Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo came home to a hero’s welcome Aug. 18; it was his first time back in his home community of Ahousaht since winning a second term as national chief back in July.
A-in-chut arrived in Ahousaht in grand style, aboard a chaputs (dugout cedar canoe) on the front beach of Ahousaht. People young and old were there on the beach to welcome him home.
Following the landing everyone gathered at nearby Thunderbird Hall for some good old feasting and dancing.
A-in-chut was carried into the room on the shoulders of Ahousaht men. The men sang a victory song while everyone else cheered.
“We want to stand him up on a pedestal to show young people what they can be if they put their minds to it,” said Eddie Frank.
The Atleo family served up a feast to hundreds of guests. There was plenty of food thanks to generous donations from the community.
Special guests from other communities were there to celebrate A-in-chut’s homecoming, including Owadi Bob Chamberlin, vice-president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and Hesquiaht Chief Steve Tom.
At the dinner, Atleo shared a table with his wife Nancy, children, parents and his elder Atleo aunts, Gertrude Frank and Flossie Atleo. And when he was called upon to dance, A-in-chut was quick to respond, delighting the crowd and inviting them to join in.
A-in-chut thanked his family, the community and everyone else for their love and support.
The celebrations went late into the night with song, dance and plenty of chumus (something good to eat).
