Author: writetoreadbc_q60vvz

December 7, 2017

Lieutenant-governor helps open school library

Article from the Nanaimo News Bulletin

Posted: Dec. 6, 2017

Students at Nanaimo’s Nisaika Kum’Tuks Elementary Centre no longer have to go far to find a good book.

The public school celebrated the official opening of its first library Tuesday with Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.

It’s a new chapter for the centre and its 30 students, who previously walked to the public library for books. Now, iPads, computers, video conferencing and children’s and adults’ books are at the fingertips of students and their families, thanks to Write to Read B.C., a partnership between indigenous communities, Rotarians and Government House to help with graduation rates and improve literacy and access to libraries.

To read more, please click here.

Thank you,

Write to Read BC Team

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November 11, 2017

Shirley-Pat Chamberlain Interview

As promised – here is the WHCTV spot on Rotary Making a Difference with DG Dave Mangs. It is always a honour to share my passion about Rotary International and the Write to Read Project – to tell My Rotary Story

Check out www.rotary.org and find out how you can Get Involved with this amazing organization!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=S8YnuQrC_ic

August 2, 2017

Write to Read’s Leader Bob Blacker wins Service Award

Ottawa:

– August 2nd, 2017 – Robert (Bob) Cullimore Blacker was one of 36 Canadians to receive a medal from the Governor General on Friday, June 23, 2017. The Governor General’s Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. A recipient need to be innovative set an example or model for others to follow or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community.

Governor General David Johnson presented the decorations at around 10:30 am in Rideau Hall. 36 Meritorious Service Medals, along with 13 Meritorious Service Crosses were distributed. Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country. In 1991, both the cross and medal were introduced for civilians, rather than just for the military.

From the GG website, it reads, “As the prime mover behind Write2Read, Robert Cullimore Blacker helped bring permanent and up-to-date libraries to rural First Nations communities across British Columbia. His ability to connect volunteer organizations, social responsible businesses, and First Nations resulted in donations of trailers, books, computers and high-speed broadband connections used to increase literacy and Internet access in isolated communities.

Several comments from friends & family:

“So very proud of my friend, my mate – congratulations on receiving a meritorious service metal from the GG Bob Blacker! I can not imagine anyone more deserving than you of this recognition.”
by Shirley-Pat Chamberlain

“Last Friday, I sat in Rideau Hall and watched the Governor General of Canada give my Dad a Meritorious Service Medal for his work with the Write 2 Read Project (https://www.writetoreadbc.com). My Dad, along with other ordinary Canadians at the ceremony, have done extraordinary things in their communities and abroad. It was amazing to listen to all of their stories and reasons for receiving this award, but most importantly, their dedication to their cause to make Canada and the world a better place.”

by Michelle Baril

“Congratulations Bob Blacker on your award MSM medal well done mate we are very proud of you.”
by Glenn Hunt

“This past Friday my Dad, Bob Blacker, was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his work on the Write to Read Project (www.writetoreadbc.com). He is an extraordinary man and I am so proud of all of the hard work he’s done over the years.”
by Kendal Blacker

“Further, myself and part of my family, were invited to witness my wonderful Dad Bob receive some very hard earned recognition for his tireless work in bringing libraries and learning centres to our most remote and pretty much forgotten First Nation communities in BC. This award ceremony was held at the very prestigious and amazingly beautiful Rideau Hall. We felt so totally important and were treated so wonderfully. The highlight for me was to see my Dad beam with pride and all emotion as only Bobby Blacker can.”

Andrea Blacker

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May 24, 2017

LAX KWA’LAAMS TSIMSHIAN ACADEMY FURNITURE SHIPPED

Lax Kwa’laams Tsimshian Academy library furniture is being shipped from Bandstra (W2R Sponsor) Richmond to Prince Rupert. The shelving is expected to arrive on Friday 26th May.

In late 2016 members of the W2R LIBRARY RESPONSE TEAM and MISSION AM ROTARY CLUB transported the first load of shelving for the library. Members of the team along with those from the community & Naomi White the ACADEMY LIBRARIAN were able to sort and get books onto the shelves. However there were many books left over and this second shipment to the ACADEMY will help get those books onto shelves. There is the final shipment of shelves to be sent to Lax Kwa’laams and these will be transported to the community by the end of June 2017. In addition to these shelves 4 HP ALL IN ONE COMPUTERS and 4 MINI IPADS will be sent at the same time.

