September 2009

CHN A REALLY SUSTAIN- QUARTERLY GOOD IDEA ABILITY FAIR REPORTING page 6 page 12 page 3

HAIDAHAIDANewsletter of the Haida Nation LAASLAASSEPTEMBER 2009

AncientAncient TreasuresTreasures photosphotos && storystory ofof thethe repatriationrepatriation triptrip toto EnglandEngland

1 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation Q&A The NaiKun Offshore Wind Energy Project proposed for Hecate Strait is in Haida traditional territory and will involve Haida resources. For this reason CHN is working to ensure that NaiKun shares information about the project and addresses the important comments made by Haida citizens regarding this project.

Many questions and concerns have been raised by citizens at CHN information meetings and following are answers to HAIDA LAAS some of those questions. NEWS of the HAIDA NATION

published by the LIMITED PARTNERSHIP farm area by flying high Council of the Haida Nation In January 2009, the Council over it or around it, which is, Managing Editor of the Haida Nation signed an crucial for reducing collision Simon Davies agreement with NaiKun Wind to risk. The wind turbine towers secure revenue and long term Writers will be spaced as much as Florence Lockyer - Old Massett jobs through the operations and a kilometre apart so that Kwiaahwah Jones - Skidegate maintenance of the project. The birds that do use the wind [email protected] Nation has a 50% ownership farm area will be able to fly p.250.559.8755 position in the company that safely between the rows/ will operate the project for up columns of turbines. The Council of the Haida Nation to 40 years once it’s built. This Haida delegation that went Administrator ensures that we will be at the to England witnessed Scoters Box 589, Old Massett decision table with NaiKun when and other birds flying in and V0T 1M0 key decisions are being made around the turbines without p.250.626.5252 about how to run the wind farm any threat to them. f.250.626.3403 and conduct the environmental 1.888.638.7778 [email protected] monitoring studies, and we will HAIDA FISHERMEN be able to provide sustainable NaiKun acknowledges that Council of the Haida Nation career jobs for our people who there are several important President want to work on the wind farm. Box 98, Queen Charlotte fisheries, aside from just the Haida Gwaii crab fishery in Hecate Strait V0T 1S0 MARINE BIRDS AND MIGRATION which Haida fishermen take p.250.559.4468 f.250.559.8951 ROUTES part in. NaiKun has been 1.877.559.4468 NaiKun has done extensive in consultation with several [email protected] studies on the resident and commercial fishing industries migratory marine birds that live in developing the project and www.haidanation.ca and use the area and has looked their input has helped shape at other areas where there are the design of the project to SEPTEMBER 09 offshore wind farms to see how avoid and minimize potential birds interact with wind turbines impacts. The project is not elsewhere. The experience in expected to impact these other places, which is expected local fisheries—including haidanation.ca to be the same at the project site, program reports : haida laas is that birds will avoid the wind links : diplomacy : agreements Q&A continued back page government : working groups COVER: Lucy Bell with a portrait mask and Vince Collison with a frog mask at - it’s all good - Pitt Rivers Museum, England.

2 September 2009

The Objective Remains Constant President’s Quarterly Report, September 2009

The Nation has been “running on all cylinders—the political, legal says that from his point of view and economic fronts have all been very active and the objective he sees “no show stoppers.” He of the Nation remains constant,” said Guujaaw at the quarterly went on to say that the project is, “not going to kill all the birds, meetings held September 10 and 11th at the Howard Phillips or crabs or clams or whales” Community Hall in . and that “projects like this... are showing nothing but benefits.” If The objective he is referring to of the provincial government’s the wind farm project is approved is to “gain our freedom and proposed Recognition and by the CHN and the House of independence through restoring Reconciliation legislation by First Assembly, and is chosen by BC our Rights and Title, looking after Nations, the process is in tatters. Hydro to go to construction, Haida Gwaii and creating an “Quite clearly it fell far short of then with the current business economy for our people that will constitutional rights and far short arrangement with NaiKun the break the cycle of dependency of our own objectives. We are not CHN would make approximately that we have known for far too interested in trading our title for a $5-million a year with no long,” he said. treaty,” said Guujaaw. investment in the company. If CHN did invest in up to 40% of Guujaaw laid out his message and Whether or not the provincial the company then the Nation vision for citizens assembled at process restarts, the province could realize $20-30 million per the Howard Phillips Community still wishes to move forward year over the next 40-years (the Hall, September 10 and 11th. with Haida “reconciliation” in length of the project). He acknowledged the work the form of joint management being done on many fronts by in the protected areas and At this time the CHN has an many people—land and marine with joint implementation of agreement with NaiKun—but planning, legal, economic Ecosystem Based Management has made no investment—that development by the Band in the TFLs and TSAs. Once this will allow them to purchase up to Councils and said that it is all is accomplished, and with the 40% of the company at a future these things working together, proposed acquisition of TFL 39 date. This agreement was signed with the same objective that will and including the Haida Tenure to secure the ability to buy in at eventually put the Nation in a (a perpetual license for 120,000 a later date if that is what the position of controlling the land cubic metres per year) there will Nation decides. and resources of Haida Gwaii. be a solid land base to begin establishing some economic In keeping with the objective of “There is no one-stop solution, independence for the Haida independence the president said nor is there any court, or process Nation. Any activity on the that if the NaiKun project does or group of allies, or action that land will be done in a way that go ahead then the income from will get us there in itself... rather, respects the values of the Haida this project along with others [it will be] a combination of all Nation. will “put us well on the way to these things.” independence and providing WIND our people with those amenities RECONCILIATION Out in the ocean the denied us so long.” He said that The message was loud and clear environmental assessments for these are huge steps especially to the First Nations Leadership the proposed wind farm are Council—no! With the rejection coming in and the president Report - continued over

