This year’s Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Urban Gathering for Victoria was held at the Edelweiss Club on Niagara Street, a familiar location for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht living in the city.
There were fewer families joining the festivities this year, as the Victoria event is normally standing room only by the time food is served. But as news of the holiday meal spread latecomers came in to fill the empty tables and enjoy a Christmas dinner.
Alice Charlie comes to the Urban Gathering every year with her family and said that there were other cultural events going on that Tuesday, December 2 in Victoria, which could explain the lower than normal attendance.
With about half the tables full by 5 p.m., NTC Vice-President Les Doiron went to work with emcee duties, welcoming the people and introducing Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council staff.
Families were invited to come to the photo booth for fun holiday photos. There were also tables set up offering activities like coloring, cedar weaving and henna designs.
A catered dinner of ham, turkey and all the fixings was served while door prizes were handed out to lucky winners.
NTC Cultural worker Howard Morris was there, singing and drumming with support from locals. When they weren’t singing, the room was filled with Christmas music over the speaker system.
As word fluttered out on social media that the Urban Gathering was taking place in Victoria, late arrivals started filling the empty seats. Fortunately, there was plenty of leftover food for them to take home.
The evening wrapped up with home-baked goodies for everyone to enjoy.
This was the first of a series of gatherings hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for members living in urban areas. Next are Urban Gatherings in Vancouver on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Japanese Hall (475 Alexander Street), Nanaimo on Dec. 9 at the Beban Park Auditorium (2300 Bowen Road), Port Alberni on Dec. 10 at the Italian Hall (4065 Sixth Ave.), then a final gathering in Campbell River on Dec. 11 at the Thunderbird Hall (1420 Wewaikum Road).