The Lax Kwa’laams TSIMSHIAN ACADEMY / COMMUNITY LIBRARY is the 11th of 14 library/learning centres to be opened to date.

Bandstra Trucking – Books and shelving have been delivered to the remote locations of W2R libraries thanks to free trucking provided by this freight company.

The Bandstra Loading dock.

Our new shelving unit design

About the Coast Tsimshian Academy
The Coast Tsimshian Academy will provide classrooms for 26 kindergarten and 156 Grade 1 – 12 students. The school will be a beautiful, two-storey, 2,005-square-metre building, tailored to the needs of the community. With a large, state-of-the art kitchen, and well-thought-out design and layout, the school will be a great place for large groups of people to gather.

The school will also have designated learning areas for home economics, industrial arts and cultural activities. All classrooms are well laid out, flexible to use, and have taken into account the needs of learners today, including electronic and spatial needs, as well as the relationship between teacher and student. There are also central gathering spaces connected to other common social areas, and quiet spaces to allow for more intimate learning opportunities.

The school is also designed to be expanded to meet long-term projections of 175 – 200 students. If many of the proposed economic development projects in the area get underway, many community members living away from home will have the opportunity to move home – and the new school will be a great place that will welcome their children and youth back to the community.

Matt getting the shelves organized for their next journey.

Dale and our new shelving design

April 30, 2017

Coast Guard provides travel assistance for the W2R Project

It was one wild ride. You don’t know the definition of “brisk” until you have taken a swift ride aboard a Coast Guard zodiac in the open ocean at 40 knots. They give you survival suits and helmets with face masks for a good reason. You don’t even want to hear the word “rain” as you hunker down with the wind whistling past your face.

The Canadian Coast Guard has been involved with the W2R Project for some time, providing transportation for previous Lt. Governor Steven Point and current Lt Governor Judith Guichon to remote aboriginal settlements along the coast. On a recent W2R team visit to Kyquot, which requires a water taxi between the village and Fair Harbour, the Coast Guard vessel Tanu under the supervision of Captain Bill Bennet was in attendance doing search and rescue training. Several of the ship’s crew offered the W2R team a ride back to Fair Harbour.

Along the way the W2R team was offered a quick visit onboard the Tanu and to meet the 15-member crew. Search and Rescue is an important aspect of the member’s work. The Tanu maintains close relationships with First Nations along the coast. Often the First Nations communities are the first to react to a sinking or other emergency. When a whale watching vessel sank off Tofino, it was the First Nations skippers who responded first. When the BC Ferries Queen of the North sank near Hartley Bay, it was local villagers who were first on the scene.

The Coast Guard joins the RCMP, BC Ferries, Britco Structures, Telus, Bandstra, Rotary District 5040, Windsor Plywood, Nanaimo Correctional Centre and numerous small businesses as a member of the Write to Read team.

April 30, 2017

Kyquot joins expanding W2R project

Here’s what Wikipedia says about the little village of Kyquot: The Kyuquot/Cheklesath First Nation (officially Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nation) is a First Nations government based at Kyuquot, located on the outer coast of Kyuquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

Before 1951, Both the Kyuquot First Nation and the Cheklesath First Nation were separately managed and funded by the then Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. The Cheklesath were very few in numbers and were not receiving adequate funding [for housing and infrastructure] from the Federal Government’s Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (funding based on Band Membership).

The Chekleset chiefs and elders met with the Kyuquot chiefs and elders to ask if their people could live amongst the Kyuquot people. The Kyuquot chiefs and elders agreed to allow the Cheklesath to live on Č’axwataqt(Mission Island), but were not granted any rights in Kyquot affairs. They remain a separate nation until conditions warrant their return to their own territory.

Here is what the Canadian Encyclopedia says about Kyquot: The Kyquot/Cheklesath First Nation, located on the outer coast of Kyquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. As of 2015, the two nations have a combined membership of approximately 600 people, about 150 of whom live on reserve. Like other Nuu-chah-nulth nations, the Kyquot and Checleseht have a strong ceremonial culture, characterized by feasting and entertainment with song, dance, contests and theatricals. They are also known for their stunning woodwork, including canoes, totem poles, multifamily houses and other products hand-crafted out of fine cedar, such as baskets.

