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Klahoose Education 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. Have Questions? Contact Marilyn Harry, Education Funding Officer Phone: 250-935-6536 ext. 232 Email: educationfunding@klahoose.org

Klahoose Election 2025 Welcome to the Klahoose Elections page! This page is dedicated to viewing your, Klahoose members, nominated candidates for the Klahoose Election of 2025. Here, you will be able to see their campaigns and notices collected and distributed by Electoral Officer Rosie Holmes. Notices NOTICE OF NOMINATION NOTICE OF POLLING Candidates Click on a name to be instantly brought to their campaign statement. For Chief Position (1) For Council Position (4) Hanson, Duane J. - Candidacy Statement. Lessard, Ben - Candidacy Statement. McGee, Mavis - Candidacy Stemenent. Peacey, Kevin - Candidacy Statement Beler, Dwayne K. - Candidacy Statement. Brown, Arlene - Candidacy Statement. Francis, Sharon - Candidacy Statement. Hanson, Helen - Candidacy Statement. James, Lorna - Candidacy Statement. Mathieu, Laurier Louie - Candidacy Statement. McGee, Andrew - Candidacy Statement. Reyes, Leticia - Candidacy Statement. Robinson, Michelle - Candidacy Statement. Nominated Candidates: Chief Councillor Position These are your nominated candidates' campaign statements for ONE (1) Chief Councillor position. Please note: Candidates have provided all statements and portraits. For those who did not provide a photo, a Klahoose Stock photo has been randomly selected . The list is in alphabetical order by last name. Duane J. Hanson, Chief Candidate Ben Lessard Statement Mavis McGee Statement Duane J. Hanson - Statement for Candidacy. I introduce myself kʷətᶿ qaymɩxʷmɛn tᶿ nan, Copper Killer Whale, traditional name given to me during a sweat lodge ceremony in the Toq village by Letwiltox, Hereditary Chief Russell Quocksister. Kʷətᶿ (mamaɬa) nan Duane J. Hanson. ʔimot kʷʊtᶿ qʷayɩgən kʷʊtᶿ k̓ʷʊnanapɛ ʔaθəm. My feelings are very good to share with you! That I am running in the 2025 election for the position of Elected Chief, Klahoose First Nation. I am the son of Rose Hanson (nee Louie), kʷʊkʷpə, Grandfather was Johnnie “JA” Louie, and čičyɛ Grandma was Emma Hill, hereditary linage to Chief Jullien. My Father was Erven Hanson Homalco, Grandparents Jack Hanson, Granny was Eva Hanson (nee Wilson) Great Grandpa was Albert “Bull” Hanson. His wife was Thresa Harry (Thamutch) of Homalco. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Major in Indigenous Studies, Vancouver Island University (VIU). and Associate of Arts Degree, Indigenous Government Studies, Institute of Indigenous Government (IIG). with a focus of Social and Economic Development. My professional life I have worked in various capacities in Indigenous communities that span of over 40 years as a performing musician, and working for over 20 years coordinating, managing Indigenous health, wealth, and wellness at all levels of Indigenous governance structures. Social is developing processes of that introduce our ways of knowing, being, and doing! This is a meaningful way to begin to emerge and evolve together as a people! This has always been my self-determination to inter-connect our relationship with each other by way of responsibility, respect, and reciprocity. Communication takes good leadership to empower sovereignty, well being, and spirituality. Economic We cannot build an economy without our people moving back home! We will need to have a conversation on how this will happen. I know we have lots of talented people, Elders retiring, kids to grow up safe in their homelands. Culture connects us to our lands and waters ʔəms nə gɩǰ ɛ territory. I have been back home for over two years now and have been involved in the canoe journey with Klahoose and Homalco for quite some time. This is my medicine to live, love, and learn our language, and culture too help bring back who we are, where we are from for our kids, kids. The next generation is our long-term investment! Political In 2007, I was Chief of the Klahoose and, principal negotiator and signatory to our “Impact Benefit Agreement” with Plutonic Power in which offered us opportunities to be legitimate business people in our own territory. Indigenous Nation Building approaches start with us discovering our cultural match and a balanced approach to, for and of transforming how we would envision self, family, community and Klahoose Nation empowerment. Duane J. Hanson Email Not Provided. Telephone Number Not Provided. Ben Lessard- Statement for Candidacy. Ben Lessard for hɛgus Improved Communication & Transparency. Strengthen engagement with members on current, ongoing, and future issues, projects and opportunities. Increase transparency and ensure meaningful community consoltation in the Treaty proccess. Education, Training & Development Expand access to education and training programs for members. Provide guidance and opportunities to help members build meaningful careers. Culture and Language Revitalization Preserve and promote Klahoose traditions, culture and language. Ensure culture teachings are passed down to future generations, both on and off reserve. Increase Support for Members Navigating Systems Ensure Members are supported when navigating the process of obtaining their status card, funding opportunities, and other services. Economic Development & Employment Create more employment opportunities to strengthen individuals and families. Promote economic diversification to ensure resilient and self-sustaining future for our people. Stronger Governance & Treaty Process Implement more transparent governance strategies. Strengthen the leadership's connection with the community. Ensure policies reflect the real needs and priorities of the people. Email Not Provided. Telephone Number Not Provided. Mavis McGee - Statement for Candidacy. Mavis McGee – Candidate for Chief 2025, Klahoose First Nation Hello, my fellow Klahoose First Nation members, it is time to exercise our right to vote for a