Hltaaxuulang Guud Ad K'aaju's Sguuluu Jaad

November 2008

HAIDA A PASSION NAMING A PROVIDER FOR SONG CANOE EXPANDS ROLE page 20 page 9 page 16 HAIDAHAIDA LAASLAAS Newsletter of the Haida Nation NOVEMBER 2008

Hltaaxuulang Guud Ad K’aaju’s SGuuluu Jaad 1 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation Haida Laas, First, I would like to congratu- of our lives today. We have the late and welcome Trevor Russ to lands secured upon which we the Council of the Haida Nation. can realize our culture and we There is no time in history more know, only as individuals can important than another and no we live our culture. foreseeable time that we can let ourselves go unrepresented and We also have the capacity to we know that we will never see build an economy that will give a time that we can stop being us the ability to control our vigilant. own lives and we know that no one has any interest in develop- HAIDA LAAS Over the past couple of years, we ing an economic future for our NEWSLETTER OF THE HAIDA NATION have been able to formalize pro- people other than ourselves. published by the tection for all of the areas that our Council of the Haida Nation people had identified throughout We have protection over half of Managing Editor the past 30 years. We cut back the landscape of Haida Gwaii Simon Davies the logging to one-third of where and will necessarily have to put it had been and set new rules for together the mechanisms to Writers manage those lands. Florence Lockyer - Old Massett the management that would look Kwiaahwah Jones - Skidegate after our cultural and environmen- tal concerns. While this would We know that there are chal- [email protected] lenges at a global level as in p.250.559.8755 seem to take some of the ten- sions out of our relationship with the climate changes which are the Crown, we are still some way showing it’s effect here. The big Council of the Haida Nation from peace. apology from Canada for it’s Administrator Box 589, Old Massett deliberate efforts to break our Haida Gwaii We have gone to the Supreme people and destroy our cul- V0T 1M0 Court of Canada and made major ture has got to be taken and p.250.626.5252 we have to move on. We know f.250.626.3403 changes in the relationship be- 1.888.638.7778 tween, not only ourselves, but that we have also faced policies [email protected] all Indigenous people across the that have moved our people lands. And still, it is not enough to off the waters and now, we will Council of the Haida Nation stop the exploitation that threat- have to regain our place on President Box 98, Queen Charlotte ens our lands. For twenty years or the waters. Haida Gwaii so, we have stopped, or at least V0T 1S0 put off, offshore drilling and at- Thanks to Trevor for putting p.250.559.4468 himself forward for our people f.250.559.8951 tempts to move supertankers 1.877.559.4468 through our waters. and we hope this will be an [email protected] inspiration to young people Our arts, which were on the brink to stand up as new leaders as www.haidanation.ca of oblivion are respected on the there is no end to the work that world stage and very much a part needs to be done. • NOVEMBER 08 Special House of Assembly • Tuesday, November 18, 08 haidanation.ca Skidegate Comm Hall program reports : haida laas 10:00 - 4:30 pm links : diplomacy : agreements government : working groups COVER: Hltaaxuulang Guud Ad K’aaju’s SGuuluu Jaad, Foam Woman, - it’s all good - carved by Tyler Crosby

2 November 2008 A Bear Necessity Cultural Wood new at Taan - Bears of Haida Gwaii is Awarded For Projects haidanation.ca the name of a half-hour pro- The Haida Gwaii Cultural Wood gram airing November 8 at Advisory Board met to make rec- New to the home page is a 5:00 pm on CTV’s First Stories. ommendations on applications search engine that will allow The program, produced by for cultural wood. Successful ap- you to search the site and find Pieter Romer of CTV, looks at plicants this round were: related pages and informa- the issues surrounding the com- tion. For example when you mercial hunt on Haida Gwaii. If • Lenard Brillon, SKG search with the word “spirit” you miss the program it can be - for totem poles and siding thirty-seven pages come up viewed on-line at ctvbc.ctv.ca which include the word. following the broadcast. • • Cecil Brown, OM - four cedar logs to make New in the picture galleries: bentwood boxes Potlatch - Chief Wiigaanad Haida Laas List-Serve Gidins of Skidegate If you would like to be placed on • Sean White, OM - for a longhouse the Haida Laas email list-serve Potlatch - Chief Gitkinjuwas, and receive notices of events • Greg White, OM St’awaa Xaaydagaay Clan and other information related to - for a longhouse the Haida Nation, send a mes- Waahlal - Chief Sdiithldaa sage to [email protected] • Reg Davidson, OM Tsiits Gitanee Clan with YES in the subject line. • - four cedar logs to construct bentwood boxes and Copper Danced at Haida Heri- Russ Fills Position totem poles tage Centre @ Kaay Llnagaay Trevor Russ won the position of Old Massett Regional rep in • the Haida Gwaii Rediscovery the latest by-election. Of the Society, received an extension 144 votes cast Mr Russ received to their application for wood 50; Ron Brown Jr. - 27; Wilson to repair the site at Taalung Brown - 17; Alfred B Setso - 21 Slung and Judy Williams - 29. • Ben Davidson, SKG MOSTLY MARINE - cedar logs for carving. • Coming January 23 & 24, 2009 Mr Russ ran for the seat on the CHN, to bring his generations voice and knowledge to the decisions that are being made and to ensure that the decisions are in the best interest of the generations that follow.

“During my term in this seat

I want to work with the other Photo courtesty - Cynthia Samuels representatives of the CHN to accomplish the goals we as a Nation have set out, while always keeping the best interests of our people as priority, along with honesty and accountabil- ity.” New, Old Massett rep Trevor Russ (left) being sworn in at the 2008 Mr Russ is of the Maaman Gitans House of Assembly with Reverend Lilly Bell and Council of the Haida Git’anee Eagle clan. • Nation President, Guujaaw.

3 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation When Auchter Draws, Jenneli Dances Paper, Nintendo Wii and the Internet are all part of this artist’s canvas.

Skidegate artist, Chris Auchter, Jenneli’s Dance is her first chil- now living in Vancouver, has illus- dren’s book. trated a just published children’s book called Jenneli’s Dance. Pub- Mr Auchter went to school at Em- lished by Theytus Books of Pen- ily Carr Institute of Art and Design ticton the book tells the story of and earned a Bachelor of Media a young Metis girl named Jen- Arts, majoring in animation. Two neli. Jenneli is a shy girl who feels years later he attended Sheridan that she is nothing special, un- College in Ontario where he stud- til she learns about the Métis ied and graduated with honours Red River Jig from her Grandma in Computer Animation. During Lucee. Jenneli enjoys her time that time he also entered and with Grandma Lucee, listening won first place in a cross-Canada to fiddle music and learning the The cover from Jenneli’s Dance, computer animated film competi- steps to the Jig, until one day, her illustrated by Christ Auchter tion for graduating students. Grandmother enters her into a jigging contest. Jenneli is scared Elizabeth Denny is a Metis writer “I have been drawing since any and excited, but with her Grand- who grew up in the small town little child would start drawing, I mother’s encouragement she of St. Laurent, Manitoba. She just never stopped. I remember places her doubts and fears aside has been writing stories for many not being the best drawer in the to dance in the contest. The tale years. Her poetry and short sto- class in elementary but I just kept is about overcoming low self-es- ries have been published in vari- drawing and drawing. I would teem and features nineteen ex- ous journals and she has written do that on the weekends, after pressive full-colour illustrations scripts for the APTN children’s school, in school at the library.” by Mr Auchter. series: Wapos Bay and Tipi Tales. Sticking with his dreams and developing his skills, Mr Auchter is making his way in the illustration business.