The new project to build a Community Centre with W2R will include a Big House and perhaps a museum for visitors and tourists. At present there are no tourist attractions but fishing charters, water taxis and bed and breakfast accommodations can be found through the band office.

Kyuquot / Checleseht First Nations

Phone 250-332-5259

http://kyuquotbc.ca/business-directory/

April 30, 2017

New volunteer brings Kyquot to the W2R team

You won’t find Kyquot on most maps. The tiny community is hidden away on the far northwest coast of Vancouver Island. It’s only accessible by water taxi. The remoteness has some fortunate features, including tourism. Fishing is excellent, which means there are several fine (expensive) lodges. The waters near the villages are awash with “rafts” of sea otters, floating sweetly among kelp beds. Westcoast Expeditions operates a rustic camp and kayak centre on nearby Spring Island. The village has a tiny store, a school and a band office. The village is protected from the open ocean by a chain of islands on which you will find non-native folks living in summer cottages. The Plensky family has lived on their own little island for over 20 years.

Susan Plensky discovered the Write to Read website by accident and immediately sent an email, inquiring about the possibility of building a school. Susan’s background is First Nations education as she was a teacher, principal, School Trustee and Trustee Chair so her position with the W2R team will be Education Ambassador.

Over the years the Plensky family grew, and so did their house. From time to time they put up passengers from the freight vessel Uchuck 111. The W2R team was welcomed to their home with open arms. If you ever plan to travel with the Uchuck (it sails from Gold River) be sure to visit Kyquot and say hello to Susan. She will be the W2R contact in Kyquot as we plan to build a Community Centre and Big House above the village.

Uchuck cruises http://www.getwest.ca/

Westcoast Expeditions https://www.westcoastexpeditions.com/

April 30, 2017

Kyquot “Big Project” dramatically expands Write to Read’s scope

It started off as a library, and then grew like a giant cedar tree. A big group of Write to Read volunteers drove to the very remote village of Kyquot in early April to make a survey. They came back satisfied they have the skills and experience to create what is being billed as The Big Project. The library designed to improve aboriginal literacy has become a full-fledged Learning Centre, part of a Community Centre, which will be located right next to a new Big House. A $50,000 project has evolved into a $5 million project. It may be the model for many more similar projects to come.
Kyquot is reached only by water taxi from Fair Harbour, a 45-minute ride across open ocean on the edge of the Pacific. Back it up. To get to Fair Harbour requires a two-hour bumpy ride over rough logging road from Highway 19 just north of the hamlet of Sayward , replete with giant logging trucks barreling down the road at high speed. To get to Sayward is a drive of 3 hours north from Nanaimo, where it’s a 2-hour BC Ferries crossing from Vancouver.
In attendance were team leader Bob Blacker, architect Scott Kemp, architect intern Kelly Bapty, mechanical engineer Mike Herrold, structural engineer Melissa Kindratsky, big log builder Steve Lawrence, filmmaker Michael McCarthy, financial guru Lawrence Lewis, and master carver Moi Sutherland. The crew stayed at the home of new W2R team member Susan Plensky and husband Skip. They met with a tribal committee including Chief Peter Hanson, committee member Daisy Hanson, band administrator Cynthia Blackstone, project coordinator Russell Hanson, and other committee members.
The W2R team toured the village with architect Scott Kemp and it was decided the original site for the planned library was too close to sea level and at threat from any tsunami. An alternative site had been scoped out, so the entire team trudged up the hill past the school to the site of a planned new sub-division. The engineers decided an up close inspection was required and the entire team bushwhacked into virgin forest, where the biomass underneath was 10-feet deep.
Big log builder Steve Lawrence announced the site was perfect for the harvest of the timber required to build the Big House and Community Centre. A mill could be purchased and installed right on the site, and logs and timber cut. The community could get involved in construction, saving a fortune required to import, house, feed and pay a full construction crew for the length of the project.
Details of the entire project have been written and published in a PDF available for download. The first rough draft (there will be revisions) shows the Community Centre will include a Learning Centre, kitchen, meeting rooms for elders and youth, a museum, gymnasium and daycare. The committee was instructed that the entire village must be actively involved from the very beginning of the project, planning and fundraising. If the village does not pledge enough support and primary funding, the Big Project will not proceed. Fundraising will require a wide variety of events, grants, donations from the public and businesses. Financial planner Lawrence Lewis explained the costs in detail. The scope and success of the project depends on how much the community gets involved. Hiring outside construction crews are not part of the overall estimates.