brighter future! I am asking for the membership’s support to help get the Nation back on the right path of honesty, integrity and unity. Your support will give me the authority to speak on your behalf. As your Chief, I will continue to promote inclusion, honesty, respect, and fund education for our members as well as advocate for health and housing initiatives. An educated and positive Council is needed in these uncertain times to ensure the rights and titles are maintained including all benefits to the future generations, equally. Our Nation is prospering because of our many projects but we need to take it one step further and implement solid policies and procedures to keep safe the integrity of the entire Nation. I will also be a voice of reason at the Council table to make sure that we as a Nation are working together to help our government be as accountable as we possibly can. I want to help break the dependency of social welfare and support healthy living by implementing stronger, more reliable social programs for all membership. A healthy and strong team means we are a healthy and strong community. By electing me I will be advocating for all Klahoose members. We will be strong, united and proud! All my relations E'mote Mavis McGee Email Not Provided. Telephone Number Not Provided. Kevin Peacey - Statement for Candidacy. I am running for chief again. I live on the reserve and I am running on a vision towards making Klahoose Strong, together. This involves elevating language and culture, economic responsibility, community health and healing, education and our youth. First, I want you to know why I stepped down as chief in 2022. The decision to step down was very difficult. I felt bad letting down our people, but it was truly a decision that saved my life. I urgently had to take time for my health. In addition, there were considerable challenges posed by the elected leadership team and I could not find a constructive way forward. Since then, I have been on quite the personal health journey, and recently my doctors congratulated me on turning things around. I’m grateful to be feeling in good health. I am now strong and ready to serve our people again. The nation has been through some turmoil these last few years, and it has been difficult for everyone. More than ever we need to come together and build trust and understanding for the benefit of all. This won’t be easy, but we have to find it in our hearts to put aside differences and restore our relationships. If we come together, there is so much we can do successfully. Over the years, I have heard many members from each family express how important it is for us to save our language and re-learn our cultural ways. This is a major priority for me and also for my family. The time is now. Engaging all generations, we must commit to strengthen our language and culture with everything we have so we can successfully utilize our traditions and bring them with us into the future. I know many of our elders feel and express how important this is. Next, we need to build on our economic successes in various sectors and continue to develop local indigenous tourism opportunities. As well as a strong economic base, we must support any Klahoose member who wishes to work for the nation to be successful by providing whatever training, education and guidance necessary. Jobs for our members is a priority. We also need to practice fiscal responsibility and to keep our financial and legal affairs in good order. We need to be smart and efficient in how we spend money. We need to not be excessive or wasteful, for example by using up funds on attorneys, consultants, or other financial drains that really don’t move us forward. I commit to the careful spending of KFN funds, I also commit to fairness when it comes to setting wages and salaries across all departments. Another major priority is our youth. We need to support the youth to truly feel they can stand proudly on their indigenous identity and go out into the world with the confidence that they can live healthy, happy lives. I have heard our people, mostly parents and grandparents, express real concerns. Times are tough. There is so much uncertainty in the world, and so many distractions and negative habits to fall into. We need to do more for our youth both on and off reserve. We need to keep supporting them to get a good education and also provide them with the tools to develop positive life skills. Using the teachings and inspiration of our ancestors, we could be providing our youth with more practical opportunities and programs to grow and pursue their dreams. We could start by forming a youth council to bring out their voices. I would like our community to come together and lift up the youth. I commit to this effort. Being a chief is not easy, there are challenges every day, and fortunately I love to solve problems, I’m always listening for and thinking of solutions. I’m keen to work with the community and a governance team that can share this vision of Klahoose people strong and commit to work through the difficult moments. Being on council is a job of service—where serving our community is the priority. I have been honored to serve our people before (from 2013-2022), as both a counsellor and as a chief, and I ask for the chance to serve as your chief again. I wish to apply my experience to lead our nation with both pride and humility. Vote for me, Kevin Peacey, I will work hard, with you and for you to make Klahoose strong again. ʔimot Email Not Provided. Telephone Number Not Provided. Kevin Peacey Statement These are your nominated candidates' campaign statements for FOUR (4) Council Positions. Please note: Candidates have provided all statements and portraits. For those who did not provide a photo, a Klahoose Stock photo has been randomly selected. The list is in alphabetical order by last name. Nominated Candidates: Council Position Dwayne K. Beler Statement Arlene Brown Statement Dwayne K. Beler, Statement for Candidacy Hello Klahoose Members, It