James Sr. and Dinah Lulua are the perfect choice for king and queen of the 40th Annual BC Elders Gathering taking place in Williams Lake July 11 - 14, said Xeni Gwet’in Chief Roger William.
“They are very well respected members of our community and good role models,” William told the Tribune Tuesday. “They have been alcohol and drug free for many years.”
The Luluas have worked at Naghtaneqed Elementary and Junior High School in Nemiah for years.
James is a bus driver and Dinah is a teacher’s aid and Aboriginal liaison.
“They hunt, they fish, their children played hockey, and they are always out on the land and camping out,” William said, adding the Luluas are caring for Dinah’s 93-year-old mom Mabel Solomon and doing a great job.
James was a rodeo cowboy in the past, competing in bull riding and saddle bronc.
To this day the Luluas continue to raise cattle and horses on their ranch.
“They are very busy and always involved,” William added. “James has emceed our Brittany Gathering every year where we celebrate our May 7, 1992 road block, which is a big part of our Supreme Court title rights case and win.”
James also emcees the cultural week at the school each year, as he did at the 25th annual this last May.
“Dinah is just the same and is always involved — volunteering and helping out. They are real go-getters," William said as he described them as role models both individually and as a couple.
“We’ve been calling them our king and queen ever since they were chosen for the Elders Gathering,” he chuckled.
The tradition of the king and queen began at the 1982 Prince George Elders Gathering. Kings and queens are chosen for their leadership qualities and community spirit.