In-town JOINT REVIEW Rally: Say No ReDediscovery PANEL HEARINGS to Enbridge Clan Dinner in OLD MASSETT pg 5 pg 13 pg 2, 8, 9, 10, 11 HAIDA LAAS Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

l-r: Eve Hansen & Isaac, Deena Manitobenis & Bella Rose, and Mallory Russ & Harvey all attended the ReDiscovery Clan Dinner in Old Massett with their young children. See story page 13 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

The Girls Group’s Big Adventure The Girls Group, which has been running Island for ten days and take the ferry from since March 2011, is a club for girls Skidegate to Prince Rupert, from Prince who live in Old Massett and Masset Rupert to Port Hardy, and then drive to and are between the ages of 13-18. Lia Nanaimo. Due to the ferry schedule, the Hetherington, Child & Youth Counsellor group will have an extra two days before with the Haida Gwaii Society for the conference begins, so they have planned Community Peace (HGSCP), runs the club, a short detour to Alert Bay. HAIDA LAAS which meets every Wednesday, after school, The staff at the U’mista Cultural Centre NEWSLETTER of the HAIDA NATION at the Counselling House in Masset. in Alert Bay has generously agreed to open published by the These days, the Girls Group has been the museum on a Sunday and give the Council of the Haida Nation busy planning and fundraising for eight youth a tour. The girls are also interested in Managing Editor of its members to travel to the Gathering visiting the residential school at Alert Bay, Simon Davies Our Voices Aboriginal Youth Conference which many Haidas attended in the past. To Business Administrator in Nanaimo. The conference is a great prepare for their visit to the school, Sandra Amanda Reid-Stevens YOU ARE IMPORTANT! place for youth to learn about things like Dan, a counsellor at the Haida Health Writers Please attend the JOINT REVIEW PANEL HEARINGS health, language, culture, environment, Centre, recently shared with the Girls Kelsey Pelton – Skidegate employment, education, and sports and Group her knowledge about the residential Super Fan Aaliyeh Arens Florence Lockyer - Old Massett and witness contemporary and oral history recreation, and is held annually during the school system. Aaliyeh Arens kept the Skidegate Saints pumped and Valine Crist - Writer Researcher being presented to the Panel by our people school spring-break. The Girls Group has been working hard focussed at the All-Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert. See story - next page. Web and our neighbours on Haida Gwaii. Last year, the conference was held to reach their fundraising goal of $2000.00. Laughing Sea Design (Mare Levesque) in Prince Rupert, so many youth in our They have had sales tables at the Co-op, [email protected] community were able to attend and had bingos at the Elders’ Center, and are selling Skidegate Band Council p.250.559.8755 The Hearings are part of a federal government review of the a great time meeting other young people anti-violence-against-women t-shirts to from all around the province. This year, it make their goal. The HGSCP and the Gwaii Election Results Council of the Haida Nation proposed Enbridge oil pipeline project that would run Skidegate Band Council elections were from Alberta to Kitimat. was taking a lot more effort to get the girls Trust Travel Assistance Program, among Administrator held Wednesday, February 15 and of the 19 and two chaperones to Nanaimo, but when others, have also supported the Girls Group Box 589, Old Massett hopeful candidates seven were successful. Haida Gwaii In addition to the pipeline, the proposed project would require Success by Six awarded the group a grant trip. If you would like to contribute to the A full list of candidates and the votes they V0T 1M0 over 200 oil tankers a year to circumnavigate Haida Gwaii in support of the trip, the girls knew the trip trip or find out more about it, please call Lia received is posted to < haidanation.ca >. p.250.626.5252 to transport the oil to Asian and US markets. would become a reality. Hetherington, 626-6057. f.250.626.3403 To the office of Councillor the following 1.888.638.7778 This is a big trip. The group will be off- [email protected] were elected: Old Massett Community Hall Duane Alsop - 195 votes Council of the Haida Nation To Asian Markets James Cowpar - 230 President February 28 & 29, 2012 Lyndale George - 287 Box 98, Queen Charlotte Haida Gwaii 9:00 am Remi Levesque - 298 V0T 1S0 - lunch provided - Godfrey Williams - 163 p.250.559.4468 Kitimat Robert Williams - 236 f.250.559.8951 1.877.559.4468 Billy Yovanovich - 292 [email protected] Robert Mills was acclaimed to the position of Chief Counsellor. FEBRUARY 2012 The Proposed Tanker Routes www.haidanation.ca From Kitimat, bitumen would be sent by supertanker (also known as Very Large Crude Carriers or VLCCs) to Did You Know? markets in Asia (primarily China) and in the US. The Did you know there are 1,068 different proposed tanker route would pass through the Hecate Strait, salmon populations on Haida Gwaii – 11 haidanation.ca south of Haida Gwaii through the Queen Charlotte Sound, or To Asian Markets percent of the total known variation in

Photo - Allan Wilson Photo north through Dixon Entrance out into the Pacific Ocean. program reports : haida laas EVERYONE WELCOME Pacific salmon stocks in Canada, in just links : diplomacy : agreements PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to attend these Hearings there are also (See full story page 8) 1/100th of their range. Some salmon are government : working groups To U.S. Markets two days of Hearings scheduled for Skidegate, March 21 and 22. believed to have inhabited local streams - it’s all good - during and prior to the last ice age.

