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- HOME | KlahooseFirstNation
A place where Klahoose First Nation band members and general public can check for recent updates, ask questions, and find resources. KLAHOOSE FIRST NATION WHAT'S NEW Klahoose Community Newsletter General Advisory Notices Emergency Sanitary Upgrade: September to November 2025 - Posted for August 14th, 2025. The Klahoose First Nation has received approval to replace the aging sewage system with a new state-of-the-art treatment plant. While construction of the new plant will take a few years to begin, we are moving ahead with important short-term improvements to address urgent issues. What to Expect: Tork Road Waterfront Homes : The old, leaky sewage pipes along the water side will be removed and upgraded. This work may temporarily impact yards and possibly decks, but everything will be restored to its original state once completed. Manholes & Inground Pipes : Several manholes around the reserve will be dug up and resealed to prevent groundwater infiltration. Broken inground pipes will also be repaired or replaced. Lift Station Upgrades : Electrical upgrades will take place, and a new temporary large septic tank will be installed to help alleviate ongoing issues at the site. Temporary Road Detour from Tork Road : Resident only traffic. Timeline: Work will begin in September and is expected to be completed by the end of November 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Rob, Infrastructure & Development Manager: 📞 1-778-717-7827 📧 robertdinning@klahoose.org Thank you for your patience and understanding as we take these important steps toward improving our community’s infrastructure. Letter to Klahoose - Posted for August 14th, 2025. Email Rob - here! ABOUT Occupying traditional territories that span from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, the Klahoose Nation has existed since time before memory. Our primary village site, Squirrel Cove, is home to approximately seventy-five full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and in the surrounding areas. The remaining three hundred and nine members reside in off reserve coastal communities in the lower mainland, and Washington State. Our territories are rich in resources, both on land and in the waters that surround us. This abundance helped sustain our ancestors who carefully managed fish and wildlife to ensure future generations have access to these vital resources. In the 1800's, Indian Agents and government surveyors allocated our peoples to ten reserves, limiting our ability to survive and prosper as our communities had done since time immemorial. As Canada opened its doors to early settlers and explores, First peoples across the country, including those at Klahoose, were marginalized. Restrictive legislation prohibiting cultural ceremonies like the Potlatch, coupled with mandatory attendance at Residential Schools, alienated generations from one another. The echo of this devastating period in our shared history continues to linger. Today, Klahoose is rediscovering the beauty of the traditions which have historically defined our peoples. Ancient protocols are being practiced and the Klahoose people are once again thriving. ABOUT GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE Business is thriving at Klahoose. Leadership has worked to find the balance between protecting our resources with managing community economic development opportunities. We have established vital partnerships to help encourage community economic activities and are open to explore evolving possibilities. Meet our Chief and Council Notice of Nomination 2025 DEPARTMENTS DEPARTMENTS Klahoose language department is grant-funded to revitalize Ayajuthem for all Ayajuthem speaking communities: Klahoose, Homalco, Tla’amin, and Comox. Klahoose is dedicated to working with our sister nations to support the revitalization of Ayajuthem in our communities. LANGUAGE Suitable housing supports the dynamic growth and prosperity of the Klahoose First Nation. We strive to build and operate convenient, sustainable, and affordable housing to meet the needs of our Members. HOUSING The Klahoose First Nation Social Development Department delivers assistance to Klahoose community members in need through monthly Income Assistance programs, Assisted Living Support, and Social & Cultural programming. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Klahoose First Nation supports the lifelong learning of our Members and assists all those pursuing education. EDUCATION Klahoose Health Department support adults, elders, children, and families who live on reserve by providing preventative services, primary care, and advocacy. HEALTH COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES Member's Portal Klahoose Health Bus Social Assistance Income Assistance Forms & Files First Voices Website Job Board Events Calendar Assisted Living Housing Applications Emergency Resources Klahoose II Water Taxi GALLERY GALLERY To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.
