'Namgis First Nation

10/09/2026

New Research Highlights Risks to Wild Salmon

A new study published by the Pacific Salmon Foundation has found that viral heart disease is more widespread on B.C. open-net pen salmon farms than previously documented.

The research was conducted as part of the Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative, led by the ‘Na̱mg̱is, Mamalilikulla, and Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nations.

‘Na̱mg̱is Elected Chief Councillor Don Svanvik is a co-author of the study, which highlights concerns about the spread of viruses from salmon farms into surrounding waters and the potential risks to wild Pacific salmon.

Read the full press release from the Pacific Salmon Foundation:

A new study finds that Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation, a viral disease, is far more widespread on B.C.'s open-net pen fish farms than previously understood.

10/09/2026

🐟 G̱wax̱’nis (Chum) Salmon Distribution Update — October 8, 2026

‘Na̱mg̱is Natural Resources is arranging for a fishing vessel to harvest chum salmon on Sunday, October 11.

Distribution is tentatively expected to take place on Sunday, October 11 or Monday, October 12 (Thanksgiving Weekend), depending on the catch.

⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Distribution dates are NOT confirmed.
- Fish must be picked up at the Government Dock in Alert Bay.
- Delivery will NOT be available this time.
- Further details, including pickup times, will be shared once the fish have been caught.

If you previously requested chum salmon but no longer wish to receive it due to the Thanksgiving weekend timing, please contact Ashley or Terian at (250) 974-8299.

🔗 For more information and updates, visit:
https://namgis.bc.ca/chum-2026/

G̱ilakas’la!

10/07/2026

📢 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – CATERING SERVICES

‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation is seeking catering proposals for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 7 & 8, 2026, in Alert Bay.

Catering will be required for approximately 250 people, including:
• Breakfast and lunch – both days
• Dinner – Saturday only
• Afternoon snacks – both days

📅 Proposal Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM

Proposals can be submitted to Amy Gunn.

The successful contractor will be notified on October 19, 2026.

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

10/07/2026

We’re hiring!

‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation is seeking a Casual & On-Call Gwa’ni Hatchery Worker to support salmon enhancement and fish culture activities at the Gwa’ni Hatchery.

💧 Casual & On-Call
🐟 Gwa’ni Hatchery
💰 $25.21–$29.32/hour
📌 Open until filled

Learn more about the position and how to apply:
namgis.bc.ca/jobs/gwani-hatchery-worker

10/06/2026

📣 URGENT UPDATE: Frozen Sockeye Pickup – Victoria

The frozen sockeye are arriving in Victoria earlier than expected, and distribution will now begin at 10:30 AM today, Tuesday, October 6.

📍 Hampton Park Soccer Field, 225 Hampton Rd, Victoria
🕥 Distribution begins: 10:30 AM
🕒 Staff will remain on site until 3:00 PM

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the change in time. Members who registered for frozen sockeye can pick up their fish anytime during the distribution period.

🧊 Please remember to bring a cooler or something to carry your fish in.

Please share this update with friends and family who registered. G̱ilakas’la.

10/06/2026

Referendum Update – Missing Addresses

‘Na̱mg̱is registered voting members are encouraged to make sure their current mailing address is on file.

The Electoral Officer has provided a list of eligible voters for whom a current address is missing. If your name is on the list, please contact our IRA Membership Clerk, Patricia Rufus, to update your mailing address so referendum information can be sent to you.

If you recognize the name of a family or community member on the list, please help us reach them by letting them know their updated contact information is needed.

The Missing Addresses list and other referendum information are available here:
namgis.bc.ca/referendum-2026/

2026 ‘Na̱mg̱is Referendum – Engagement Sessions

Referendum Engagement Sessions will be held for ‘Na̱mg̱is registered voting members from October 18–21 in Alert Bay, Nanaimo, Victoria, and the Vancouver/Richmond area.

Dinner will be provided at each session.

The Referendum Vote regarding the proposed Settlement Agreement for the Cormorant Island Specific Claim will be held on November 6, 2026.

For referendum information, voting details, the official Notice of Referendum Vote, and the 2026 Voter List, please visit:
namgis.bc.ca/referendum-2026/

10/05/2026

🦶 The Mobile Foot Clinic with Dr. Katia Langton is coming to the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre!

📅 Tuesday, October 20: 11:30 AM–6:30 PM
📅 Wednesday, October 21: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Cormorant Island Community Health Centre

Living with diabetes? An annual foot assessment can help prevent complications and keep you active and mobile.

Custom orthotics may be fully covered through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) for eligible clients.

Book your comprehensive foot assessment:
📞 250-585-5859
📧 [email protected]
🏥 You can also visit Dixie or Heather at the Doctor’s Clinic to request a referral.

10/05/2026

If you can't make it in person for tonight's engagement, the Zoom link is available here: https://namgis.bc.ca/strategic-plan-engagement/

Draft Strategic Plan Engagement

‘Na̱mg̱is members are invited to join us on Monday, October 5 at 5:00 PM at Council Hall to review and provide feedback on the Draft ‘Na̱mg̱is Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

The Strategic Plan will help guide the Nation's priorities, decisions and actions over the coming years. Members are encouraged to review the draft and attend the engagement to share their feedback.

📅 Monday, October 5
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Council Hall
Light snacks will be provided.

View the Draft Strategic Plan and engagement details:
https://namgis.bc.ca/strategic-plan-engagement/

G̱ilakas’la.

10/05/2026

📣 Frozen Sockeye Pickup Update — Victoria

For off-island ’Na̱mg̱is members who registered to receive frozen sockeye:

📍 Hampton Park Soccer Field, 225 Hampton Rd, Victoria
📅 Tuesday, October 6
🕑 Distribution starts at 2:00 PM
🐟 5 fish per household

Island Foods expects to deliver the fish between noon and 2:00 PM. ’Na̱mg̱is staff can provide a further update once the fish arrives. Staff will be there early to unload and get organized.

Please be patient, keep to one side of the parking lot, and leave access clear for emergency vehicles. Please do not jump the line or approach staff while they are preparing. Staff can answer your questions when you reach them in line.

🧊 Bring a cooler or something to carry your fish in!

The map shows where distribution staff will be parked.

Please share this update with friends and family who registered.

10/02/2026

2026 ‘Na̱mg̱is Referendum – Engagement Sessions

Referendum Engagement Sessions will be held for ‘Na̱mg̱is registered voting members from October 18–21 in Alert Bay, Nanaimo, Victoria, and the Vancouver/Richmond area.

Dinner will be provided at each session.

The Referendum Vote regarding the proposed Settlement Agreement for the Cormorant Island Specific Claim will be held on November 6, 2026.

For referendum information, voting details, the official Notice of Referendum Vote, and the 2026 Voter List, please visit:
namgis.bc.ca/referendum-2026/