He has just completed working on a Nintendo Wii game and is in collaboration with uncle, Michael Nicoll Yaghulaanas, animating a Bill Reid story for the internet. NOTICE TO HAIDA CITIZENS Well-known First Nations film- maker, Loretta Todd has contracted him to animate a short piece Special Sitting for her APTN children’s series, Ne- of the Haida House of Assembly hiyawetan and he has contracts for two more books for publisher Theytus Books. “So, things are Tuesday, November 18, 2008 busy, but it keeps me drawing, Skidegate Community Hall which is what I wanted to do any ways,” says Auchter. • 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

4 November 2008 In Brief: News from the 2009 House of Assembly

The following article contains a few highlights from CHN programs, committees and the president and vice president. A full package of resolutions and reports are available at the Massett and Skidegate offices.

From the report of Guujaaw - President, Council of the Haida Nation “Over the years, we have evolved from a small organization with little influence, to a fairly large organization with considerable influence and resources. We are regularly visited by First Nations and Indigenous people from around who see us as leaders in the approach we have taken. While many of our efforts such as protecting lands and stopping pipelines and tankers have proven to be difficult given the money that could be made by someone else, these things generally go unnoticed as they do not change things at the village level. While there is nothing gained [through these actions] these efforts are essential to ensure that there isn’t loss.

It is recognized that true independence can only be The Xaad Kihlgaa Hl Suu.u Society, Speak Haida Society attained with a reliable economy and that econom- is using video to introduce new learners to the Haida ics has got to run parallel and somewhat indepen- language. The story of the Golden Spruce is told in a style dent from the politics, and yet the benefits have called stop-motion with the help of over fifty people who got to accrue to the people. An economic corporate designed sets, made clothing, produced sound effects and voiced the many characters for this seven-plus min- structure is being developed in a way that has the ute feature. The videos will be posted to www.haidana- necessary controls to ensure that while it isn’t tion.ca in the near future. political it is clearly the property of the people

As we design our future with a functional environ- If we are applying our values and principles to our ment providing for our domestic and cultural needs territory we must also, on an individual basis, com- we will also set the conditions for a sustainable munity and nation align our beliefs in accordance to economy. We have to be able to look after ourselves what we apply to the land and sea. If we do not do to be independant. As we look after and manage this, my concern is that we, ourselves, will maintain our lands, we have to also be able to look after the status quo of today. The condition of the land ourselves. and sea is a reflection of our state of mind.

From the report of Arnie Bellis - Vice President A vision is necessary, as the reality is that a vi- Council of the Haida Nation sion without a plan is a hallucination. The tools to In the House of Assembly package Vice- president achieve the vision and plan are awareness, commu- Arnie Bellis presented a paper outlining the direction nication, understanding and learning. As a society that he believes the CHN should take. This is an ex- we need to assist parents in their role as positive in- cerpt from his paper. fluences and cultural models for their children. Chil- dren need to learn the importance of self-respect “The wheel of industry doesn’t mesh with the circle and responsibility to their community and culture. of culture — corporate models and economic en- Our language is but one way to help us to see the gines are coming to an end on Haida Gwaii through world differently.” our land use plan and marine use planning strategy. HoA News - continued next page

5 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation HoA News - from page 5 In the future CHN Archaeology will be working on ways to move forward on the co-management of archaeology with the province and continue their CHN ARCHAEOLOGY work with the Repatriation Committee to track and Chair: Capt Gold bring back objects that have been taken off-Island Members: Robert Davis, David Crosby and Vince by archaeologists. Collison. Staff: Elizabeth Bulbrook, Heritage Coordinator. CULTURAL WOOD ACCESS PERMITS Highlights from the past year’s work: CHN Archae- Percy Crosby says that in the past year there have ology stopped the “rubber stamping” of site altera- been many requests from other First Nations to look tion permits for a logging block in Naden Harbour. at the cultural wood process that has been devel- They met with the Minister responsible for archae- oped by CHN and Ministry of Forests. ology and briefed him about approvals that his ministry was permitting that allowed the cutting of Wood is now available for domestic purposes and a CMTs. new application process has been designed to ensure impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest.

The co-management relationship is of particular interest to other groups and is being studied by forest districts throughout the province. The Haida Gwaii Cultural Wood Access program is the only co-managed process to access cultural wood the province.

HAIDA MARINE WORK GROUP (HMWG) The HMWG has been busy over past couple of years. They have met monthly since 2006 to discuss marine use planning topics, including marine tour- Stepping Up ism, oil and gas development, seabird and marine Weaver Lisa Telford has been awarded a $7,500 mammal management, recreational fisheries, com- Artist Trust Washington State Arts Commission mercial fisheries’ sustainability and DFO policy. Fellowship. Ms Telford was one of twenty-one artists given this award in 2008. The Fellowship This year the document Towards a Marine Use Plan is a merit-based, not project-based award and for Haida Gwaii was published, a definition of eco- recipients were selected by a peer-review panel system-based management (EBM) was developed, comprised of artists and arts professionals from and principles for the application of EBM were iden- across Washington State and Oregon. tified. Towards a Marine Use Plan for Haida Gwaii is available at www.haidanation.ca or at the Haida Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, Ms Telford current- Fisheries Program offices in Massett and Skidegate. ly resides in Everett, Washington and has won many awards for her basketry which has been Phase 1of the Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge exhibited throughout the United States. As a Study was completed and Phase 2 is underway. A Gawa Git’ans Git’anee weaver she comes from final Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge Study a long line of weavers and apprenticed with report, summarizing the results of both phases, is Delores and Holly Churchill. Ms Telford will anticipated in the fall of 2009. The HMWG and work with her Haida apprentice Shauna Colbert Haida Oceans Technical Team is also working with studying the Northwest Coast basketry in the the CHN Land Use Plan Implementation Team to Burke’s collection. ensure that marine planning is integrated with the land use planning, especially in nearshore and above: Lisa Telford with a small cedar bark basket and a pair of her cedar bark high heels. foreshore areas.

6 November 2008

“The Haida Gwaii Cultural Wood Access program is the only co-managed process to access cultural wood the province.”

