The Hesquiaht First Nation, based in Ahousat off Tofino, has named one of its members, 24-year-old Patrick Charleson IV, as the man who was killed in Ditidaht last month.
Derian Tate has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.
Hesquiaht Chief Mariah Charleson said in a statement this week that the First Nation “will not sit silent until justice is achieved in the death of our valuable and loved member.”
“My love goes out to his family and friends, who are forced to move forward without him. I stand with you all.”
Lake Cowichan RCMP were called to Ditidaht, located at the north end of Nitinaht Lake, just before 7 a.m. on Sept. 28 and found Charleson IV — known by many as Heman — dead inside a residence.
His loss has affected the band and neighbouring communities “in a tremendous way,” the Hesquiaht statement said.
“This loss will be felt for a long time,” it said. “His ability to achieve his dreams, goals and have a family were all ripped away with a senseless and violent horrific act that took him from us all.”
The Hesquiaht thanked the Ditidaht First Nation for hosting Charleson IV’s family members in the days after his death, and treating them with care and respect.
“As we grieve and walk forward after this tragic event, we ask you all to take good care of one another, walk gently, and check on all our loved ones, especially our youth,” the statement said.
Ditidaht chief councillor Judi Thomas said after the death that the emergency situation highlighted dangerous gaps in communication services in the area, which forced nation members and RCMP officers to knock on doors to notify residents about the death.
She said that her nation has no cell service other than one Telus picocell hotspot with a limited radius at the community hall.
Thomas said that emergency crews, health workers and local leadership couldn’t co-ordinate efficiently during the response because of the lack of cellular service and an unstable internet connection.