3 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

Report - from page 3 when you consider that the could then be used for managing BUSINESS ARISING from the nation moved from essentially those areas or other projects. PRESIDENT’S REPORT having no power or influence Issues with the wind farm are when the CHN was first formed LEGAL being voiced loud and clear 30-years ago to now being in the The Title Case continues to by community members. position as managers of the land move forward with the last few Dredging of the seabed for tower and “from having no money of months having many focus’ one placement, birds and rotors, our own, to being the economic of which has been on preparing possible changes in current driver on Haida Gwaii.” for and support of Commissioned patterns and a shifting seabed Evidence from elders. were all part of the discussion. With about 50% of the Haida One citizen pointed out that Gwaii protected much of that In each quarterly meeting the CHN needed to move land could be used to generate package there is a full report from very carefully as “our kids and future income for the Haida the legal team which is available grandkids will be paying—good Nation in the form of carbon to all Haida citizens. or bad—for this for a long time credits. and said that citizens needed LAND USE PLANNING more information about both Carbon credits work like this: The Land Use Plan includes sides of the project. Newspaper the carbon credit system is a protecting fore- and near-shore stories have generated many commodities market where areas which are adjacent to the questions about the project and credits are bought and sold. land areas. This designation that the stories make it look like This market allows companies, means that foreshore leases will the windfarm is a done deal and governments and companies not be processed as they have in the Haida Nation is in full support to offset their greenhouse gas the past. Lease applications will of it. emmissions by purchasing credits. now be subject to decisions made One carbon credit is equal to one by a CHN/BC joint-management Guujaaw said the windfarm metric tonne of carbon. So for team. project has a long way to go; every tonne of carbon emitted a NaiKun is only one of a few MARINE PLANNING credit can be purchased on the company’s competing for a Progress is being made in Gwaii market to offset these emissions contract with BC Hydro and it Haanas. When the original and bring businesses and needs approval from the Haida agreement was signed to governments closer to a carbon Nation to proceed. designate the heritage site/ neutral status. park reserve by CHN and the “The CHN is considering this federal government a section was The protected areas are forested project but it is by no means cut included in the agreement to and are absorbing carbon and and dry—it is not guaranteed,” establish an ocean conservation therefore some of the area can he said, “the CHN has always area. Recent negotiations and be credited. Once the number put the well being of the meetings between CHN and the of carbon credits these areas are land and people first, and our federal government are bringing generating is established then environmental assessment that reality closer, said Guujaaw. those credits can be sold on the standards are far higher than market. The money generated those of the provincial or federal through the sales of the credits governments.” •

4 September 2009

Vice-president’s Quarterly Report, Old Massett September 2009 Naanii-Jaadaa Events Friday, October 16 Vice-president, Arnie Bellis gave the wood was to be cut under Seafood Dinner & Loonie Auction an overview of the inner workings old logging standards. What has 6 pm, TXN Longhouse, $12 Plate been negotiated is a perpetual of the various negotiations that Friday, October 30 the CHN is involved in—the volume with far higher logging Prime Rib Dinner & Loonie Auction reconciliation table with the standards. The standards for 6 pm, TXN Longhouse, $20/plate provincial government, Gwaii logging on-Island are now based Haanas, DFO and he also spoke on the values and principles put Saturday, October 31 Halloween Pizza Sale to the huge increase in the forward by the Haida Nation. 4 pm, Haida Rose, $5/slice for the Trick number of crab boats and quota or Treaters! being allocated in Hecate Strait. Negotiations continue and are in various stages of completion with From now until November 6 forest companies on the Islands. Art Raffle On economic development, Great artwork including weaved hats, specifically to do with wind, Bellis Haida purses and more. Tickets at Haida talked about the fact-finding In the Timber Rose, Sandy’s Styling and your favourite trip to England that looked Sales file the CHN is negotiating Nannii or Jaadaa at wind projects in all stages with the provincial government Gum Boot Auction of development. He said that to develop a Memorandum of Looking for Haida artists to paint a pair before the group left for England Understanding that would see the of rubber boots to auction as a fundraiser they agreed to do their best Haida Nation as co-managers in for the Naanii-Jaadaa trip to museum to question the local people in these areas. • collections in the States. Let Candace Weir or Lucy Bell know if you can the places they visit to get their volunteer. perspective on how the farms have affected communities. He said that locals seriously questioned the project development in their areas and had very similar concerns that have been voiced by Islanders. The delegation focussed on birds, marine life and impacts to fishermen. Bellis said that, “In all honesty, I did not find one person that spoke against wind energy.”