is with great honour, respect and humility that an opportunity to run for council has been made available for my self and other Klahoose members. I do not take this opportunity lightly and whole heartedly make a commitment, if elected, to be a voice for all members. We have members that live in the United States, Canada and abroad and it's crucial that all of us are allowed to participate and be heard. My mother is the late Lorraine Beler, maiden name Pielle. My grandmother was Agnes Pielle and my maternal Grandfather was Bill Hill. Agnes Pielle then marries John Hanuse and my mom became the oldest of 14 brothers and sisters. My mom moved back home to Cortes since 1996 and lived there until her passing in October of 2023. I ahve been travelling to Cortes since 1996 and continue to travel home every 2 - 3 months. I currently live in North Bend, Washington. Washington state has been my home since immigrating here in 2004 under the Jay treaty. There is a rich culture of other tribal nations in this state. I have been fortunate to work on many projects at the Tulalip, Muckleshoot and Puyallup Indian reservations. We have many Klahoose members in the Auburn area and I would like to be a resresentative not just for them but for all Klahoose members. I am 53 years old and married to Cassie Bele. Together we have 4 daughters of all different ages, locations and educational backgrounds. Audrey, my youngest is 11 years old and travels back and fourth to Cortes often with us. Including out last trip back home in January of this year. The past four years of the current chief and council have yielded little of any results. Klahoose members are unable to participate in chief and council meetings. Phone calls and emails are unanswered of not returned. Our elders and members living on reserve are are not being listened to and ignored. There is no representation of our people on reserve and off reserve. There has been no transperency of where our nation is going, no accountability or trust of those that sit on the council or chief. Who holds them accountable, currently no one can. That is unacceptable for any person that is elected to chief and council. Here are some of my goals and concerns that I have heard from you in the past few months that if elected, would work towards: - Lead and guid our nation forward - Have open communication - Earn the trust of Klahoose members on and off reserve - have transparency in chief and council meetings - participation for ALL members at council meetings, whether it be in person or online. - work for and represent ALL Klahoose members - Embrace the challenges - Have a custom election code ratified and voted on to keep chief and council accountable - Make good decisions on creating and implementing new policies, what do the memebrs want? - Chief and council should consider the wisdom of the elders when implementing policy or major decisions. - The future of Klahoose and our members; language, culture, sustainability - Infrastructure develeopment - Short-term and long-term economic development plans - Housing and employment opportunities - QXMC decisions and business developments affecting Klahoose members In wrapping up, we need change. The same old people with the same old promises and nothing getting done. We need new people that are willing to commit to making our culture, home, history and people stronger. We will be greater nation, one with purpose and direction. I am your voice and boots on the ground if elected for council. contact me by email or cell phone for more information Thank you Dwayne K. Beler Email: dwaynebeler@hotmail.com Telephone: 206-423-0146 Arlene Brown, Statement of Candidacy. Hello Klahoose Community. I would like to introduce myself as your candidate for a Councillor position in the upcoming election being held on March 2025. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Arlene Brown. My Mother and Grandmother were Doreen Reedel and Katherine Dominick, both Klahoose members. I have had the honour of being elected Chief in 1986-1990. I was at that time the elected Chief and Band Administrator. Our first order of business the day after election was to go to the Desolation Sound Tribal Council office and pick up all the files belonging to the Klahoose community. After returning home with our files, we began the job of creating the first Klahoose Band office. Some other achievements during my time as Chief were: --We developed the first subdivision expansion with new housing constructed for our Klahoose members. --We blocked a multi-national logging company access through our Toba Inlet land. By doing that,Klahoose now has ownership of that TFL. --We blocked the sale of bulk water exports from our traditional lands. I am very proud of what we as the Klahoose Chief and Council achieved. I am grateful to the following Klahoose members who were instrumental in making this happening: Sharon Francis, Kathy Francis, Marilyn Harry and Norman Harry. I feel that our courage and commitment back then helped in preserving the future of our Nation. Throughout the following years I have been involved in many other projects and positions within the Band, such as housing, administrative support, community planning, as well as cooking and organizing of special planned events. I have always enjoyed being involved with the cultural and traditional activities that are a part of Klahoose life. My vision for the future is to have our members both on and off reserve feel they are a valued part of our community. The more that our members are involved, the stronger our Nation will be. I look forward to having the opportunity to have discussions with Band members about their concerns or ideas. I would like to see more training and education to help our members achieve their goals. I am looking for your support for the position of Councillor. I treat people the same way as I want to be treated: with respect, fairness and honesty. Thank you, Arlene Brown. No Email Provided. No Telephone Number Provided. Sharon