The 2014 Tlu-piich Games came to a close Aug. 11, but not before two new Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Role Models were named. After making speeches, displaying their talents and answering the questions of three judges—Matilda Atleo, Irene Robinson and Kelly Sport—junior and senior youth role models were selected.
Elijah Robinson of Uchucklesaht has become the 2014 Junior Role Model, and Leigh-Anne White of Hupacasath became the 2014 Senior Role Model. But it was clear that all six contestants were winners because of their willingness to come forward to compete.
Elijah is a dishwasher at a local restaurant and Leigh-Anne is a full-time mom of a two-year-old son.
To begin the evening’s event, Simon Lucas led a song to honor the outgoing 2012 Nuu-chah-nulth Princess Jessica Hamilton and 2012 Nuu-chah-nulth Role Model Keanna Hamilton, who served two years in their roles. Ha’wilth Al Ross of Hupacasath provided the opening prayer and congratulated all the participants of the Tlu-piich Games, noting the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes.
Keynote Donna Lucas said the Tlu-piich and Nuu-chah-nulth traditions are to uplift youth and hold them high. The youth role model contest wasn’t a competition in the true sense of the word, she said, because all of the young people were role models already.
First up was a statement from each young contestant to introduce themselves. In the junior category was Shae-Lynne Williams of Ditidaht, Hunter Jimmy of Ahousaht and Elijah Robinson. In the senior category was Leigh-Anne White, Nona Marchand of Ditidaht and Margaret August of Ahousaht.
Stan Matthew was a charming and encouraging host and emcee, especially when nerves got the better of some and “tremendous” emotions bubbled over. He said it was brave and courageous to stand before a room full of people. Before the talent competition he reminded the young people that they were among family. “Be yourself,” he advised. “Let yourself shine.
Shae-Lynne sang a ciqua’a for her talent and Hunter spoke about his love of sports, particularly basketball. “It makes me happy,” he said. Elijah described the process of oosmich (ritual bathing). He said it helps him relieve stress and he’s been doing it since he was 10. His two brothers and father go before sunrise, and seek out running waters like rivers. He said he feels more connected to the spirit world, the ancestors and the natural world. And described it as “one of the biggest parts of my life.”
Leigh Anne demonstrated some of her craftworks, including a paddle that she painted. She handed out necklaces that she made to each of the contestants and a cedar headband to Hunter. She even had something for the outgoing princess and role model. She had walked the beaches of Ditidaht to get the shells she used in the necklaces. She said she didn’t know what she would do with them at the time, but “they’ve found a home now,” she added.
Nona talked about her education goals. (She wants to be a teacher and is excited about her second year at university.) Margaret performed a tradition dance.
Then came three questions for each of the candidates. What did iisaak (respect) mean to the candidates and how do they incorporate it into their lives; what is the importance of culture and language and how do the contestants contribute to the efforts of their families in regard to culture and language; and what is the significance of the regalia they were wearing.
While the judges were reviewing all they had seen and heard from the contestants, Princess Jessica Hamilton gave a farewell speech. She first addressed the contestants, telling them she understood the anxiety they were feeling. She said the more they practised the better things would get. “It got better for me.”
She said the Tlu-piich pageant and reigning as princess was the making of her. Before she became involved in the program, she experimented with drugs and alcohol, but once she became a princess she didn’t do drugs or alcohol again and she has stopped smoking cigarettes. “It taught me self-discipline.”
Jessica said she was very glad she registered for the competition, because, without it, she would have been caught “in hell”. She congratulated all the participants. “You are all winners” and will “inspire” other youth. She thanked the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council on behalf of her sister Keanna and herself. “We are now ready to hand down our titles to the senior and junior role models.”
The emceeing duties were handed over temporarily to Martin Watts who began the closing ceremony. He said the success of the Tlu-piich Games relied on many volunteers and the staff was very grateful for all those who lent a hand. He called up a number of people who donated more than 25 hours each over the seven-day event. The Nuu-chah-nulth people would like to thank you for all your help, he said.
The Games committee presented Ditidaht Nation with the Most Sportsman-like Nation award. Ditidaht not only brought more than 75 participants who competed at the highest level of their abilities, they put on the canoe clinic, helped the Games committee wherever they could and volunteered generously.
It was then that the winners of the role model contests were announced. When his name was called Elijah thanked the coordinator of the games and the volunteers who put on a terrific event. Leigh-Anne also thanked the volunteers, and singled out her grandmother Louise Tatoosh for admiration who Leigh-Anne said helped her through a lot of challenges.
In congratulating the role models Stan said “be prepared for good things to come, but most of all, be prepared for greatness.”
Jasmine Gomez was named Top Female Under 17 Athlete of the Tlu-piich Games and Jacob Dick was named Top Male Under 17 Athlete. The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council also recognized the athletes that took part in the North American Indigenous Games held in Regina in July. Some medal winners were in attendance and they were presented with “blue beads of remembrance.”
