The last of the Quu'asa urban gatherings filled the Victoria Edelweiss Club on Friday, energizing the crowd for the upcoming holiday season with songs, food and stories.
The Dec. 15 event began with a prayer from Cliff Atleo and a moment of silence in honour of the many Nuu-chah-nulth-aht whom communities have lost over the last year. Drumming, singing and dancing followed, while booths from various service agencies provided information for those in attendance.
Stan Matthew of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council's Teechuktl Mental Health department shared insights and stories with the crowd.
"Do you know how the eagle weathers the storm?" he asked. "It uses the storm to lift itself up above."
Staff with the NTC's Quu'asa program have spent much of December travelling, holding other urban gatherings in Campbell River, Vancouver, Seattle and Nanaimo.