2 3 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012 Stoked Saints bring home the hardware The Wall – Prince Rupert rally lays the foundation B-Ball in Prince Rupert unites the coast by Valine Crist On February 4th, the Gitga’at – people from the Hartley Bay region – hosted one of the largest rallies to date opposing the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. In an inspiring demonstration of unity to protect the coast from oil supertankers, the event brought together , elected officials, authors, and blues artists, among many others, in a stand against Enbridge’s proposed pipeline and the oil tankers that would ply the coastal waters. Representatives from the Gitga’at, Haisla, Tsimshian, Heiltsuk, Cree, Yinka Dene Alliance, Metlakatla, Lax Kw’alaams,

Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, and Haida all Photo - Mike Ambach attended. Marching from Mariner’s Park to the Civic Center, a stream of over 1,000 supporters from across the province took over the streets in a symbolic Photo: Yvette Adams demonstration, declaring: “This is our territory and we do not consent to any pipelines or supertankers threatening our way of life.” Skidegate Senior Saints took top honours at the All-Native Basketball Tournament held in Prince Rupert this month. At around noon, everyone settled into Left - Right: Neil Alsop, Dan Burton, Richard Fenton, Wade Collinson, Desi Collinson, Darcy Pearson, Dave Wahl, the auditorium at the Prince Rupert Civic Duane Alsop, Jason Alsop, Jared Casey, Len Arens, Josh (Scoops) Wesley, Dustin Cross. In front: Levi Burton, and flag-bearer and Super Fan, Aaliyeh Arens Centre. After a welcoming from Prince Rupert Mayor Jack Mussallem, MLA Gary by Jason Alsop Coons, and Chiefs from the Metlakatla, Lax The All-Native Basketball Tournament match-up between Skidegate and Ahousat; that effort paid off and was highlighted in Kw’alaams, and Gitga’at, and a powerful is different from all other basketball the teams had squared off earlier in the the awards ceremony, with shooting guard, performance by the Gitga’at Cultural tournaments. It’s an opportunity to quarter-finals where the Saints emerged, Darcy Pearson, taking home an all-star and Dancers, the day’s events officially opened. represent your community and yourself after a hard fought battle, with a 92-79 win. high-scorer award (average 26 points per As the afternoon continued, the audience with your hustle, heart and spirit to win, and With an average margin of victory game), and center, Jared Casey, named to was honoured to hear the song, Shallow to succeed for your family, community and of 23.5 points per game throughout the the all-star team. Long-time Saint, Wade Waters, performed by 11-year-old Ta’Kaiya Photo - Mike Ambach nation. tournament, the Saints became the team to Collinson, was named the tournament’s top Blaney, a member of the Sliammon. Wise This year, the Skidegate Senior Saints beat, with defending champs, Hydaburg, sixth man. beyond her years, Ta’Kaiya opened with did something they have never done unable to attend this year’s tournament. In For the Saints, it was a year-long a speech, saying, “We have the power to Photo - Pat Moss before, by winning the Senior Division the words of point guard, Desi Collinson, community effort just to get to Prince draw that line and say ‘NO!’ This is the Top: The Civic Centre in Prince Rupert was championship in convincing fashion who was the tournament’s Most Valuable Rupert, but it was this community spirit time – it’s now or never.” Following her filled with people and energy. over their rivals, the Ahousat Suns Player and Mr. Hustle award-winner, this that super-charged the Saints to victory. performance, a drum was passed around Middle: Throughout the rally, drummers, (107-81),bringing home the championship year’s team had “too much juice!” for Following the big win, this sentiment was to help raise money for Ta’Kaiya to attend singers and dancers performed. to the people of Haida Gwaii. the competition. Teams struggled to keep echoed by point guard, Desi Collinson, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro this On their way to the finals, the Saints had up with the Saints pressure-zone defence, when he said, “ This win is not just summer. Left: Ta’Kaiya Blaney was presented a paddle by President of the Haida Nation Guujaaw to to get by the New Aiyansh YMCA (107- which was anchored by 6’ 11” center, Jared about basketball – it’s about everybody Andrew Nikiforuk took the stage around acknowledge the work she has done to bring 72), the Prince Rupert Friendship House Casey, and the “run-and-gun” offence from Skidegate and Haida Gwaii. They 5:00 pm. Nikiforuk is an award-winning attention to the proposed pipeline project. Chiefs (81-58) and their tough brothers implemented by first-year Saints coach, represent community. And it’s more than author and investigative journalist who The paddle was presented on behalf of all First Nations. from the north: the Old Massett Haida Dave Wahl. a championship — it’s about communities has written on a number of contemporary Raiders (87-67) in the semi-final bracket. Throughout the tournament the Saints uniting.” • issues, from energy to economics (see Tar The championship game was the second dominated the floor with their team effort— The Wall - continued next page

4 5 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

The 13-straight-hours of performances DID YOU KNOW: Approximately 150 First Nations and Band Councils have The Wall - from page 5 and speeches was an event that brought publicly declared their opposition to the proposed Enbridge pipeline project.