- MEMBER PORTAL | KlahooseFirstNation
Welcome to the Member Portal! A place where members can update their contact information and have a look at the community notices! Klahoose Newsletter - PDF General Advisory Notices Emergency Sanitary Upgrade: September to November 2025 - Posted for August 14th, 2025. The Klahoose First Nation has received approval to replace the aging sewage system with a new state-of-the-art treatment plant. While construction of the new plant will take a few years to begin, we are moving ahead with important short-term improvements to address urgent issues. What to Expect: Tork Road Waterfront Homes : The old, leaky sewage pipes along the water side will be removed and upgraded. This work may temporarily impact yards and possibly decks, but everything will be restored to its original state once completed. Manholes & Inground Pipes : Several manholes around the reserve will be dug up and resealed to prevent groundwater infiltration. Broken inground pipes will also be repaired or replaced. Lift Station Upgrades : Electrical upgrades will take place, and a new temporary large septic tank will be installed to help alleviate ongoing issues at the site. Temporary Road Detour from Tork Road : Resident only traffic. Timeline: Work will begin in September and is expected to be completed by the end of November 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Rob, Infrastructure & Development Manager: 📞 1-778-717-7827 📧 robertdinning@klahoose.org Thank you for your patience and understanding as we take these important steps toward improving our community’s infrastructure. Letter to Klahoose - Posted for August 14th, 2025. Email Rob - here! Email Georgina - here! Notice - PDF Email Rob - here! Notice - PDF Annual Distribution Entitlement 2025 Klahoose Chief and Council are pleased to announce the Annual Distribution Entitlement date to Klahoose Members will be November 12th, 2025. Council has approved the amount of $1,750.00 CAD to each member this year. The distribution form will be available on the Klahoose Website (Members Portal), Klahoose social media, and at the Multipurpose Building. Requests for form may also be made by email. Processing payments will be on a weekly basis starting November 12th until office is shut down for the holidays (December 18th, 2025). Please ensure that the finance office is notified of any address or banking information changes from previous year. Incorrect information can delay payment. Please Note: Minors Distribution Shares are held in trust until minors reach the age of 19, forms for minors are not required. Contact for Finance Deb Dumas 250-935-6536 Ext. 247 email; debradumas@klahoose.org Sharon Francis 250-935-6536 Ext. 224 email; sharonfrancis@klahoose.org Finance Fax Number: 250-935-6537 Link to Distribution Application for 2025: https://powerforms.docusign.net/527f6f87-aef9-45be-8177-ff3cddebe7d1?env=ca&acct=d2b8ccc6-e2a0-4ec2-bbdc-af15dac08a08&accountId=d2b8ccc6-e2a0-4ec2-bbdc-af15dac08a08 DocuSign Application - here! Official Letterhead - PDF Apply here! Notice - PDF IMG_5073 IMG_5076 IMG_5093 IMG_5073 1/5 Culture Center Totem Pole Arrival - September 17th, 2025 Elk Draw 2025 Results The Klahoose First Nation elk draw results will be posted here, on our email blast and the Klahoose First Nation's Members Only Facebook Group at 3:00 PM, September 11th, 2025. Congratulations to all the winners! 1st name: bull - Ron Francis 2nd name: bull - Eva Delorme 3rd name: bull - Tracey Dimitrov 4th name: bull - Dylan Rodarte 5th name: bull - Hardy Francis 6th name: Cow - Rob Sharkey 7th name: cow - Kellen McKellar The Fisheries Department will be in contact with all the winners on scheduling their hunting days starting after October 1st. Any questions: Byron Harry, Fisheries Manager. T: 250-935-6536 extension 226 or 778-848-2243 E: byronharry@klahoose.org Early Warning Signs: Shellfish Toxins - Notice & Links here! VondonopHike_06.15.2025_Group Describe your image VondonopHike_06.15.2025_0.3KMSign Describe your image VondonopHike_06.15.2025_InletBeach Describe your image VondonopHike_06.15.2025_Group Describe your image 1/6 Klahoose Family Hike to Háthayim Marine Park [a.k.a. Von Donop Marine Park]. Email Robert - here! See Notice - here!