Francis, Statement of Candidacy Hello Klahoose Members and Happy New Year. My Name is Sharon Francis and / am writing this letter in regards to our upcoming election on March 15,2025. / am seeking your support in this important election for our people. My ancestry is from both Klahoose and Homalco First Nations. I would like to bring more transparency on all Klahoose matters for all members regardless they live on or off the village of Toq (Klahoose). I would like to thank the current Council for their efforts and attempts at moving our nation forward. However, i would like to see more commitment on following policies that have been set by current and past Councils. An example would be the **shadowing” of employees that are hired by Klahoose. This means Klahoose band members were to be trained in various positions to take over said positions, and as far as I can tell, none of this has really transpired. All one has to do is look at the overall office staff and who is holding the majority of positions and it becomes very clear. There has also been little employment for Klahoose members who are contractors. Our elders need proper support on daily basis, not occasionally. We require a proper Elder support worker, full time, to assist with their needs to monitor there wellbeing. This support worker would also help the elder*s travel to other communities for ceremonies*, health reasons and funerals, other events. When I was in Council over 35 years ago, I was instrumental, along with Arlen Brown and Norman Harry, in initially bringing and securing our government funding to Klahoose so we could become more independent over time and make our own financial decisions to move our nation forward. I am very proud of that and very proud to be a Klahoose First nation member. I am looking forward to your support on March 15th. Emote Sharon Francis No Email Provided . No Phone Number Provided. Helen Hanson, Statement of Candidacy. Klahoose Band Members : Hope all is well with everyone & beginning the New Year in a good way . I have been nominated ( Councillor) for the up coming Chief & Council election on March 15/25. I have served 4 years as a Councillor with Kevin Peacey, Michelle Robinson, William Barns, Steven Brown ? ( 2 years) At that time my portfolio was in Education and worked with Julie Hanuse ( attended mtgs. In. Campbell River & by zoom) For those of you that don’t know me ( many band members I don’t know too, as our population has grown these past years). I was born in Squirrel Cove to John Alec Louie and. Emma Hill Louie. Those first few years with my parents I learned my Mother tongue and still to this day understand and know my language. I have 3 grown children: Dan Burm, Shannon Hanson & Natalie Hanson and married to Larry Hanson for many years . Right now. I am a Klahoose Elder for Naut-Sa-Maut and enjoying the position. For a 2 year term I was in the Klahoose Financial Committee ( chair person) Approximately 3/4 years in the Klahoose Housing. I am hoping to sit on the Klahoose Council this upcoming election and to all other candidates running : here’s wishing you all the best Helen Hanson No Email Provided. No Telephone Number Provided. Lorna James - Statement of Candidacy. Lorna James: Candidate for Klahoose Council 2025 Hello, Klahoose, My name is Lorna James and I have been nominated as a candidate for councillor position in the upcoming 2025 Klahoose First Nation election. My grandpa was from Klahoose, Carle (Smith- Smitty) McGee. My grandma was Agnes Timothy & my mother is Lorna McGee. I'm a healthcare worker for 24 years & on going. I would like to see our nation including all members. I want there to be inclusion & equality for on reserve & off reserve members. In this prosperity will follow & we will continue to step forward. There is already resources & prosperity in abundance in our nation. We should be proud of these accomplishments. We need to look at how it is utilized and benefiting our members. I would like to be that person, that takes steps forward into honesty, accountability, unity & success for our nation. My hands are raised to you all. E'mote, Lorna James. No Email Provided . No Telephone Number Provided. Laurier Louie Mathieu - Statement of Candidacy. ʔajɛčxʷʊt My name is Laurier Louie Mathieu, my traditional name is Hewkin, thunderbirds younger brother. My parents are Emma Yvonne Louie and Pierre Mathieu my maternal grandparent’s are Emma Louie (Hill) and John Alec Louie my paternal grand parents are Jacqueline and Laurier Mathieu . I am honoured to be nominated for a councillor position in the 2025 election. I’ve lived on Cortes for the past 17 years, raising my family here on the island. I have an excavation company and have been worked with Klahoose on many projects over the last decade. I am a member of the Cortes volunteer fire Department, where I am currently training to be a Duty Officer. Within the Klahoose community I am honoured to be a part of our Canoe family, where I am one of the Skippers of the tlum’tlums. Keeping our culture alive and teaching our youth traditional ways is very important to me. If elected, this will be my first term in office. My values: supporting our youth in training and education, Promoting culture and transitional activities helping all Klahoose members feel seen, heard and valued To do my best to listen to what Klahoose members want and bring it to the council table. helping all Klahoose members with opportunities and building capacity weather in the village or living away. and supporting our nation in future economic development with dignity always inline with our cultural views. I hope to be elected to serve our people and make a positive impact for our Nation. Email Not Provided. Telephone Number Not Provided. Andrew McGee, Statement of Candidacy. My name is Andrew McGee, and I am proud to be a member of the Klahoose First Nation. I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on Chief and Council. For the past 15 years, I have worked in the oil and gas industry in