Levi Martin wears a shawl that he dons while delivering ceremonies on big occasions. “When I have to speak in public, I have the ability to connect with the ancestors,” he said. “I will be their voices, channel their message.” MELISSA RENWICK, HA-SHILTH-SA
Benson Nookemis did not know a word of English when he was sent to the Alberni Indian Residential School. His mother hardly knew any English so he was raised speaking the Huu-ay-aht dialect, which he continues to speak today. The 85-year-old said he can count the remaining fluent speakers within his community on one hand. It makes me feel sad, he said. We re losing our language. MELISSA RENWICK, HA-SHILTH-SA