Sands: Dirty Oil and the together a diverse range of people and Council of the Haida Nation Musqueam Indian Band Future of a Continent communities. Over all, the voices that were Old Massett Village Council Soda Creek Indian Band (Cmetem) 2009). Nikiforuk Skidegate Band Council Tzeachten First Nation heard carried several important messages: Git’gaat First Nation Upper Nicola Band (Spaxomin) spoke about the rapid First, the words “fight” and “battle” Metlakatla First Nation Okanagan Indian Band development of the tar Haisla First Nation Penticton Indian Band against Enbridge came up time and time Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) Fort Nelson First Nation sands and believes that again, and, sometimes it feels like this is a Wuikinuxv Nation Cape Mudge Enbridge’s Northern Kitasoo/Xaixais Nation Campbell River Indian Band war. Those opposing the project have used Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation Lyackson First Nation Gateway represents the analogy of David and Goliath and it Tl’azt’en Nation Quatsino First Nation the 1% of the country’s Saik’uz First Nation Columbia Lake Band (Akisq’nuk First Nation) was clear at this gathering that the people Nadleh Whut’en First Nation St. Mary’s Band (aqamni k) population, not the 99% – working to protect lands and livelihoods are Nak’azdli Band Tobacco Plains Band (a·kanuxunik) referring to the slogan of Lower Kootenay First Nation (Ya·qannu·ki) energetic and intelligent. Wet’suwet’en First Nation the recent global Occupy Second, speak about this project with Gitanyow First Nation Shuswap Nation Tribal Council) movement. He also asked Photo - Ian McAllister Kispiox Band Council Idaho Ktunaza (a·kaq aha xu, Bonners Ferry) absolute certainty. Every speaker stated, Kitkatla First Nation Montana Ktunaxa (Ksanka, Elmo) the assembled to think without hesitation, that this proposal will be Lax Kw’alaams First Nation Anderson Lake (N’quatqua) about how we can do Namgis First Nation Samahquam stopped. Mamalilikulla Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em First Nation Douglas (Xa’xtsa) things differently and Tlowitsis Nation Skatin “Thanks to you, your spirit, your energy, Da’naxda’xw Awaetlatla First Nation (Nxwisten) Photo - Pat Moss move beyond our reliance Photo - Pat Moss your commitment and determination, these Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw First Nation Fountain First Nation (Xaxl’ip/Cácl’ep) on oil. tankers will not pass through the Douglas Kwiakah First Nation Mount Currie Band (Lil’wat) In the evening, Coastal K’ómoks First Nation Lillooet Band (T’it’q’et First Nation) Channel and these pipelines will not be Kwakiutl Indian Band Cayoose Creek First Nation (Sekw’el’was) Programs Campaigner for built,” said Andrew Nikiforuk speaking at Ditidaht Seton Lake First Nation (Chalath/Tsal’alh) Sierra Club BC, Caitlyn Huu-ay-aht Pavilion First Nation (Ts’kw’aylacw) the gathering. Hupacasath Deninu Kue First Nation Vernon, spoke candidly to Tseshaht First Nation Salt River First Nation Third, the Enbridge Northern Gateway why she is involved with Uchucklesaht Yellowknives Dene First Nation (Dettah) proposal is not only a First Nations’ issue, Ahousaht Yellowknives Dene First Nation (Ndilo) this movement to stop Hesquiaht Smith Landing First Nation it is also an environmental issue, a social the pipeline and where Tla-o-qui-aht Lutsel K’e Dene Band issue, and an economic issue. It is a local, Toquaht Aklavik Indian Band she finds inspiration. “It Ucluelet Inuvik Native Band a national, and an international issue. The may sound cliché, but Ehattesaht Gwichya Gwich’in Council federal government is determined to push Kyuquot/Cheklesahht Tetlit Gwich’in Council one person can make a Mowachat/Muchalaht Deline First Nation the proposal through as a project “in the Nuchatlaht Behdzi Ahda First Nation difference,” she said. Photo - Pat Moss Top: Over 1000 people attended the Say NO to Enbridge Rally spon- national interest”, but this diverse group Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwa-mish First Nation K’asho Got’ine Dene Band Caitlyn went on to sored by the Gitga’at Nation. Tsawataineuk First Nation Tulita Band Council of people at the march and gathering Gwawaenuk First Nation Sambaa K’e Dene Band note that she speaks Middle left: Rafe Mair, an outspoken and passionate advocate of free demonstrated that it is not in their best Nuxalk First Nation Liidlii Kue First Nation to many people who speech, told the crowd he was prepared to go to jail over the Enbridge Swan River First Nation Jean Marie River First Nation issue. Right: A sea of signs carried by all ages jostled along the avenue interest and there is a growing movement to are not activists or Canoe Creek Band Nahanni Butte Dene Band on the way to the Civic Centre. Below: An example of one of the signs protect what is in their best interest. Lake Babine First Nation Acho Dene Koe First Nation environmentalists, (Sexqeltqin) Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation carried along the parade route. Bottom: The crowd streams along. This rally demonstrated the wall of First people who have never Alexis Creek First Nations (Tsi Del Del) Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation Nations standing against the proposal, the Bonaparte First Nation Hay River Dene Reserve been involved with any campaigns before. People who “don’t normally Boston Bar First Nation Pehdzeh Ki Dene Band diversity of people opposing the proposal, get involved” are coming out on the pipeline and tanker issue because they (Tsq’escenemc) St’ueh Nda First Nation and the power that this opposition has. The Chawathil First Nation Begade Shotagotine realize the very real threat that the Northern Gateway proposal puts in front Soowahlie Behchoko Community Government rally reaffirmed everything that we are of us. Ms Vernon said that there are 75 coastal jobs at risk for every one job Sumas Whati Community Government doing on Haida Gwaii to stop the project Yakweakwioose First Nation Wekwee’ti Community Government that Enbridge offers with the project. Coldwater First Nation Gameti Community Government Photo - Pat Moss and reinforced that there is great support for Nicomen Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Another of the evening’s highlights was Rafe Mair—former MLA, that position from across the province, and, Nooaitch Lubicon Lake Indian Nation Minister of Environment, and radio host. Mair is an outspoken advocate of Siska Indian Band Blood Tribe (Kainai) across Canada. • Shackan Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation free speech and the environment, and has been speaking tirelessly against the Cook’s Ferry First Nation Alexander First Nation project. Alkali Lake Indian Band/Esketemc First Nation Whitefish Lake First Nation Indian Band (Splats’in First Nation) Enoch Cree Nation Mr. Mair, who is a very powerful speaker, said, “More than ever before, Williams Lake Band (T’exelcemc) Samson Cree First Nation we have to all be there and stand there and be prepared to go to jail if (Skatsin) Sucker Creek First Nation Montana First Nation necessary.” The 80-year-old went on to state that he would be there if a Kwantlen First Nation Louis Bull Tribe (Cree) bulldozer ever came to start construction for the project. Quoting Gerald Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation Osoyoos Indian Band Red Bluff Indian Band (Lhtako Dene Nation) Kelly Lake First Nation Amos – a former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation – Mr. Mair asserted Toosey First Nation (Tl’esqox First Nation) Nisga’a Nation that the pipeline, “is not going to happen, and we’ll all be there to make sure Xeni Gwet’in First Nation it doesn’t”. The Wall - continued next page