Alberta, serving as a manager, supervisor, and operator. This experience has equipped me with strong leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and a commitment to achieving results—qualities that I believe would serve me well in a council role. Serving on council has long been a dream of mine, as I have a deep desire to contribute to our community and strengthen our Nation. My ultimate goal is to return home to my roots on Cortes Island and be actively involved in our community’s growth and success. If elected, I am committed to approaching this role with an open mind and a willingness to learn all aspects of band governance. I will work hard to address the challenges we face and advocate for positive change. Key priorities for me include increasing housing options and creating more job opportunities within our community. These are essential steps toward making it easier for members to return home and thrive. With my background in the construction industry, I believe I can bring valuable insight and experience to these initiatives. I am dedicated to listening to the voices of our members and working collaboratively to build a strong, prosperous future for the Klahoose First Nation. Thank you for your support and consideration. Andrew McGee Email Not Provided Telephone Number Not Provided. Leticia Reyes, Statement of Candidacy. Dear Klahoose Members, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Leticia Reyes, and I am running for the position of Councilor for Klahoose First Nation. It is with great respect and a deep sense of responsibility that I ask for your support as we look ahead to the future of our community. I believe in the strength of our people and the importance of upholding the values and traditions that have shaped our way of life for generations. As a candidate, I am committed to strengthening community education, protecting natural resources, supporting economic development, and ensuring that all members—on or off-reservation—have their voices heard and their needs addressed. My platform is focused on building a thriving, united community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Key Issues I Stand For: Strengthening Community Education Our youth are the future of Klahoose First Nation, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I will advocate for enhanced educational programs that focus on both academic success and cultural preservation, so our children grow up with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s world while staying connected to our heritage. I will also work to provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities for off-reservation members to further their education and achieve their goals. Protecting Natural Resources Our lands, waters, and resources are vital to our way of life. As Councilor, I will work to protect and preserve these sacred elements of our environment for future generations. I will support sustainable practices and initiatives that balance development with the responsibility to safeguard our natural heritage, ensuring that our resources remain protected for all members, no matter where they live. Supporting Economic Development A thriving economy is essential for a healthy community. I will work to create opportunities for local businesses, support job creation, and advocate for initiatives that help sustain our community’s economic growth. By investing in our people and resources, we can create a strong, self-sustaining future for Klahoose First Nation. For our off-reservation members, I will focus on creating remote work opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship to ensure that everyone can participate in our economic progress. Access to Healthcare and Wellness Services Health and wellness are vital for our community’s success. I am committed to improving access to healthcare services for all members, whether on or off-reservation. This includes telemedicine options, mobile health clinics, and working to ensure our healthcare partners understand the unique needs of our people. I will push for programs that support our elders, families, and youth, ensuring they have the resources needed for a healthy life. Cultural Connection and Community Engagement It is essential to keep all Klahoose members connected to our traditions and to each other. I will advocate for virtual cultural events, language programs, and gatherings that allow off-reservation members to stay engaged with our heritage. Additionally, I will ensure that annual or semi-annual gatherings take place, offering opportunities for members to return to the reservation and celebrate our culture together. Strengthening Communication and Representation Communication is key to building a strong and united community. I will prioritize open and transparent communication with all members, including regular town halls, newsletters, and online platforms to ensure that off-reservation members remain informed and involved in community decision-making. I will also ensure that your concerns and voices are represented at the council level. Legal Assistance and Advocacy Navigating legal challenges, especially in areas such as Indigenous rights, land issues, and family matters, can be difficult, particularly for our off-reservation members. I will work to establish resources and partnerships with legal professionals who can assist members in these areas, providing the support needed to protect our rights and interests. My Commitment to You: If elected, I promise to listen to every member of our community and work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed. I will always uphold the values of our people and ensure that our traditions guide the decisions we make, while working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to prosper. Together, we can continue to build a strong and united Klahoose First Nation. I ask for your trust and your vote in this upcoming election. Let’s work together to secure a brighter future for our community. