Dozens of Swan family descendants had their family ties recognized as Chief James Uukwaqum Swan bestowed traditional names on more than 40 loved ones.
After a luncheon, the party started with Chief Kanopit’s (Rocky Titian) welcome dance which involves a canoe with honoured guests seated inside. Uukwaqum said his wife Jessie and daughter Heidi were seated in the canoe while Chief A-in-chut, Shawn Atleo, led the paddlers as he stood in the canoe holding eagle feathers.
Welcome songs were sung and opening protocols were taken care of including acknowledging families who recently suffered losses of loved ones.
The Thunderbird Hall was filled to capacity as people feasted on a rare treat, kwakmis (herring eggs). There was plenty of roast turkey and other courses for guests to choose from.
After the tables were cleared away Uukwaqum began naming family members in groups between celebration or fun songs.
Uukwaqum explained that the names that were given out to Swan family members came from his grandfather Luke Swan’s tapes. He said the names were very old and he spelled them according to how they sounded on the tapes.
More than 40 names were given out; names that allow the bearer to know that they have a place in Uukwaqum’s family (house).
Special guests included Melody Whalley and Julie Speers who have been friends of James and Heather since they moved to Victoria in 2006. Because they are a big part of the Swan’s life, James adopted them and gave names to their daughters
Another highlight of the evening was when Uukwaqum’s mother Rosie Swan was given a name.
“She has never had a name all her life and so I gave her her first Kou-us name, Kla-kla-qi-nis-ap,” Uukwaqum said.
Rosie was honoured by her in-laws after she was named. Son-in-law Angus Campbell thanked her for being who she is. He pointed out that she will drop everything and goes anywhere she is needed when her grandchildren are sick or injured.
Swan noted there were special guests, his wife’s parents, who travelled from Ontario. There were also some friends from the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Army).
Uukwaqum thanked special guest A-in-chut and his wife Nancy for attending the party.
“I didn’t know Shawn had a collection of my work so I decided to make a drum for him,” said Uukwaqum. When the drum was finished he painted a thunderbird and whale design on it. He said the thunderbird’s wing and the whale’s tale each make a mountain. “I call it Our Ha-hulthi because it symbolizes the ownership of land, air and water,” said Uukwaqum.
The following Swan family members received new names.
Jackson Swan: Klitsa-at
Seseni Swan: Ch'ikn'ath-aqsa
Marlayna Swan: Hilthwi'in-aqsa
Helen Swan: Naxwakis-aqsa
Farrah Ann Swan: Ma-uusaht-aqsa
Holly Miller: M'ackwii,aqsup
Andrew Miller: Kwatiiaakshilth
Sabrina Frank: ?upnit-aqsa
Aliyah Frank: Aaupyou-kuu-us
Lewis Frank: Nii-kiish
Matthew Frank: Kwa-tiiat
Gilbert Frank: Naa-naas-ee-tuah
Louie Frank: Kooks-in-aka
Gloria August: Ts'ahsnuw'as-ath-aqsa
Roxanne Touchie: Ch?ikn'ath-is
James Swan and Heather’s one year old daughter Heidi Swan: Qwatyatiik
Carla Webster: Clayshclayquahlksup
Traci Swan: Kwatiiaakup
Jacob Sabbas and Justine Frank’s boys
Andrew: Hiishkupanshiith
Ali: Mauusaht
Doreen Sabbas’ daughter Paris: Klaklakis-is
Terrence Sabbas: Klashclayqualt (the original name of Manhousaht before it was changed)
Francis Campbell’s grandchildren, Ali: Ma-uusaht-is
Suan: Tutuxwintln,a
Carmen: Kishnikwn-is
Elizabeth Thomas children:
Skylar: Nacuu,as aqsa
Adam: Kiishhnikwus
Peter: Suhomlth ShisuukSuhomlth-aqsa
Fred: Nu nuukm’aa_uhk
Bennet: T’int’inis
Sophie Campbell: Ca-kwaas-aqsa
Vinson Campbell: Tsa naakis
Chief Uukwaqum said he would I would like to thank everyone that made this ceremony possible. Thank you to the cooks, kitchen staff, singers, dancers, helpers, guests, family and friends that picked up tables, chairs, or even a broom.....kleco.
“A very special thank you to Hudson and Janet Webster for helping with some of the names. Kleco, kleco.
To Louie Frank Sr: Our father James Swan Sr. gave you a task-and-a-half of watching over us. I/we would like to say thank you for your soft and meaningful words and guidance. Kleco, kleco from the bottoms of our hearts, Kleco.”
