Elders prepare for another opportunity to meet and share

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Hotels are already sold out in Port Alberni and Elders from throughout British Columbia are rushing to reserve rooms in Parksville, Qualicum and Nanaimo for this summer's Elders' gathering in the Alberni Valley.

The Gateway to the West Coast will host more than 4,000 Native Elders this July 18 to 20, and the entire community is coming together to ensure the 30th annual event is "the best ever," according to Port Alberni Mayor Ken McRae.

McRae, the husband of National Aboriginal Achievement Award winner and Vancouver restaurateur Dolly Watts, said the city will bend over backwards for participants.

Hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) and the Tseshaht First Nation, the gathering will give Elders from throughout the province the opportunity to visit, exchange memories and knowledge, create new friendships and renew old ones.

"My wife and I have been going to Elders' conferences for the past eight years, and it's something we as Elders look forward to every year," said conference board member Ben David. "It's an opportunity to share a lot of our knowledge with others and have a really good time," he said.

"We're very excited about co-hosting this event, and our Elders are very anxious to welcome everyone into our territories," said Tseshaht representative George Clutesi.

Although called the B.C. Elders' Gathering, the event attracts Elders from throughout Western Canada as well as Washington and Alaska. Gathering co-ordinator Vina Robinson will be travelling throughout the Pacific Northwest inviting Elders from various nations in the traditional Nuu-chah-nulth way.

"This monumental event provides the opportunity for our Nuu-chah-nulth Nation and the City of Port Alberni to honor and give thanks to our Elders," said Robinson. "Our Elders possess the wisdom, the knowledge and experience that the younger generation needs to guide them through life. It is very important that this event continues and that our Elders' legacy is passed on to each generation that follows," she said.

The first gathering began in Sto:lo Nation hosted by the Coqualeetza Elders. Frances Harne carved a totem pole, which was used as a record keeper; places and dates were inscribed at the base of the pole recording each gathering.

The tradition of the king and queen of the Elders' gathering began at the 1982 Prince George gathering. Kings and queens of each gathering are chosen for their leadership qualities and community spirit. This year the king and queen representing the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation are Ben and Grace David of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

There is no registration fee for the event, with all activities and meals free of charge for registered participants.

Many Nuu-chah-nulth dance groups will be performing at the event, and there will be First Nations fashion shows, lahal games, tours of the West Coast aboard the MV Lady Rose, dances, and many other events.

For more information, people can Vina Robinson at (250) 724-5757, or visit the Web site at www.nuuchahnulth.org/bceldersgathering.