The 2013 Tlu-piich games got off to a great start at Maht Mahs Aug. 6 as the community gathered for the official opening ceremonies and to witness the latest Nuu-chah-nulth Sports Hall of Fame inductions.
Emcee Martin Watts started things off by asking the crowd to remember all the people that had passed on in the past year. Rather than call up families one-by-one to be remembered, as is the usual custom, Watts pointed to people around the room who were holding balloon bouquets.
He said there are 14 Nuu-chah-nulth nations and a balloon would be released for each nation in memory of those that have passed. Then he called for a moment of silence.
Tlu-piich games started back in 1982 and went strong for a few years. But times have changed and for many reasons attendance has dropped in the past decade or so.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Tlu-piich staff and committee are working hard to revive the games and draw more people in.
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Related: http://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2013-08-07/five-inducted-nuu-chah-nulth-sports-hall-fame
In his opening comments, Tseshaht Chief Councillor Hugh Braker reminisced about canoe races in the Alberni Inlet. In the 1950s, the banks of the Alberni Inlet looked much different; the Clutesi Haven Marina had yet to be built.
“People would race their canoes, starting from where the marina is now, down to the pulp mill,” he recalled. He said there is a photo of Tseshaht women canoe racing on display in the Tseshaht Administrative Building.
He went on to welcome everyone and to wish all a happy and successful time at the games.
Ron Hamilton also welcomed people on behalf of Hupacasath, saying he hoped that the parents would make the event about the kids and be there to support them.
NTC President Cliff Atleo thanked both Tseshaht and Hupacasath for having the games in their territories. He went on to talk about the importance of reviving the games.
“It is for all Nuu-chah-nulth that we want to rebuild a strong sense of community and family ties and we can already see more people are here today than last year,” he said.
He asked that people enjoy their time in Port Alberni, and cautioned them to be safe.
NTC Vice President Ken Watts acknowledged the very pregnant Games coordinator Marisa Bennett for all her hard work.
“Where is Marisa? I hope she hasn’t gone into labour,” he joked.
Watts also asked for a round of applause for all the other NTC staff and volunteers that continue to work hard to make the games a success.
He went on to urge people to make healthy choices in terms of diet and exercise, so that they can live longer.
Hira Chopra, councillor for the City of Port Alberni, thanked all of the chiefs, their family and friends for coming to Port Alberni for the games.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and have fun and we wish all of you the best,” he said.
Martin Watts went on to declare the 2013 NTC Tlu-piich Games officially opened. Cliff Atleo led singers in the Nuu-chah-nulth anthem to conclude the opening ceremonies.
