Kuu-us Crisis Service celebrated its 25th anniversary in Port Alberni last week with a totem unveiling, a blanket ceremony and an announcement.
Kuu-us has provided crisis counselling, programs and housing for people in the Alberni Valley for 25 years. A few years ago they took their crisis services provincial, and last week executive director Elia Nicholson-Nave announced that Kuu-us will soon have a national focus.
Nicholson-Nave led a special blanket ceremony honouring various partners who have supported Kuu-us Crisis Service on their journey. “The blanket ceremony is a very important thing for us,” Nicholson-Nave said.
Recipients included clients who are now working with Kuu-us, many health care workers, government officials and board members. While they received their blankets and headbands made of cedar a salmon lunch was served.
Totem artist Andrew Mack’s wife Karen performed a rattle dance to bless the carving before it was unveiled. Andrew Mack, a member of the Toquaht Nation on the west coast, spent two years carving the Thunderbird; someone connected to Kuu-us saw the totem when he put it on display at his home and connected with Andrew about buying it for a commemorative project.
“The Thunderbird to me is the most powerful bird in Nuu-chah-nulth territory,” Mack said. The totem includes other features such as wolves and salmon, considered “life giver”.
Mack said his goal is to decorate Port Alberni with first nations artwork.
Kuu-us runs a variety of programs for youth and adults, single people and families. If you are an adult in crisis, please call 250-723-4050. If you are a youth or you know a child who is in crisis, please call 250-723-2040. Both of these numbers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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