Saturday Oct. 25 was reserved for honoring the memory of a woman who impacted Nuu-chah-nulth children and their education up and down the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The family of late Eileen Haggard, or Missbun as most people came to know her, gathered people together at Maht Mahs gym to dry their tears, end their mourning and celebrate Eileen’s life and contributions.
Photos from the memorial here at http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/eileen-haggard-memorial
After personal family business, that included the ceremonial cleansing of the floor, the crying song and thanking people for coming to the family’s side in their time of sorrow, the curtain was unfurled and the floor was opened for memories and tribute.
After a chant by Reg Sam, the Nuu-chah-nulth Education Workers and those associated with Eileen in the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council education department, were first to present.
Cliff Atleo and Benson Nookemus were sharing the speaker role at the party. Atleo spoke for the education workers and described the passion Eileen had for the students. “She believed very much in the education of our people and supported that at every opportunity.”
Long-time associate and close friend Angie Miller spoke about the bond that she and Eileen developed, planning beyond retirement to remain connected. She said she couldn’t begin to tell everyone all the “crazy fun things we did.”
Former School District 70 superintendent Cam Pinkerton had a deep affection for Eileen. When he arrived on the West Coast he didn’t know much about Aboriginal education, he said, and Eileen set out to get, and keep him, up to speed. He has continued with the Aboriginal education portfolio in the Victoria school district where he is assistant superintendent.
Ron Erickson was the principal at 8th Ave school, but he joked Eileen probably ran the school. She loved to teach and put him on the spot on a number of occasions. He said the numbers of children that she helped become successful that would probably never have the opportunities to be successful is immeasurable.
Chief Tess Smith of Kyuquot Cheklesaht described the connection between her family and Eileen. She said she was always happy when Eileen visited Kyuquot because it helped us become more aware of what we needed.
“She was a very fun person. She was a very awesome person. She was a very awesome dancer. I admired her dancing,” said Smith.
Tseshaht Chief Councillor and Eileen’s extended family member Hugh Braker spoke on behalf of Eileen’s husband Dave Haggard and her children Linsey and Ted. He thanked the education workers for their stories, but joked “it works two ways, because she would come home and tell stories about you too.”
He said sometimes there was a lot of stress and sadness in the way some Nuu-chah-nulth children were treated and sometimes Eileen would bring that home. Braker thanked the workers for giving her a shoulder to lean on during those times.
He said Eileen’s parents and grandparents highly valued the education of Nuu-chah-nulth children and Eileen carried on that passion. Her brothers and sisters have begun a bursary for the children of Haahuupayak school to pursue their education. Many presenters contributed to that fund throughout the evening, including the Huu-ay-ahts and one student who has gone on to be quite successful.
Hjalmer Wenstob, an up-and-coming artist/carver and BC Assembly of First Nations youth representative, credited Eileen with watching over him throughout his schooling and ensuring he finished high school. He’s now a very successful post-secondary student. He said he wouldn’t be where he is without Eileen.
The memorial would last into the wee hours of Sunday morning with families from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations bringing out their songs and dances to entertain those gathered, which were many. The Maht Mahs gym auditorium was filled right up to the back row of the bleachers, helping the family understand the depth of the impact Missbun had and celebrate the legacy she left for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht.