6 7 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

• Given the above scenario, What to expect at the Joint Review Panel supertankers would navigate around Haida Gwaii more than 500 times Community Hearings each year. Over the past month many people on the Alberta, through BC, and terminating at that would then be sent back to The federal government supports Islands have been in deep conversation Kitimat. Once the review process has been Kitimat through a second pipeline. “expanding our oil markets”, which the about the proposed Northern Gateway completed, the JRP will submit their report In combination, these two pipelines Prime Minister has made public on a project – talking at the grocery store, to the Minister of Environment, Peter Kent, would transport well over 500,000 number of occasions. Harper and Enbridge through social media, hearing it on the who will make it available to the public. barrels of diluted bitumen and close CEO Pat Daniels were in China, earlier news, and consequently thinking about to 200,000 barrels of condensate this month, promoting the potential of the possible environmental, social, and each day between Alberta and The Project in Four Bullets an expanded Canadian energy sector. economic impacts of the project. Kitimat. • In 2006, Enbridge Inc. announced According to Stephen Harper, transporting With the Joint Review Panel arriving

their proposal to build the Northern 525,000 barrels of bitumen each day Design: Stan Robinson on Haida Gwaii this month, the question, Gateway pipeline. In the years • From Kitimat, bitumen would be across the Rocky Mountains, across some Photo - Valine Crist “Why are they coming here?” has come up since, the proposal has met several sent by supertanker (also known 800 salmon-bearing streams, and through a few times and probably led some people delays and growing opposition. as Very Large Crude Carriers high-risk avalanche areas, to Kitimat, to wonder, what could a pipeline running or VLCCs) to markets in Asia is “in the national interest”. Minister of through BC mean for us here on Haida (primarily China) and in the US. Left: At the Say No to Oil Tankers Rally sponsored by the Gitga’at Nation and held in Prince Rupert, February 4, the • Enbridge proposes one pipeline to Natural Resources Joe Oliver is also a Gwaii? The proposed tanker route would vocal supporter of the proposed Northern Gitga’at Nation gave out hundreds of hoodies to those in attendance. Right: The striking design by Stan Robinson of transport condensate to the Alberta the Gitga’at Nation was featured on the backs of the shirts. The Joint Review Panel has been pass through the Hecate Strait, south tar sands, from Kitimat. At the tar Gateway project. tasked, by the federal government, to of Haida Gwaii through the Queen sands, the condensate would be While Harper and Oliver have conduct an assessment of the potential Charlotte Sound, or north through used to dilute bitumen (“bitumen” started talking about streamlining the environmental effects of the proposed Dixon Entrance out into the Pacific is a combination of sand, clay, Federal Review Process to become Northern Gateway Project. The project is Ocean. How the Joint Review Panel works water, and petroleum) to a liquid more “efficient”, others are looking into The proceedings of the Joint Review Panel are a formal process and have a number of rules to build two pipelines from Bruderheim, JRP - continued next page challenging various aspects of the Northern and guidelines. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers: Gateway project through the law courts. First Nations’ rights are protected under What is the Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel (JRP)? The Joint Review Panel Members the Canadian Constitution and recognized As a result of environmental concerns and public questions regarding the Northern - full biographies of the panel members can be found on the web by searching “Northern Gateway JRP” internationally through the United Nations Gateway proposal, a federal review of the project and its potential impacts started in Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous 2010. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the National Energy Board Peoples. Important to remember is the fact oversee the review, which includes Hearings being held in a number of communities that most First Nations in throughout BC and Alberta. Following the review process the Joint Review Panel will have never ceded their respective lands by make a decision on whether to approve the project or not. treaty or other agreement. Approximately 150 First Nations spanning BC’s coast, Who are the Joint Review Panel members? to the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Sheila Leggett is the vice-chair of the National Energy Board. She’s served on a south into the United States have publicly number of government review panels, has a Masters Degree in biology, and lives in opposed the Northern Gateway project. Calgary, Alberta. The proposed pipeline has motivated Kenneth Bateman is a lawyer and member of the National Energy board. He has organizations such as CoASt (Communities been involved in a number of pipeline hearings, has a Masters Degree in International Against Supertankers) on Haida Gwaii and Business Management, and lives in Calgary, Alberta. the Douglas Channel Watch in Kitimat. Hans Matthews is a geologist with experience in Aboriginal community development These organizations join Coastal First in the mining industry. He is from the Wahnapitae First Nation and lives in Ontario. Nations, Friends of Wild Salmon, Living Sheila Leggett is the vice-chair of Kenneth Bateman is a lawyer and Hans Matthews is a geologist Oceans Society, ForestEthics, West Coast What kind of recommendations will the panel make? the National Energy Board. She’s member of the National Energy with experience in Aboriginal Environmental Law, Dogwood Initiative, The Joint Review Panel will make their recommendation to the federal government served on a number of govern- board. He has been involved in a community development in the Sierra Club BC, and many First Nations based on information they receive throughout the review. Most often, the review panel ment review panels, has a Mas- number of pipeline hearings, has mining industry. He is from the across BC. will propose mitigation methods to offset environmental impacts. The review panel ter’s Degree in Biology, and lives a Master’s Degree in International Wahnapitae First Nation and in Calgary, Alberta. Business Management, and lives lives in Ontario. How it works - continued next page in Calgary, Alberta.

