June 30, 2011 - Ha-Shilth-Sa - Page 9
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The day’s events at Tseshaht’s park at Paper Mill Dam were kid friendly with a waterslide to ease the heat of the day and the ever-popular face painting with artist Sterling Watts.
Tseshaht hosts day of fun and family Continued from page 1. The crowd was treated to a showing of the Animal Kingdom play written, directed and narrated by Tseshaht’s Jessie Stephens. In her introduction of the performers, Stephens told the people that someone very special to her and the young performers passed away last week. Linda McLaren was a well-known foster parent, having taken in several aboriginal children into her home. Not only did McLaren give the children a safe and nurturing home, but she also encouraged and participated in cultural activities. Stephens said she was a champion of the Animal Kingdom play, always encouraging Stephens to keep it going even after Stephens left the Alberni Valley for Victoria. McLaren helped to make the regalia used in Animal Kingdom and she was foster mother to many of the performers at one time or another. “She wasn’t aboriginal by race, but she was aboriginal by heart,” said Stephens, before announcing the performance that day would be dedicated to the memory of Linda McLaren. And so the Animal Kingdom story was told, highlighted with the singing of young male drummers while children dressed in colorful masks and brightly colored regalia danced. The story tells of the delicate connection between man and animals and the respect we should have for Mother Nature. Tseshaht First Nation hosted their own Aboriginal Day celebration at their park on the Somass River. Tables were set up and brightly colored balloons decorated a clearing in the maple trees. Dozens lined up for barbecued sockeye salmon complete with trimmings. Willard Gallic welcomed everyone to the celebration on behalf of Chief Councilor Les Sam, who couldn’t be there that day. “It is a great honor to be here and celebrate. Enjoy yourself,” he said. Other tables were made available for activities like cedar bark weaving, art and face painting for the kids. Ten year-old Kalilah Rampanen arrived with her acoustic guitar and played songs she wrote with her father, John. One song called Chetapi, told of her love for the mountain, also known as Catface, and how she is against mining it for copper. Organizers for the event sold tickets for auctions and held art, bannock and upskwee (salmon jerky) contests.