A B.C. First Nation is hoping to spread awareness of the importance of traditional regalia following an alleged incident at a Kitimat secondary school.
On Nov. 1, a 15-year-old boy, who Glacier Media is not naming, wore his regalia to picture day. His excitement quickly turned to confusion when his teacher allegedly asked him in front of the class, ‘What’s up with the costume today?’
Haisla Nation Council chief councillor Crystal Smith tells Glacier Media the incident was "disheartening" and a "huge concern."
"It’s painful to hear,” she says.
"We’ve been taught that our regalia is culturally sacred. To hear it in the context of being referred to as a costume was definitely disheartening and it’s not only myself emotionally that feels this... it extends past the students and our kids that go to that school."
Smith says regalia is of huge significance to Indigenous cultures across the country.
"They are sacred, they are handed down. There are stories behind them in regards to each of our clan systems and they signify your place within your community.”
Regalia is a full wardrobe and not just a cedar hat or vest, she adds.
“When it comes to our feasts, any cultural ceremony, it’s not only just the blanket, or a vest or headpiece. It’s [all] put together,” she says.
Each piece has meaning and a connection to culture and history.
"If you take a look at our hereditary chiefs and how their regalia is, compared to say what my regalia would be, it’s one that signifies that ranking,” she says.
Haisla First Nation's strength, she continues, is being shown through the youth who have come together to show their support for the young boy. Fellow classmates stood outside the school Tuesday and Wednesday in solidarity.
“To see our children come together, our youth come together and stand as one was so inspiring... they had the voice to stand up and say enough is enough.”