- CONTACT | KlahooseFirstNation
Have a Question or a Comment for us? Fill out the form below and we will be in touch as soon as possible. Please do not include any personal information in your submission. Contact Us Multipurpose Building Hours Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:0 0 pm Health Center Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 PM Mailing address: Klahoose First Nation (1730 Tork Road, Squirrel Cove) PO Box 09, Squirrel Cove BC, Canada, V0P 1T0 PO Box 09 Tel: 1-250-935-6536 Fax: No current fax number. Fitness Room is open during regular business hours and Fridays by appointment. To make an appointment, call (250) 935-6536 Ext. 0 Please review the following documents. Fitness Room User Agreement Fitness Room Waiver release Klahoose Staff Directory - PDF Multipurpose Building Rental Information Please review and fill out document below and send to info@klahoose.org with the Subject line: MPB Rental Inquiry (Dates requested) Multipurpose Building Rental Agreement 2024 Leadership Contact Chief Kevin Peacey W: (250) 935-6536 No current extension E: chief@klahoose.org Councillor Arlene Brown P: (250) 935-6536 No current extension E:arlenebrown@klahoose.org Councillor Sharon Francis P: (250) 935-6536 No current extension E: councillorsf@klahoose.org No current photo Councillor Helen Hanson P: (250) 935-6536 No current extension. E: hellenhanson @klahoose.org Councillor Laurier Louie Mathieu P: (250) 935-6536 No current extension E: lauriermathieu@klahoose.org Administration & Support No current photo Kerry McKellar Administrator P:(250) 935-6536 ext. 325 E: mmckellar@klahoose.org No current photo Caroline Francis Reception P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 0 E: carolinefrancis@klahoose.org Natalie Pielle Executive Assistant P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 249 E: nataliepielle@klahoose.org No current photo Eva Delorme Office & Communications Coordinator W: (250) 935-6536 ext. 225 C: (778) 718-2762 E: evadelorme@klahoose.org Georgina Silby Community Events Coordinator P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 305 E: events@klahoose.org Alternative Email: georginasilby@klahoose.org Tanisha Heins Education/Membership/Social Assistance Clerk P: (250) 935-6536 ext. E: events@klahoose.org Education Directory Marilyn Harry Education Supervisor Phone: (250) 935-6536 ext 232 Email: educationfunding@klahoose.org No current photo Kirsten Harry Aboriginal Child Care Assistant Phone: (250) 935-6536, no current extension. Email: kirstenharry@klahoose.org No current photo Verna Russ Youth Apprentice Phone: (250) 935-6536, no current extension. Email: vernaruss@klahoose.org Treaty Directory No current photo Kathy Francis Economic Development/ Treaty Manager Work Phone: (250) 935-6536 ext. 241 Cell Phone: 250-203-7546 Email: kathyfrancis@klahoose.org Finance Directory No current photo No current photo Sharon Francis Accounts Payable Phone: (250) 935-6536 ext. 224 Email: sharonfrancis@klahoose.org Debra Dumas Accounts Payable Supervisor P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 247 E: cfo@klahoose.org Fisheries Directory No current photo Byron Harry Fisheries Manager P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 226 C: 1 (775) 848-2243 E: byronharry@klahoose.org Darrian Hachez Guardian P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 229 E: darrianhachez@klahoose.org No current photo No current photo Bryan Pielle WATCH Program Coordinator P: (250) 935-6536 E: bryanpielle@klahoose.org Housing & Maintenance Directory Melinda Biddle Housing Manager P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 231 E: melindabiddle@klahoose.org Patrick Dennis Maintenance Coordinator C: (250) 634-1003 E: patrickdennis@klahoose.org No current photo No current photo Robert Dinning Infrastructure and Development Manager P: 250-935-6536 extension 241 E: robertdinning@klahoose.org Health Center Contact Directory Kari Hackett Health Centre Manager P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 251 E: healthmanager@klahoose.org No current photo Anita Noble Medical Travel Phone: (250) 935-6536 ext. 330 Email: medicaltravel@klahoose.org Tiffany Jamieson Medical Travel Phone: (250) 935-6536 ext. 330 Email: medicaltravel@klahoose.org Gina Hallihan Registered Nurse P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 327 Email : ginahallihan@klahoose.org Stephanie Konefall Senior Policy Analyst for Child Welfare P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 321 E: stephaniekonefall@klahoose.org Language Department Diectory No current photo No current photo Duane Hanson Language Coordinator P: (250) 935-6536 ext. 326 E: duanehanson@klahoose.org Malaya Malapitan First Voices Technician Phone: (250) 935-6536, no current extension. Email: malayamalapitan@klahoose.org
- Laws & Policies | KlahooseFirstNation
Laws & Policies Member engagement remains paramount to the success of the Nation. Council will direct the necessary resources to establish a community garden, support protocol preparations for Tribal Journeys and encourage participation in culture events. Balancing economic opportunities including advancing power projects in Toba Inlet with cultural rejuvenation priorities like Tribal Journeys, while caring and cultivating our natural resources, is in the best interests of our Nation and our peoples. Council is determined to provide strong governance coupled with transparency and clear policies that will move our peoples forward and lay the best foundation for our children and our children’s children. Laws & Policies Click on the links below to review the attachments 1. Klahoose Custom Election Code 2. Financial Administration Bylaws 3. Council Policy 4. Education Policy 5. Food Fish Distribution Policy 6. Personnel Policy 7. Interpretation Policy 8. Appeals Policy 9. QXMC Governance Policy
