Page 8— Ha-Shilth-Sa—March 17, 2016
Honoring Kateri, treasured wife of ćuuxiit
By Tess Smith Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor (Left) ćuuxiit (Gilbert John Sr.), second On Feb. 20 at the Pinecrest United from left, prepared to ‘dry his tears’ as Church in Campbell River, ćuuxiit he commorated the life of his wife Kat(Gilbert John Sr.) honored his late wife eri in Campbell River on Feb. 20. Kateri’s memory. She was taken from the family a year ago after many years (Below) The family dances after the of struggle with her illness and a few floor had been cleansed with eagle years in a rest home. down. Gilbert faithfully walked, or ran, to Photos by Tess Smith visit her every day. They spent 60 years together. He said he loved his wife so much, and this past year was the hardest for him. With him at the gathering were his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and Nuu-chahming, exploring the forest, checking out nulth-aht friends. robins’ nests, always curious but never The day began at 10 a.m. when people disrespectful of them, and enjoying started to arrive at the church. The boys being carefree with no worries of wild and men of the family were gifted with animals. Natalie remembers her aunt vests to wear, and čuučgamałni Ron Kateri’s smiling face, her friendly greetHamilton acknowledges the artist and ings, and her happiness to see them. seamstress, Tonya, mother of Gilbert’s Ka:yu:kth Hawilth/Hacuum granddaughters. A thunderbird was wiiwimtaʔiik also spoke to the fampainted on each of the vests. ily. She spoke fondly of late Kateri, Then, four of the grandsons cleansed her friendliness and her smiling face. the floor with eagle down fluttering gen- Wiiwimtaʔiik gave the host a big hug tly to the floor and kind as they danced. words. ćawaat The NicoChe:ktlesʔeth laye /Short ḥawił Bill family stood Oscar and famtogether with ily stood up their uncle with Gilbert to Alec as he sing a song to told how officially open they were rethe celebration. lated. Their Ralph John mothers, spoke on Odelia Saxey behalf of his and Agnes elder brother, Nicolaye, Ralph John speaks on behalf of his remembering were his elder brother Gilbert. those famisisters. They lies who had had an older recently lost a loved one. brother named Lawrence, and he still Then ʔiičaapšiił Hudson Webster and has his younger sister Chris. Late Kateri his wife Janet lead the ladies—Gilberts was their close relative. sister, daughters and granddaughter—in Betty extended a warm welcome to her song and dance. home anytime they needed a place to The people are thanked for making the day wonderful and mending, bringing Ćawaat – Che:ktles7eth ḥawił Bill stay while they are in Campbell River. inner peace to ćuuxiit. Oscar spoke Her famof his own late ily had also this past year and wants to celebrate his helped.” He further says, “I thought dad kʷišmaac, provided the life and thanks all those that have been nothing could ever make me feel ok.” saying that delicious there with him throughout this difficult “What has happened today has lifted when Gilbert seafood ordeal. this pain, the cultural songs and dances was young, he lunch for Both Victor and Chris have survived have been very good medicine for me. was adopted that day. major surgeries this past year and are I’m relieved that I can now move on, into their famSaakʷisƛ grateful to be on the mend. Nookmis and remember my wife with much ily, and it is Hilda also gave some money to the host in peace and love in my heart.” He lifted for this reason Hanson’s thanks for allowing us the time to invite. his arms in thanks. he honors him family also It will be in Kyuquot, the date will be After each family had spoken, with his dad’s said a few posted later. ʔiičaapšiił name kʷišmaac words. They Nookmis also (Hudson) The Nicolaye/ Short family stood as uncle Alec (kwishmaats). thanked Gilis thankful for thanked each, Short told how the families were related. Bill also bert for the the rattle he was on behalf of the remembered times they gifted with from host. He spoke the ties his late wife had with them. She took care of us (saakʷisƛ-Marilyn and the family. It eloquently in our was Chektles7agsp. Her family came myself-hupałẃatu). We were little girls will be treaown language, from up west, he said. and “crashed their honeymoon” since it sured. giving it a heartJanice Smith talked about the close ties was during their first years of marriage Rosalee (Gilfelt and deep through Gilbert’s mother Cecelia. She and they never sent us home. bert’s sister) meaning. It was and Janice’s grandfather Stanish were In fact, his late wife used to say with a and her husan amazing day, brother and sister. Janice gifted Gilbert big smile on her face, “your dad always band Michael hearing the two with a yew wood carved taʔałma (cane) had to come get you two, but you both Hunt made the interact in our that her husband Tom made for him. never wanted to go home.” He managed rattles, which mother tongue. Natalie Jack also said a few words, to take us home. they presented Finally, the Gilbert John and family thank “knowing always how we’re related.” Our dad’s aunt was Cecelia, Gilbert’s to chiefs and host thanked all people for attending. Stanish was father of Natalie’s mother late mom. We’ve always acknowledged guests of high for being there, Lucy and Janice’s father Kelly. our uncle. rank. Paddles were gifted to the cooks, making the day wonderful, mending Natalie spoke fondly of growing up on He was gifted with a cedar bark headAudrey Smith’s family. A plaque was Gilbert’s heart and allowing him to find Actiis Island, how their fathers worked band with abalone button, and a blanket a special gift to Bertha, late Kateri’s inner peace and the ability to carry on while their moms were “stay at home and a little money. younger sister. much stronger and happier. moms”. Saakwisƛ and Nookmis (Victor)/ChrisIt was ćuuxiit’s wish to “dry his tears” Thanks goes out to čuučgamałni As children they spent many times tina Jules extended an invitation to all and show he will no longer be in grief in and ʔiičaapšiił for all they did for him together with their moms, with the to come celebrate with us. Victor has public. He says “this is what I needthat day. other kids their age, having fun swimbeen going through cancer treatment ed. I’ve tried counselling but it never