A man has been arrested in connection with the “suspicious death” of another man in Ahousaht, near Tofino, on Saturday.
Police called to a residence on Robinson Avenue in the Flores Island community north of Tofino about 6:30 p.m. arrived to find B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics providing medical assistance to a man.
He was immediately transported to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A man was taken into custody in connection with the incident a short time later, and has been remanded in custody pending a Wednesday court appearance.
Ahousaht RCMP said the men were known to each other, and they believe they are dealing with an isolated case that poses no further risk to the public.
No further information was released.
In light of the homicide investigation, Ahousaht chief and council enacted a 9 p.m. 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 recognizes that the current losses of life are deeply impacting our youth and that added supports are also required specifically for them as well,” said 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.”
Ahousaht Hereditary Chief Hasheukumiss (Richard George) said the community 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. “Why are we drinking so much? Because we are hurting. We are really hurting. It comes down to not having the proper facilities to turn the corner from the direct fallout from [the former] residential school.”
In recent years, the First Nation has built a wellness centre on the former site of the Ahousaht Residential School, with help from a private donor through the Power to Give foundation, according to Ahousaht Chief Councillor n̓aasʔałuk (John Rampanen), in an interview with Ha-Shilth-Sa last year when the construction was nearing completion.
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, and using the rest of the facility for the health and well-being of Ahousaht members for the rest of the year. But the plan suffered a setback in May when funding was denied, according to Hasheukumiss.
He said more than 100 people have died 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 bulletin Tuesday, Ahousaht’s Maaqtusiis Elementary School principal announced that classes would begin as planned this week.
“We will also respect any parents/guardians’ decision to keep their children home from school this week and would like to keep the schools open to support parents/guardians who work,” Andrea Frank wrote.
- Ha-Shilth-Sa
