Many Good People WorkinG Together Raising The Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole At Hlk’yah GaawGa

Haida Laas – Journal of the Haida Nation – September 2013 Many Good People Working Together – Raising the Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa

The Archipelago Management Board with guests, and Gwaii Haanas staff. (l-r) Cindy Boyko, AMB; Mel Kotic, AMB; Robert Bennett, AMB; Terri Dionne, Gwaii Haanas; Ernie Gladstone, Superintendent of Gwaii Haanas and AMB; Allan Latourelle, CEO Parks ; Jason Alsop, AMB; Gidkun; President of the Haida Nation, Kil tlaats’gaa; Camille Collinson, Gwaii Haanas; Jiixa, Watchman. The Archipelago Management Board Established as a result of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement, Oceans joined the board as part of the federal representation After a year of work and with the Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole raised at Hlk’yah GaawGa , lead carver Jaalen Edenshaw and the Archipelago Management Board governs the planning, in 2010, following the signing of the Gwaii Haanas Marine Gwaai Edenshaw enjoy a moment of relief. operations and management of the Gwaii Haanas Haida Agreement. The six-member team operates under a consensus Heritage Site, National Park Reserve and National Marine model and governs the planning, operations and management Conservation Area Reserve. of the Gwaii Haanas. The AMB members are: The Board is comprised of representation from the Haida Ernie Gladstone – Superintendent of Gwaii Haanas Raising the Legacy Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa Nation and Canada. The Department of Fisheries and Cindy Boyko – Haida public The Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole was commissioned by the fortunate people boarded the Inside Pas- Jason Alsop – Council of the Haida Nation, Archipelago Management Board to celebrate 20 years of the sage – a big, bright-yellow, 72’ catama- Published by the Council of the Haida Nation – 2013 ran, commissioned by Gwaii Haanas to Produced by Haida Laas: Simon Davies, Amanda Reid-Stevens, Robert Bennett – Council of the Haida Nation, Old Massett Haida Nation and Canada working together to manage Gwaii Valine Crist, Graham Richard, Mare Levesque and Patrick Shannon. transport people to the event. Traveling David Argument – Gwaii Haanas Haanas Haida Heritage Site and National Park Reserve and All photos by Haida Laas staff unless otherwise indicated. Mel Kotic – Department of Fisheries south, two metre seas and sweeping Marine Protected Area. swells tried every vessel’s durability and For many, the day started with commo- arriving the day before the pole raising every captain’s skills, and marine radios Excerpt from the Gwaii Haanas Agreement, signed in 1993 tion, excitement, pent up anticipation after travelling a route taken many times were busy keeping skippers informed on and an intense desire to get to Hlk’yah over centuries. current conditions. Fortunately, everyone The Haida Nation sees the Archipelago as Haida The Government of Canada views the Archi- GaawGa, Windy Bay. In the early hours Warned to expect rough weather, made it safe and sound, though due to the Lands, subject to the collective and individual pelago as Crown land, subject to certain private of August 15th, hundreds of lively (and passengers prepared themselves and extreme weather, some, at first, felt a bit rights of the Haida citizens, the sovereignty of rights or interests, and subject to the sover- not so lively) people loaded on to large attempted to stave off seasickness with unsettled.”. the Hereditary Chiefs, and jurisdiction of the eignty of her Majesty the Queen and the legis- vessels, small open boats, and everything patches and pills and brave talk. Even Upon pulling into Hlk’yah GaawGa, Council of the Haida Nation. The Haida Nation lative jurisdiction of the Parliament of Canada in between, at the government dock so, they awaited their vessels’ departures a surprising sight greeted us: there were with sheer anticipation – after all, there so many boats and so much traffic that owns these lands and waters by virtue of hered- and the Legislature of the Province of British in Queen Charlotte. Others left from Moresby Camp; some departed days was an once-in-a-lifetime event waiting the usually quiet estuary resembled ity, subject to the laws of the Constitution of the Columbia. earlier to venture south by kayak, sail, at Hlk’yah GaawGa. ’s English Bay rather than the Haida Nation, and the legislative jurisdiction of and rowboat; and still others got up at 4 Seating was limited and highly coveted cherished village and Watchmen site. the Haida House of Assembly. am, the day of, to begin the trip from Old on all vessels bound for the pole raising, Hlk’yah GaawGa and the surrounding Massett. An energetic group of Island so passengers readily jumped aboard inlets were buzzing with people in boats youth paddled in two Haida canoes, wherever there was room. Some 150 and the beach was overtaken with wit-

