Michael Thompson – Kwiibaalaah was born at Waayaa, and he passed away peacefully in the village of Balaats’adt, where he spent most of his life as a fisherman, logger, choke setter, and respected elder, linguist and knowledge keeper.
Michael was the sole remaining fluent speaker of the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ dialect, and he was articulate in interpreting the unique and rich history of the Ditidaht First Nation. He dedicated much of his life instructing and inspiring generations of Ditidaht to continue to breathe life into their language, culture and identity. He was the last of his generation, coming from Mary (nee Chester) and George Thompson, and he was connected to his Ancestors, known and unknown, stretching back to a time before time when Nuuchahnulth people were once mighty and great, and ensured the prosperity of the collective good.
Michael survived the indignity of the Alberni Indian Residential School, and despite this affliction, he made a conscious and thoughtful effort to live his life with a sense of devotion and worship to the word of God and the sacraments of the Indian Shaker Church. His many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members will honour his memory by upholding the truth of who we are and where we come from, and the spirit of his dedication to uphold his faith in God.
Michael was our oldest member of Ditidaht.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be a funeral held at the Duncan Indian Shaker Church and the interment at the village of Balaats’adt.