8 9 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

How it works - from page 9 Who will speak at the Hearings on Haida Gwaii? For people who registered to make Oral Statements, the Joint Review Panel will return this spring or summer to hear from the A long but rewarding could also recommend substantial changes to the proposal. Or, There are approximately 12 individuals and organizations public. Over 300 Islanders registered to make Oral Statements. the panel can reject the proposal. preparing to present Oral Evidence at the first round of Hearings in Old Massett and Skidegate. A second round of Hearings will They will each be given ten minutes to speak directly to the journey panel about their views of the proposed project. Does the JRP have final say in this review process? be held on the Islands at a later date to give members of the by Leigh-Anna Marks If the JRP’s review determines that the proposal should public an opportunity to be heard. A final round of Hearings for What if I missed the registration deadline but still want be rejected, the federal government cannot go against that It has been a long journey, but I am only a few months away from final arguments will be held in April 2013. to have my opinions considered in the JRP process? recommendation without introducing new legislation, so the completing my Bachelor of Nursing Degree with a Psychology Intervenors include the CHN, Old Massett Village Council, Everyone is encouraged to have their voices heard by the JRP. panel’s decision does carry a lot of weight. Minor at the Hawaii Pacific University in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Skidegate Band Council, Village of Queen Charlotte, and Haida If you missed the deadline to register to make an Oral Statement, I would not be at this Who will be at the Community Hearings? Gwaii CoASt. you can still write a Letter of Comment to the panel. These letters point in my life without all The Community Hearings are open to the public – everyone is can be as technical, or as personal, or as long or short as you like. Who will be presenting at this first round of Hearings the support I have received welcome and encouraged to attend. Hereditary Leaders, Women The deadline to submit a Letter of Comment is August 31, 2012. on Haida Gwaii? from my family, friends, Held in High-Esteem, elected officials, and the three-member Joint Check the JRP website at < http://gatewaypanel.review-examen. Each of the Intervenors can get up and speak for themselves, the Massett community, Review Panel will also be at the Hearings. gc.ca/clf-nsi/hm-eng.html > for details. or they can call in any number of speakers to talk about how my Hawaii ohana, and What’s the daily schedule for the Hearings? the proposed project would impact local communities. Each the Fernandez Earle The Hearings will begin with an opening ceremony and an Intervenor has been allotted between 15 minutes and three hours Preparing and Presenting your Scholarship Foundation official welcoming. After a brief introduction from the panel, to present their oral evidence to the panel. (FESF). Oral Evidence will begin and carry on all day. The evidence Oral Evidence What kind of evidence has CHN submitted so far? The opportunity I was being given by community members will consist of traditional Generally speaking, this first round of the review is for First given by FESF has been knowledge and/or personal experience. The public is welcome to CHN has been working with Coastal First Nations and White Nations from across BC and Alberta to give Oral Evidence, though Raven Law to prepare both written and oral evidence. Over such a life-changing come and go throughout the day. there are other individuals and groups who are also registered to experience. I have come 60 documents that describe our unique biological and marine present on this round. What is the role of the Joint Review Panel and how will ecosystems were submitted by the CHN. The Joint Review Panel to know what it means to Oral evidence is information, provided by Intervenors, that it operate? will read and consider this information before arriving to hear oral be a global citizen, I have cannot be submitted in writing. This includes: The role of the panel is to listen. Its members are not permitted evidence this month. learned to be a part of a to answer any questions from Intervenors or the public. The panel • oral traditional knowledge community but also be of I registered to make an Oral Statement. When do I Leigh-Anna Marks Chair, Sheila Leggett, will sometimes move to ensure that the independent mind, and Hearings are on track, but, over all, the panel does not interact with speak to the panel about my views on the proposed • personal knowledge and experiences that show how the I have learned so many Intervenors or the public. project? proposed project would affect you or your community new things about the many cultures in Hawaii, which locals call a melting pot of culture. Hawaii not only has the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures but also Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Before presenting your evidence, you will be sworn in on a so many more that I’ve learned about culturally, and from a health bible. If you don’t want to swear on a bible, you can bring in care perspective. another sacred item with you to use. In its own way, Hawaii has become home to me. It has The JRP Hearings Timeline • You can tell the panel your point of view, but your evidence supported me through the thick-and-thin of nursing school even must focus on information that supports your views. • January 10, 2012: Community Hearings began in Kitamaat if it was just being able to stick my toes in the sand for a few minutes after a horrible day. I am excited to be completing my post- • February 28 and 29: Hearings in Old Massett • Your views about the decision the panel should make, and secondary education but at the same time it is sad to see this chapter your opinions of the proposed project, should wait until the coming to an end in my life. The FESF has been such a huge part • March 21 and 22: Hearings in Skidegate hearings in the Spring/Summer. of my life and made such a big difference to me and other students on Haida Gwaii – I want more students to have the experience I did • Spring/Summer 2012: More Community Hearings on Haida Gwaii • Your final arguments in your presentation, this round, can and be able to pursue anything they dream of. to hear 10-minute Oral Statements from the general public include your position on the decision that the panel should With that, I’d like to ask you all to support the Fernandez Earle

Clam diggers along North Beach - Haida Fisheries make and the reason why your evidence supports your Scholarship Foundation by donating to or attending the fundraiser • August 31, 2012: Deadline to submit Letters of Comment position. to be held on March 8th from 6-9pm at the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate. The fundraiser will be a silent auction and donations • April 2013: Final Hearings – Final Arguments The final decision that the panel makes on the project will would be greatly appreciated. Please contact my mother, Tammy include the environmental and socio-economic effects of the Jones, at home (250.626.3783) to donate. project, the significance of the effects, and, if the proposal should By supporting this foundation you help to give a secondary- be approved, on what terms and conditions. • school graduate a full-ride scholarship to the Hawaii Pacific University once every two years. For more information on FESF, go to their website: http://fernandezearle.com/