Percy Crosby, Coordinator - Cultural Wood Advisory Board.

An all-Island Haida Gwaii Oceans Forum is being 1 hour of local content in each village. This project collaboratively organized by the CHN, Gwaii will be worked on over the coming year. Haanas, World Wildlife Fund and DFO, and is scheduled for January 23 and 24, 2009 at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay ‘Llnagaay. POLICY COMMITTEE Chair: Cynthia Samuels Members: Vince Collison, Cindy Boyko COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Alternates: Beryl Parke and Lois Rullin Chair: Cindy Boyko Members: Cynthia Samuels, Vince Collison For the past ten months the committee has been Staff: Simon Davies, Managing Editor reviewing CHN policy. Recommendations to the House of Assembly were brought forward in the ar- The past few months have been busy with getting eas of elections procedure, amendments to the con- a new office up and running and working with stitution and a new process for making resolutions. CHN programs to report their activities. In the coming year the committee will be working The CHN website went live in late 2007 and is be- on terms of reference and mission statements for ing updated on a regular basis. Haida Laas is also committees. publishing on a regular basis. A new Record of Decisions from each CHN com- Two writers were hired — Florence Lockyer and mittee will be available in both CHN offices for easy Kwiaahwah Jones — and have been contracted to public access. produce 1000 words a month for Haida Laas. The committee is also pursuing a partnership with the radio station CFNR to develop and broadcast HAIDA LANGUAGE REPORTS Arnie Bellis said that language has to be a top priority and that there may need to be changes to the Haida Constitution to reflect that. Lucy Bell of the Xaad Kihlgaa Hl Suu.u Society, Speak Haida Soci- ety in Old Massett, then outlined their approach to teaching language and some of the new media products and techniques they are using to spark people’s interest in learning Haida.

Two, locally produced, short animated films were shown at the Assembly. The films are voiced in Haida with English subtitles and tell the story of the Golden Spruce and Yaanii k’uuka. These videos will be available for viewing at www.haidanation.ca in the near future.

FISH FRIENDLY HoA News - continued next page Coming January 23 & 24, 2009

7 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation HoA News - from page 7

On the street, signs with names in Haida and in A highlight of the year was a Traditional Knowledge the shape of a canoe have been posted all over Old Cruise. Elders travelled through Gwaii Haanas and Massett. “The street signs are only in Haida as that’s placed Haida names on over 430 land and sea fea- what we are teaching,” said Ms Bell. tures. There are now over 1,300 Haida place names in southern Haida Gwaii. Weekly sessions for new learners and a program that pairs a learner with a fluent speaker are other methods being used in Old Massett. “Our program GWAII HAANAS — THE ARCHIPELAGO mix is about trying making the language relevant to MANAGEMENT BOARD young people today,” said Ms Bell. The AMB is made up of two representatives of the CHN and two from the Government of Canada. Elders from the Skidegate Haida Language School CHN: Captain Gold, Cindy Boyko (SHIP) attended the House of Assembly and spoke Government of Canada: Parks Superintendent, with passion about the need for secure continual Ernie Gladstone, Heritage Resource Conservation funding of the language programs. There is great Manager, Dennis Madsen. fear that the language will die if a more concerted effort to support the programs is not given serious Parks Canada Superintendent, Ernie Gladstone, consideration. A resolution was brought forward gave an overview of the Gwaii Haanas National and passed. The motion called on political and He- Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site and outlined reditary Leaders to give language the highest prior- the responsibilities of the Archipelago Management ity and to use all means possible including the Gwaii Board. He said that all decisions regarding planning, Trust, revenue sharing and federal and provincial management and operations within Gwaii Haanas sources to find support for the programs. are made by consensus and measured against the requirements of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement and Gwaaganad, Diane Brown outlined SHIP activi- the Management Plan for the Gwaii Haanas area. ties over the past year. These included attending Of the 36 staff, over 50% are of Haida ancestry. the 7th International Haida Language Gathering in Ketchikan; working with Old Massett and Hydaburg Over the next year, the focus will be on the pro- to develop and use the same orthography; working posed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve with School District; and travelling with the elders, (NMCAR) that would extend 10 km offshore and teachers and students to the International Long- cover about 3,400 square kilometres. Once estab- house Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona. lished, it will be cooperatively managed through a Canada/Haida agreement--similar to how the land in Gwaii Haanas is managed today.

The Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site has a $3.8 Did You Know? million operating budget. That the name of the Haida Tribal Society is changing to the LANDS AND WATER COMMITTEE Secretariat of the Haida Nation? Chair: Robert Davis Members: Beryl Parke, Vince Collison The tasks of this committee are to monitor land- leasing, review proposals and make recommenda- and another thing tions to the executive committee regarding permit A stack of one million US dollar bills is just over applications for doing business on the Islands. half a mile high. A stack of one trillion US dollar bills is 67,000 miles high and that is almost one- This past year the committee dealt with fishing third the distance from the earth to the moon. lodges, ferry terminal expansion, mining and foreshore leasing to construct docks. •

8 November 2008 Haida Provider Expands Role by Kwiaahwah Jones

The Haida Provider is a 57-foot aluminum seiner and has served the Haida Nation since 1999 to fish communal commercial li- censes held by the Council of the Haida Nation. These licences include halibut, salmon and spawn- on-kelp. More recently, the Haida Provider has served as a platform for the monitoring, survey and study of marine habitats around the Islands.

The vessel is managed through the HTS Fisheries Committee which make recommendations to the Haida Tribal Society, Secretari- at of the Haida Nation.

More recently the CHN has been looking into a variety of different The Haida Provider, photo courtesy of Haida Fisheries Program. fishing licences and quota as well as the feasibility of the purchase 40 sets but only caught 1300 Listen Up! of another fishing vessel which - 1400 fish which reflected the Interested in media and journal- will provide more commercial generally low stocks most fisher- ism? Then this opportunity may and food fishing opportunities men were reporting this year. be for you. for the Nation. The fish caught this year were Skeena Native Development and For the majority of 2008, long-term distributed to Elders in Massett Astral Media BC North are offer- CHN employee and fisherman and Skidegate. • ing the Astral Media Aborigi- George Wesley skippered the Haida nal Broadcast Journalism Studies Provider, with a crew from Massett Scholarship & Internship Pro- and Skidegate. The Haida Provider gram. Applications are now was also used to support envi- being accepted for First Nation ronmental studies that gathered and Inuit who have an interest baseline information for the Nai- in pursuing a career in broadcast- kun Wind Farm project proposal. ing. Two applicants will receive The surveys included detailed a full entrance scholarship to the biological studies and sampling of British Columbia Institute of Tech- possible archaeological sites. nology (BCIT) that will include a six-month internship at CFTK TV This past summer, the Haida Pro- in Terrace. vider, skippered by Steve Collin- son set out to the west coast of For more information go to Haida Gwaii for a salmon food- NET WORTH www.snds.bc.ca or phone toll Coming January 23 & 24, 2009 fishing trip. The crew completed free:1.800.721.1333.

