On Sunday July 5th, GaLTT member and Past President Rob Brockley was one of six Gabriola Elders honoured at a Blanket Ceremony led by Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder C’tasi:a (Geraldine) Manson at the Gabriola Museum.
This Blanketing Ceremony honoured individuals “recognized for their role in holding passion in one or more of five different categories dear to our island – the Land, the Waters, the Fauna, the History/Heritage, and the Ecology of Gabriola.” The other honorees were Liz Ciocea, Nick Doe, Deb Ferens, Dar Mace and Phyllis Reeve.
“An Indigenous blanket ceremony is a deeply sacred tradition used to honour an individual’s achievement, mark a major life transition, or show deep community respect. It provides physical and spiritual protection that wraps the recipient in the community’s respect. A blanketing ceremony shows respect for those who have made an important contribution to community in some way.” (Gabriola Museum)
The ceremony opened with drumming and an honouring song sung by SFN member Debbie Good, accompanied by her granddaughter Safia and Elder C’tasi:a’s great-granddaughter Kamaiya. Honourees were wrapped in blankets and escorted to their places. Four people called from the audience were charged with witnessing the ceremony and remembering it for future generations. Presenters spoke for each honouree, detailing their achievements, and the witnesses spoke to the importance of their work overall.
Current GaLTT President Sarah Kopjar spoke for Rob and his achievements during the ceremony, noting his service as Chair of the Trails Committee, Chair of the Conservation Committee, and President from 2019 to 2023. During this period Rob was instrumental in making conservation a high priority for GaLTT, in working to build relationships and organizational infrastructure to pursue these goals, and in conservation advocacy. As Sarah said, “Rob leads by example.”
A few audience members and the formal witnesses also spoke to the importance of the work of the honorees. Elder C’tasi:a thanked the audience for attending, and refreshments were served.
A Blanket Ceremony is a formal, important and very moving event. GaLTT is delighted that Rob and his work were honoured in such a meaningful way, and we thank Elder C’tasi:a for recognizing the contributions of all these individuals and Gabriola Museum for hosting the ceremony.