1 Many Good People Working Together – Raising the Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa nesses on their way to watch lead carver, all in the audience were filled with good that guests were there for many wide- Those sentiments were reflected by Jaalen Edenshaw, and his crew, put the food, about 25 youth began the day’s of- ranging and important reasons. For him, head carver Jaalen Edenshaw. “[The final details on the Gwaii Haanas Legacy ficial ceremony by paddling two canoes the event was to recognize and honour pole] honours those who stood the line Pole. into the bay, where, according to proto- the Gwaii Haanas Agreement, signed on and those who protected Gwaii Haanas,” Orchestrated by Gwaii Haanas, every col, they were met by hereditary leaders January 30th, 1993. he said. “What feels good is to have a detail of the day was planned out, and and granted permission to come ashore. Allan Latourelle, CEO for Parks little part in honouring them.” upon arrival in the bay, getting Canada, also addressed the audience Following these thoughtful words, and ashore was a straight forward and outlined what the Legacy Pole a scare from gaagiixid running loose, exercise: (1) captains dropped off represents to the federal govern- the pole was danced by the carvers their passengers at the floating ment.“ [This event] is truly symbolic and blessed by GwaaGanaad, Diane dock in Windy Bay; (2) from there, of the achievements accomplished Brown. As the blessing commenced, passengers eager to get on dry land through the Gwaii Haanas Agree- Haana Edenshaw, Mr Edenshaw’s were transported ashore by one of ment [...] it is unique in the history of eldest daughter, carefully tucked eagle seven boats organized to zip people Aboriginal relations in Canada.” Mr down into crevices on the pole with the from the float to the beach – it was a Latourelle stated that all Canadians assistance of Taan Gunaay Grinder and smooth operation. could feel pride in the Legacy Pole. Xiila Guujaaw. Once offerings were In the village site, about 400 Crediting those who stood on the line placed at the base of the pole, witnesses people created a sea of regalia jux- at Lyell Island, Mr Latourelle said became participants and took their place taposed with fleece and gumboots. Over 400 hundred people participated in raising the pole. that Canada’s relationship with the on the ropes. Rollie Williams with the It was a mix of visitors and exuber- Haida nation would not be possible assistance of Shawn Peacock directed Clockwise from above: RCMP and Gwaii Haanas boats raft up at the ant Islanders that had come to witness Witnesses were then directed back to the without the people who came together the raising, instructing the hundreds of mouth of Windy Bay. The Looking the event. Gwaii Haanas and Watchmen pole site and the Archipelago Manage- and collectively demanded change. men, women, and children to heave the Around and Blinking House at staff welcomed everyone, served them ment Board officially welcomed every- The stand at Lyell runs deep in the Hai- monumental pole into place, an intricate Hlk’yah GaawGa. Hereditary Leaders soup and sandwiches, and arranged one to the gathering. da nation’s history. “Everything stems operation that, thanks to the expertise of with guests wait to receive two canoes seating for chiefs, matriarchs, and elders, MCs for the afternoon were AMB from a simple stand that was made, and full of youth who paddled from Moresby Mr Williams and Mr Peacock, appeared Camp. From front to back:Skil Hiilans, next to the Looking Around and Blinking members Ernie Gladstone and Jason it’s created life-changing things for us,” effortless. As the pole rose into the air, Gaahlaay, Thasi, Sdiithladaa, Allan House. The house is one of the structures Alsop. Wearing his traditional headdress, said Council of the Haida Nation Presi- the eagle-down alighted onto witnesses Latourelle, T’lajung nung kingaas, and that was built to shelter people during Mr Gladstone, who is also the Gwaii dent Kil Tlaats ‘gaa, Peter Lantin. “That, and drifted into the forest. Kil Tlaats’gaa, President of the the Lyell Island blockade, in 1985. Once Haanas Superintendent, acknowledged for me, is what it’s all about.” There was profound truth in the intro- Haida Nation. duction given by Mr Gladstone at the beginning of the day: people had attend- The ARtists ed for a number of important reasons.

