Huu-ay-aht pay tribute to Wawmeesh at a Memorial potlatch

Tyee hawilth Huu-ah-aht, Tliishin Song

Song belonging to the Tyee Hawilth (head chief) of the Huu-ay-aht Nation of Anacla in Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada. This was performed at the memorial potlatch held in honor of the late Wawmeesh -- George Watts of the Tseshaht First Nation. The family of the late Wawmeesh held a grand three day potlatch in November 2006attended by thousands in honor of an amazing person. George touched the lives of many.

Huu-ay-aht were one of many tribes who took part in the potlatch bringing out their Huu puukwa num tuupaat (treasures of the chief). This particular song is the Hin-Keets (sea serpant) dance. As you can see there are two sea serpant headdresses, one is usually a male, one a female.
One of the choruses is Tluu-yaw-chee-shilth naas which roughly means "the day is getting better"

Note -- The potlatch was once outlawed by the Canadian government for a number of years (1884 -- 1951). If anyone were to partake in a potlatch they would be jailed and/or fined and regalia confiscated. This video is some proof that nuu-chah-nulth culture is very much alive and getting stronger.

Tseshaht and Huuayaht are members of the Nuuchahnulth Tribal Council, which is made up of about 14 nations all along the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Nuu-chah-nulth translates to "All along the mountains and sea". This name shows how nuuchahnulth are very rich with the abundance of natural resources available to them. Nuuchahnulth have survived on the west coast of vancouver island for thousands of years.

This song belongs to the chief of the huu ay aht first nation. I put these videos on just to share some of our culture. If anyone wants me to add info feel free to email me. chuu

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[DeeGabinet]

Beautiful!  Bamfield is a powerful place, miss is greatly :)

[ReallyRosieful]

Ty , Ty Ty :)

[mnm23xx]

love it. :)

[soulhunter790]

Very Awesome song n dance =]

[acerb45666555]

i dedicate this vid>>>"Ogi no mato",...to all the ancient sea warriors of all the west coast tribes who died in battle. no one else seems to think of them and the fierce and brave things they did. remember them forever.

[tOnijO85]

omg... this song is amazing!

[ThePeters1234]

what the heck i guess something up with my comp....but i love this song very powerful!! when i dance this song can sure feel it!!

[FrankaboutFrank]

that is an awesome scene..very powerful..thank you for posting..made my day

[blindedronin]

I loved being there it was such a blessing to sit amoungst my family listening to the songs. I live in the Okanagan but my heart and blood is Ditidaht.

[xXxbig2pacluverxXx]

i was a wit walk at this potlach i love doing what i do in my cluture i am proud where i come from