Bamfield neighbours and students from the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre joined the Huu-ay-aht locals at the beach in Anacla for their annual National Aboriginal Day celebrations on Friday, June 20.
Huu-ay-aht organizers made sure there was plenty for the children to do with games set up on a grassy area. Some children played in the sand by the river, flying kites, chasing bubbles or just playing in the sand and water.
Meanwhile, some of the adults set up barbecues and prepared food to serve their guests. Steven Smith of the HFN Lands and Resources department oversaw the salmon barbecue over an open fire as youngsters helped remove the cooked salmon from the cedar frames.
Earlier that day, a group of young Huu-ay-ahts went out in the islands in their territory to harvest tuts’up (sea urchin). Andrew Clappis demonstrated the proper way to handle, open and eat tuts’up. Some brave guests stepped up to taste the bright orange roe for the first time. One described it as the taste of the ocean.
During the event a group of swimmers arrived at the river. They were a group from the Bamfield Swim Team taking part in an annual fundraiser. They swam across the chilly waters of Pachena Bay to Pachena River in order to raise funds in support of the Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society.
They were welcomed ashore by Huu-ay-aht beach keepers then invited to join the others for lunch. The Bamfield Swim Team is accepting donations on the Canada Helps website
Huu-ay-aht singers drummed as their guests lined up for barbeque salmon, burgers and hot dogs.
Following lunch, organizers planned games and activities for the rest of the afternoon.
