Nuu-chah-nulth Mourns with Snuneymuxw Upon Hearing of the Passing of Beloved Elder, Kwulasulwut (Ellen White)
(Port Alberni, B.C.) The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council extends its condolences and deepest sympathies to the White family, and to all the Snuneymuxw Nation; the Nuu-chah-nulth people mourn with you during this trying and difficult time.
During her time at Vancouver Island University, "Auntie Ellen" became a tremendous source of moral and cultural support for many Nuu-chah-nulth students that attended VIU over the years. Most Nuu-chah-nulth students will fondly remember the countless occasions Auntie Ellen started off the day in a good way with a song and prayer, and all the hahuupa (teachings) that were shared during those times. Auntie Ellen left a lasting legacy on so many Nuu-chah-nulth students who came to love and respect Auntie Ellen’s gentle nature, knowledge of culture, and welcoming personality. She brightened up the world for so many young minds, and we are so very saddened to hear of this loss.
It is our understanding that the name, Kwulasulwut, translates to "many stars", and that is precisely the gift that Auntie Ellen has left for us. She created so many stars around her in the students whose lives she touched, who have since gone on and made lasting and positive impacts on our world. Even here in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, our world is a better place for the impact that Kwulasulwut has had on our students, who returned home strengthened and empowered by Auntie Ellen’s guidance and teachings.
This week, as Snuneymuxw prepares to lay its loved one to rest, know that the Nuu-chah-nulth stand with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, with the White family, with the VIU staff, and with the many, many stars out there who also mourn this great loss.
CONTACTS:
Judith Sayers, President
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250.724.5757 ext. 231
E: judith.sayers@nuuchahnulth.org
Andy Callucum, Vice-President
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250.724.5757 ext. 232 E: andy.callicum@nuuchahnulth.org
About the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) provides programs and services to over 9,000 registered members. The role of the NTC is to represent fourteen First Nations in three regions stretching 300 kilometers of the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island from Brooks Peninsula in the North to Point-no-Point in the south. Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council represents Ahousaht, Ditidaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Kyuquot/Cheklesaht, Mowachaht /Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht and Ucluelet First Nations and provides a variety of programs and services to them. For more information, please visit www.nuuchahnulth.org.
