Coast Mountain News

Tweedsmuir Park is now open for local use only (file photo)

Tweedsmuir Park now open for local day-use activities

The park has been closed since late March due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Tweedsmuir Park is now open for local use only (file photo)
Spring Chinook Salmon. Photo courtesy Michael Humling, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Commercial fishery opens despite local opposition

The fishery opens tonight for 24 hours

Spring Chinook Salmon. Photo courtesy Michael Humling, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Nuxalk elders Hazel Nappie, Violet Andy, Veronica Andy and Mercy Snow at the checkpoint which has been active since March 25. The Nuxalk EOC says it continues to provide valuable information and there is no plan to remove it anytime soon (Colleen Gabriel photo)

‘No plans’ yet to remove checkpoint, says Nuxalk EOC

COVID cases are declining but Bonnie Henry still says non-essential travel should be avoided

Nuxalk elders Hazel Nappie, Violet Andy, Veronica Andy and Mercy Snow at the checkpoint which has been active since March 25. The Nuxalk EOC says it continues to provide valuable information and there is no plan to remove it anytime soon (Colleen Gabriel photo)
The Dennis family of five came out to show their support (Caitlin Thompson photo)

Opening of salmon fishery in Area 8 opposed by Nuxalk Nation

Concerns over COVID-19, low stocks prompt protest in front of local DFO office

The Dennis family of five came out to show their support (Caitlin Thompson photo)
Jade Hanuse recently completed a diploma in Fine Arts from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art (photo submitted)

Local artist Jade Hanuse receives 2020 YVR Art Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship recipients are selected through a formal jury process and are awarded $5,000

Jade Hanuse recently completed a diploma in Fine Arts from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art (photo submitted)
Veronica Carrier’s grade three class at Bella Coola Elementary were acting as “kindness ninjas” long before the movement took on new life due to COVID-19 (Veronica Carrier photo)

Kindness Ninjas spread the love during COVID-19 – and there’s a local connection to the movement

Veronica Carrier, a grade three teacher at BCE, had her class acting as "kindness ninjas" months ago

Veronica Carrier’s grade three class at Bella Coola Elementary were acting as “kindness ninjas” long before the movement took on new life due to COVID-19 (Veronica Carrier photo)
Spring Chinook salmon. COURTESY PHOTO, Michael Humling, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Commercial salmon fisheries delayed for Bella Coola area

DFO notice says Area C gill net fisheries in Area 8 have been delayed until June 15

Spring Chinook salmon. COURTESY PHOTO, Michael Humling, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Pacific Coastal won't be returning until there is community approval (file photo)

Pacific Coastal won’t open until community is ready

The company has suspended operations until further notice

Pacific Coastal won't be returning until there is community approval (file photo)
Hereditary Chief Nanus (Mike Tallio) with his parents Roger and Gloria and his wife Crystal at the checkpoint (photo submitted)

COVID-19: Bella Coola enters ninth week of travel restrictions as checkpoint remains active

The checkpoint has now been active for 57 days

Hereditary Chief Nanus (Mike Tallio) with his parents Roger and Gloria and his wife Crystal at the checkpoint (photo submitted)
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam speaks during a press conference on COVID-19 at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Monday, March 16, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang)

Non-medical masks now recommended when distancing not possible: Canada’s top doctor

Health officials had previously not recommended wearing them

  • May 20, 2020
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam speaks during a press conference on COVID-19 at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Monday, March 16, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang)
Bella Coola RCMP are asking the public’s assistance locating Jerret Snow, 33, last seen leaving the Bella Coola Hospital on May 19. (Facebook photo)

UPDATE: body of missing man located

Jerret Snow was last seen May 19

Bella Coola RCMP are asking the public’s assistance locating Jerret Snow, 33, last seen leaving the Bella Coola Hospital on May 19. (Facebook photo)
Students will have the option to return to classes part-time on June 1 (file photo)

Schools preparing for optional part-time classes for students

Parents will have the choice whether or not to return their children to class

Students will have the option to return to classes part-time on June 1 (file photo)
For a full list of parks that are open go to http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/parks-affected. (file photo)

Tweedsmuir Park not open yet as BC Parks slowly re-open

Overnight camping and the rest of the day-use facilities could return in June

  • May 14, 2020
For a full list of parks that are open go to http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/parks-affected. (file photo)
Local farmer Rick Ratcliff plows his field. The Ratcliff’s roadside vegetable stand is popular with locals and a great place to purchase farm fresh local food. (Michael Wigle photo)

COVID-19 highlights challenges with local food security

The fragility of food supply chains is not new to Bella Coola Valley residents

  • May 13, 2020
Local farmer Rick Ratcliff plows his field. The Ratcliff’s roadside vegetable stand is popular with locals and a great place to purchase farm fresh local food. (Michael Wigle photo)
Bella Coola Valley Tourism says its awaiting direction from the community and the province, but will not be marketing the area this summer (file photo)

Local tourism adopts “wait and see” approach

Bella Coola Valley Tourism says it will not be marketing the area this summer

Bella Coola Valley Tourism says its awaiting direction from the community and the province, but will not be marketing the area this summer (file photo)
Bella Coola Valley Tourism says its awaiting direction from the community and the province, but will not be marketing the area this summer (file photo)

Local tourism adopts “wait and see” approach

Bella Coola Valley Tourism says it will not be marketing the area this summer

Bella Coola Valley Tourism says its awaiting direction from the community and the province, but will not be marketing the area this summer (file photo)
(File photo)

Guidelines for recreational fishing expected this week

Travel bans will challenge businesses in fisheries already hurt by low stocks

  • May 11, 2020
(File photo)
Pacific Coastal suspended its operations in March due to COVID-19 (file photo)

Pacific Coastal to resume services June 1

Flights will be offered three times per week for month of June

Pacific Coastal suspended its operations in March due to COVID-19 (file photo)
The Ulkatcho First Nation is taking a number of precautions to protect its community from COVID-19. (Ulkatcho First Nation photo)

Ulkatcho First Nation implementing road closures and restrictions

Access will be restricted as of May 8

  • May 7, 2020
The Ulkatcho First Nation is taking a number of precautions to protect its community from COVID-19. (Ulkatcho First Nation photo)
Nuxalk hereditary leadership, supported by Council, have moved beyond the information checkpoint and is now enforcing a community lockdown a the base of the Hill on Highway 20 (photo taken March 28, 2020)

Nuxalk leadership move to lockdown community

Nuxalk hereditary leadership, supported by Council, are physically enforcing a lockdown at the Hill

Nuxalk hereditary leadership, supported by Council, have moved beyond the information checkpoint and is now enforcing a community lockdown a the base of the Hill on Highway 20 (photo taken March 28, 2020)