I was given homework and I have tears in my eyes.

Last Thursday, I had the joy of teaching “All About Octopuses” to local kindergarten students.

After I had taught them, we were sitting in a circle and the children asked me if I could say hello from them to the next Giant Pacific Octopus I saw while diving.

Of course, I said yes and was really moved. But then they changed their minds.

They said I should not say “hello”. I should say “g̱ilakas’la’”.

Gilakas’la’ means “I share my breath and spirit with yours” in Kwak̓wala.

I’m not crying. You’re crying.

Then, two days later, I was diving and in just 8 metres of water (25′), I chanced upon a Giant Pacific Octopus tucked away in their den. This video is the result. I hope you can hear the joy and earnestness in my voice.

Gilakas’la’ is used to welcome, greet, and give thanks.

For pronunciation listen here.
[ǥi] (la) (kas) (‘la)

Thank you dear teachers at Cheslakees Elementary School