9 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

Sdithldaa, Frank Collison with chief designate, Ed Russ; Dorothy Russ, sister to Sdithldaa, and mother of Mr Russ, at the potlatch held September 19, 2008 in Old Massett. The Chief Matthews Dancers enter the hall: front left with box drum, Jack Nychyporuk with Amelia Rae who leads in Megan Setso, Justine Brown and Joanne Collison.

10 November 2008 Sdiithldaa - Fullfilling Leadership

The tradition of taking someone who owned the house until cer- Ed Russ presented the talking staff forward to fulfill a leadership or emony was complete. also made by Frank Russ. Ed will chieftainship was once again assume the position September accomplished as Frank Collison The night began with the heredi- 18th and 19th, 2009. Frank made was named to a chieftainship tary chiefs of Massett and one this announcement in his com- position of Tsiits Gitanee by clan from Skidegate being announced mencement speech. elder Robin Brown (the eldest and drummed into the hall, fol- male of the clan). The ceremony lowed by Frank who was accom- The evening was highlighted with took place at Old Massett Sep- panied by his sisters Dorothy and a wonderful performance by the tember 19th, 2008 in the proper Bernice and clan sisters Susan Chief Matthews School drummers manner, as these events must Abrahams, Mavis Delill, Linda and dancers. Their performance take place in the community Williams and Adeline Penna. Sis- was inspiring, thoughtful and full where the clan resides. ters Dorothy and Linda placed of life! a beautiful blanket designed by Prominent members of the Tsiits Ed Russ and sewn by his wife The chiefs present acknowledged Gitnee clan accompanied Frank Dena Russ on the newly-named and spoke words of encourage- into the hall. On this particular chief, Sdiithldaa. Also Mavis Delill, ment to the clan for taking this night the hall was declared to be placed the chief’s headdress, historic, important step. the house of the Tsiits Gitans clan, made by Frank Russ, on him. Frank’s auntie, Dorothy Bell, the eldest of the Tsiits Gitans aunties was brought to the hall for a brief visit. Her presence brought a great sense of dignity to the event.

Guujaaw sang a great song from long ago and spoke eloquently about Haida traditions. Friends Singing Together were as ever gracious and thoughtful in their performance for the new chief, Sdiithldaa.

Since the clan sanctioned the event it was proper for adoptions to be conducted by clan members.

There were many great contributions of food, gifts and many other forms of support, which were appreciated by the Tsiits Gitans. •

Special House of Assembly • Tuesday, November 18, 08 Sdithldaa, Frank Collison performs the chief’s dance upon fullfilling the Skidegate Comm Hall chieftanship of the Tsiits Gitanee clan. 10:00 - 4:30 pm 11 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation St’aawaas Xaaydagaay Potlatch

The St’aawaas Xaaydagaay, the Skedans and Becky Pearson of the clan of Skedans cousins, Vonnie Eagle clan of Cumshewa, held a Yahgu’laanas Ravens of Dadens Hutchingson and Sue Wood act- potlatch on September performed the ceremony for the ing as the Masters of Ceremony. 20, 2008 to affirm their new cleansing of the pole prior to Once the formal entrance of the leader, Gitkinjuwas, Ronald its raising. Lunch and the pay- Haida Nation’s Hereditary Leaders Ernest Wilson. ing of the people who witnessed and the visiting Hereditary Lead-

Last October 6, 2007 the clan completed the obligations to their late uncle and chief, Cumshewa / Gitkinjuwas, Charles William Wesley. His headstone was witnessed and a potlatch was held to complete the settlement to the people who had participated in moving the headstone and other necessities.

Once this potlatch was finished work for the following year started. Many months of gathering and planning took place. Whether it was food or articles to give away, it could not be taken for granted that all would be available. Many people from many places were contacted and arrangements As the process of dressing Gitkinjuwas begins, Vonnie Hutchingson holds up the were made to gather, make, carved and adorned chief’s headdress with Phyllis Dudoward (L) and Barbara Wilson. trade or buy the things needed. As this is an Eagle clan, the guest the pole raising was done at the ers from the Kitkatla Nation and list consisted primarily of the Ra- home of Kii’iljuus. Wet’suwetan Nation were seated, ven clans from Haida Gwaii. In the uncles, cousin, siblings, neph- order for this to be a legal trans- In the afternoon the family and ew and 2 nieces escorted Giitsxaa action, Ravens must witness and witnesses had a small quiet gath- into the hall. be paid/gifted for witnessing. ering at the village cemetery to see the installing of the headstone The main business conducted Prior to September 20th, arrange- for Lawrence Charles Wilson – son was the witnessing of the pass- ments were made to have a struc- of Niis Wes, Chief Skedans and ing on of the old name Gitkinju- ture made to hold a totem pole the late GwaaGanad, Mary Louise was to the new Hereditary Leader upright. Many hours of measur- Wesley Wilson White. Lawrence of the clan – Ronald Ernest Wil- ing ensured the pole would stand died in a car accident many years son who is also known as Giitsx- and face the highway. The day ago. He was the youngest sibling aa. His aunt, Phyllis Dudoward started with the putting up of of this family. and cousin Vonnie Hutching- a pole at the home of Kii’iljuus, son conducted the ceremony of Barbara Wilson. Phyllis Dudoward The potlatch started at 4 pm with naming and dressing him with a of the Kil Xaaydagaay Ravens of the Gagyals KiiGawaay Raven robe and headdress. Terri-Lynn

12 November 2008

Williams-Davidson of the Gagyals KiiGawaay Raven clan of Skedans and her husband, Robert David- son sang the Chief Cumshewa song as Gitkinjuwas danced.

Once this formality was completed, dinner was served by the St’aawaas Xaaydagaay clan. Violet Husband, Marg Parker, Clara Su- san Zellar and other members of their family prepared the food for the assembled guests.

Chiefs and representatives of several clans were seated at the head table. The uncles and their wives, as well as the oldest female cousin, sat with invited guests. Bowls were especially made for the people at the head table. The design represented on the bowl is the eagle created by Gitkinjuwas. The same design was used on aprons worn by clan women and those who helped the clan members with the serving of dinner.

The naming of young clan members took place and later in the evening the clan women were introduced and danced for the gathering. The final business of the potlatch was to pay the Chiefs, the Ravens in attendance and other people who witnessed the event.

