The Nuu-Chah-nulth Tribal Council celebrates with its USMA Nuu-Chah-Nulth Family and Child Services program for being a recipient of the B.C. Reconciliation Awards. This award will be presented today at Government House in Victoria.

The B.C. Reconciliation Awards recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to furthering reconciliation efforts.

Vice President Les Doiron commented that, “The USMA NTC is proud and honoured to be recognized for this award. We applaud the USMA staff and their wonderful partners for
achieving such a far reaching innovative venture that furthers the healing and cultural resurgence of our youth and grows our relationships in the community.”

What is being recognized is that USMA has put in place a program called haahupa (teaching in a loving way), combining traditional teaching with modern education to support healing and cultural resurgence with our youth. One of these initiatives is the canoe program in which a curriculum was developed to teach children the use of canoes and its importance in our history and way of life. Two canoes were acquired to do hands on teachings. USMA has brought in strong community partners such as School District 70 to help with the program and contribute in many ways making this a real community effort.

This program builds bridges and creates understanding to the non Nuu-chah-nulth community with the Nuu-chah-nulth community, leading to meaningful collective celebrations to acknowledge milestones and celebrate in the Nuu-chah-nulth way.

Les Doiron further commented, “Reconciliation is key to greater understandings and strong communities, working together for the benefit of all. NTC encourages others to do the same and build strong partnerships for a better world as that is true Reconciliation”.