- Education | KlahooseFirstNation
Klahoose Education Jump to Education Department Notices! Klahoose First Nation (KFN) supports the lifelong learning of our Members and assists all those pursuing education. The Klahoose First Nation Education Department strives to remove barriers and create equal access to quality education for all members, opening doors to meaningful employment opportunities. The Education Coordinator provides administrative support and manages financial assistance to support students engaging in various educational programs. Post Secondary Support Program One of the most significant KFN Education Department mandates is the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. Through this program the Education Coordinator manages applications, provides administrative support, and organizes funding for students entering or returning to a post-secondary degree, certificate program, or a University College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) at a recognized institution. Post-Secondary sponsorship is constrained by available funds and limitations are set to ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources to all prospective Klahoose First Nation students. Total annual sponsorship is limited to $53 000 per applicant. Each eligible post-secondary program has differing sponsorship limitations based on expectations of reasonable program completion. The post-secondary support program is formed by federal and KFN policy and guided by Klahoose practices and values. For more information on the program explore the Klahoose First Nation Post-Secondary Student Support Policy. For any additional questions or assistance with applications contact the Education Coordinator. Read the Policy Post-Secondary Application Download Records Release Form BC Scholarship Society Info Sheet 2025 BCSS Indigenous Student Awards Information 2025 Returning Students Application Package: Transcripts from previous semester Final program progress report from the last semester of studies Records release form Post Secondary Application Package: Application Letter of acceptance from the academic institution Copy of official transcripts from the most recent secondary school or post-secondary school attended (when available) UCEPP applications require a letter stating that the applicant will be eligible for acceptance into a regular college or university credit program upon successful program completion. Educational Support Programs Vocational Training Support Program The Vocational Training Support Program is a newly developing program to provide limited funding support to Klahoose Members participating in Provincially or Federally accredited vocational training. Support is contingent on funding availability and may provide eligible applicants up to $5500 annually. Eligible Klahoose Members, currently accepted to a vocational training program can contact the Education Department to learn more. Student Summer Work Experience Program Each summer up to seven short term work experience opportunities with Klahoose First Nation are available for secondary or post-secondary students between the ages of 15 and 30. Applicants to the summer employment opportunities must be legally entitled to work in Canada and be registered as full-time students during the preceding academic year with the intention of returning to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year. Job postings will be available on the Klahoose First Nation website each Spring. Applicants will be required to submit a resume and cover letter to the primary contact for the employment opportunity of their choice. Primary & Secondary Education Support The Education Coordinator works with Cortes Island Elementary/ Junior Secondary School to provide classroom support to Klahoose students three days a week, and aids families in transitioning students off Cortes Island for Secondary education. Additionally, the Education Coordinator provides support to students and families with navigating learning support and tutoring. To learn more about any of these support programs for primary and secondary school children contact the Education Coordinator. Education Department Notices Skills Enhansment Program Through the Skills Enhansment Program, the Education Department were able to do hands on land learning with some of the Klahoose Community Youth! On October 22nd, 2025, Harvey Barnes and Michael James went up to Toba Inlet to work with Earnie Puglas in learning how to fun for deer. Earnie shared with the youth, this included the cultural component on how to hun, clean and prepare a deer. This was a great opportunity for the youth to learn these cultural techniques for future hunting! ?imot (thank you) to Earnie Puglas for sharing! The late Flavian Harry, who spoke highly of the importance of teaching our youth to hunt so they can provide for their now and future family. This is something Flavian wanted to continue year after year and we will honor his wishes! On October 24th, 2025, we had our youth participate with some community knowledge keepers on how to clean, hang, smoke and BBQ Chum Salmon. We encourage and have high hopes that the youth will continue to utilize their newly learned skills for years to come! Klahoose Children Funding 2025 Each year, the Klahoose First Nation Education Department provides funding to support Klahoose Band Member Families with school supplies for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. DocuSign: Klahoose School Supply Application - here! Apply here! Notices Email Marilyn - here! Email Marilyn - here!