Relatives and friends came from the United States, the mainland and Vancouver Island. Visiting Toronto, Ontario; Craig Smith top: Gitkinjuwas is presented to relatives were: Luvada Wilson, from Victoria; Andrea Wesley assembled guests by Phyllis Du- from Langley; Laura Malacher from Vancouver; Rick Lansink and doward and Vonnie Hutchingson. and niece Danielle Wilson from son John from Richmond; uncles (r) Ganims, Dorothy Young, matriarch of the Wolf Clan of Gingolx (Kinco- Washington State; Steve and Theo and Stan Wesley and their lith), Nass River, House of Kwaxsuu. Carol Peckham from Los Angles, wives – Janet and Jeannette along bottom left: Gitkinjuwas enjoys a California; Susan Heal and chil- with Theo and Janet’s children joke told by Sgaann 7iw 7waans. dren, Heather and Robert from and grandchildren. • bottom: Frog comes into the house.

13 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation The Skidegate Gidins Potlatch

By Juli Taylor

Saturday, September 27, 2009 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Gidins of Skide- gate. It was then that the clan held a potlatch to name Sidney Crosby their new chief, Chief Wiigaanad. The Skidegate Gidins clan hadn’t had a chief for 35 years, so the excitement in the village was palpable. People were lining up outside the George Brown Recreation Centre by one pm. to witness the clan’s historic day. The gym filled quickly as the doors opened early to hundreds of waiting people. The gym was beautifully decorated with clan banners hanging from all the walls.

Once everyone had been properly seated and the Chiefs had made photo courtesy of Alexander MacDonald their grand entrance, the clan lined up outside to march into their own potlatch for the first time in over three decades. As the crowd looked on, the eldest women led over 100 clan members into the gym to a standing ovation and thunderous applause. Chief Wiigaanad, Sid Crosby of the Skidegate Gidins clan. Once the clan had danced in, Sidney Crosby was escorted by Chief Wiigaanad was then blessed Tables of hot, delicious food were his Raven relatives: aunties Grace by Eric Gonzolaz in a Mayan brought out for everyone to feast Jones, Delores Davies, and cous- ceremony after which Chief on. Once everyone had their in Terry-Lynn Williams-Davidson. Wiigaanad named their clan ma- fill of crab, halibut, clam fritters, After that, Gladys Vandal asked triarch, Golie Hans, and signed prawns, deer stew and many oth- for a moment of silence for Neil the Haida Accord on behalf of er delicious offerings, Gladys Van- Wickwire and said a prayer for his clan. Later, Chief Wiigaanad dal read, in Haida, a brief story of his family. Later, Sidney’s Raven danced his chief’s dance and ad- their clan crest which was trans- relatives dressed him in his chief’s dressed the audience in his inau- lated into English by Golie Hans. regalia and after Sidney had re- gural night as chief. Afterwards, Chief Wiigaanad pre- peated his new chief’s name three sented a copper to Gwaliga Hart, times, the entire hall erupted in Once the initial business was on behalf of his father, Jim Hart deafening cheers. taken care of, it was time to eat. in payment for the Wasco design.

14 November 2008 The design, applied to Chief Wii- Mercedes mask dance. Which is a K’aadaas gah Kiiguwaay clan ganaad’s blanket was unveiled at beautifully carved mask complete presented Chief Wiigaanad with the potlatch. He also presented with batting eyelashes and the a copper and a song. The Spirit two other coppers that night, one dancer in a pink tutu and tights. of Kitlope dance group was also to his lifelong friend, Reg David- Mercedes managed to get Chief presented with a box drum and son and the other to his wife, Wiigaanad up to dance the Twist a song from Chief Wiigaanad. It Cindy Boyko for always support- with her and gave the crowd a was the early hours of the next ing him. good laugh. morning by the time Vern Wil- liams performed the song he had The Hlgaagilda Dance Group Over the course of the night, composed for the clan. performed a series of dances and other clan business was taken songs, followed by speeches from care of; over 50 Haida names The Skidegate Gidins clan did one each of the chiefs in attendance were announced, new Haida last song and dance to thank ev- and a birthday presentation hon- names were given, and over ten eryone for coming before Chief ouring Betty Douglas from all her people were adopted into the Wiigaanad gave his last speech descendants. The Spirit of Kitlope clan. The clan business was in- thanking everyone for still being dance group, consisting of 55 terspersed with the other dance there at such a late hour. Dur- Haisla men, women and children group performances. The Old ing the gift giving, many of the who travelled all the way from Massett dance group put on an guests expressed their gratitude Kitamaat, performed many of excellent performance, as did the and appreciation for the wonder- their dances and songs. Hltaaxuulang Guud Ad K’aaju ful time they had had and every- dance group, and the Hydaburg one went home to enjoy a well It was well after midnight by the singers. deserved sleep. • time the Rainbow Creek dance group performed, they finished Many presentations were made off their performance with the throughout the night. The photo courtesy of Fred Dabiri

l - r: Gaahlaay, Lonnie Young; Niis Wes, Ernie Wilson; Betty Crosby; Wiigaanad, Sid Crosby; Cindy Boyko; Iljawuus, Reynold Russ; June Russ; Sgaann 7iw 7waans, Allan Wilson.

15 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation A Passion for Song Aboriginal Music Awards Honour Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson

Singer Terri-Lynn Williams-David- “It is always a bonus to be recog- Mr Ruddell has been involved in son will be receiving the Keeper nized from the things you love to producing Haida music for 30 of Traditions in Aboriginal Music do,” says Reg Davidson, president years across various artistic dis- at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal of the Haida Gwaii Singers Soci- ciplines, including film, stage, Music Awards. The award is pre- ety. “It is great that Terri-Lynn is symphony, opera and full-scale sented to an individual who has being recognized for her contri- concerts. dedicated their career, voluntarily bution to our culture. The singers or professionally, to the Mr. Ruddell will be given a study, teaching, en- Music Industry Special Hon- couragement and con- our for his work not only tinuance of aboriginal on this project but also for traditions in music. his collaboration with Dene performance artist Marie “I am really honoured Clements which brought an to receive this award Aboriginal perspective to the because the work I’ve story of American photog- done is really fulfilling a rapher Edward Curtis, and passion for Haida mu- for a performance, com- sic and the beauty of ing in early 2009, of Vigil, our ancestors’ voices. a 30-minute mixed chorus, I feel that this award is piano and string quartet he Gambling Stick design 49: Swanton, Contributions to the Ethnology of Haida. a real testimony to the wrote to honour the missing beauty of Haida music, and murdered women on which until now has re- Vancouver’s east side. ally not been fully appreciated or have been in existence for a cou- prominent in the Canadian music ple of years now and Terri-Lynn as Garnering this award has been scene,” says Ms Williams-David- been the backbone. The work she a group effort. Nathalie MacFar- son. has done with the Haida songs lane of the Haida Gwaii Museum will allow people for generations made the original nomination for Ms Williams-Davidson has been to come to learn the songs prop- this award with support from Mi- a passionate promoter of Haida erly. She maintains the integrity chael Nicoll Yahgulaanas, Jim Hart music since she began singing of our songs.” and Vera Newman of the Kwak- at the early age of 13. She is a wa’ kawak’ w Nation. • student of the southern songs Producing a boxed set of Haida of the Haida and founded the music is a complicated task and Haida Gwaii Singers Society that requires serious expertise. These has produced the Songs of Haida tasks were taken up by Bruce Gwaii Legacy Project. Ruddell.

