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!
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.
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.