March.
Longitudinal health study aims to ‘give back nations community-specific data’
A detailed survey has been launched, with the aim of arming Nuu-chah-nulth communities with more data about the wellness of their members. Those behind a long-term health research project expect results from the survey will be critical in getting government support for future initiatives.
‘An opportunity to start correcting course’: Estuary to Old Growth declaration seeks support from First Nations
“The best salmon-making machine is an ancient rainforest,” according to those behind an initiative to collectively find a more holistic approach to managing First Nations’ territories. “We need to carefully manage the resources in such a way that it doesn’t deplete our resources, it doesn’t create that imbalance that’s in societies,” said Terry Dorward, board president of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, which promotes the establishment of Indigenous protected conservation areas.
'Canada must bring policy in line with the law': Salmon allocation revision faces scrutiny
A policy that guides how much salmon can be caught by various groups is due for revisions, and while the sports sector warns that “Your right to fish is in danger”, Nuu-chah-nulth organizations are pushing for more balanced allocations that reflect court-affirmed rights. In late January the public input period closed for the next phase in how Fisheries and Oceans Canada will update its Salmon Allocation Policy.
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