August 26, 2021—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 7
Ahousaht and Catholic church progress in friendship Victoria church houses a reconciliation gathering as many work to heal from the effects of residential schools By Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter Victoria, BC – A group of Ahousaht members hosted a gathering at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Hall Sunday on Aug. 15. The purpose was to cement the friendship between the church and the Victoria-based Ahousaht members. The Ahousaht cultural group formed in Victoria several years ago. Made up of singers and dancers, the group gathers in Langford at a hall owned by Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church where they socialize and practice cultural songs and dances. Their cultural nights are open to all Indigenous people that wish to take part. Members of Esquimalt First Nation regularly take part in the fun evenings. In his notification of the event, organizer and Ahousaht Councillor Phillip Guy Louie invited people to join the group as they step onward to embrace reconciliation, truth and friendship with the Victoria Catholic Church. Louie told the crowd that regular culture nights have been on hold since gatherings were restricted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with restrictions lifting, they plan the evening events at the church property, which they’ve been using for many years. For this reason, it was important to acknowledge news stories of the human remains found buried in unmarked graves on former residential school grounds and the feelings being stirred up across Canada. Leaders of the Ahousaht cultural group met with Father Dean and other church officials to work on a way to move forward. Elected chief Greg Louie thanked Father Dean, saying that the people were gathered there because Father Dean extended a hand. Louie noted that not everyone is ready for this form of reconciliation. He stated that Father Dean has maintained close relationships with many Ahousaht members. He thanked Father Dean stating he didn’t just extend a hand but extended a heart. “Our culture is still here because we are strong, resilient people,” said Louie. “We’re not going anywhere and you’re (non-Indigenous) not going anywhere so let’s walk together.” The event started with a cleansing ceremony that covered the church buildings. Inside the hall invited guests from Indigenous communities and the church congregation intermingled. Many people from both groups were wearing orange shirts. Ahousaht Ha’wiih Hasheukmis (Richard George, standing in for his father Maquinna, Lewis George) and Hanuquii (Nate Charlie) and speaker Cliff Atleo announced that the first order of business was to comfort those grieving for lost family members. Ta’ilthma, as it is called, is an offering of support for the people, to recognize their grief and to show them that their presence at the event is appreciated, Atleo explained. Atleo carefully explained things as the event carried on, so that those unfamiliar with Nuu-chah-nulth ways could understand what was going on and why it was being done. He told the crowd that the act of blanketing people symbolizes healing energy being offered to strengthen them and to hold them up during difficult times. After being blanketed, the Ahousaht
Photo by Denise Titian
On Aug. 15 a Victoria church housed a reconciliation gathering, as many in its congregation work to heal from the continued effects of residential schools. Ahousaht men there that would stop him. being taken from us and not speaking delegation performed a dance called the The moment was profound as the Yaht-yahta. Atleo explained that the name their language – all we can do is walk woman started to cry, while the ‘father’ of the dance, literally, means to walk. with you,” he said. “We stand with you in “It’s to make those that are grieving feel and the ‘boy’ both dabbed at their tears. solidarity; we are sorry for the losses you The demonstration ended in hugs. better,” he shared. “It’s telling them that continue to endure. We’re sorry and we Dave Frank talked about his experience your people, your chiefs, want to hold will do better.” in residential school. you up because they know grief is not There were two residential schools in “I was sexually abused by a priest,” he easy.” Ahousaht and two churches. None of the shared. Former residential school students buildings exist any longer. As an adult, the long-term effects of the were asked to come forward and they, Church officials standing with Father assault left him suicidal, and he talked too, were blanketed. Phillip Guy Louie Dean traveled to take part in the event. about his third and final attempt to comSr. said it was important for Ahousaht There were pastors from several Cathomit suicide. He was getting his weapon Ha’wiih to recognize survivors and they lic churches in the Victoria area and one ready when there was a persistent knock- from Port Alberni. Bishop Gary Gordon had arranged brushings for anyone who ing at his door. There, at his door stood a wanted it. was also in attendance. priest. Hanuquii spoke to his mother GenFather Dean recalled the time that the “It was a priest that God sent to rescue evieve, who was seated with the other Swan family needed a place to gather me,” he said. residential school survivors. when elder Rosie Swan passed away in a From that day forward, Frank commit“If you didn’t survive, mom, I wouldn’t Victoria hospital. He was able to connect ted to let go of his pain and anger. be here,” he said before thanking her. He with another church who opened their “It wasn’t the whole church that hurt told he was there now, to hold her up. facility for the family. Church representatives including Father me, it was an individual,” he said. “We will share with you…you’re our Frank then assisted in a brushing Dean were asked to stand before the people too and you are welcome to our ceremony that the church congregation crowd. He told them that he, the church churches,” he said. willingly took part in. officials and congregation came there Elected Chief Louie says Ahousaht First Father Dean went on to say that they with a profound sense of honor. Nation is in talks with both Catholic and recognize the intergenerational trauma “We respect that you would have us United Church officials about reconciliaof Indian residential schools and how it here to express your solidarity with our tion measures. impacts the children and grandchildren of friends,” he told the people. “I am so The evening was rounded out with dinsorry for your losses, and I will walk with survivors. ner and cultural performances. “We can’t comprehend our children you if you will have me.” As he spoke of a greater power, Father Dean used words like Noss (a Nuu-chahnulth word for Creator) and Creator. Father Dean said he has spoken to InGATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC RIM dian residential school survivors and has offered what support he can. Some, he said, just wanted a hug. “We see you care for each other, and we learn from you,” he told the people. At one point, the Ahousaht Ha’wiih along with Cliff Atleo stood before the church guests. Speaking on their behalf, Tim Sutherland invited a man to sit on a chair placed in the middle of the floor. He told the man to select two people that would act as his parents. A man and woman stepped forward as Sutherland told the first man that he is a little boy and the Ahousaht Chiefs were Hours of operation - 7:00 am - 10:30 pm there to take him away from his parents Phone: 724-3944 to Ahousaht. He will no longer be alE-mail: claudine@tseshahtmarket.ca lowed to speak English and if he tries to run away, well, there were three strong Find us on Facebook
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