Q'opthut Sul'hween "To promote, foster and encourage the gathering and meeting of First Nations elders to share, exchange and foster the preservation of spiritual values, beliefs and traditional practices of First Nations." ITHA is supporting that objective as laid out by Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulh First Nations Elders. "I've never known anyone so dedicated to the Elders," stated Terry Fox, commenting on the efforts of ITHA Co-chair David Bob who was instrumental in the development of the new society for First Nations Elders withhin Vancouver Island and coastal communities near Vancouver Island. There was a blanketing ceremony at the fall Elders luncheon, Elder Ann Bob from Snaw'Naw'As (Nanoose First Nation) blanketed Paul Kyba to honor him for helping to make all of this possible. Paul and lawyer Sucha Ollek made sure the Q'opthun Sul'hween Society was able to meet Canada's criteria, and formally register the group. Chief David Bob (Co-chair ITHA) of Snaw'Naw'As who helped organize this initiative for the elders announced at the fall gathering, "I've got some good news for you today" ... the Canada Revenue Agency had agreed to issue the elders a charitable status number - real plus for fundraising - an important goal for 2009 acitivities. Some of the objectives of the Society include, establishing a permanent record of spiritual values, beliefs and traditional practices of First Nations within Vancouver Island and coastal communities near Vancouver Island to aid the preservation and continuation of the values, beliefs and traditional practices. Also, to enable and support the First Nations Elders to teach and train community members in the spiritual values, beliefs, traditional practices and languages of the First Nations. As well, "to alleviate poverty amongst the First Nations Elders by providing income support and financial aid to low income First Nations Elders, and provide a meeting place for Elders, together with related support services including outreach programs, social and cultural activities, and spiritual support." |