Tsesaht First Nation held a baby welcoming at Maht Mahs gym and in the longhouse on March 5.
Gail K. Gus-Williams, an organizer working with Debbie Frank of Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council's Child and Youth Services, helped make the day a reality.
Gus-Williams said the event, which is held every two years, was a "happy party for the community" where Tseshaht parents can connect with other Tseshaht parents. It provided a chance for the babies to be introduced to the other babies that will be growing up alongside of them.
The welcome started at 10 a.m. and went till 3 p.m., with the morning filled with parents doing traditional crafts at Maht Mahs gym. The mothers made cedar headbands and fathers made dream catchers for their children. Then a lunch was provided.
After lunch, the fathers and guests proceeded to the Tseshaht longhouse. The mothers then followed in procession behind Tseshaht community nurse Francine Gascoyne, who was singing the Nuxalk paddle song. She is Nuxalk.
In the longhouse, cultural teacher Trevor Little delivered inspiring words to the fathers about standing beside your child and the mother, and how strong the family bond is.
Little had all the men put their hands on their hearts and think about what they wanted in life for their children.
He also sang a song with the rhythm of the heart beat and shared what the men were thinking about with their wives and partners.
Gascoyne sang "a robin song" from Bella Coola.
Back at Maht Mahs, the babies were introduced into the community and the fathers gave a speech about how important their bond is with not only their child, but their spouse and their family.
Gus-Williams thanked everyone for coming out and talked about the importance of having a fun day to share with love and food.
About 10 Tseshaht babies were in attendance out of the 22 that were expected. With flu and cold season in the valley, many couldn't make the event at the last minute.