- Emergency Services | KlahooseFirstNation
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
- Chief & Council | KlahooseFirstNation
Chief & Council Chief Kevin Peacey Councillor Arlene Brown Councillor Sharon Francis No current photo available Councillor Helen Hanson Councillor Laurier Louie Mathieu
- Land Code | KlahooseFirstNation
Klahoose First Nation Land Code Read More A Brief History of Land Code How did land code start? Land Code started in the mid 1990’s when 14 First Nations officially signed on to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management. The Framework Agreement is an initiative by the original signatory First Nations to opt out of the land management sections of the Indian Act and take over the management and control of their reserve lands and resources. The Framework Agreement sets out the principal components of this new land management process. Who is the Lands Advisory Board? Under the Framework Agreement, the First Nations have established a Lands Advisory Board and a Resource Centre to assist them in implementing their own land management regimes. The Resource Centre is the technical body intended to support First Nations in the developmental and operational phases implementing the Framework Agreement. The Resource Centre assists Klahoose in all facets during the developmental process, and if Land Code passes they will continue to help ensure Klahoose’s success during the operational phase. How does a Land Code become official? A Land Code becomes official once the Draft Land Code and the Individual Agreement have been voted on by the eligible voters (18+ years old) in the community. Want to learn more about Land Code history? Click below! Framework Agreement Summary First Nation Land Management Act Summary First Nations Land Management Act About Klahoose Land Code The Land Code will be drafted by Klahoose First Nation (with assistance from the Land Advisory Board Resource Centre) and will make provisions for the following matters: Identifying the reserve lands to be managed by Klahoose The general rules and procedures for the use and occupation of these lands by Klahoose members and others Financial accountability for revenues from the lands (except oil and gas revenues, which continue under federal law) The making and publishing of Klahoose land laws A community process to develop rules and procedures applicable to land on the breakdown of a marriage A dispute resolution process Procedures by which the Klahoose can grant interests in land or acquire lands for community purposes The delegation of land management responsibilities, and – The procedure for amending the Land Code Land Code Blog 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,... 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... 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... Learning Land Code Handouts Why Land Code is the Right Choice for Klahoose How Land Code Benefits Members Individual Agreements in Land Code Land Development in Land Code Membership Participation in Land Code Funding for Land Code Frequently Asked Questions 1 Frequently Asked Questions 2 Potential Risks in Land Code If you have any questions about Land Code, please contact one of the members of our Land Code Team OR, fill out our Land Code 'Get in Touch' form below! Bonnie Hill – First Nation Land Management Resource Centre Technician Email: Bonnie.hill@labrc.com Steven Brown – Chief Email: Landcode@klahoose.org Get in Touch with the Land Code Team Submit Thanks for submitting!
- Treaty Information | KlahooseFirstNation
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.
- Forms & Files | KlahooseFirstNation
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
- Klahoose II Water Taxi | KlahooseFirstNation
Klahoose Water Taxi Services Servicing you from Campbell River, to qathet (Powell River), to Refuge Cove, to Toba & Bute Inlet, the Klahoose II can Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Get a Quote This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content. First Name Last Name Email Send Thanks for submitting!
