Upon arrival to the village of Ahousaht, the first thing you hear and see are the many species of birds there. And what better way to welcome home a great leader, late Nelson Keitlah, who passed away on Sunday, than to hear the soothing sounds of the ravens, eagles, crows, wrens and robins singing for him.
Nelson Keitlah’s funeral was held at his home on May 4. Officiating the service was Rick Lindholm. After the opening prayer, Cliff Atleo Sr. read the eulogy.
Nelson was born and raised in Ahousaht. His parents were late Agnes and Alfred Keitlah.
Agnes’ mother was from Tseshaht. His grandmother was late Katie Joe of Tsesaht. Nelson always acknowledged his family ties to Tseshaht.
Nelson is survived by his children Nelson Jr., Cindy, Agnes, Rowena, Janet, and Margaret, his sisters Betty, Geraldine and Delores, numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by daughter Nadine.
Today you will only hear a bit of who Nelson was, said Atleo. Nelson was well-known across British Columbia, Canada and the United States. Nelson was an executive member of the Native Brotherhood of B.C. and West Coast District Council. He was Central Region Chairman and Co-Chair of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
Nelson achieved a lot for Nuu-chah-nulth, Atleo said, but more importantly Nelson was an advocate for his people. He was a great example of what a leader is. Nelson was incredibly eloquent in speaking his language and English. Nelson knew how to get people together.
Chief Councillor Greg Louie acknowledged the many achievements of Nelson and how hard he worked to improve the standard of life for his people. He said Nelson was very articulate in the Ahousaht language, his culture and singing. Ahousahts should be really, really proud of Nelson, said Louie. Nelson was well-regarded and played an important role in British Columbia recent history.
NTC President Deb Foxcroft remembered Nelson as a very loving and supportive man. He was always interested in how you were doing, she said. This is a great loss, said Foxcroft. Nelson was instrumental in forcing the government to close Indian Residential School, she reminded the people gathered. He fought for Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights and was strong in the history of his people.
NTC Vice President Ken Watts acknowledged the work of Keitlah and spoke about the sacrifices leaders make by being away from their families. He thanked Nelson’s family for sharing him with the Nuu-chah-nulth. Ken said Nelson helped build the Tribal Council.
Bob Chamberlin of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs also traveled to Ahousaht to pay his respects.
A meal of qwakmis, elk stew, fish soup, spaghetti and fish sandwiches were served before mourners left the community for their boats back to Tofino to drive home to wherever they live.
