Bamfield Volunteer Fire Department with gifted blankets and shirts from Huu-ay-aht First Nations (Photo by Amanda-Lee Cunningham).
On June 12, 2024, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations organized a heartwarming appreciation dinner at the House of Huu-ay-aht to acknowledge the incredible dedication of the Bamfield Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) to ensuring the safety of the community.
The sun was shining brightly as members of the Bamfield and Anacla communities gathered for the special event to honour the BVFD members. As a symbol of gratitude, Huu-ay-aht arranged a cultural brushing ceremony, followed by presenting each BVFD member with a blanket and a custom-designed T-shirt. The evening ended in a delightful seafood feast, bringing everyone together in celebration.
The BVFD began in 1970 as a volunteer, fundraised society. Members worked hard to fundraise throughout the year to pair with tax input and provide Bamfield and Anacla communities with fire suppression services. Eventually, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) worked with BVFD to help manage the department from a regional standpoint. Together, they built a new hall and continued fundraising for equipment. In 2015, BVFD added a First Responder program to provide emergency medical services to the communities. Through an agreement of services, the BVFD can provide Fire Suppression and emergency medical services to the community of Anacla.
At present, the BVFD is comprised of 30 members, several of whom have selflessly volunteered for over 30 years. Notable among them are Gord Hawkins, who has served for 36 years, Paul Demontigny, with an impressive 43 years of service, and Phil Lavoie, who has dedicated 14 years of his life to the BVFD.
The event featured speeches from notable figures, including Huu-ay-aht Chief John Jack (Sayaač̓atḥ), Executive Director Karen Haugen (Tleeh-is-a-tuuk-aq-suup), Bob Schmidt representing Bob Beckett from ACRD, and Deputy Chief and First Responder Amelia Vos from BVFD. Their encouraging words and heartfelt acknowledgments added a special touch to the evening, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations hosted a two-day 2023 Nuu-Chah-Nulth Artist Symposium, on September 12 and 13, 2023, at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel in Port Alberni, BC.
This event was made possible through a grant Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Economic Development Department was able to obtain through the Canada Council for the Arts.
“We would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for their support of Nuu-chah-nulth art and culture,” says Chief Councillor, John Jack.
He continues to say, “we believe that this a vital step and a first step in the direction to help organize, support and promote indigenous art and artists and helping to define how it is we can ensure authenticity and protect the cultural and economic importance of this aspect to our life as indigenous people.”
The first day, September 12, was a closed event solely for invited master artists. In attendance, there was 11 master artist from various backgrounds of work. There were cravers, jewellers, sculptors, weavers, and clothing makers.
The 11 artists included:
Artist
Work Type
Tom Patterson
Carver
Connie Watts
Media Artist & Designer
Tim Paul
Carver
Rodney Sayers
Carver
Edward Johnson Sr.
Carver
Geraldine Edgar Tom
Weaver
Hjalmer Wenstob
Sculptor & Carver
Hipolite Williams
Carver
Lavern Williams
Weaver
Gerren Peters
Carver & Jeweler
Gordon Dick
Carver
To start off the morning of September 12, 2023, guests were led by Master of Ceremonies (MC) Trevor Little in song and prayer, following a land acknowledgement that the event was being held on the unceded traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupač̓asatḥ First Nations.
Breakfast was served to the artists, and following this, master artists were broken into three groups and participated in round table discussions. This activity brought the group to lunch, and they resumed another set of questions after lunch.
Questions that the master artists answered are the following:
How do we create a way to protect our art from being stolen and lost?
What are some ways to protect indigenous artists from being taken advantage of?
What art do we want to share with the world?
What traditional forms of art should be protected and kept private?
How do we inspire the next generation?
What could mentorship look like?
On day two of the event, the public and vendors joined to converse with master artists and join in on the conversations of preserving and protecting Indigenous Artists’ rights and authenticity.
Through breakfast and lunch, individuals purchased from vendors, talked with artists, and participated in cultural songs. From this, the group was transitioned into sitting in a sharing circle discussion. People introduced themselves and shared their thoughts regarding Nuu-Chah-Nulth Art.
Throughout the two days, feedback was received from artists and the public which was collected and will be compiled into a report and will be sent to Canada Council for the Arts.
This is just the beginning of the Nuu-chah-nulth Artist Symposium. With the work Huu-ay-aht has started, there are hopes this can continue and become something bigger and meaningful to all Nuu-chah-nulth Nations to join in on and participate.
If funding is available for next year, there are already suggestions to incorporate traditional language with art to help educate the history and value of an art piece being created.