Parks Canada/Full Moon Photo/Jason Shafto Parks Canada/Full Moon Photo/Jason Shafto Parks Canada/Full Moon Photo/Jason Shafto For some, this event was a fundamental continuation of Haida culture, which is one of several directives laid out in the Gwaii Haanas Agreement; for others it was coming full circle – from linking arms and standing on the line to raising a pole in a place that changed history. For visitors, it was an opportunity to partici- Jaalen Edenshaw Gwaai Edenshaw Tyler York John Brent Bennett pate in a pole raising in a magnificent A member of the Ts’aahl Gwaai Edenshaw, an Eagle of Tyler York is a member of the John Bennett is a graduate part of the world, creating memories that Eagle clan, lead carver the Ts’aahl clan, is best known Skedans Raven Clan and lives of the Emily Carr School of will last a lifetime. Jaalen Edenshaw was born for his innovative jewellery in Old Massett. He is 23 years Art & Design and for his final The Legacy Pole raising melded two in Masset, . He designs in gold and silver. He old and has been learning the project at school he carved a cultures and two worldviews. Historical- grew up in an old boatshed, learned to carve alongside his complexities of Haida art since 12’ pole. Mr Bennett also ob- ly, poles were raised to formalize a chief- and at 16 years of age father, Guujaaw, , Rob- he was 16. Over the course tained a Masters in Fine Arts tainship or commemorate the deceased, moved away to attend the from Concordia University, ert Davidson and others. With of his apprenticeship he has and often times they told a story. The University of Victoria where his brother Jaalen, he carved assisted Jaalen Edenshaw specializing in printmaking. Legacy Pole is a story pole inspired by he received a B.A. in political the Two Brothers Pole, which on several projects, including In 2010, he was featured science. In 2003 he returned was raised in Jasper National the Cormorant pole standing in the A Tale of Two Artists tradition, it stands as a tangible display of home to Haida Gwaii, with Park in 2010. The 45’ pole in Old Massett. Mr York also exhibition, which was held the story of Gwaii Haanas and the people his wife Jusquan, where they replaced a Haida pole that had produces masks and paddles at the Bill Reid Gallery. who have joined together to ensure there live with their two daughters been standing there for almost in cedar, and is moving into the are places that are not spoiled, and veri- and son. 100 years. medium of argillite. fies the Haida nation’s continued owner- ship and occupation of these Islands. • 2 3 Many Good People Working Together – Raising the Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa

Monumental poles are more than just art, they hold histories, they mark events and they tell stories. […] This pole shows that things change, but the meaning behind what we do stays the same. Jaalen Edenshaw, Lead Carver

This page, clockwise from above: Gwyaawhlans with the top figure of the pole – eagle. Carver Tyler York after dancing the pole. Kiefer Collison, steersman; Jusquan Bedard and Donnie Edenshaw. Gidkun coming up from the beach after welcoming the canoes. Kil tlaats’gaa, President of the Haida Nation. Margaret Edgars (L), Reverand Lily Bell with Daajingiids Councillor, Leslie Johnson. Far page clockwise from top: Guests shovel dirt around the pole to stablize it. Thasi with Gaahlaay. Terri Dionne with Jason Alsop.

4 5 Many Good People Working Together – Raising the Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa

This page, clockwise from above: Desiree Wilson singing after the pole was raised. The copper-headed eagle that sits at the top of the pole. Rolie Thompson, pole raiser taking the ropes off the pole. Shawn Peacock,assistant pole-raiser takes a break. Guests pound the earth around the base to stabilize the pole. Far page: The Swan Bay Canoe team in neon-yellow stand with the Xuux Xaadaay canoe team. Gwaliga Hart, Anthony Bell, Chutter, and Duncan White haul the pole up with Parks Canada CEO Allan Latourelle.

6 7 Many Good People Working Together – Raising the Gwaii Haanas Legcay Pole at Hlk’yah GaawGa Photo: Parks Canada/Full Moon Photo - Jason Shafto Parks Canada/Jody Bissett

