Letter from qiic̓qiic̓a
tikʷat̓iʕas (Ti-kwa-ti-us) Winter solstice literally means when the sun sits ever so briefly. The shortest day. From here on, all we can do is grow with the growing days. A spiritual time for the Huu-ay-aht people. Traditionally the time when potlatch belongs.
Potlatch is a Chinook Jargon word (that means “to give”) and it derives from the nuučaan̓uł language it is a winter ceremony and the spirit of giving in this time transcends cultures throughout the world. Huu-ay-aht was no exception it was this time when our Ancient Spirit thrived the most.
What does it mean to be Huu-ay-aht? It means we’re literally the people of resilience. In our existence over the millennia’s, we have shown resiliency in the face of natural disasters such as earthquake and tsunami. We have shown resiliency in the face of hunger and famine often the aftermath of said disasters. We have shown resiliency in the face of even war and conquest.
Our next great story is going be one of the Huu-ay-aht showing resiliency in the face of colonialism. In this season of giving reflect on the principles of ʔuuʔaałuk, ʔiisaak, and hišukma c̓awaak. Reflect on all that we’ve overcome to be where we’re at today. Be thankful, be kind and be generous those are foundations of potlatch, integral in maintaining The Ancient Spirit of the Huu-ay-aht.
Culture is more than song, dance, and ceremony. It’s also in our valued principles be cultured. Happy Solstice.