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as your Councilor. Sincerely, Leticia Reyes Candidate for Councilor, Klahoose First Nation Email: leticiareyes@live.com Telephone: 778-522-2901 Michelle Robinson - Statement of Candidacy. Dear Klahoose Members: It is an honour for me to be nominated to serve our people as Councilman of our Nation and I humbly accept the nomination. My name is Michelle Robinson, my qaymixw name is Quistunelwat. I come from the Hill and Barnes families and am a proud Toq qaymixw! I have extensive experience working for our Nation serving 9 years as the Social Development Manager, 4 years on the QXMC Board, and two terms on Council. In my nine-year tenure leading the Social Development Department I introduced a broad swath of programs to support the health and well-being of our membership: from the community kitchen, to cultural programming, to health and wellness workshops. This intergenerational approach spanned Elder care to newborns and I am tremendously proud of the success we realized. I also served our Klahoose people for four years on Council. I did so with the utmost respect and care for our people. Our slate successfully negotiated/fought hard against INAC and secured funding to upgrade critical infrastructure. We successfully lobbied the federal government to obtain more geoduck quota and the movement of an unusable tenure and secured funds from PICFI which enabled Klahoose to partner with Homalco to acquire fishing licenses leading to a fishing corporation between the two Nations. We undertook an internal assessment which allowed us to pay off the Band office mortgage and ensure guaranteed funds were available for the annual holiday distribution. We successfully fought against conservation to secure 100% for our elk hunting rights & created the yearly elk hunts. We introduced new policy to ensure a safe workplace. Our council team restructured our ECDEV - QXMM, updated & created the board policies to further protect our people while enhancing our business holdings including the acquisition of Klahoose Resort & the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. We worked to establish profit sharing with Interfor and eliminated A&A from managing our forestry interests, hiring our own forestry manger and redirecting profit revenues back to the Nation. Under our leadership we renovated & opened the Klahoose Health Clinic and were able to welcome healthcare staff as well as deliver programming to the community. I am very proud the work undertaken during the covid pandemic, ensuring our people’s needs were met with the least amount of disruptions to services. For four years I held a seat on our QXMC board, and focused on restructuring policies and priorities to better meet the needs of the Klahoose People, During this time we diversified our holdings, created a finance committee for the board, sought out new business opportunities, and ensured our cultural belief & ethics were reflected in our business practices. As a team we worked with financial advisors to shed unneeded spending, managed Klahoose stocks and bonds, ensured reporting was done in timely a manor to coincide with Klahoose Band to report to membership at AGM's. I am confident I am coming into this term with great experience, understanding all aspects of governance, policy, and priorities for the community, the corporation, and the Nation. I have always prided myself on the ability to listen to our people with an open mind and heart and a strong sense what our people want and need to be informed. I respect the importance of our cultural & teachings and the value of intergenerational programming and planning to ensure the needs of the whole community are met. I hope you will support my candidacy by providing me with your vote. In turn I promise to always put the needs of our people before my own and find common purpose in our work. If you have questions or would like to discuss any of the information provided, please feel free to contact me. Emot! Michelle Robinson No Email Provided. Telephone: 250-713-3203 Helen Hanson Statement Sharon Francis Statement Laurier Manthieu Statement Lorna James Statement Andrew McGee Statement Leticia Reyes Statement Michelle Robinson Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact our Electoral Officer, Rosie Holmes Mailing Address PO Box 1 Squirrel Cove, BC Canada V0P 1T0 Telephone: 250-516-3618 Email: rosietholmes@gmail.com

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 Email Events Coordinator December 2nd, 12 - 1 PM Meeting; Register here! December 3rd, 12 - 1 PM Meeting; Register here! 2024 Annual Distribution Application ITA Report - View Here PREVIOUS YEAR NOTICES 2023 Infrustructure & Development - Housing Emergency Housing Notice Emergency Housing Survey Annual General Meetings Custom Election Code Womens Retreat Annual Elk Draw AGM 2023 Notice Carden Consulting Meet 2023 WR Notice 2023 2023 Announcment Guidelines 2023 Winners Holiday Events 2023 Qathen Xwegas Management Corporation Treaty Events Holiday Party Dates 2023 QXMC End of year report 2023 ITA Meetings A Message from our Interm hɛgus (Chief), Steven Brown. Youtube Link URGANT NOTICE In regards to illegal recording of private conversations. Please click PDF file below! PDF Document Notice

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 Newsletter 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 Boat Charter GALLERY GALLERY To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. CONTACT US

