On Feb 21, Gisele and Tsimka Martin presented Hugh Braker with a chuputz to thank him for helping their dad Joe Martin with a human rights complaint back in the year 2000. Joe had been fired from his job for attending the Makah Whale Feast in June 1999.
The complaint was eventually dropped, but Joe’s daughters wanted to show their appreciation for what Braker, a lawyer by trade, did to help their dad at the time.
Joe Martin started the presentation with a chant to support his daughters.
Robert Watts, spokesman for Braker, did a chant and explained that Hugh and his family would set up a date in March to thank Gisele and Tsimka.
Hugh said “Bring your whole family, Joe.”
The tentative date for the acceptance of the gift is set for March 19 in Port Alberni.
Joe is a master traditional canoe maker from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. He teaches the art of chuputz making. His daughter Gisele used his canoes in her cultural adverture business in Tofino, and her sister Tsimka was a guide for many years.
