As Far As I Know: Reminiscences of an Ahousat Elder
Library Item
Peter Webster was born in Clayoquot Sound on October 3, 1908. His earliest years were spent as a child member of a migratory food-gathering society. Early in life, he experienced the frustrations of the educational, legal and cultural system introduced by the European. For a time, Peter descended, as have so many others deprived of their roots, into alcoholism and apathy. But, Peter Webster emerged to become a force in the preservation of his culture and especially its songs and language.
Given the 'advantage' of only two years of formal education, Peter is self-educated to the point where he walks tall among all manner of men including those who bear such vocational titles as educationalist, anthropologist, archivist and the like.
Peter often states that he has tried everything to become wealthy, but never made it. Peter and Jessie, his wife, have had difficult times and deep sorrows. But they are rich in the love of children, grandchildren and many friends with whom they live today at Ahousat.
Peter Webster is known as a collector and singer of songs. His rich voice has narrated recordings for the British Columbia Archives. He has also written for us.
In 1981, in his 70's, he attended the University of Victoria to study for a diploma in linguistics. In the process, he taught his instructors and assisted in the first steps taken to prepare a dictionary of his language.
Peter Webster is, at one and the same time, a voice recalling the past and a voice of encouragement for the future of the West Coast people.
He lives up to his name 'O-WO-ME-YIS', the 'Leader on the Beach'.
--Richard G. Foulkes
Kwayatsapalth, Peter Webster's nephew, was born in 1948 in his family's home at the village of Aswinis, near Port Alberni. His education began when he was a small boy listening to songs and stories, watching dances and attending feasts and potlatches. As a teenager he studied drawing and painting and by the age of twenty he was exploring the traditional techniques of his ancestors in two dimensional design, engraving and carving. His work, which appears also under the names Hupquatchew and Ron Hamilton, has been exhibited widely in museums and galleries. Kwayatsapalth currently works as a Research Consultant for the Nu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
--J.S. Stewart
Given the 'advantage' of only two years of formal education, Peter is self-educated to the point where he walks tall among all manner of men including those who bear such vocational titles as educationalist, anthropologist, archivist and the like.
Peter often states that he has tried everything to become wealthy, but never made it. Peter and Jessie, his wife, have had difficult times and deep sorrows. But they are rich in the love of children, grandchildren and many friends with whom they live today at Ahousat.
Peter Webster is known as a collector and singer of songs. His rich voice has narrated recordings for the British Columbia Archives. He has also written for us.
In 1981, in his 70's, he attended the University of Victoria to study for a diploma in linguistics. In the process, he taught his instructors and assisted in the first steps taken to prepare a dictionary of his language.
Peter Webster is, at one and the same time, a voice recalling the past and a voice of encouragement for the future of the West Coast people.
He lives up to his name 'O-WO-ME-YIS', the 'Leader on the Beach'.
--Richard G. Foulkes
Kwayatsapalth, Peter Webster's nephew, was born in 1948 in his family's home at the village of Aswinis, near Port Alberni. His education began when he was a small boy listening to songs and stories, watching dances and attending feasts and potlatches. As a teenager he studied drawing and painting and by the age of twenty he was exploring the traditional techniques of his ancestors in two dimensional design, engraving and carving. His work, which appears also under the names Hupquatchew and Ron Hamilton, has been exhibited widely in museums and galleries. Kwayatsapalth currently works as a Research Consultant for the Nu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
--J.S. Stewart
Kwayatsapalth (Illustrator)
LIB.00074
Campbell River, BC : Campbell River Museum and Archives
1983
0919851002
Print and published material
English
Media Room and Library
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