What's New!? On this page, you can see more recent updates from our Community and operations throughout Klahoose! Weekly Newsletters, staff introductions, community updates and blog posts of events and band member achievments. Klahoose Newsletter -PDF Nomination Form Submission Email Gorge Harbour Marina Resort Updates 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 in the button for our press realease: Press Release 2023 Introductions! Meet some of our recent new members to the Klahoose First Nation Staff! Jasper Broer Human Resource Generalist Jasper has joined Klahoose First Nation as HR Generalist on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Throughout his career Jasper has worked in HR and Leadership positions within a variety of industries. Amongst others a Dutch Mondial Dairy Cooperative, a Canadian Casino Cooperation, Comfort Inn Hotel and the Immigration Welcome Centre both down town in Campbell River. Jasper is a strong believer in achieving daily incremental enhancements that, over time, will lead to significant improvements. Jasper was born and raised in The Netherlands. He moved to Canada, Campbell River in 2017. When not working, he enjoys activities with his 2 kids, mountain biking, soccer and following Formula 1 racing. Gina Hallihan Registered Nurse Hello Community of Klahoose My name is Gina Hallihan and I am a Registered Nurse. Starting my time in Klahoose, I feel blessed to be welcomed to join the team here. I have been nursing for 8 years on Vancouver Island and have experience in rehabilitation, acute care, palliative care, and home and community care. Our small homestead in Oyster River keeps my husband Mike and I busy with tending chickens and bees, growing food, and spending time outdoors with our pups. Hunting, fishing, hiking, foraging and camping are ways we recreate in this beautiful part of the world. I look forward to engaging with the community here and aim to serve to the best of my ability in a nursing capacity. Kari Hackett Health Center Manager Kari Hackett, being a strong advocate for health equity, brings extensive experience in the healthcare industry, particularly in the setup and management of primary care services. Kari has spent many years working on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, where she played a key role in establishing a health hub that offered "one-stop" wraparound care for individuals without a primary physician. Additionally, she has collaborated with First Nations communities in British Columbia, delivering suicide prevention workshops and presentations on infectious disease prevention. Kari and her husband, Burton—an avid fisherman who enjoys smoking salmon—are excited to join the Klahoose team and make their home on Cortes Island. Georgina Silby Events Coordinator Georgina ʔətᶿ nan. Tuwač kʷ Wales. My name is Georgina. I am from Wales. Hɛɬ Toq ʔətᶿ niš p̓ap̓ɛm. I am working here in Squirrel Cove. I have recently been hired to be the Events Coordinator for Klahoose First Nation. After 10 years of living in the village with my husband, Kevin Peacey, and helping with different events and programs, I’m quite excited to work more formally with the nation to plan and host events here, and in locations where off reserve members live as well. With you, we will be planning events for the youth, elders and families generally, including culture nights, and bingo. I will be supporting different departments and their event planning, as well as annual events like the AGM, the family culture camp (at ʔapukʷəm), and the Christmas parties. I’m also excited to assist in setting up community inspired and community driven events, such as a variety of gatherings, workshops, or field trips. I plan to reach out soon and create a survey to get your input on what kinds of events or programming you would like to participate in and see scheduled on the KFN calendar. I look forward to what we can make happen together for the nation. ʔimot təms qʷol q̓at̓ᶿəw! It is good for us to come together! Brian Johnson Chief Administration Officer Dr. Brain Johnson as our new CAO! Brian will join Klahoose First Nation as Chief Administration Officer on Monday, March 25th, 2024. He has several years of experience working with Indigenous communities. His unique background comprises extensive experience in leading organizations in Canada and several years of exploring and working overseas in Egypt, China, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. He enjoys sharing and storytelling about his experiences, so please feel free to ask him anything! Brian and his wife Catherine are excited about this opportunity and look forward to living on Cortes Island and working in the Klahoose Community. Tiffany Francis Medical Travel Clerk 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! Stephanie Konefall Senior Policy Analyst for Child Welfare Stephanie is an Indigenous child welfare practice expert specializing in the development of child welfare governance systems and frameworks. She is a MediateBC child protection mediator, child wellbeing and child rights researcher, policy analyst, and collaborative practice facilitator in the field of Indigenous Child Welfare. Stephanie’s prior roles have included responsibility for the evaluation and review of multiple First Nation’s child welfare practice and programming designs under provincial and federal child welfare law; service delivery principle design; and policy development supporting the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to care for their own. She has managed clinical practice teams of social workers and managers working in support of culturally informed frameworks of Indigenous well-being. Stephanie teaches and facilitates conference presentations on the subject of Indigenous Child Welfare and consults on numerous projects enabling the Federal legislation into practice for Indigenous communities, including project design and training for organizations, institutions and governments on Indigenous rights, Children’s Rights, and Indigenous child welfare practice. Stephanie has over 17 years of collaborative work with Family Law, Child Welfare and Justice systems, including co-authoring three research papers with Indigenous communities and the Ministry for Children and Family Development, agencies and organizations; authoring curriculum and instructing the child protection components of the Aboriginal Social Work Program for practitioners and supervisors. In her graduate research, Stephanie focused research on the readiness of Indigenous communities to