A tlaakt'uuthla (memorial gathering) April 16 was held to celebrate the life of late James Dick of Tseshaht and mark the end of the family’s grieving period.
Robert Watts was the speaker for the family and emcee of the gathering, which was held at Maht Mahs gym and hosted by late James’ wife Gina Dick.
The first business was to introduce the witwaak (security), and because James loved to cook, instead of blankets or cedar sashes, the men wore aprons in his honor. While the team wore blue aprons to identify them to the guests, which filled the gym, the head of security, Wes Price, wore one that was covered in fish graphics.
The floor was cleansed by the family with eagle down. Robert Watts then helped the family with ta'ilthma, a token for families who had suffered their own losses and to acknowledge their grief and support them ‘like a cane’ in their mourning.
Tim Sutherland stood with the host to provide a prayer chant to heal the heart.
The family connections extended as far as Kyuquot and to cousins who arrived from their Tsartlip home.
The host then acknowledged and presented gifts to many people who came to the family’s side to help them on the day. The host said she wanted to stand them up for the important job they did for her and for the family.
James’ brother Sid Dick called up the children of late James. He had made them paddles “for you to move on in your life, be strong in your life.”
There was also a paddle for Ron Dick Jr., who also did important work for the family. He too was instructed to move on in his life and to be strong.
Martin Watts was presented with a paddle made by Sid which had a chims (bear) painted on it, saying he was like a brother.
James’ older brother Alfred said Sid had been grieving and hurting so much, so he decided to make the paddles so they could all paddle forward together.
Reg Sam stood to speak on behalf of the family. He said they were ready to let go of James who will paddle and go where he is going. They understood it was time to move forward. The family extended their gratitude to their guests that were present to witness the business of the family and for those “that wrapped a blanket around them to keep them warm.”
In the Sam family’s presentation to the host, Reg said they supported the “good work going on today.” He said they were connected to the Dick family and stand behind them 100 per cent in what they were doing and to gently push them forward a bit. They presented some tana (money) to help them with hosting their guests.
Frazer Smith rose with the family from Tsartlip in support of the Dick family. Pat Nicolaye spoke for the Kyuquot family saying she had happy memories of James.
James’ family heard that he was friendly, outgoing and easy-going and was accepted all the way up to Kyuquot.
