-What are you learning about the community you’re working with?
It took 2 days of travel by ferry, driving on highways and logging roads and then another boat to the secluded Kyuquot community but we finally made it. I did not know much about the community before my arrival but was soon immersed in a unique tradition on day 1 at the school. Kyuquot Elementary/Secondary school is the only school in the community and it consists of 44 students ranging from primary to secondary students.
A beautiful scenic drive. Long but enjoyable!
Had to stop and take in the surroundings somewhere between Campbell River and Gold River.
The truck was fully loaded. It is challenging buying enough food to last for 3 weeks; there is only one store in Kyuquot, open 3 days a week and only accessible by boat.
The water taxi from Fair Harbour to Kyuquot. As you can see by my expression I am pretty tired from the long trip. We did not get in to Kyuquot until 10:30pm after a full day of travelling.
Twice a year, once in the fall and once at the end of the year the school has a beach day at a special place called Aktis. This is a unique field trip because the whole school has to organize boats to take everyone out of the Kyuquot community and over to a little island and beach area called Aktis. It is funny because most of the community comes and joins the school at the beach for a bbq, some swimming and usually field games. However, it was not the beautiful boat ride, kayaking among the unique islands and wildlife, or the lounging on the beach that gave me insight into an exciting community with such a rich history. It was the stories that the members of the community shared with us that day.
The beach at Aktis!
We got to take a few kayaks out. Lots of beautiful things to see including Bald Eagles and Otters.
Another picturesque moment at the beach.
A view from the dock at Kyuquot. Boats are the main mode of transportation since the community is not accessible by car. Across the way is Wallace Island where a number of residents live and that is where the one store is.
Kyuquot is a small coastal community that is part of the Cheklesahht nation. A traditional language Nuu-chah-nulth still exists but does not appear to be spoken much among the community members. However, it is taught in the school. Many dialects of this language exist up and down the coastal communities from as far south as Ucluelet to the northern most point of Kyuquot, which is closer to the northern tip of the island right on the west coast in the Nootka sound. Aktis was the former home of the Kyuquot community and there are still a few houses intact from the old days. Some members of the community even grew up on this island and get sentimental when they think about the land and the rich history of the people. A few of these people happily shared their stories with us. The Department of Indian Affairs moved the community from Aktis to its current location in 1972, but the memories of Aktis are still held dear by many members of the community. One highlight of the beach day was the traditional salmon cook; the salmon was wedged within two prongs of a cedar stick which reminded me of a giant clothespin and then held in place by chunks of cedar. The salmon was then placed down wind of the fire so that the heat could cook up the delicious meat which we happily savored, along with various home made salads. It was a unique first day experiencing the Aktis beach tradition!
Our principal Jeff Rockwell doing his Admin duties and getting the fish ready.
A unique way to cook the fish!
Memories of Aktis! This poster depicts the rich history and traditions of the local people.