There was little doubt that Port Alberni is an urban hub for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht when people packed the Italian Hall for a holiday feast on Wednesday.
At least 220 came to fill the venue wall to wall on Dec. 10, the fourth of five such Urban Gatherings being hosted this month by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Besides the Christmas dinner and a chance to reconnect with family, participants were treated to door prizes, singing, cedar weaving, a photo booth, painted henna designs and a table for holiday crafts. Those interested in learning about their family history even had a chance to sit down and work on family trees through a project underway from Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services.
After hosting Urban Gatherings in Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Port Alberni, the final event is scheduled today at the Thunderbird Hall in Campbell River (1420 Wewaikum Road). Today’s Urban Gathering starts at 4 p.m.
