Canada’s Oldest First Nation’s Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product haas^i>sa “ Interesting News” Vol. 30 - No. 17 - August 28, 2003 Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Tla-o-qui-aht Launch Canoes By Denise Ambrose, Central Region Reporter Tofino- The people of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (TFN) kicked off their third Annual TFN Days with the launching of two new canoes made for the resort they own; the Tin Wis Best Western. In a project designed to enhance cultural arts and activities, the canoes were carved by apprentices under the guidance of Carl and Billy Martin. Carving of the canoe took place under a shelter next to the Tin Wis resort where guests were welcome to observe the work in progress. The project was intended to offer a unique and genuine cultural experience for the guests as well as encouraging young TFN members to learn the art of canoe making.
In a project designed to enhance cultural arts and activities, the canoes were carved by apprentices under the guidance of Carl and Billy Martin. “It is a new beginning,” says Tin Wis staff member George Atleo, “This canoe project is just the beginning of our telling the history and traditions of the Tla-o-qui-aht people. It will be an experience that our guests will remember.” He went on to say the project would continue; “Next year we hope to train our staff for canoe tours and this winter we are embarking on a carving studio for those that want to learn to build a canoe.” He said the whole idea is to develop a cultural program to present to the guests. TFN Ha’wilth, Howard Tom said, “We are trying to implement a cultural tourism component into part of our operations.” He stressed the importance of staff members’ knowledge of local history in the hospitality industry. “I hope our front desk staff learn more about our culture because quite often they are asked and don’t know. I guess it is important for front desk to know TFN history so that we may be able to tell our own story,” he concluded. “This is a tourism oriented endeavor to show the non-Natives how our ancestors did it for thousands of years. We hope to see that our future genera-
Tla-o-qui-aht carvers, apprentices, community members, and resort guests help carry one of the two canoes from the carving shed to the pounding surf in front of TinWis. tions carry on this tradition,” said TFN Ha’wilth, Bruce Frank The canoe launch took place August 6 in front of Tin Wis, with guests and members of TFN. One canoe was named ‘Kaaht-shitl’ which roughly translates to ‘breaking open’ and is likened to a sunrise. Members of TFN surrounded the canoe in preparation for the traditional blessing. “We are thanking the Creator and asking that the canoe be safe for the occupants riding in it,” explained Bruce Frank. With spruce boughs, drumming and chanting, the canoes were blessed before being carried on the shoulders of TFN men from the resort to the Pacific Ocean. One of the canoes carried Elmer Frank and his son Wesley for its first journey from land to sea. Eugene Martin explained that this is significant because the TFN were paying tribute
Tseshaht signs deal with Coulson ..............................Page 2 Co-chair travels to Hesquiaht Days ............................ Page 3 Fish die-off near Esperanza .......................................... Page 4 Huu-ay-aht constructing a constitution ..................... Page 5 Tla-o-qui-aht and Toquaht sign agreement .............. Page 6 Alaska Native Settlement: a model treaty? ............... Page 8 NEDC Business News ................................................... Page 20
to Elmer in his traditional role as whaler and to Wesley who will carry on the role of his father as he grows up.” The first canoe trip was a half hour ride from Tin Wis to Naa-chaks. The pullers sang paddle songs throughout the journey.
One of the canoes carried Elmer Frank and his son Wesley as TFN were paying tribute to Elmer in his traditional role as whaler and to Wesley who will carry on the role of his father as he grows up.” “It was such an intimate, uplifting gathering and we were happy to see our guests joining in to carry the canoe to the ocean,” said Jeannie Elrick, Tin Wis Management “I would like to thank the canoe carvers. I would especially like to
thank Billy and Carl Martin and I’d like to encourage those who learned to carve to utilize their new skills. It was inspiring to see Tin Wis ensure cultural activities at the resort, it shows who owns Tin Wis,” said Elmer Frank, TFN Treaty Negotiator. Bruce Frank publicly thanked those that came to witness the ceremony, and Alex Frank for his guidance and advice on traditional canoe launch procedures. Carl Martin is proud of the canoes and says they are already being put to good use. It was loaned out to TFN members for canoe races during their sports days and it has been loaned to Carl’s daughter, Gisele for her ecotourism company. He and Billy plan to finish off the canoes by carving paddles for it and setting it up with a sail. “A lot of people are happy today, you can just feel it,” he said.
If undeliverable, please return to: Ha-Shilth-Sa P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2
Newsstand Price
$1
ISSN 0715-4143