On Feb. 20 at the Pinecrest United Church in Campbell River, ćuuxiit (Gilbert John Sr.) honored his late wife Kateri’s memory. She was taken from the family a year ago after many years of struggle with her illness and a few years in a rest home.
Gilbert faithfully walked, or ran, to visit her every day. They spent 60 years together. He said he loved his wife so much, and this past year was the hardest for him.
With him at the gathering were his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and Nuu-chah-nulth-aht friends.
The day began at 10 a.m. when people started to arrive at the church. The boys and men of the family were gifted with vests to wear, and čuučgamałni Ron Hamilton acknowledges the artist and seamstress, Tonya, mother of Gilbert’s granddaughters. A thunderbird was painted on each of the vests.
Then, four of the grandsons cleansed the floor with eagle down fluttering gently to the floor as they danced.
ćawaat Che:ktlesʔeth ḥawił Bill Oscar and family stood up with Gilbert to sing a song to officially open the celebration. Ralph John spoke on behalf of his elder brother, remembering those families who had recently lost a loved one.
Then ʔiičaapšiił Hudson Webster and his wife Janet lead the ladies—Gilberts sister, daughters and granddaughter—in song and dance.
Ćawaat – Che:ktles7eth ḥawił Bill Oscar spoke of his own late dad kʷišmaac, saying that when Gilbert was young, he was adopted into their family, and it is for this reason he honors him with his dad’s name kʷišmaac (kwishmaats).
Bill also remembered the ties his late wife had with them. She was Chektles7agsp. Her family came from up west, he said.
Janice Smith talked about the close ties through Gilbert’s mother Cecelia. She and Janice’s grandfather Stanish were brother and sister. Janice gifted Gilbert with a yew wood carved taʔałma (cane) that her husband Tom made for him.
Natalie Jack also said a few words, “knowing always how we’re related.” Stanish was father of Natalie’s mother Lucy and Janice’s father Kelly.
Natalie spoke fondly of growing up on Actiis Island, how their fathers worked while their moms were “stay at home moms”.
As children they spent many times together with their moms, with the other kids their age, having fun swimming, exploring the forest, checking out robins’ nests, always curious but never disrespectful of them, and enjoying being carefree with no worries of wild animals.
Natalie remembers her aunt Kateri’s smiling face, her friendly greetings, and her happiness to see them.
Ka:yu:kth Hawilth/Hacuum wiiwimtaʔiik also spoke to the family. She spoke fondly of late Kateri, her friendliness and her smiling face. Wiiwimtaʔiik gave the host a big hug and kind words.
The Nicolaye /Short family stood together with their uncle Alec as he told how they were related. Their mothers, Odelia Saxey and Agnes Nicolaye, were his sisters. They had an older brother named Lawrence, and he still has his younger sister Chris. Late Kateri was their close relative.
Betty extended a warm welcome to her home anytime they needed a place to stay while they are in Campbell River. Her family had also provided the delicious seafood lunch for that day.
Saakʷisƛ Hilda Hanson’s family also said a few words. They thanked Gilbert for the times they took care of us (saakʷisƛ-Marilyn and myself-hupałẃatu). We were little girls and “crashed their honeymoon” since it was during their first years of marriage and they never sent us home.
In fact, his late wife used to say with a big smile on her face, “your dad always had to come get you two, but you both never wanted to go home.” He managed to take us home.
Our dad’s aunt was Cecelia, Gilbert’s late mom. We’ve always acknowledged our uncle.
He was gifted with a cedar bark headband with abalone button, and a blanket and a little money.
Saakwisƛ and Nookmis (Victor)/Christina Jules extended an invitation to all to come celebrate with us. Victor has been going through cancer treatment this past year and wants to celebrate his life and thanks all those that have been there with him throughout this difficult ordeal.
Both Victor and Chris have survived major surgeries this past year and are grateful to be on the mend. Nookmis also gave some money to the host in thanks for allowing us the time to invite.
It will be in Kyuquot, the date will be posted later.
Nookmis also is thankful for the rattle he was gifted with from the family. It will be treasured.
Rosalee (Gilbert’s sister) and her husband Michael Hunt made the rattles, which they presented to chiefs and guests of high rank. Paddles were gifted to the cooks, Audrey Smith’s family. A plaque was a special gift to Bertha, late Kateri’s younger sister.
It was ćuuxiit’s wish to “dry his tears” and show he will no longer be in grief in public. He says “this is what I needed. I’ve tried counselling but it never helped.” He further says, “I thought nothing could ever make me feel ok.”
“What has happened today has lifted this pain, the cultural songs and dances have been very good medicine for me. I’m relieved that I can now move on, and remember my wife with much peace and love in my heart.” He lifted his arms in thanks.
After each family had spoken, ʔiičaapšiił (Hudson) thanked each, on behalf of the host. He spoke eloquently in our own language, giving it a heartfelt and deep meaning. It was an amazing day, hearing the two interact in our mother tongue.
Finally, the host thanked all for being there, making the day wonderful, mending Gilbert’s heart and allowing him to find inner peace and the ability to carry on much stronger and happier.
Thanks goes out to čuučgamałni and ʔiičaapšiił for all they did for him that day.
