Ehattesaht Chinehkint had lots to celebrate for Aboriginal Day, so a barbecue feast was planned by the Health Department and all were invited. Aboriginal Day was celebrated June 26, because of conflicting community celebrations on June 21.
Many community members and neighbours joined in the feast June 26 and came out to witness the grand opening of the office addition, the dedication of the memorial garden and the unveiling of the new 4-plex artwork.
Ahneetsnas, Ehattesaht Chinehkint Hawilth, welcomed everyone on his own behalf, as well as on behalf of Ha’wiih Tyee Nahsumyiis, Tyee Huuyathl, and Thla-qua. He thanked the organizers, recognized the wise ones and stated how good it was to have the children in attendance.
Everyone was invited into the new hall for a viewing and blessing of the completed project. The new hall can seat up to 80 for a feast and has a nice-sized kitchen with two fridges, two stoves, two freezers, two dishwashers and plenty of space for lots of cooks. The building will be used for Community Kitchen, community events and it can also accommodate overnight guests, such as visiting mission groups and teams. The building is located right next to the Community Garden so this will provide a good place for food preservation workshops as well.
Just before dinner, Ahneetsnas and Darcy Kerr stood together and blessed the new hall.
“Whenever we have visitors come here they will be looked after by the Ha’wiih, Hacum and Muschoom” declared Ahneetsnas.
Next, everyone went outside to witness the memorial garden dedication. Darcy Kerr thanked Vince Smith and said “we put two things together to make one beautiful thing for the community.” Darcy Kerr stood with community members and described the memorial garden and how it started out with funding from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to create a memorial for those who survived and those who were lost in residential school.
“I hope it becomes a place where you all come and pray; you can plant something here or place a plaque in honor of a loved one.”
The grandchildren then unveiled a magnificent sign featuring the dedication Agnes Rose John Memorial Garden. Tears flowed as everyone remembered what a wonderful woman late Agnes was. The children were then given assistance to install some beautiful plaques they painted during Arts & Crafts Night for the garden in honor of a loved one.
After the dedication, the guests then moved to the front of the office building where Artist Vince Smith unveiled the new entry door he carved.
“This door represents change and a better change for the future.” Vince proclaimed to the children, “you will be taking over soon; our Nation is strong.” Vince stated what an honor it was to be asked by the Council to create this.
In closing, guests walked over to the new 4-plex to witness the unveiling of the artwork on this building. Vince Smith described the carving as of a realistic whale transforming to a whale that is depicted on our baskets (to remind us of our grandmothers and their basket weaving). “It’s about changing too, changing and transforming. There are two eagles on either side to represent being free,” explained Vince Smith.
Ehattesaht Chinehkint would like to thank Western Economic Diversification for the generous grant towards the office renovation, Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation for financing the other 50 per cent and Wolf Projects and their crew for all their hard work.
Ehattesaht Chinehkint also thanks Gala Contracting, an aboriginal owned business, for their quality workmanship on our new 4-plex. This housing project was made possible with the support of AANDC housing subsidy and financing from the Bank of Montreal.
