The name Mary Allison is well known in our community. She was a descendant of John Faul Allison and his indigenous wife, Nora. John Faul was the first white settler in this valley. Nora ran a pack train carrying groceries and other supplies from Hope through inhospitable mountainous terrain to Princeton and beyond. To this day she is revered for her courage and independent spirit. John Faul subsequently married a Caucasian woman, but it is Nora’s offspring who make up much of the Allison clan.

A few weeks ago Mary’s life was snuffed out when the pickup truck in which she was a passenger careened off Highway #3 near Bromley Rock. The vehicle plunged into the Similkameen River and she was unable to extricate herself.

Linda and I have had only limited contact with the Allison family. When Mary’s mother, Christine Allison announced there would be a wake in her home, we felt an urging to attend, but wondered if this would be appropriate. Would the people view us as curious outsiders intruding on a sacred gathering of their people? Linda said she felt somewhat uneasy about going, and I had similar thoughts. We did feel, however, it was important for the Hedley community to show support and compassion, so in spite of misgivings, we decided to go.

Christine and her husband Rick Holmes live on the local reserve. We found their home at the end of a long driveway running parallel to the Similkameen River. It’s an idyllic setting with a splendid view of the valley and mountains.

When we arrived we saw men sitting or standing around a fire. Some Indigenous communities light a fire to honour the individual who has passed from this world. A handful of people near the house greeted us and we asked if we could participate in the wake. They assured us we were welcome and one of the young women led us into the home. Arriving at the top of a short flight of stairs, we saw that the living room, dining room and kitchen were fully occupied. Upon seeing us, there was an immediate stirring. A couple of chairs became vacant and we were invited to sit down. Several individuals greeted us warmly and we quickly felt at ease and welcome.

They were just completing prayers for Mary. Ramona, who has a strong pleasant voice, then led the group in singing several hymns. We sensed that people wanted to support and bless the grieving family.

After the singing it was announced that there was plenty of food and we were urged to fill our plates. “We just finished supper,” Linda said. “We don’t have room to eat now.” Carrie Allison, a respected and much loved Elder said, “Go ahead and fill your plates. You can take them home and eat later.” We followed her suggestion and one of the ladies took the plates and carried them to our car.

Christine had stepped outside and we met her there. She told us that a few days before the accident Mary had said she was wondering about what career would be suitable for her. Her journey through the teenage years had been fraught with difficulties. Now, at age 19 she was beginning to think positively about her future.

As we negotiated the long dirt driveway back to the highway, we realized we had benefited greatly from the warmth and congeniality we had experienced. We had hoped to bless, and had been blessed ourselves.