The Haahuupayak Christmas concert was held the evening of Dec. 17 in the school gymnasium, and it featured a unique play about the damaging effects of gossip and how it tears people apart.
Entitled “qu?usin and his Big Mouth”, the story is about qu?usin and the villagers who were spreading gossip. The chief was upset about what was happening in the village, so he brought everyone together to put an end to the damaging chatter and have qu?usin apologize to correct the negative effects of gossip.
“This is the fifth year of original plays at Haahuupayak, and the kids’ spirit really carries the play,” said Trevor Little, the school’s Native Studies teacher. Oral history is a way to teach discipline, transfer knowledge and entertain.
Little said they went to Tseshaht Elders to get permission to use the masks in a serious and respectful way, but to teach playfully. It’s been an honor to work with the children, he added.
He thanked the parents for their commitment and expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the high expectations and the discipline of teachings that were left from the former teachers of the department.
A thank you was extended to the parents for trusting the school with their children to teach them in a playful way, but honoring what the predecessors dreamed for them for many years. The evening honored that legacy, their wishes, their dreams and desires.
The agenda of the event was full, with each class performing traditional Nuu-chah-nulth songs, like the Welcome Song, the Counting Song, the War Song and the Victory Song.
Students performed mask dances and a Christmas song, where they gathered around elder Kathy Robinson to thank her and hold her up for helping bring knowledge over many years to the Haahuupayak Education Centre.
The much anticipated Christmas Concert was well attended. The children and their parents and the teachers and their assistants have taken much time to train and practice.
“I want to thank everyone for the hard work, the teachers, the students, the education assistants, the volunteers, such as Jake Gallic and Douglas Watts,” said Lena Ross.
“People come from near and far to watch the children perform,” said Martin Watts. Every year is something new. The kids really shine!”