“I felt very lucky to be a part of this event. Witnessing various artists, vendors, and the public take the time to attend spoke immensely to the significant importance of this Symposium. Throughout the conversations, the biggest feedback was how we could positively support Nuu-chah-nulth artists and First Nation art and culture, as well as, the challenges they face. This Nuu-Chah-Nulth Artist Symposium laid the groundwork for this year’s goals, but also helped provide insight for next year.” Says Executive Councillor, Stephen Rayner.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations anticipate that the results of this event will help fund a second Nuu-chah-nulth artists symposium in 2024.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts contributes to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and supports its presence across Canada and around the world. The Council is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” The Council’s grants, services, initiatives, prizes, and payments support Canadian artists, authors, and arts groups and organizations. This support allows them to pursue artistic expression, create works of art, and promote and disseminate the arts and literature. Through its arts funding, communications, research, and promotion activities, the Council fosters ever-growing engagement of Canadians and international audiences in the arts. The Council’s Public Lending Right (PLR) program makes annual payments to creators whose works are held in Canadian public libraries. The Council’s Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts through exhibition and outreach activities. The Council is responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a future of peace, reconciliation, equity, and sustainable development.
For more information about Canada Council for the Art, please visit: www.canadacouncil.ca
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to invite you to the celebration of completion of the Bamfield Main Road Reconciliation Project on Tuesday, October 10, at the House of Huu-ay-aht at noon. Join us for a meal, and please bring your shawls and drums.
Request for Bid
For this event Huu-ay-aht First Nations is accepting bids for catering in Anacla for Tuesday, October 10, for approximately 200 people. Please submit your menu, bid, and food safe certificate to communications@huuayht.org
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to say Klecko to all who participated at the 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days, August 11 to 13. Thank you to the vendors, wellness professionals, and Alex Thomas (guest speaker) who attended and shared their talents with Huu-ay-aht.
Recap of 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days:
On August 11, at 11 A.M., 2023, Huu-ay-aht days began. Vendors, Wellness professionals, caterers, citizens, and Huu-ay-aht First Nation staff gathered at the House of Huu-ay-aht.
The event began with a welcome from Executive Council members Edward R. Johnson and Stella Peters, leading to culture.
Following culture, the guest speaker, Alexandra Thomas, spoke addressing the importance of the Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi (territories) and how to protect it, and to have Huu-ay-aht voices heard, is having someone at the table during decision-making. She also spoke about what her warrior’s program does and explained the possibilities of the Huu-ay-aht Warriors program.
Concluding her speech, everyone went into lunch and the Bannock, Fry Bread, and Chili Contest. Charlene catered lunch. She and the team prepared sandwiches, soups, salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fish.
The announcement of the Bannock, Fry Bread, and Chili contest was announced. The winners are as follows: Bannock and Fry Bread – Sylvia Dennis, and Chili – Tiana Peters. Congratulations to the winners!
Sylvia Dennis, winner of Bannock and Fry Bread Cook-off contest (Photo by Kiara Collinge).
After lunch, the door prize winner was announced, winning a beautiful cedar basket made by Huu-ay-aht elder, Barbara Johnson. The winner was Richard Nookemus. This concluded the time at the House of Huu-ay-aht and everyone proceeded down to the Pachena Beach citizen sites.
Richard Nookemus, 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days Door prize winner (Photo by Amanda-Lee Cunningham).
At Pachena Beach, children played along the shore, building sandcastles and swimming. Some participated in a scavenger hunt. When completing the hunt, children were gifted a Kiixin bag with a Huu-ay-aht shirt and water bottle inside.
Between culture, wellness, and visiting vendors, more prizes were announced. These gifts were a drum, beaded pin, tuque, cedar, and more. At 3 P.M., some guests participated in the Kiix̣in tour. Dinner was served at 5 P.M., and citizens were left to enjoy their night.
On Saturday, August 12, at 9 A.M., breakfast was served. This was a time to enjoy each other’s company and good food.
After breakfast, Alex Thomas provided a guided walk to citizens to explain the plants on the ḥahuułi (territories).
Saturday Activities were provided, but the day was for citizens to enjoy their time and spend time with one another, which happened.
Activities were a community Potluck, Kiix̣in Tour, Movie Night, Tug O’ War, Family Photos, and haircuts.
Again, Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to say Klecko to all who participated and supported 2023 Huu-ay-aht Days.
Huu-ay-aht is currently undertaking community research to understand the significance of the Old Village Site, Kiix̣in, historically and in the present context as perceived by the community, to develop a collective vision for the future growth potential of Kiix̣in and its surrounding areas. This project is funded by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s (FPCC), Sense of Place Grant.
We would like to hear from the community and understand the significance of the Village Site in the present context and the cultural relationships of Huu-ay-aht people to the Village Site. This will be explored in the first half of the session. The second half of the session will examine the potential for the Kiix̣in Village Site and the neighbouring areas for future growth and examine what that growth looks like.
The engagement Workshop will be held in person in Bamfield. This will be a limited-person engagement seeking 3 Elders, 3 Youths and 3 Adults to include diverse voices and varied perspectives. Enrollment in the Workshop will be required to secure a spot. Honorariums will be provided to the Workshop participants for their valuable time and feedback.
Details about the Workshop are mentioned below.
When – Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 9 am to 12 pm (Lunch will be provided).
Where – Bamfield B.C., The Market
Please call 250-723-0100 Ext 106 or email cheryl.e@huuayaht.org to secure your spot for the Knowledge Gathering Workshop for the Sense of Place Grant Project.
