AHOUSAHT, British Columbia – The remote community of Ahousaht is trying to
combat a recent spate of social problems by bringing fun back to their
small island village. The long July 1 Canada Day holiday weekend was filled
with sports activities and launched with a parade.
A few Canadian flags were plastered onto trucks, wheelbarrows and wagons,
which were also decorated with cedar boughs and carrying messages of hope.
Members of the Ahousaht who live in larger urban centers returned home to
host a dinner for their nation.
“We were moved to show that we’re very much a part of home,” said Cliff
Atleo Sr., a self-described “proud Ahousaht” member living in Port Alberni.
“When Ahousaht feels pain, we feel pain. We want you to know we love and
support you. We want to be supportive of home,” he said.