16 November 2008 The Up-Side of Dead Zones

By Kwiaahwah Jones

Scientists throughout the world are finding an increasing number of dead zones along the coasts of major continents. In short, dead zones are areas in the ocean where no or little life can exist because of the low presence of oxygen in the water. The oxygen in these areas is consumed by green algae and phytoplankton.

The abundance of these two species can be credited to pollution and specifically nitrogen-based fertilizers used in agricultural crops. The fertilizers are finding their way to the ocean through Dead zones occur on many coasts around the world, usually at the mouth of major river systems like the Mississippi. These areas are low in oxygen creeks and river ways. Once as a result of runoff containing fertilizers or because the area, like the Black the fertilizers reach the ocean Sea, does not receive a lot of fresh and salt water into it’s system. through various waterways, they do what they were intended to do, enhance the growth of plant of Marine Science published a But, researchers have discovered life. Phytoplankton and green map showing dead zones found an up-side to this issue. algae grow into massive blooms throughout the world and he and when these blooms die they claimed that within a decade the What they have discovered in the sink to the ocean floor where they number of zones will double. The murky bottom waters of Saanich begin decomposing. The process dead zones are increasing at the Inlet are layers upon layers of sed- of decomposition requires oxygen mouths of major river systems, al- iment, which have built up over which is extracted from the water though it is also claimed that not years, and, much like the rings of and leaves the sea floor anoxic — all dead zones are a product of a tree, they reveal detailed infor- which means it has very low, or pollution. One of the world’s larg- mation about the changing envi- has no oxygen. est dead zones is the Black Sea. ronment on the west coast. • The Black Sea has become a dead The blooms are plant life, which zone through stagnation of its do create oxygen through the water because there is very little Benjamin Oar - 21980 Benjamin Oar - 35468 process of photosynthesis, but new or fresh water coming into the creatures that assist in the the system. decomposition of the blooms require oxygen and in doing so There are also dead zones right change oxygen into carbon here in BC. The closest one is lo- dioxide. cated in Saanich Inlet, on Vancou- ver Island, and like the Black Sea ABYSL DEPTHS BLUE EEK-OH GREEN There are dead zones all over it is the result of having little wa- C-60 M-20 Y-0 K-0 C-60 M-0 Y-100 K-0 the world that are growing every ter exchange and so conditions exist for algae blooms and the BLUE IS THE NEW GREEN year. In Discover magazine, Dr. Coming January 23 & 24, 2009 Robert Diaz of Virginia Institute suffocation of certain types of life.

17 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

Taan in the wild near Ferguson Bay. Photo courtesy of Percy Crosby

done. This is another step we take, to once again be a nation of people equal to and worthy of our ancestors accomplishments and achievements in art, history, culture, song, war, love and peace.

The name of our canoe is Bears Are Awakening Canoe. The name was given by my son Jay Bellis and there are several reasons for this name.

The first is that in the Haida cal- endar there are thirteen months and one of these months is called moon of bears awakening which is around the time the skunk cab- Naming a Canoe bage emerges from the ground and the yellow centers first show. At the Kaay Llnagaay opening in August, artist Billy Bellis, It is also around the time we start- head carver of the Bears Are Awakening Canoe, gave the ed the canoe and when we fin- following speech to the crowd in the Slaay Daaw Naay, ished it eleven months later. Greeting House during opening ceremonies. Another reason is that bears are Chiefs, elders, ladies held in high and craftsmen had, along with an healers, protectors and guardians esteem, brothers and sisters unsurpassed knowledge, under- as well as relatives. We would of the Haida Nation, honoured standing and reputation for build- also like to speak out against guests, I would like to take this ing the best canoes on the west the commercial slaughter of our opportunity to thank you for hon- coast — bar none. grandfathers and grandmothers of ouring your invitations to witness the bear clan and respectfully ask the historic opening of the Haida I would also like to publicly thank for the hunting to stop. Heritage Centre at Kaay ‘Llna- my workers Tyson Brown and gaay. Robert Vogstad for all of their And, the most important reason hard work and dedication to is that I feel our people, traditions, Today I would like to thank Gwaii the project over the last eleven culture and history have been in Trust, the Haida Heritage Centre months. a state of oppression or hiber- and the Skidegate Band Council nation for the last 150 years but for the honour and opportunity to Canoes have always been a now the tide has turned and we relearn a woodworking skill that major trade and commerce item sail with the wind. And, as you all 150 years ago most of our artists for our people and were among can see with the official opening the most highly prized and of the Haida Heritage Centre, our Special House of Assembly valued possessions of a house- people, art, culture, song, dance • hold to carry on everyday life. and history have survived and the Tuesday, November 18, 08 It was in much the same way bears are awakening. Skidegate Comm Hall as we now depend on our auto- 10:00 - 4:30 pm mobiles and boats to get things haaw’a salaana, haaw’a

18 November 2008 Returning to the Rivers – Salmon and Ceremony by Kwiaahwah Jones Let’s step back for a moment and Gina Waadluxaan Gud Ad thll Kwaagiidang think about the role salmon plays both in historic Haida culture and - everything depends on everything the contribution it makes to us today. The primary importance be found in freezers, jars and born, it has faced many predators of salmon is that it is a staple food adorning our dinner tables. in the sea: killer whales, sea lions, for many of us that live on Haida seals and then encounters land Gwaii — as it has been in the DFO refers to salmon as Pacific predators such as bears, otters past. salmon as if it is one big stock and humans. that can be managed. We know As a primary food source, salmon this to be quite different. Some- They face all odds dodging these allowed us to create the strong, thing to consider is that salmon predators, swimming up water- complex and artistic society we are born in creeks and rivers, falls and skimming through shal- celebrate today. There are not deep in the forests of Haida Gwaii low waters to lay their eggs in an many places in the world where and the coastal mainland. Salm- epic pursuit of life and once this you can harvest so much fish on are intimate with these creeks task is accomplished they die. through the summer months, and they play no small role within providing enough food for the the forest ecosystem. When salm- The salmon that are sacrificed in winter and giving us several on return to the river or creek in this pursuit are also a main food months to create monumental which they were born, they die source for the animals along the carvings, epic weavings or spend but not before they procreate, stream — all is not lost as the time celebrating with events like ensuring the salmon cycle salmon are transformed into an- the potlatch. lives on. other type of energy. One equa- tion plays out like this: Salmon Even in its depleted state today, Once a school of salmon reaches are eaten by bears as they come the richness of this resource can the river or creek in which it was to the river; the bears drag the salmon out of the river and into the forest; as the salmon decompose in the forest. As the salmon decompose nutrients are re- leased, and one of the nutrients is nitrogen. Trees love nitrogen and nitrogen equals food for strong trees.

