The Haisla Nation and District of Kitimat are partnering on a project to better understand and plan for extreme heat and extreme cold weather events.
This Project is a collaboration between the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation, to continue increase preparedness and ability to manage emergency events in the region, as well as the impacts of a changing climate. The Project will create plans to help address and reduce the potential impacts on the communities.
Project Outcomes
Extreme Temperature Response Plan – A detailed plan so relevant partners and organizations can better respond if/when extreme temperature weather happens.
Public awareness/education materials – Materials will be created and shared with the communities so everyone knows how to prepare for extreme temperature weather events.
Project Timeline
The Project began in November 2023 and is due to finish in June 2024
How you can help
The Haisla Nation and District of Kitimat are hosting an Open House to gather knowledge and insights from the community, and we would love you to attend.
What to expect at the event:
Learn about the Extreme Temperature Project.
Connect with Subject Matter Experts for Project-related queries.
Participate in community mapping activities to identify important assets and potential areas of risk.
How your knowledge and insights will shape the Project:
Providing valuable information that may not be available from other sources.
Increase accuracy and relevance to the outcomes of the Project.
Ensuring any response plans or awareness information are tailored and culturally appropriate to both communities.
Your input is crucial in making the Project truly representative and effective.
So please come along!
Location: Kitamaat Village Council Administrative Building, 500 Gitksan Ave, Kitamaat Village, BC V8C 1X2
Date: 27 February 2024
Time: 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Light refreshments will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
Spring 2024 will mark the end of the two year program, Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), between Haisla Nation (HNC) and the District of Kitimat. At the program start elected Haisla Chief Councillor Crystal Smith stated “I am pleased to participate in this important initiative with the District of Kitimat. We recognize that working together to address our economic challenges will strengthen our relationship."
Haisla Nation and the District of Kitimat recognized that long-term partnerships were anchored in a solid foundation, and the CEDI program opened the way for both communities to create economic and social advantages for all citizens.
The Community Outreach Eye Care Clinic would like to visit our community. If you or a family member is due for an eye exam they can call to make an appointment.
Please feel free to share the notice and the price list with family and friends who may be interested in attending the clinic.
Contact me at 250-639-9361, extension 353 to book your appointment or if you have questions.
I can also be reached on my cell at 250-279-7734.
To view the Community Outreach Eye Care Clinic price list click |HERE|
Thank you.
In recent years, the Haisla Nation Environment department collaborated with the District of Kitimat to introduce a Curbside Recycling Program to Kitamaat Village. Near the end of 2023, a Municipal Services Agreement between the two parties was finalized. The program is scheduled to launch in the first week of March 2024. Leading up to the launch, the HNC Environment department has disseminated information to residents through social media, the monthly newsletter, door-to-door information sharing, and a recent Community engagement session. During the session, details were provided on the bins that would be distributed to each Kitamaat Village household and guidelines on recyclable items. For those unable to attend, a video recap of the session's key points has been made available.
If you have general questions about the recycling program please email recycle@haisla.ca.
Sharing Critical Resources:
In case you or someone you know requires assistance, please refer to the following phone numbers shared below. Remember to take care and stay safe, everyone.
Haisla Community School is looking for parent/guardian input about our school.
If a paper copy is preferred the school can be contacted for a copy.
Responses are anonymous.
For those interested in having their name entered to win a prize they can call the school (250-632-5011) to let us know they have completed the survey.
The input provided will be used to inform our future growth plans.
Questions regarding the survey can be directed to Rob Parker, Haisla Community School Principal:
Phone: 250-632-5011
Email: rparker@haisla.ca
First Nations Health Authority - Northern Region offers the following mental wellness supports listing:
The Northern Regional Mental Wellness Team is available to support the navigation of the following services as requested and you can access any member of our team at MWResponse.North@fnha.ca.
URGENT SUPPORT OPTIONS
Northern BC Crisis Line is an option that offers safe, confidential and non-judgmental crisis support to discuss anything troubling you, 24 hours a day. Toll-free: 1-888-562-1214.
Northern BC Youth Crisis Line is a confidential, anonymous peer support service operated by trained youth answering calls from other youth. Text: 250-564-8336. Phone: 1-888-564-8336. An online chat for youth in crisis, or in need of information or referrals. The chat line is open from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily. Find the link at: https://crisis-centre.ca/
310 - Mental Health Call 310-6789 (no area code needed) toll-free anywhere in B.C. to access emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health and substance use issues. Available 24 hours a day.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal Crisis Line by calling toll-free at 1-800-588-8717 or visit their website at: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line Indigenous Services Canada offers a national Indian Residential School Crisis Line to support former Residential School students. The crisis line provides emotional and crisis referral services 24 hours a day. Call toll free: 1-866-925-4419.
Hope for Wellness Helpline offers 24-hour immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Call toll-free: 1-855-242-3310 or visit their chat line: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES (Appointment-Based):
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day offers regionally-based, virtual primary health care support and delivery to First Nations people and their families living in BC, and support community-based nurses and other health professionals to deliver primary care. Phone (toll-free) 1-855-344-3800, 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven (7) days a week. Visit their website at: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/ehealth/virtual- doctor-of-the-day
Virtual Substance Use & Psychiatry Service provides individuals with access to specialists in addictions medicine and psychiatry free of charge. Phone (toll-free) 1-833-456-7655 to request a referral for VSUPS.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) has partnered with FNHA to ensure cultural supports are available to all communities/individuals including those who are not residential school survivors. This includes northern cultural supports and knowledge keepers. Cultural supports offered may include supporting with ceremonial/spiritual guidance, Indigenous Focused Oriented Therapy, energy work, and other traditional wellness modalities. Phone (toll-free) 1-800-721-0066 or visit their website: https://www.irsss.ca/
Tsow-Tum Le Lum Society (TTLS) provide confidential outreach services such as counselling and cultural support by phone, video, or other means as possible. Phone (toll-free) 1-888-403-3123 or visit their website: https://www.tsowtunlelum.org
Adah Dene Healing Society (ADHS) offers cultural healing and wellness supports. Priority is COVID-19 supports at this time to Fort St. James and surrounding communities, including the Prince George area. For virtual care to set up an appointment via phone call 250-996-5024 and Facebook Messenger, or contact Margo Sagalon: 250- 996-3813 or Tracey Charlebois: 250-996-1475.
Gitanyow Human Services offers health and cultural supports in Gitsegukla, Gitwangak and Gitanyow. There is a strong focus on language and healing. COVID-19 community supports is a current priority. For support in Gitanyow and Kitwanga, call 250-849-5572. For support in Gitsegukla, contact Frances Turner at 250-849-5288.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) offers health and cultural supports among CSFS member communities. Request IRS Support at the CSFS toll-free number, 1-866-567-2333. If local to Vanderhoof, contact Stephanie Blonde at 778-675-4036.
FIRST NATIONS HEALTH BENEFITS MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER LIST
Approximately 900 providers are registered across the province, listed by community they reside in. Individuals call providers directly from the provider listing, providers will assess for eligibility and bill FNHA Health Benefits directly.
From the Haisla Fisheries Commission and Habour Authority.
Please note that Haisla Fisheries concluded its marine biotoxin monitoring program for butter clams and cockles in December 2023.
As a precautionary measure, both CFIA and DFO have officially closed Ursula Channel (including Monkey Beach) to bivalve shellfish harvest until testing resumes in 2024.
For more information on the Haisla Community Harvest Plan for bivalve shellfish, please contact the Haisla Fisheries office at 250-639-9361, Extensions 213 or 207.
