On Aug. 3, 2016, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council's Family and Child Services department, Usma, took the children in their care, who are connected to Hesquiaht First Nation families, to their home of Hesquiaht.
They left Port Alberni in the early morning and travelled to Tofino, an hour and a half away to the west coast. They loaded into water taxis and travelled another two and a half hours over choppy seas to Hesquiaht to meet their relatives and have a day on their traditional territory, to connect to family, share a meal, and explore the territory.
The children were greeted by Ha'wilth (hereditary chief) Steve Tom, and songs of welcome. Charlie Lucas, 89, told the children that the community had open their heart to them, would make them comfortable and happy. He said they were always welcome in the village... their village.
See our story here: http://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2016-08-05/hesquiaht-kids-care-spend-day-...
Photos by Debora Steel of Ha-Shilth-Sa
