Ahousaht in mourning after 2 sudden deaths in community

A state of emergency has been declared in Ahousaht after two unexpected deaths in the community on the weekend.

Police are investigating the death of an adult man, and Ahousaht leadership has confirmed the death of a female youth worker in the community on Flores Island, about 20 kilometres northwest of Tofino, B.C.

In a statement Sunday, police say Ahousaht RCMP responded to a call on Saturday at 6:29 p.m. PT to a residence on Robinson Avenue.

"When police arrived, they saw that BCEHS were on scene providing medical aid to an adult man. He was immediately transported to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased," said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson in a statement.

"A short time later, an adult man was arrested in connection with the incident. He has been remanded in custody pending a court appearance on Wednesday, Sept. 4," the police statement said.

RCMP say the deceased man and the man who was arrested knew each other. Investigators say they believe it was an isolated incident, and there is no risk to the public. 

Police did not clarify whether the death of the female youth worker was related to their investigation.

Ahousaht chief and council have enacted a 9 p.m. PT curfew until further notice, and there is a heightened police presence in the community. Cultural and counselling supports are also available, and a community cleansing was held on Tuesday.

"Chief and council also recognize that the current losses of life are deeply impacting our youth and that added supports are also required specifically for them as well," reads a bulletin from Ahousaht chief and council. "We all walk lightly and respectfully during these hard times. Pull your loved ones close and check in on those that may need extra love during this time."

Healing needed

Ahousaht Hereditary Chief Hasheukumiss says Ahousaht is in desperate need of help. 

"Intergenerational trauma is very real to this very day. This is high time that the government actually acknowledges what is going on," said Hasheukumiss. "It comes down to not having the proper facilities to turn the corner from the direct fallout from residential school."

In recent years, the First Nation built a wellness centre in its Flores Island community on the former site of the Ahousaht Residential School. Part of a network of services offered in the community, this facility was sponsored by a private donor, with this support administered through the Power to Give foundation, according to Ahousaht Chief Councillor n̓aasʔałuk in an interview with Ha-Shilth-Sa last year when the construction was nearing completion.

According to Power to Give's website, the facility is "ready for use" this summer.

The wellness centre is described as "a place for members of the Ahousaht Nation and all other Nuu-chah-nulth people to receive additional treatment within the safety of their own community."

In another effort to provide healing services to its people, the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society bought the former Tofino Wilderness Lodge in 2022 with the intention of making it a tourist destination for the summer season, while the facility could be used for the health and well-being of Ahousaht members for the rest of the year. But this plan suffered a setback in May when funding was denied, according to Hasheukumiss.

He went on to say that over 100 people have passed away in Ahousaht due to alcohol and drug-related causes over the last four-plus years.  

"It has taken five generations to get us here, and it will take five generations to get us out. We haven't even scratched the surface yet. We are really hurting. We can't be too proud to ask for help. We need help from the highest levels," said Hasheukumiss.

In a social media post, Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts had this message for the people: "Sending all of Ahousaht my thoughts, prayers, condolences and loving healing energy today."

He shared his sentiments to all the families and other First Nations affected by the tragic incidents.

"If there is anything I or our nation can do, please do not hesitate to reach out," Watts wrote.

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