Dear Editor,
I was both shocked and interested to read your article about the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations and their troubles (Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations building hope for the future, September 2024). All the years I had been part of Aboriginal Neighbours, I had not known about them. With the encouragement of Bishop Logan McMenamie, we visited the long house at Alert Bay many times, but we had not known the grief of this group of people. The only excuse there can be is that, though a few members were living at Port Hardy, the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ homeland is actually on the mainland. I feel that we should be doing all we can in brotherly or sisterly love to help all people in the diocese, especially those in the most remote areas. It is where organizations like Aboriginal Neighbours can and should help.
Jenny Balme
formerly St John’s, Cobble Hill