April 28, 2017

The BCTC Six-Stage Process

Treaty negotiations pass through six stages. HTG currently in Stage four of the process — the Agreement in Principle (AiP) stage.

Stage One: Statement of Intent
A First Nation wanting to initiate treaty negotiations must file a statement of intent with the Treaty Commission. The statement must:
identify the First Nation and its members;
describe the First Nation’s traditional territory;
indicate that the First Nation has a mandate to enter into and represent its members in treaty negotiations; and
appoint a formal contact person.
Stage Two: Preparation for Negotiations
The three parties confirm their commitment to negotiate a treaty, establish that they have the authority and resources to commence negotiations, have a means of developing their mandates and broadly outline what each of them wishes to negotiate.

Stage Two: Readiness Documents
By the end of Stage Two, Canada and BC must also submit readiness documents to the Treaty Commission in which they identify community interests in the region and establish ways to address those interests. The table moves on to Stage Three when the Treaty Commission is satisfied that the parties have met these requirements.

Stage Three: Negotiation of a Framework Agreement
The Framework Agreement defines the issues the parties have agreed to negotiate, establishes the objectives of the negotiation, identifies the procedures that will be followed and sets out a timetable for negotiations. The parties expand their public consultation in local communities and initiate a program of public information.

Stage Four: Negotiation of an Agreement in Principle
Substantive treaty negotiations take place in this stage. Land, resources, self-government and financial components usually form part of the negotiations. The Agreement in Principle sets out the key objectives and elements to be part of the treaty.

Stage Five: Negotiation to Finalize a Treaty
At this stage, outstanding legal and technical issues are resolved. Formal signing and ratification of the agreement brings the parties to Stage Six.

Stage Six: Treaty Implementation
The plans to implement the treaty are put into effect or phased in as agreed. The table remains active to oversee the implementation of the treaty.

April 25, 2017

Literacy Project Expanding By Leaps And Bounds

What started off as a small idea to provide a modular trailer to serve as a library for the Toosie band in Riske Creek has taken off like wildfire. The Lt. Governor’s Aboriginal Literacy Project is now expanding exponentially as the word gets out. One key figure on the project is ex-Rotary Governor Bob Blacker, who has been acting as the “point man” in much of the progress.

His Honour Steven Point and aid de camp Bob Blacker (left) have toured many First Nations communities

Travelling as an aid de camp with His Honour Stephen Point to many isolated communities around the province, Blacker has assisted in making key partnerships between Rotary clubs and various First Nations. Special to the Write to Read website, Blacker files the following report.

1. RIVERS INLET

Progress for the Rivers Inlet Project (Wuikinuxv or Oweekeno) has been exceptional. As a result of the two trips that we have had going into Oweekeno with Christoph Neufeld from Britco and our architect Scott Kemp has produced plans for the building, and a supplies list of required materials. The two trips have now enabled us to have Vancouver Coastal Health as a partner, as they have provided us with a means to apply for $25,000 to go towards the construction of the building.

The building itself has expanded exponentially as a result of meeting with the Oweekeno team and brainstorming what would work for the community. This meeting produced what we now call the Child of the Big House and it will 80′ x 110′, it will have a concrete pad 6″ thick reinforced with re-bar. As you can imagine the amount of cement we would require is daunting which caused us to look for a cement batch plant that would make the cement in a quarter of the time if we brought in small mixers. With that in mind the community and I went on a search to find such a plant, well as everything has gone with this project we have been able to find a supplier of such a machine and that company is willing to help us. This is huge as the cost would have been prohibitive to pay for this particular machine.

