COMMUNITY
New Agreement to Bring Forestry Jobs and Management to Osoyoos Indian Band
The Osoyoos Indian Band and Gorman Group partner through Similkameen Forest Products Ltd. to manage TFL 59, bringing jobs and local planning to the OIB.
Direct Role in Planning TFL 59
A new partnership between the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and the Gorman Group, signed via Similkameen Forest Products Ltd., ensures the OIB will participate directly in managing Tree Farm Licence 59. Located in the band’s traditional territory east of Oliver, the forest licence area will now involve early-stage planning by Nk’Mip Forestry LLP, the OIB’s forestry company.
Community Benefits and Local Economic Impact
The joint arrangement focuses on keeping local forestry benefits within the community. “This partnership will help create more jobs, specific training opportunities, and longer-term revenue for the Osoyoos Indian Band and our people,” said OIB Chief Clarence Louie. He added that the agreement enables the OIB to build skills and experience for future responsibilities while strengthening its position in the local forest economy.
Balancing Cultural Priorities and Industrial Supply
Nk’Mip will collaborate with Similkameen Forest Products Ltd. to plan proposed harvest sites. Their work will incorporate considerations for wildlife habitat, forest health, water quality, wildfire resilience, and sites of cultural or traditional importance. Norm Druck, South Zone Woodlands Manager for the Gorman Group, emphasized the area’s dual significance, noting that this portion of land represents the cultural heartland of the band—supporting traditional medicines, food, jobs, and spiritual well-being—while also supplying timber for the Gorman Group’s regional manufacturing facilities.
BC STORIES
Why Canadians and Americans Are Gathering at the Border to Remember 9/11 Together
Hundreds gathered at the B.C.-Washington Peace Arch monument for the 25th 9/11 anniversary to honour first responders and showcase cross-border unity.
Cross-Border Gathering Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11
About 500 people joined a motorcycle procession as part of the annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony on Friday morning at the Peace Arch monument along the B.C.-Washington state border. Hundreds of attendees from both Canada and the United States assembled to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, putting aside current political and trade friction between the two countries to pay tribute to first responders and those who lost their lives.
Honouring Sacrifices and Shared Bonds
The memorial service, which commemorates the collapse of the World Trade Centre towers in New York City that killed nearly 3,000 people, featured a helicopter flypast, national anthem performances, and a barbeque alongside the procession. Event co-chair Howard Blank emphasized that the spirit of the event surpasses any ongoing disagreements between the nations, stating that they come together as one when necessary.
First Responders Share Memories
Former New York fire department members were among those participating in the event. Retired paramedic Roberto Abril, who arrived at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 11, 2001, reflected on the tragic loss of his work partner, Carlos Lillo, who died in the North Tower. Attending the ceremony for his third time, Abril described the two nations as family who will eventually return to their close bond despite temporary disputes. Former firefighter Cody Stamberger, who joined the search efforts later that day, noted that the ceremony highlights the solidarity between both countries during challenging periods and offers an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made.
COMMUNITY
Why You Should Join Tofino’s Second Annual Mexican Independence Day Party
Tofino Community Hall hosts the second annual Mexican Independence Day event on Sept. 12, 2026, featuring live mariachi, folklore, and salsa lessons.
Tofino Hosts Second Annual Cultural Gathering
The Tofino Community Hall and Emergency Reception Centre will serve as the venue for a family-friendly Mexican Independence Day event on September 12, 2026. Scheduled to start at 4:00 PM Pacific Time, the festivities return for a second year following a successful inaugural gathering.
Live Performances and Entertainment Lineup
Attendants can participate in salsa lessons and watch a Nahualli folklore performance. The musical program features mariachi vocalist Laura Rivera, along with tunes provided by DJ Moses. Additionally, the Julio Avila Cuban Latin Live Band will perform during the evening celebration.
COMMUNITY
The week ahead in West Coast: Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
11 things to do in West Coast, Mon 7 — Sun 13 September.
