On March 13, Tla-o-qui-aht members gathered at načiqs (Nachaks), also known as Monks’ Point, to witness and accept the draft Declaration of Reconciliation from the District of Tofino. Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne and representatives of the district were present at the ceremony.
Tofino had purchased the land at Monks’ Point to ensure it was preserved. It becomes a park, for the use and benefit of the greater community. It has, however, been used by Tla-o-qui-aht people since time immemorial, acknowledges the declaration.
To begin the ceremony, a welcome song was sung. Eli Enns, a spokesperson for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, acknowledged Chris Seitcher, representing his father Ha’wilth Ray Seitcher. Historian Joe Martin was part of the representation from the Tla-o-qui-aht council.
Martin explained the word načiqs, which means “look out over the ocean”, and this is what the Tla-o-qui-aht people used the spot for, to view the comings and goings in their territory. At the entrance of načiqs are middens, proof of Tla-o-qui-aht’s use of the area before contact.
Osborne told the gathering that Harold Monks, who had owned the land, had willed his estate to the The Land Conservancy, hoping to preserve the land for the local community. The Conservancy, however, ran into financial difficulty and planned to sell the land in 2014 to balance its books.
Tofino objected to the sale, and Osborne said it was a tough three years to secure this land for the park. An angel investor, who wants to remain anonymous, donated a million dollars to preserve this land from development.
Osborne wrote a letter of invitation to Tla-o-qui-aht chief and council to establish the park as a place of reconciliation.
“Therefore the District of Tofino and the Tla-a-o-qui-aht First Nations … hereby declare that the Parties:
1. Will work together to plan the use and management of the park;
2. Will receive input from members of the community of Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht regarding uses of the park that promote the joint interests of the communities and the broader purpose of reconciliation;
3. Will establish a process between the Parties to enable cooperative and joint decision-making over the use and management of the park;
4. Declare their mutual intent to use and preserve the park in a manner that recognizes the long use and importance of načiqs for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, as well as the present and future importance of the park at Monks’ Point for all community members.
The first step towards this reconciliation will be the signing of the declaration.
Seitcher’s presentation spoke of his time working with elders and learning about culture, the Indian residential schools, the impact it has had on communities, and the need to heal and to regain Tla-o-qui-aht’s voice. He also said the land and sea must be cared for.
Enns said it was important to tell the truth and talk about such historical issues and how First Nations people were treated. Once the truth is known, then people can begin healing and reconciling.
Martin, a carver, spoke about the totem pole and its meaning as it relates to reconciliation. He said at the top of each totem pole are symbols, like a sun or a thunderbird. The thunderbird depicts a level of respect that each must carry, and the bottom of the pole usually has a bear or wolf to represent the upholding of the law.
These are important teachings from the ancestors, parents and grandparents that have been in place for thousands of years, he said.
It was acknowledged that in the past there have been other acts of reconciliation that took place between the two communities, including the support from local Tofino citizens to stop the logging of Meares Island.
The draft declaration is another great gesture to continue reconciling Tla-o-qui-aht and Tofino, a member of the audience said.
A closing song was performed and all guests were invited to have refreshments at Monks’ House, which is located in a beautiful setting on top of a steep hill overlooking the ocean.
There are steps to climb to the top of the hill, a small driveway with limited parking and two look-out areas. It is a peaceful, quiet and serene place where healing ceremonies, retreats, fasting and other cultural activities could be held, if it is agreed upon by both parties.