Schools and libraries, such as this one in Port Simpson, are integral to the growth of literacy

I am in the process of speaking with the company Surespan. Scott Kemp and I have spoken with the Richmond Firefighters and have left them with plans of the building. They are very anxious to get moving but because of the summer leave factor cannot start until September. Now that we have a batch plant for the foundations and cement pad the scheduling of the firefighters will be a lot easier and we feel we should have the pad done before the end of September and be well on the way in constructing the building.

Western Forrest Products and Interfor are donating the logs to the community. The community in turn will be milling the lumber as to the specs provided by Scott Kemp. Of interest we need two beams 110′ in length. The community and the two lumber companies are looking for those two trees as we speak and are very confident that we can find them. If we do the Creator again is working with us. This by far is the largest project we have ever done with the Government House/Rotary Literacy Project. Logistically it has been a huge challenge but we have managed to work our way through it.

2. HALALT / LYACKSON

This community is just south of Chemainus and came to our notice in January. The Success by 6 Coordinator for the area, Ada Mawson approached me in relation to providing a library for the community. As a result Ada, Christoph Neufeld and myself attend a meeting at Halalt in March. There is a definite need for a community Library and as a result we are now working with the community to locate a Britco module on site. Things are moving very quickly with the community as they have been committed to make this work and are doing everything that will ensure this will happen. The Rotary Club of Steveston, Chemainus and Parksville will be partnering together on this project. We expect the library to be ready for opening by His Honour before his term ends.

3. KLEMTU

This community is now firmly on our radar and I have now secured a Rotary Club to adopt the community. The Rotary Club of Saanich (after His Honour’s recent visit) will be adopting the community to start working towards a library/cultural centre. The club along with Brenda Rothwell (Success by 6), His Honor and myself need to go into the community to set things up to start the process of planning and bringing in the Britco module.

His Honour Stephen Point met with aboriginal leaders in Haida Gwaii

4. OLD MASSETT

We have had our first conference with the band members from Old Massett, myself, Beng Favreau (Literacy Haida Gwaii) and Christoph Neufeld from Britco. What has to happen now is for me to find a Rotary Club to adopt the community and start working towards getting a Britco module to the community for the first ever Aboriginal Library. The community are very excited that we are preparing to do that, having visited the community with His Honour has made it easier to get things done.

The Watchmen stand careful guard over Haida legacies in the village of Ninstints

5. FORT RUPERT

As a result of visiting this community recently with His Honour & Jamie we have had positive responses from the community. Brenda Rothwell and I, along with a representative from the community, are now going to start the process of having our first ever Elders library, specifically for the elders to go and relax, read and do their crafts. This has been something that the community really wanted so Brenda and I are setting up a conference to get things moving.

6. NEMIAH

Nemiah has just come on board in relation to wanting a community library. This is going to be another logistical challenge as Nemiah is on Chilco Lake which is 4.5-hrs drive from Williams Lake. Our Rotary folks on the ground in the area have told me that this community recently heard about the project and have seen what has happened in Toosey and Stone and are very excited that there is something like this that is available to them. Shirley Pat Gale, our main lead in the Chilcotin, has made contact with the community and we are going to set up a conference with them.

Computers are the key to literacy, as seen in the new library at Toosie

7. FORT WARE

This community has been on our radar for some time and it appears that we can get moving with them. I have two Rotary Clubs willing to partner with the community (located north of Williston Lake) so we are in the process of seeing what can be done. This location would be another huge logistical challenge to us.

8. GRAND OPENING OF THE YUNESITIN (Stone) LIBRARY CULTURAL CENTRE

We now have a date for the building to be opened, that will be September 11th, 2012 everything is moving along nicely, this is going to be a great day for His Honour and I as this is our second building to be opened.

9. UBC FACULTY OF DENTISTRY/DENTAL MISSION SOCIETY/GH – ROTARY DENTAL CLINICS

We had our third clinic on July 12,13,14, 2012 at the Hulhetun Health Centre which is located just south of Chemainus. We looked at patients from 5 communities, Halalt, Lyackson, Chemainus, Penelakut, and Malahat. Because the health centre has a state of the art dental office we will be able to do root canals as we have the top specialist in Vancouver with us as part of our team. We are also making plans for the first ever clinic for the Chilcotin area. That will be held at Anahim, tentatively to take place September 2013.