Na̱mg̱is Business Development Corp.

📣 NIDS is hiring!
North Island Driving School is looking for a part-time driving instructor to join their team.

This is a flexible role with full training provided, so no prior experience is necessary. If you're patient, safety-minded, and looking for something rewarding, this might be the perfect fit for you.

➡️ Apply by June 29, 2026 to: [email protected] 🚗

📣 We're Hiring: Driving Instructor, North Island Driving School

North Island Driving School is looking for a part-time driving instructor to join our team on the North Island. This is a great opportunity to work for an Indigenous-owned, community-focused business and make a real difference in the lives of new drivers in our region. 🚗

The role:
• Part-time, estimated 10–15 hours per week
• $32.50 per hour
• Flexible scheduling around lessons and student bookings

What we're looking for:
• A safety-minded individual with a clean driving record
• Someone who is patient, reliable, and good with people
• A valid BC driver's licence and clean driver's abstract required
• Criminal record check required prior to starting

Training is fully provided, no prior instruction experience necessary. Successful candidates must be available to travel away from the North Island for approximately three weeks to complete their instructor certification.

North Island Driving School is an Indigenous-owned, ICBC-certified driving school operating under the 'Na̱mg̱is Business Development Corporation. We are a small, supportive team that genuinely cares about our students and our community, and we are looking for someone who shares those values. 🙌

To apply, contact us at [email protected].
➡︎ Application deadline June 29, 2026.

̱mg̱is

In advance of the busy weekend ahead, here are tips on driving your vehicle onto BC Ferries. Wishing everyone a safe journey! ⚽🏆☀️

🚢 Driving Tips for travelling on BC Ferries with a vehicle

Rolling onto a ferry for the first time, or even the fiftieth, requires a bit more attention than regular driving. Here's what to keep in mind:

➡️ Loading the ferry
• When directed forward by a crew member, follow their signals closely, their instructions take priority over everything else
• Maintain a slow, controlled speed, maximum 10 km/hour
• Following the crew member's directions, pull as close to the vehicle ahead as you safely can.
• Once parked, be sure to apply your parking brake. The vessel moves and shifts during crossing.
• Turn your engine off immediately once parked. This is required on all BC Ferry routes.
• Remember to disable your car alarm, the motion of the vessel can trigger it during crossing.
• If you can, fold in your side mirrors if space is tight, it protects your mirrors and the vehicles beside you
• Open your doors slowly and with awareness. Vehicles are parked very close together

➡️ Offloading
• Wait for the deckhand's signal before starting your engine and moving
• Move at a slow, steady pace, ramps are uneven, and slippery when wet,

➡️ A few practical notes for this route
• The Port McNeill to Alert Bay route is not reservable, arrive at least 20-30 minutes early
• Fare is collected on the way from Port McNeill only. The return crossing from Alert Bay is free
• Overloads happen, particularly on long weekends and during events like June Sports. If you miss a sailing, stay in the lineup and wait for the next one. 🌊⛴️

www.drivenorthisland.ca

#'Na̱mg̱is

🧡 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration 🧡

NBDC is looking forward to this upcoming community celebration hosted in ‘Ya̱lis (Alert Bay) on Monday, June 22.

Join friends, family, neighbours, and visitors for an evening of culture, games, food, music, and connection.

For more information, contact Jen at [email protected].

You are invited to the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in 'Ya̱lis (Alert Bay) - everyone is welcome!

📅 Monday, June 22, 2026
⏰ 4:00pm - 9:00pm
📍 Gukwdzi (Bighouse) and Field, 'Ya̱lis - Alert Bay

Join us for:

4:00pm - Xwaxwatsa̱'ma - Traditional Baseball and BBQ Dinner at the Gukwdzi Field
5:30pm - Opening by Hereditary and Community Leaders in the Gukwdzi
5:40pm - Community Visiting in the Gukwdzi
6:15pm - Love Song Contest in the Gukwdzi
7:00pm - Alaẋwa - Bone Games in the Gukwdzi

Come as you are. Bring your family, your friends, and your community spirit. ❤️

For more information, contact Jen at [email protected]

G̱ilakas'la 👐

'Namgis First Nation Nawalakw U'mista Cultural Society

̱wakw

Reminder: Community Harvest Distribution TODAY • 12–2 • NBDC Greenhouses, 17 Gatu Rd - Bring a bag! 🌱🥬

🌱 Community Harvest Distribution this FRIDAY!

Drop by the NBDC Greenhouses for the freshly grown harvest of the week. 🥬

Where: On site at the Greenhouses, 17 Gatu Rd.
When: Friday Jun 12, 12-2 PM
What: Wildfire Lettuce

This is a community benefit distribution - no cost, just bring your own bag.🌿

See you there!

🌱 Learning Together, Growing Together 🌱

Recently, NBDC welcomed guests from Huu-ay-aht First Nations to the NBDC Greenhouse Project.

Their visit provided an opportunity to explore the operational and technical side of running hydroponic units as Huu-ay-aht prepares for the arrival of their own greenhouse units in Anacla.

During the visit, our team shared insights on day-to-day operations, staffing, maintenance requirements, lessons learned, and the realities of producing fresh food locally year-round. Conversations focused on practical experience, problem-solving, and the role greenhouse projects can play in strengthening food security in coastal and remote communities.

We are grateful for opportunities to share knowledge, learn from one another, and support other Nations as they develop local food production initiatives of their own.

Food security grows stronger when communities work together. 🌿

🌱 Community Harvest Distribution this FRIDAY!

Drop by the NBDC Greenhouses for the freshly grown harvest of the week. 🥬

Where: On site at the Greenhouses, 17 Gatu Rd.
When: Friday Jun 5, 12-2 PM
What: Kale, Dill, Cilantro & Spinach

This is a community benefit distribution - no cost, just bring your own bag.🌿

See you there!

Elder's Distribution - happening now

📣 Meet the Team: Randy Bell
Manager, Mama’omas

Randy Bell, known to many as RB, is 'Na̱mg̱is from Alert Bay, with hereditary connections to Alert Bay, Village Island, and Fort Rupert. He brings over 30 years of experience in education, training, and business to his role as Manager at Mama'omas, where he has been part of the team since June 2023.

Randy manages the Western Brave and oversees licences and quota across Mama'omas' yearly openings – halibut, herring, salmon, prawn, and crab. His role spans negotiating for greater access and new opportunities so that more community members can participate in the industry, as well as training new fishers and helping them find their footing, and isn't shy about putting his boots on when the situation calls for it. 🎣

Randy was mentored to help his communities, and that purpose still drives everything he does. When he's not working, you'll find him on the water, travelling out to Knight Inlet, or out hunting.

Looking ahead, Randy is focused on building the next generation of harvesters through greater access and political support, and is excited to see more young people making their place in the fishing industry. 🙌

NBDC is proud to have Randy's decades of experience, deep community roots, and passion for the next generation behind the work at Mama'omas.

Learn more about the work we do at: www.nbdc.ca