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'Let our history and heritage stay alive'

Coqualeetza needs to stay in tact to preserve Stolo history, says letter writer

Coqualeetza is a place of cleansing to the people of the Stolo Nation. A residential school, 40 yrs ago, it became a hospital that was funded by various churches.  My father was a patient in that hospital at a very young age, due to polio. My Aunt also spent years there, due to T.B.  Away from their family for years, they returned home.

Our Elders are our learning and cultural facts that we embrace everyday so we can pass them on to our generations.  Without our Elders, we would not be here.  I was raised to respect my Elders and I feel in my soul that Doug Kelly has a heart and will turn Coqualeetza back to the people who love it and founded it for our Elders.

One member of the original group is still with us, the rest remain in our hearts and their blood runs through our veins.  Doug, if economies and cutbacks rule over your heritage, then I would give my head a shake.

Let our history and heritage stay alive.

Dedicated with love to Siyamtelot and our past Elders who worked so hard to perserve our heritage.

Leanne Leon