10 11 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

Youth Leadership – thinking as one ReDiscovering Ourselves In-Town

by Kelsey Pelton by Florence Lockyer On January 8, 2012, 13 youths from Old ReDiscovery Coordinator, Vince Collison, Massett, Masset, Port Clements, Tlell, and Youth Coordinator, Harmony Skidegate, Queen Charlotte and Sandspit Williams, organized a Community Clans’ came together for the first meeting of the Dinner for Old Massett this past January Gwaii Trust Youth Board. 31. Of the dozen Clans situated at the north The directors and alternates of this new end of Haida Gwaii, most had a good group are: Preston Sloan, Mike Berg, representation at the dinner of about 150 Chelsy McDavid, Brandon Gibbard, Niisii people. Guujaaw, Abigail Mitchell, Skil Jaadee The Clans’ Dinner was planned to White, Jaadgaljuus Yakgujanaas, Shaylene involve the community in decision-making Abrahams, Chloe Good, Kade Kricheldorf, and program planning for the newly Ian Benoit and Jesse Condrotte. These youth initiated In-Town ReDiscovery Program are representing Band and Village Councils, that will deliver programs and services to and Youth Councils from their communities. our youth. The Summer Culture Camp Part of the Gwaii Trust Youth Board’s held annually at Taalung Stlung is the mandate is to decide how $150,000.00 will inspiration for this new year-round, in-town be spent by August 2012. The board was endeavour. told to not only think of their individual The idea for the dinner was to bring Photo - Archie Stocker community when making decisions, but to The newly-formed Gwaii Trust Youth Board will be looking at proposals from youth on how to spend $150,000 in funding. positive attention to the program and the think of Haida Gwaii as one big community. Front row, left to right: Michael Berg, Chelsy McDavid, Jesse Condrotte, Kade Kricheldorf, Brandon Gibbard, Preston Sloan, boundless possibilities of in-town activities. The Gwaii Trust Board, which was also Ian Benoit. Back row, left to right: Abigail Mitchell, Chloe Good, Niisii Guujaaw, Skil Jaadee White, Jaadgaljuus Yakguja- The ReDiscovery Society still operates the naas, Shaylene Abrahams at the meeting, presented some goals that cultural camp at Taalung Stlung, and, last it would try to achieve with the new Youth potential investments and come back with He feels that everyone should have the year, the Haida Health Center delivered the Above: Carrie Carty at the mic, with performers (l-r) Devon Marks, Sheldon Smith, Kendall Drager, Janelle Edgars, Ryleigh Board and youth on-Island. The goals are: information to help shortlist the options of opportunity he had to learn more about programs at the camp. The new in-town Brennan, and Steven Parnell. Below: Dayaang addresses family and friends under the watchful eye of Addison Bell (Day- 100% high-school graduation; for every how the Youth Board will spend the money. Haida culture and have the experience of programming is additional to the summer aang’s great-granddaughter) and niece, Sandy Gagnon. teen on-Island to attend a wilderness camp Those in attendance also voted to set visiting Gwaii Haanas. camp. The Old Massett Village Council such as Swan Bay Rediscovery; to give priorities about the things they felt should The Youth Council intends to meet is now managing the programs in both out two Excellence in Leadership awards; be done first. again in March and May. At those meetings locations. put 15 students per year in an apprentice or Some great ideas were put forward at the they will be looking at applications from The dinner was also organized to educational mentorship program; support meeting: Chelsy McDavid thought that it individuals with great ideas that could be inform the community that the program a teen centre in every community; and, to would be a good idea to have transportation used to create programs and more activities has received financial support from Haida have an Island-wide Youth Forum in the from Sandspit, where she lives, to attend for youth. Child and Family Services. Part of the spring. the youth centre in Skidegate; Abigail If you have an idea as to what the Haida Child and Family Services mandate At the meeting, the discussion was Mitchell, from Tlell, suggested that there Gwaii Trust Youth Council could do is to support community initiatives aimed around ideas that could help achieve these be counselling to help with the goal of to make Haida Gwaii a better place for at enhancing children’s lives and a financial goals, and how to spend the money in a way increasing the graduation rate; Brandon youth, submit your idea and application by contribution from HCFSS breathed new that helped all communities and all youth. Gibbard of Skidegate thought the idea of contacting any member of the Gwaii Trust life into the ReDiscovery Program. The GT Youth Board decided to designate funding every teen on-Island to attend a Youth Council. Their email addresses are Rather than just promoting the program individuals to do research about the Haida Gwaii wilderness camp was great. posted at < www.gwaiitrust.com >. with posters and notices, and designing the program without community input, it was decided that the launch of this new phase would be through a Clans’ Dinner so that all clans and community members were aware of the importance of this new Photo - Archie Stocker initiative.