facilitate child welfare jurisdiction and the protective environments of children. She has been a researcher and provincial subject matter expert on the Indigenous child welfare practice, First Nations Courts, Collaborative Practice Models and Traditional Decision-Making processes. Her current research focuses on the development in Indigenous child wellbeing indicators and the subsequent funding applications for Canada under the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders to end discrimination in child and family services. Stephanie has held positions on the board of the McCreary Centre Society for Children’s Research, as the Vice President of the Board Metis Commission for Children and Families British Columbia, co-chair of the board for the International Institute of Child Rights and Development, and committee memberships on child welfare, child rights and Indigenous community capacity development. and is currently the co-chair of the International Institute for Child Rights and Development. Stephanie manages a homestead in British Columbia and travels between the farm and her home on Vancouver Island. Cameron Fulton Chief Finance Officer Cameron Fulton joined Klahoose First Nation as our Chief Finance Officer at the end of December 2023. “Hi everyone! A little about me, I'm the new guy and excited to be working as the CFO for KFN. I'm a Chartered Professional Accountant, and prior to working for KFN, I was the Assistant to the CFO for British Columbia's largest First Nation Cowichan Tribes. I'm a father of three, I enjoy growing things in my garden, I like riding my bike and exploring the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Thanks and I’m looking forward to meeting you all!” Julie Hanuse's Retirement from School District 72! Post not marked as liked Darryl Louie - Work BC Success Story! Post not marked as liked Klahoose Band Member Wins Kellogg' Frosted Flakes NHL Contest and trip to Las Vegas, Nevada! Post not marked as liked New Art project by renowned Carver Ernest Puglas, available to view by guests during our 2023 season Post not marked as liked KFN Podcast Episode #2: Meet Paul Muskee, QXMC's Operations Manager - Learn about Shellfish Post not marked as liked Klahoose First Nation's Podcast: Episode #1 - Interview with Jason Johnson 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Cortes Currents Article: SUMMER 2022 HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FOR QXMC Post not marked as liked Julie Hanuse's Retirement from School District 72! Aug 8, 2024 Darryl Louie - Work BC Success Story! Aug 8, 2024 Klahoose Band Member Wins Kellogg' Frosted Flakes NHL Contest and trip to Las Vegas, Nevada! Aug 8, 2024

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."

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.

Language qʷaytən “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela About the Language Department The Klahoose language department is a grant-funded department 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 each other in the revitalization of Ayajuthem in our communities. Current grants include a partnership with the University of Victoria. Klahoose research assistant linguist Sue Urbanzewick is working with the Klahoose community to develop a five-year language revitalization plan. In 2022, when the project is complete, the Klahoose Language team will have a strategic plan that will guide the department's structure and provide clear evidence to the elected leadership of the community’s desire to prioritize language revitalization. The Territory Wide Land Use Plan is currently being developed. Email our Events Coordinator We invite you to participate in a project with Klahoose First Nation and UVic: Hɛhɛwšɩn (moving forward): Developing a strategic plan for revitalizing ʔayʔaǰuθəm. The goal of the project is to learn from as many Klahoose First Nation members as possible, what their hopes, dreams and wishes are for revitalizing ʔayʔaǰuθəm, in order to develop a strategic plan. We would be honoured to get your input. We have prepared an on-line questionnaire, and the link is provided here. It should take about a half hour. Č̓ɛč̓ɛhatanapɛšt We thank you for your participation Jacqueline Mathieu jmathieu@klahoose.org Su Urbanczyk, urbansu@uvic Language Resources First Voices Portal Ayajuthem Dictionary App Berkley Library Orthography class Monday 4:30-6:30 pm Links emailed weekly Oral language class with Dawna Pnallan Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Zoom links emailed weekly

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

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

Housing Suitable housing is a fundamental need to support the dynamic growth and prosperity of the Klahoose First Nation. The Nation strives to build and operate convenient, sustainable, and affordable housing to meet the needs of Klahoose members. The Klahoose Housing Department oversees maintenance, supports housing renovation programs, assists with new housing construction, and manages housing stock and waitlists, rental agreements, and rent collection. If your home needs repairs or renovations, contact the Housing Coordinator to learn more and fill out a housing Repair Form. Receiving rent payments on time is critical for the housing department's effective operation. If you are having trouble making rent payments, contact the Housing Manager, who will support you in working through these issues. Melinda Biddle Housing Manager Phone: 250-935-6536 extension 231 Email: melindabiddle@klahoose.org Rental Application Form Download the form PDF, fill it out and email or mail it to us. Downlod Maintenance Request Form Download the form PDF, fill it out and email or mail it to us. Download Housing & Maintenance Rental Housing Policy DRAFT Download the form PDF, fill it out and email or mail it to us. Downlod DRAFT Rental Housing Policy Presentation Download the form PDF, fill it out and email or mail it to us. Download Housing Polidcy Zoom Meeting Link - Register here!