The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council’s Disability Access Committee Health Ability Fair opened Nov. 3 at Athletic Hall for a full two-days of information and services.
In her welcoming remarks, DAC Chairperson Helen Dick noted that while the Fair has historically taken place in October, the date was moved when the Assembly of First Nations declared November as the Month for First Nations People with Disabilities.
Robert Watts opened the ceremonies with a chant in honour of those who have lost a family member. He delivered a gift as support to each family.
In his opening address, event chairperson Barney Williams acknowledged the many services and information available from NTC and the community at large.
“We have a number of people who deliver some pretty good stuff here,” Williams said, and thanked the many sponsors who came forward to make the Ability Fair happen.
An opening prayer was given by Quu’asa Cultural Worker, Joe Tom Sr. Tom encouraged guests to remember and honor their late elders, “Even though they may have yelled at you when you were a kid.”
Tseshaht Chief Councillor Cynthia Dick welcomed guests to the territory on behalf of her Nation.
“I look forward to this event every year,” Dick said. “We should all strive for healthier, happier communities.”
That was a message echoed by NTC President Deb Foxcroft.
“It looks like it’s going to be a very awesome two days,” she said, encouraging all attendees to check out the many opportunities for self-care.
Foxcroft emphasized the focus on awareness of family violence at this year’s Fair.
“If we are going to have healthy families and healthy communities, we have to stop the family violence,” she said, displaying a “commitment stick.”
Foxcroft also noted that the Moosehide Campaign had now extended across all of Canada.
“The goal is to commit to end violence against Aboriginal women and children. That’s happening now, and it’s gone national.”
Foxcroft concluded by reading aloud the 1989 Declaration of Nuu-chah-nulth Women.
Helen Dick opened her comments in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
Dick pointed out one front row table of special guests.
“If you see these women in blue tops, they are nursing students from Discovery [College],” she noted.
Dick encouraged all to be sensitive to people who are grieving, and for families with members who have disabilities, “and keep in mind, those people who have disabilities that we can’t see.”
“Make this a learning experience that you can take away and share with your family, so that we can continue to educate our families on the importance of learning to deal with disabilities,” Dick said, adding that part of that education is to learn about the many resources that are available, including those on display in the hall.
Those included NTC resources like Quu’asa, Usma Child and Family Services, NTC Education, Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training, NTC Nursing and Health Promotion, as well as outside sponsors like Shoppers Drug Mart, Burnaby Orthopaedic & Mastectomy, and Nex Gen Hearing.
Guests had a chance to experience massage, reflexology or acupuncture, or get a haircut or manicure. They also had an opportunity to try their hand at cedar weaving under the direction of Mariah Desnoyer and Geraldine Tom, or design appliqué with Betty Barney.
The DAC Health-Ability Fair continues through Friday afternoon.