The West Coast Current · What’s on
The week ahead
Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
Seven days of what’s on, and what to keep an eye on.
The week at a glance Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
7 am Monday Derby Hours Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni 11 am Marim Bam Buzz Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni 12 pm Short Term Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni 12 pm Monday Beverage Gardens Sponsored by Port Boat House Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni 3 pm Youth Center (Ages 9-17) Somass Hall (Lower Level), 6200 Gallic Rd 7:30 pm Monday Night Movies Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre
3 pm Youth Center (Ages 9-17) Somass Hall (Lower Level), 6200 Gallic Rd 5 pm Mens Group Port Alberni Government Office, 4644 Adelaide St., Port Alberni
10 am Tofino Market Village Green 4 pm Mexican Independence Day Celebration Tofino Community Hall
Worth watching 1
Executive Council Meeting
- When
- 10 am
- Where
- Anacla Government Office, 170 Nookemus Rd., Anacla
The Executive Council will meet on Thursday, September 10, at 10 A.M., at the Anacla Government Office and on Zoom for a regular meeting. To observe the meeting, please contact the Huu-ay-aht Law Clerk at lawclerk@huuayaht.org for the Zoom link. To see the agenda, please visit our website: https://huuayaht.org/executive-council-agenda-2026/
What’s on 11 events
Monday Derby Hours
- Time
- 7 am
- Where
- Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni
Marim Bam Buzz
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni
Short Term
- Time
- 12 pm
- Where
- Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni
Monday Beverage Gardens Sponsored by Port Boat House
- Time
- 12 pm
- Where
- Tyee Landing, 3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni, BC, Port Alberni
Youth Center (Ages 9-17)
- Time
- 3 pm
- Where
- Somass Hall (Lower Level), 6200 Gallic Rd
Youth Center (Ages 9-17)
- Time
- 3 pm
- Where
- Somass Hall (Lower Level), 6200 Gallic Rd
Mens Group
- Time
- 5 pm
- Where
- Port Alberni Government Office, 4644 Adelaide St., Port Alberni
huuʕiiʔatḥaḥ (I am a Huu-ay-aht Man). Join us on Wednesday, September 9, from 5 – 7 p. m. , at the Port Alberni Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government Office.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
- Time
- 4 pm
- Where
- Tofino Community Hall
Also coming up 8 of 60
- Mon, Sep 14 Child & Family Wellness Drop-In
- Mon, Sep 14 Youth Center (Ages 9-17)
- Tue, Sep 15 Language Class
- Wed, Sep 16 Youth Center (Ages 9-17)
- Sun, Sep 20 BC Hydro: Planned Outage
- Mon, Sep 21 BC Hydro: Planned Outage
- Mon, Sep 21 Child & Family Wellness Drop-In
- Mon, Sep 21 Youth Center (Ages 9-17)
Dates and names only — we confirm the details with each organiser in the edition that runs them.
Running something? Get it in front of your neighbours.
The West Coast Current publishes this every week for readers looking for something to do. Listing is free, and what you send us is what runs — so check the details before you send them. Or post it to your municipal calendar and we will find it.
Surrey Residents See Charges Approved After Multiple Shootings
Why Canadians and Americans Are Gathering at the Border to Remember 9/11 Together
New Agreement to Bring Forestry Jobs and Management to Osoyoos Indian Band
Why Mounting Housing Costs and Surging Homelessness Demand Immediate Policy Action
Toronto Blue Jays Roster Move: Rudy Martin Jr. Promoted, Jesus Sanchez DFA’d
Toronto Argonauts vs Ottawa Redblacks: Chad Kelly Prepares for Ryan Dinwiddie’s Return
Opinion: John Rustad Has to Go
B.C. Supreme Court Grants Cowichan Tribes Title to Historic Richmond Lands and Fishing Rights
Vancouver Canucks Gear Up for a Make-or-Break 2025–26 Season
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