In-town - continued next page

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In-town - from page 13 Number 6 in the series – The summer camp has operated for 30 years and many adult community members WORKING ON-ISLAND attended the camp and now their children are attending it. Many remember seeing or feeling the accomplishment of being Stone MAY RUSS - from navigator to steerswoman Ribs and successfully doing an overnight solo, and as a consequence being filled with by Valine Crist Haida pride. With the new funding, all of May Russ is a passionate and committed our youth aged 9-12 will now be able to Haida woman. Born and raised on the experience that pride, here in the village, Islands, she has made a lifelong career before they attend the cultural camp in the of working for – and in – the community summer. of Old Massett. Today, May is Senior The dinner began with an opening by Administrator for the Secretariat of the MCs Elizabeth Moore and Vince Collison. Haida Nation (SHN), and for the past nine Beef, deer and seafood stews were prepared Photo - Archie Stocker years has managed a team that is building by the Adult Day Program. Clan members and expanding CHN programs. decorated their tables with crests and May is Haida through and through: regalia and also brought desserts. Each she loves food gathering, especially table served themselves at the dinner. berry picking, enjoys spending time in After dinner Hereditary Leaders Above: Dressed for the do, Lydia and Sheldon Smith wear their clan crests with distinction. Below: The long-used, hand- made and hand-painted ReDiscovery banner hangs between photo reproductions of the original Jasper Pole. her garden, and has a regular exercise Dayaang, Donald Bell; Giteewans, Vernon practice. Reading – mostly mysteries Brown; Thasi, Ken Edgars, Ihldiinii, Alfred and biographies – watching hockey, and Davidson; and Gya awhlans, Roy Collison craftwork are other favourite past times. spoke to those in attendance. Edward Davis These activities are some of the ways that spoke for Gya awhlans. she keeps her feet on the ground with her In their speeches many of the Leaders demanding work life, she says. May has shared similar sentiments: two sons from her first marriage, and – Photo - Kevin Brown “It’s good to be here for a happy with her spouse of thirty years, Stan – a occasion! It’s great that [our] teachings will daughter, Eve. But, nothing touches May’s be passed on. It’s good to see everyone heart more than her seven grandchildren together for our children. No matter what – four boys and three girls, including the I do, there is always at least one of my newest addition, grandson Isaac, born May Senior Administrator for the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, May Russ, knows that hard work pays off and a skill set that children or grandchildren around to hear 9 of last year. includes the ability to organize and problem-solve will serve you well while working in challenging work environments. and see what I am doing.” Before she came to the SHN, May spent “We need to do this more often – gather twenty-two years at the Old Massett Village for a happy occasion. It’s good to learn Council office. There, she began as a part- “You don’t have to do it the hard about food gathering, weaving, and other time Clerk, moved up to a junior Finance cultural activities year round. We need to Photo - Archie Stocker Clerk position, and, after that, became the way, which is how I did it. If you keep our children busy.” Finance Clerk. From Finance Clerk she “We arrived hungry and are leaving full. took on the position of Band Administrator, get the education, that will make The soup was good and it’s great that [you] a management position she held for nine May Russ years. Today, working for SHN with a big difference ...” showed up in support of this dinner, and to Carrie Carty and Charlene Edgars. The involved. It was a wonderful display of its associated politics is a “rewarding show support for the Chiefs and clans.” dancers marched in their own clan banners community pride in being Haida. The challenge,” May says, with her dry sense “The board members of the Haida Child and sang many, many songs. They also Clan Song was sung as well as the Haaw. through a program called Aboriginal as having strong writing skills and a deep of humour. and Family Services were worried about sang the Gambling Sticks song and raised aa Song; the cooks and event-coordinator Studies,” she said. “You don’t have to do understanding of finances and knowledge the direction that the Rediscovery program over $300 for the school’s annual trip to were thanked; and the hall was full to the Although May does not have a formal it the hard way, which is how I did it. If of bookkeeping, or something as simple was taking and they offered to help get it Taalung Stlung. brim with good energy. For some it was post-secondary education, in her early you get the education, that will make a big as getting along with people, are strengths twenties she did complete some post- difference – definitely get the education.” required in her current position. The ability going again.” Following the Chief Matthews an excellent moment to connect with their secondary courses. “I never did get my Following the speeches, the first dance School Dancers, many community spirit and share it – it was a great evening of May’s hard work has paid off. Over Grade 12, but I have taken post-secondary group to perform was the Chief Matthews singers and drummers performed songs rediscovering ourselves. the years she has learned the skills needed May Russ - continued next page courses and received university credits School Dancers, led by Delbert Smith, with enthusiasm and got the whole hall for the jobs she has taken on. Skills, such

14 15 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

May Russ - from page 15 Number 7 in the series – to organize and be organized is something her, she says, “We’re doing it for our kids the operation and structure of existing May considers to be of high value. … they have to inherit whatever we make CHN programs, with an intention to build WORKING ON-ISLAND During our conversation, May pointed for them and it’s our challenge to give them those programs from the foundation that out that some people are still confused the best opportunities we can.” has been established. “Our programs are ERNIE GLADSTONE - a solid influence about the relationship between SHN And what is it that the CHN/ continuing to expand,” she said. “These are and CHN. She explains that the CHN SHN is leaving behind for following exciting times and it’s fun to be a part of is the political body of elected officials generations? One item is the Kunst’aa it all.” Happily engaged in her work, May representing the Haida Nation at a Guu – Kunst’aayah Reconciliation encourages others to “get out there, get the government-to-government level, and the Agreement , signed in 2011, between the training, and look at our organization [for SHN is the organization responsible for CHN and the province of BC, setting an jobs]”. Recognizing that youth need to be the administrative duties of the CHN. The extraordinary precedent for co-management involved and informed about the type of SHN administers the CHN support staff on Haida Gwaii. “It’s a whole new way employment being offered, CHN and SHN and CHN programs such as fisheries, forest of doing things, for us,” May said. “It’s are looking for ways to engage motivated planning and communications. As Senior groundbreaking and it’s really exciting.” and educated Haida youth. “We need so Administrator, May’s responsibilities Part of any well-run organization is many different people to fill jobs. We need include overseeing the operation; clear policy, and, in 2009, May dedicated biologists, divers, field workers and, of meeting with elected officials and a lot of time and energy, along with CHN course, administrators,” May exclaims. Hereditary Leaders; internal and external Policy Committee, to revise the CHN communications; budgets; and accounting. election regulations. She says that this was CONSIDERING WORK To do this, “you have to have a really strong a highlight for her and a major piece of Recent job postings with the CHN/SHN ability to organize and to problem-solve,” work for SHN. Having the Haida Nation have included: Summer-student research she explained. adopt the recommendations at the House jobs, Rediscovery Camp coordinators, As Senior Administrator, May works of Assembly was another highlight in her department managers, a research writer, a hard and continues to learn new skills. The professional work life, she said. community correspondent, and field crew position often involves big challenges like With an appreciation for administrative members. Check for employment opportu- preparing for important decisions on behalf process, management systems and nities at: www.haidanation.ca. of the Nation. When asked what inspires organization, May is now working on Photo - Jason Shafto

Gwaii Haanas Field Unit Superintendent, Nang Kaa Klaagangs, Ernie Gladstone, has spent many years and a lot of effort to get the education and training needed to run Gwaii Haanas.

