Help kwatamus to Safely Live on Traditional Land
Introduction
My name is Starr Rousseaux. I am a mother of 3 and currently live in Surrey BC. I was living on the Sunshine Coast for a number of years and and built a special relationship with Heriditary and Elective Chief, hiwus Craigan ( aka Calvin Craigan . Though this relationship I was privileged to meet and spend time with Master Carver, kwatamus and his wife Sonia, brother to hiwus Craigan. kwatamus and his wife Sonia both have gentle kind hearts and more than deserving of the love, care and support of community coming together to improve the conditions of their chosen lifestyle, isolated on the traditional lands of the Shíshálh people. Below is a story and outline created by Hiwus and myself to educate you this special couples current needs.
About Kwatamus
Our Brother kwatamus ( aka Arnold Jones ) was born in our old village of kwatamus ( Egmont ) in kalpilin ( Pender Harbor ) on March 24th, 1942. kwatamus spent some time in residential school, but continued to live here on his traditional land afterwards with Sonia, his wife of over 40 years, and they wish to remain here until their beloved ancestors come for them
Our Brother is a renowned Master Carver and his art has traveled around the globe. He has a 3 poles raised in the kapilin ( Pender Harbor ) and selflessly lends his time to the community, teaching the youth about the art of carving.
Next time you visit kapilin ( Pender Harbor ) be sure to check out his poles at the Pender Harbor High School and the Back Eddy Marina and Pub.
He remains a highly respected elder by all shíshálh people, young and old.
Due to his age (79 ) our Brother finds that he requires our help to make life easier for himself and his mate, Sonia, to maintain their lifestyle.
kwatamus and his wife don’t live on the mainland. In order to get to their home you need to come to the Back Eddy Marina and take a boat across the water to their home. They live in isolation. It takes great effort to come into town and access amenities and for years they have had boats that have not protect them from the elements. If it snows, rains and or is windy, they are exposed and this is very uncomfortable at their age, not to mention a risk to their health. Contracting pneumonia could very well bring their journey to an end.
We have started this Go Fund Me Page to raise money for the following items and or whatever they feel they need to improve the quality of their lives for the rest of their days.
1. A BOAT ENGINE
kwatamus and his wife have managed to find a new boat with a hard top that will protect them from the elements, but they do not have an engine for this vesseland the one they have on their current boat will not work with the new. We will also need to hire a marine mechanic to install then new motor.
We are in search for a :
Yamaha 2 stroke
60 horse power
Outboard motor
New is valued at $6500
Labor to install $1000
Bottom Painting $3000
We would like to raise enough to provide them a new reliable, stress free motor that will last them the remaining years of their lives and the cost of a mechanic to install. Also to have boat pulled out and new coat of bottom paint be applied to protect the fibreglass.
2. Dock Repair and Maintenance
- Dock lines tightened cinched up.
- Ladder to his dock incase they fall in
( That’s right, they have not had one this whole time !! )
- Safety enhancements on the way up to the main house
- Perhaps extra lighting put in for late night trecks to the house.
- Paid Labor to get this completed.
3. New Computer
Because kwatamus and Sonia have decided to live on their traditional land in isolation, it has created a social disconnect to the family. There are many family members that are not able to see kwatamus and we would like to change this. Raising money for a new computer with video calling capabilities will enhance these needed connections.
4. Stove Upgrade
kwatamus and Sonia have a very old stove and it is starting to cause problems !
5. New Work Tent & Wood Stove to Heat !
The tent he currently has, the weather has tarnished it tremendously. We would ideally like to get a new one because the current one is not sealed. This way he can continue to carve during the cold winter months and a wood stove would ensure he could stay warm out there. There is a photo attached below.
6. New Carving Tools
kwatamus has been using very old tools and there are new tools we can get that will improve the ease of the work and help behind produce more effectively
7. Full Top to Botton Deep House Clean
8. Fill their Freezer and stock the Shelves
Thank your for taking the time to read this story. It is our hope that you will reach deep into your pockets and support !
Other ways you can support
We will be hosting a Fundraiser at a near by pub in the not so distant future. If you have a local business or service to the Sunshine Coast or Greater Vancouver area and would like to donate to our silent auction that is great ! Please Reach out if you have something you would like to contribute !
Also COPY and PASTE this onto your social media platforms - Let’s spread the word !
A photo of kwatatumus's TOTEM POLE currently raised on at the Back Eddie Resort in Egmont BC
A Photo of HIWUS and KWATAMUS
This is a photo of kwatamus work station. As you can see the tent needs repair and organizing. Because of the heat his recent poll he has been working on was cracked. Had it been protected this may not have happened.
Here is a photo of the Dock. As you can see down the right hand side there are no railings and at night it is dark. So easy to slip and fall in the rain and there is NO Ladder !
We need secure this and put lights up !
You can also see the boat and how exposed they are to the elements !
kwatamus cruising is to the government docks !