The David Suzuki Foundation published a study by Dr. Tom Reimchen that showed the relationship between bears, salmon, and trees. The study found a way to measure the amount of nitro- In the salmon farming industry, colour means money. And to get the right gen in the growth rings of cedar shade, farmers feed the penned fish a pigment to match the colour of trees and then estimate the size wild salmon. Research shows that consumers make a connection between of the fish runs each year of that colour, freshness and quality - the darker the better and farmers use a salmon fan (above) to get the right shade. The fan has shades of pink and growth. High quality characteris- red that match the colours of each salmon species life cycle. tics in trees are directly related to

19 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation the contribution of nitrogen from River, then who do the farmed the salmon runs, and bears are fish belong to and where do they Picking Up a hugely responsible for that distri- go when they escape those pens Haida Laas bution. A study in Alaska showed — those engineered fish. Haida Laas is delivered door-to- that over a 250-metre stretch of door in Massett, stuffed in mail stream more than 80 kilograms Where does their lineage come boxes in Skidegate and dropped of nitrogen, in the form of chum from, and why are perfectly for the public at the following salmon, was deposited in just healthy salmon, that have swum locations. over a month. in these waters since time im- • • • memorial, put at risk? Old Massett - Haida Laas is avail- Why are fish farms thought to be We have many ceremonies to able at Haida Rose, the gas sta- a solution to the depleting fish greet and honour the salmon and tion, and the CHN office. stocks and how do the farms af- these ceremonies include many fect the foods we have consumed aspects of life — from puberty, Masset - You can pick up a pa- for hundreds of thousands of rights of passage, finding love, to per at Delmas Co-op, the library years? Thankfully, they have been laws that we no longer remember of the Forest Guardians office. kept out of northern waters but that regulated fishing. our southern relatives must be Port Clements - Bayview Market, feeling the effect of farms that Why were these ceremonies de- Gas Plus and the Patio Zone carry have floated into their territories. veloped? Why would so much every issue and it is available for a ceremony develop? Ceremony read at the library. We know all animals have a hu- was the entry point to know- man form including salmon. All ledge — it helped us to begin to Tlell - Anne’s Barn O’ Plenty and rivers and creeks have a woman understand the importance of sal- the Rising Tide Bakery are sole (excluding Copper Bay where mon to our life. distributors in Tlell. it’s a man) at the head of it and fish spawning in those rivers and So what has changed that has Skidegate - Haida Laas office, creeks belong to this woman. brought us to the point where we across from SHIP, has current cop- are losing salmon stocks at such ies and back issues. The Gwaii Co- Our northern Haida relatives refer a high rate? Is it the loss of cere- op, Haala ga taa Bake Shop, Jags to the women as Daughters of the mony? What role do fish farms Beanstalk and Kaay Llnagaay. River and in the southern area of play in affecting the salmon and the Islands she is known as the other foods harvested from the Queen Charlotte - The Visitor In- Woman at the Head. All salmon sea? formation Centre supplies locals return to rivers, in their attempt and tourists as does the Purple to reach the house of this woman In today’s world, the scientific Onion, Queen B’s and City Cen- but they die before reaching the and academic communities are tre. The library has copies for house. So, if these fish belong to finding great value in what is reading. Creek Woman or Daughters of the known as TAK (traditional aboriginal knowledge or traditional Sandspit - You can visit the li- ecological knowledge). Will these brary or pick up acopy at Super- Haaw’a inquiring minds finally find a hol- Valu, the Sandspit Community Gitkinjuwas and the istic and ceremonial approach to office and the Visitor Information St’aawaas Xaaydagaay clan conserving and managing sal- Center carries it during the tourist would like to thank all the mon stocks by honouring what season. people contributed to the we know and the ceremony that success of the potlatch of comes with it? Does the academ- If you are not on the list and September 20, 2008. ic and scientific community have would like to be, please call anywhere else to go? Their under- 250.559.8750 or A full haaw’a will be included standing of our way may be the [email protected]. in the next Haida Laas. answer to turning around the de- cline of all the fish in the sea. •

20 November 2008

Council of the Haida Nation Resolutions passed at the Annual House of Assembly, 2008

RESOLUTION: Mold and Unhealthy Houses HOA 2008-03 Moved by Vince Collison, second by Bar- Whereas improper construction of houses on Haida Gwaii bara Wilson to adopt the resolution in regards to Eco- has resulted in many homes being contaminated with nomic Development of Haida Gwaii as presented. health and life threatening environments. Motion Carried. No Abstentions.

Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Haida Nation and the Hereditary Chiefs Council work togeth- RESOLUTION: Change of Name er with and make recommendations to the Old Massett Whereas the archipelago of Haida Gwaii also known as Village Council and Skidegate Band Council to identify the Queen Charlotte Islands have been the homeland of mold and other housing issues by developing and imple- the Haida Nation from time immemorial; menting solutions to fixing homes properly. Whereas the name “Queen Charlotte” is completely HOA 2008-01 Moved by Vince Collison, second by foreign to the Haida Nation and has been used in other Leslie Williams to adopt the resolution in regards to the geographic jurisdictions and has no relation to the Mold and Unhealthy Houses as presented. affinity to the Islands, rivers, streams, lakes and surround- Motion Carried. No Abstentions. ing seas of the archipelago;

Whereas the name “Queen Charlotte” was the name of a RESOLUTION: Economic Development of Haida Gwaii ship that brought smallpox and properly belongs to the Whereas the Council of the Haida Nation is working to- British Crown and should be returned forthwith. wards a future where the Haida citizens will manage our economy, lands and water; Therefore be it resolved that the Haida Nation hereby declares that the archipelago is properly called henceforth Whereas both Village Councils manage the stability “Haida Gwaii.” of our villages as it pertains to issues such as housing, health, social development and education; HOA 2008-06 Moved by Barbara Wilson, second by Allan Wilson to adopt the resolution in regards to the Whereas the Council of the Haida Nation, the Old Mas- Change of Name as presented. sett Village Council and the Skidegate Band Council need Motion Carried. No Abstentions. to work together today on short and long term economy of our Nation and Villages. RESOLUTION: Cedar Bark and Spruce Root Harvesting Therefore be it resolved that Council of the Haida Nation Whereas the Council of the Haida nation has an interest propose to reconvene the Tri-Council Economic Commit- in the well-being and the future of our cedar on Haida tee to deal with all economic development opportunities Gwaii; proposed on Haida Gwaii with members from the Coun- cil of the Haida Nation, the Old Massett Village Council Whereas Cedar bark harvesting is an important practice and the Skidegate Band Council at the next All Leaders that needs to be regulated so that it ensures the longev- meeting. ity of the tree;