Watching the pole go up via Livestream. So many It was standing room only at the celebration dinner. people attended this event that another room had The 9-hour event had speeches, presentations, to be opened to accommodate the crowd. dance performances and socializing. Across time and space The celebration dinner The real-time Livestream remote uu ‘laa isdaa ayaagan, Trevor Russ and great majority of the speeches and With people practically hanging from the Legacy Pole Raising, and the Gwaii produced lively and entertaining sets. presentation of the Legacy Pole raising event co-MC Jaadguusandlans, Natalie activity came through with perfect the rafters, Skidegate’s George Brown Haanas Agreement, mixed with political Frog, oystercatcher, martin and many taking place at Hlk’yah GawGa was Fournier welcomed people to the event clarity. Tension hung heavy in the Recreation Centre was packed to insights on the Haida nation’s current re- others creatures appeared – in addition so well-attended that organizers at the and explained the significance of the pole Performance House, as the pole’s capacity for the Gwaii Haanas Legacy lationship with Canada. That theme was to Sguluu Jaad – in a variety of forms Haida Heritage Centre had to open raising. Gidin Kuns, Cohen Isberg sang a lines were being drawn tight at Windy Pole celebration dinner held August picked up by many speakers throughout throughout the evening. Each group extra space for crowds spilling out of welcoming song and a group of sing- Bay, and then, as the pole was raised, 17, 2013. People began lining up a the evening and was often presented as gave a unique performance reflective the Performance House. About 450 ers led the crowd in the Haida national everyone gasped, burst in to cheers full 90 minutes before the doors were a challenge for Canada to go further, to of their members’ talents – dramatic people attended the four-hour event, anthem, which is also known as the Lyell and tears, and jumped to their feet in a to open at 4pm, and once those doors come in line with our nation’s vision of new dances were performed and songs with another 1600 people coming Island Song. standing ovation. opened, the hall was filled within 15 reconciling the two titles. But it was not floated high to the rafters all night long. online throughout the world to watch To put the pole raising in context, Jaadguusandlans and Ms Bissett minutes. Friends arrived from all over all challenging: sound acknowledgement Nine hours is long time to sit, and, as the Internet feed. The streamed broad- co-MCs Jody Bissett and Jaadguusand- both commented on how incredible the world – invited guests from across of the hard work and progress that has most who attend theses events know, cast was also picked up and used in lans took the audience on a virtual tour it is that for the first time, through the country, from England, Brooklyn been made was sincerely conveyed, energy levels ebb and flow throughout news presentations by CBC, CTV and of Windy Bay, showing photos of the the Internet, people around the world and beyond, all mixed with the clans and and it was made clear by many speak- the course of the night. This feast was APTN, among others, and the story hit area and a short video about the 1985 were able to join and celebrate such an extended families from Haida Gwaii. ers that the pole raising not only hon- no different, and as it drew to a close the front page of the Globe and Mail, blockade at Athlii Gwaii. While wait- exclusive event. Jaadguusandlans went Co-MCs for the evening were Nata- oured the Gwaii Haanas Agreement and at 2 am, guests were thanked and paid and included an illustrated two-page ing for the main event – the Livestream further to say that, as with all great art, lie Fournier, Jason Alsop and Camille twenty years of working together, but with gifts, had a final visit with friends, centerfold spread. from Hlk’yah GawGa – children enjoyed the Legacy Pole is a piece in which Collison, who orchestrated over 30 also the quality of that nation-to-nation and went on their way full of nourish- The Livestream event began with activities, such as taking part in a mini everyone can see themselves reflected speakers, three dance groups and a relationship. ment: songs in their heads, plates full an opening prayer by Leona Clow. pole-raising and weaving cedar. in some way. variety of special presentations during Art is political and the three dance of food, and basketsful of ideas to Gidansa, Percy Williams followed Ms Anticipation grew as the audience, Leona Clow closed the ceremony the 9-hour feast. groups – Tluu Xaada Naay, Rainbow ponder in the weeks to come. Clow, speaking about Haida Gwaii’s now watching the Livestream, saw the in prayer, and witnesses were paid Hereditary leaders addressed the Creek Dancers, and Hlgaaxyulang Guud remarkable beauty and the bounty that preparations for the pole raising unfold- with gifts. guests, sharing personal stories about Ad K’aajuu – weaved many messages we receive from it. Vice-president of ing in Windy Bay. The connection faded Athlii Gwaii and the significance of into their evening performances and the Haida Nation Ginn Waadluuwan in and out at times but fortunately the

8 9 Sandlanee sgid Xuux Xaadaay and Swan Bay canoe teams paddled from Moresby Camp to Hlk’yah GaawGa to be part of the Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole Raising. Photos: EVIL Patrick Shannon

Top L-R: Roberta ‘Kungjudday’ Kennedy; Captain Gold; Shane ‘Tuna’ Bell; Old Massett Youth Coordinator, Harmony Williams. Bottom L-R: Elijah Washington; Canoes at rest; Marina Jones and Stephanie Stevens.