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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 |
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