21 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation Whereas it’s important that harvesting be regulated as Nation, the Hereditary Chiefs Council and elected many weavers are now practicing and the concerns for leaders and members of our communities have an the well-being of the tree is vital and that proper obligation to attend school at least a couple of days harvesting techniques are critical to the survival of the a week and instruct their members and provide an tree, otherwise we are no better at land management example by attending and attend either the night than the Ministry of Forests. or the day classes and that this become effective im- Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Haida Na- mediately. tion work with our cedar bark and spruce root weavers to create a clear policy. HOA 2008-14 Moved by April Churchill, second by Reynold Russ to adopt the resolution in regards to HOA 2008-09 Moved by Robert Davis, second by Todd the Haida Language as presented. Devries to adopt the resolution in regards to Cedar Bark Motion Carried. Three Abstentions. and Spruce Root Harvesting as presented. Motion Carried. No Abstentions. RESOLUTION: Haida Language Whereas the Haida language is the language of RESOLUTION: Gwaii Trust Haida Gwaii and integral to the well-being of the Whereas many people stood on the line in 1985 on Lyell Haida Nation; Island and were prepared to go to prison in order to protect our lands and the resources that have been removed from our lands; Whereas the language is in danger of extinction;

Whereas the monies which exist in the coffers of the Whereas the Haida language of Skidegate and Old Gwaii Trust came to these Islands as a result of the ac- Massett have struggled with financial support since tions of those people, starting in the 1970’s. efforts have been in place to teach and save the language; Therefore be it resolved that our representatives who sit on Gwaii Trust ensure that the Haida language programs Whereas efforts are being taken by our elders for be eligible under all programs of the Gwaii Trust and the preservation and continuation of our culture ensure that the language gets an “endangered” and they must be assured the security of knowing mark and takes priority in funding each year and that their efforts will continue to be financially sup- that the language programs in Skidegate and Old ported. Massett be a yearly priority for funding. Therefore be it resolved that the political and Hered- HOA 2008-13 Moved by Leo Gagnon, second by itary Leaders of the Haida Nation give our language Allan Wilson to adopt the resolution in regards to the highest priority and uses all their might to en- Gwaii Trust as presented. sure continuation of our language, this includes Motion Carried. No Abstentions. using Gwaii Trust and Revenue Sharing as well as efforts to federal and provincial sources and that this RESOLUTION: Haida Language is to happen immediately. Whereas our language is the backbone for all parts of our life-ways, our Haida language speakers HOA 2008-15 Moved by Reynold Russ, second by are few and getting fewer and each year the two Ruth Gladstone-Davies to adopt the resolution in re- schools for Haida language struggles with financial gards to the Haida Language as presented. Motion Carried. No Abstentions. stability;

Whereas the two schools need support they can Special House of Assembly depend on each year both through financial sup- • port and from people of the Nation attending the Tuesday, November 18, 08 schools. Skidegate Comm Hall Therefore be it resolved that staff hired through 10:00 - 4:30 pm our Village Councils and the Council of the Haida

22 November 2008

Request for Proposals How.aa Haida Gwaii To everyone who attended the Tsiits Gitans chieftainship event held at the Old Massett on September 19th, 2008. The evening Marine Market Sector was made even more special by the tremendous outpouring of Analysis contributions that came in so many ways. The Council of the Haida Nation, To Vincent Shane and Wilson for MCing. in cooperation with Old Massett Village Council and the Skidegate To Dena Russ for the beautiful blanket that I will always treasure and for Band Council, is engaged in in- spending hours on the blanket and every stitch was done with a lot of tegrated marine use planning for love for their support and help at the hall. the Pacific North Coast Integrated Frankie for the headdress and talking stick crafted with great love and care. Management Area (PNCIMA). My sister Dorothy and brother Fred for giving everything that they had to make others happy. Information is being compiled The chiefs in attendance who expressed their support. to support marine use planning. Some information has been col- Ken and Barb for their fabulous stew! lected on human marine use Brother Bob who knows how to keep things together, while providing a activities and the economic con- delicious stew, tributions of ocean sectors, how- To Med who always comes forward to help out, ever most data are collected and analyzed at the coastwide or PN- Gladys and her crew who always give their best, CIMA scale. David for the kaaw, Ron for the fish, For the purposes of Haida Gwaii marine use planning, the CHN Sandy for the gifts, requires data compiled and ana- Lucille for her hummingbird chocolates, lyzed at the scale of Haida tradi- Jamie and his family for attending and sharing their music & cds, tional territory. In particular, the Steven for the halibut, economic contributions of key marine sectors will inform man- Robin and Wilson for the crab, agement goals and future eco- Lily and Marina for the beautiful prayers, nomic development objectives. How.aa for acknowledging the adoptions and name givings that took place, This request for proposals is designed to compile information, The Chief Matthews drummers and singers who continue to providing baseline data for inte- inspire us, grated marine use planning. Friends Singing Together who made us all feel good inside, Donnie and Guujaaw for their powerful voices and amazing songs, Six marine sectors will be analyzed: commercial fisheries; Linda for the delicious buns, recreational fisheries; seafood pro- Auntie Dorothy Bell for making an appearance, cessing; marine tourism; shipping Adeline and Nora for loaning their cooking utensils and pots, and transportation; and research, monitoring and enforcement. Diane for the gifts and financial contribution, Kathy for the financial contribution, If you are interested in further in- Becky and her helpers who did an excellent job, formation a full package can be found at www.haidanation.ca or The ladies from Skidegate who baked the fabulous pies, call Catherine Rigg, Socio-Eco- Leo for storing the goods, nomic Planner at 250-626-3302 Mary and Walter Russ and Heda for all their help in the kitchen. [email protected].

23 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

Making Your Mark If you’re a Haida artist and new to the art market, you may not be aware that you can register with the Council of the Haida Nation and receive a Haida Art

(back) (front) Authenticity Certificate.

This certificate system was developed to protect Haida art, artists, and buy- Name: ers from the practice by some non-Hai- This label guarantees Clan: authentic Haida Art. Price: da artists, galleries and organizations, of Permit No. marketing and selling works of non-Hai- da people as Haida art.

(inside) The certificate along with an assortment of labels and tags are available from the CHN and Haida Tribal Society offices. All of these items can help you in the following ways:

• The certificate confirms, to galleries, collectors and other buyers, that you COUNCIL OF THE HAIDA NATION are an artist of Haida ancestry. It also Certification of Authenticity bears a personal registration number, “Haida Artist” which the CHN assigns to individual registrants. The Council of the Haida Nation declares, that • The number can be written on the is an artist of Haida Ancestry. labels and tags, which you then attach to your work; this confirms to the Haida art pieces bearing the CHN HAIDA ART AUTHENTICITY LABELS buyer that the artist is Haida and ensure that the piece has been created by an registered with the CHN. Artist of Haida Ancestry.

Signature Date This is program is free. CHN Administrator Please call the Skidegate CHN office Registration No. at 250-559-4468 or the Massett Haida Tribal Society at 626-5252 to sign up or drop by.