by Valine Crist Nang Kaa Klaagangs (The One Who “A lot of areas are protected for natural reasons, Walks First), Ernie Gladstone, is the Field Unit Superintendent for the Gwaii Haanas and others are protected for cultural reasons. National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Gwaii Haanas is protected for natural and Heritage Site. Field Unit Superintendent is the top position at Gwaii Haanas and cultural reasons — we bring both of these Ernie is responsible for approximately 45 employees who carry out the duties things together; they’re one and the same here of keeping the Haida Heritage Site and and they’re given equal weight.” National Park Reserve and the National Marine Conservation Area Reserve running Nang Kaa Klaagangs smoothly. In 1988, after graduating from Queen “I knew I wanted to get some kind of During his second year at school, Ernie Charlotte Secondary School, Ernie education, so I began with general studies,” realized that he was very interested in moved to Nanaimo to attend what is now Ernie said, referring to his first year at post- Vancouver Island University. secondary school. Nang Kaa Klaagangs - continued next page

16 17 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation February 2012

Nang Ka Klaagangs from page 17 tourism and thought one day he’d start within this federal/Haida structure, Ernie working in one place for a long time is the a kayaking business in Gwaii Haanas. expressed an interest in the superintendent opportunity to see things change over time. But, after taking courses in economics, position. “So, I moved from manager Ernie’s attachment to Gwaii Haanas began accounting, human resource management, of the maintenance department into a at an early age. “I first experienced Gwaii and statistics, he discovered that it was developmental position and worked Haanas when I was about 12 years old,” he really business management that he alongside the then-Superintendent,” he said. said. “I went down there for about a week enjoyed. When he finished school, Ernie Things obviously went well. Ernie and travelled around by zodiac with just a came home with a 2-year diploma in has been Superintendent for the past 10 few others and really connected with the Business Management. years and speaks with knowledge and area … we did a lot of food gathering and “All of the courses I took in school relate experience as he describes the balance he exploring and it was at that time I became to my current position,” Ernie said. “The must find between Haida Nation protocol really attached to the place.” education I received definitely helped when and citizen expectations and Parks Canada it came to applying for the position I’m in requirements. PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW now.” “When you’re from Haida Gwaii At Gwaii Haanas, when jobs are In 1992, on completion of his Business there are expectations people have of you posted, along with the job description Management diploma, Ernie moved home that sometimes aren’t in line with Parks is a document called the Statement and took a job as a deckhand on the Gwaii Canada’s expectations.” Finding that of Qualifications. The Statement of Haanas supply-and-maintenance vessel balance takes diplomacy and patience, Qualifications is key to the hiring Shearwater. At the time, he thought it and though navigating that line can be process and identifies everything that would be a temporary job until he got difficult and stressful, the job does come the interview committee will be looking his tourism business going but with his with benefits. As Superintendent, Ernie has for. You should pick up a copy of the good performance and skill set, Ernie visited all of the provinces and territories in document before an interview to help was soon moved to the maintenance Canada and many of the national historic you prepare. During the interview be department where he worked with mentor, sites and parks. He has also travelled ready to respond to each of the items in Tucker Brown. Eventually, Ernie took internationally, visiting the US, Ireland, the Statement of Qualifications and talk on the management of the maintenance Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. about your abilities and skills in relation department. With his many accomplishments Ernie to specific items in the document. A few years later, in 1998, Ernie was remains modest and attributes most of An interview committee at Gwaii asked, by Gwaii Haanas management, Gwaii Haanas’ success to his colleagues. Haanas generally consists of the to conduct a review of the Gwaii Haanas “We have a solid team and I really enjoy manager of the Human Resources Agreement and, so, took a brief leave from working with people here,” he said. This department and at least one other managing the maintenance department. The sentiment was echoed recently in a speech manager along with a representative of Agreement is reviewed every five years Ernie gave when accepting the George the Council of the Haida Nation. The as part of the Gwaii Haanas management Wright Society’s Cultural Resource interview committee will review your plan and was signed in 1993 after a lengthy Achievement Award – an award recognizing personal suitability and attributes and battle to protect the area from logging. protected areas for their natural and cultural conduct the interview. Recently, the marine area surrounding value. “When I accepted the award, I made Ernie suggests that you talk with Gwaii Haanas has also been protected it clear that the work we do here in Haida and get advice from somebody who’s and the management of both areas uses a Gwaii isn’t done just by me – it’s done by already employed at Gwaii Haanas and consensus-based decision-making process the team that we have working here and the has therefore been through the hiring that includes representatives of the federal team at the Council of the Haida Nation.” process. and Haida governments. Gwaii Haanas directly employs about Ernie was required to review the entire 45 people, not including summer student Agreement and assess each clause, evaluate positions. Haidas fill half of these positions. whether requirements of the Agreement Ernie said there are many interesting were being met, and identify the progress opportunities, some of which include that had been made. This study provided employment designed specifically for youth within the many departments at Gwaii Ernie with a thorough introduction and Haanas. He says to watch for the job ads understanding of the unique management and call in to ask about the positions. system and technical operations of Gwaii Haanas. Eager to continue advancing One of the benefits of living and

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YOU ARE IMPORTANT! Please attend the JOINT REVIEW PANEL HEARINGS and witness contemporary and oral history being presented to the Panel by our people and our neighbours on Haida Gwaii.

The Hearings are part of a federal government Old Massett Community Hall review of the proposed Enbridge oil pipeline project that would run from Alberta to Kitimat. February 28 & 29, 2012 In addition to the pipeline, the proposed project 9:00 am would require over 200 oil tankers to circumnavigate Haida Gwaii each year to transport the oil to Asian and US markets.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable attend these hearings there are also two days of Hearings scheduled for Skidegate, March 21 and 22 .

lunch provided

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