In forestry the Vice-president says that CHN has identified areas and boundaries which will give the Haida Nation 120,000 cubic metres of wood annually which will be cut under the new EBM practices which are part of the Land Use Plan. He said that this agreement is a far cry from where During the construction of a wind farm the barge that houses personnel negotiations began. Originally and equipment drops stabilizers to the sea floor and raises itself off the the CHN had been offered a surface of the water to ensure a stable working platform. one-time allocation of 270,000 Photo: Berly Parke cubic metres over 10 years. And

5 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

A Really Good Idea: Wood for Culture What must have been con- Access” and “Free Use.” “It was bit of a misnomer as it was not sidered a good idea at the a bad time for the cultural wood free. Under the program, who time—milling cultural wood process,” said Percy Crosby, ever wanted wood had to pay and trading half to the miller Process Coordinator, “Things kind logging and hauling costs to for payment—ended up not so of got out of hand, and some of get the wood from the bush to good for the parties involved, our people were getting both the studio. Then in 2003/04 the the wood was seized. permits and trading one off to CHN began issuing a Right to pay for the cutting of the wood. Access permit for cultural wood A couple of years ago this They were basically trading wood and with the ability to get two practice was becoming the norm for service.” permits people began finding and was stretching the rules and ways to keep their logging and spirit of the Council of the Haida Trading wood for services may hauling costs down. In hindsight Nations Right to Access permit have been a creative use of the it was the trading of wood for and the Province of BCs Free-Use permits but it was not considered services and seizure of the wood, permit programs. Both programs fair or above board—it wasn’t that provoked both governments were designed to put cultural what the programs were to act on the problem. It was wood into the hands of artists intended for. The Ministry of identified that the individual and builders but it went off the Forest’s Free-Use program began programs were not working for rails when the buying, selling, in 1999 and with permits being people and perhaps together and trading of wood blurred issued for wood to be used for the governments would design the boundaries of “Rights to cultural purposes. Free-Use is a a better program that would tighten up program guidelines, make it easier to apply and get cultural wood into the hands of people who need it.

The combined program, now called the Haida Gwaii Cultural Wood Access Program is based on the principles of joint management, sustainable How much wood does it take to build one forestry, collaborative monitoring longhouse for every family in Massett and of the forest and the program. Skidegate? The revamped program has an • For a medium sized 6-beam longhouse (28’ X 32’) it advisory board of representatives takes approximately 80 cubic metres of cedar. from the Village of Massett • There are about 352 households in Skidegate and 260 in Council, Skidegate Band Council, Massett. a Chief from each village, a • To supply enough wood for 612 longhouses you would CHN rep and a MoFR rep. The need 48,960 cubic metres. group meets every two to three months, depending on need, How much is 48,960 cubic metres? A log barge carries reviews applications and forwards 15,000-17,000 cubic metres, so it would take about 3 recommendations to the CHN log barges to build every Haida family on Haida Gwaii a and MoFR for approval. longhouse. Ricardo Toledo, First Nations

6 September 2009

Liaison Officer for MoFR (Toledo has since moved to another position) who helped develop this program says, “The strength of the process is in the advisory board. There is an agreement [at the board] to work out access to wood with shared principles and a transparent approval process.”

The group operates with a terms of reference which was developed and signed by both CHN and MoFR and strives to ensure decisions and allocations of wood are clear and without Two examples of cultural wood being used are the house siding along Front bias or favoritism. All names are St. in Skidegate and Billy Bellis’ canoe at Kaay. removed from applications prior to review by the group so that personal bias is taken out of the approval process. There is also a commitment by committee members to remove themselves from decision-making if they have a conflict.

In the past cultural wood was used mainly for poles, boxes and masks but with the Supreme Court of Canada, Sapier and Gray decision (2006) this has changed. The court decision, in part says, that the use of cultural wood for domestic purposes is a constitutional right much like the right to harvest wood for poles and weaving. This means that Haida and other First Nations are now able to take wood to build houses or use wood for “Due to the strength of our MoFR side, the District Manager siding a house. Though this process, we were moving took some risk doing this but the may be fresh news to some ahead, we recognized the response from people has been people the HGCWAP had already need for domestic wood in the positive, and provincially this been accepting applications community. We were moving program has been recognized as for domestic use prior to the ahead in anticipation of the being innovative. It’s something provincial legislation that was pending legislative changes and other districts and Nations are being written to accommodate managed this in partnership with looking at to adopt.” the change. the CHN,” said Toledo. “On the Wood continued next page

7 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation Wood - from page 7

Toledo has given presentations those areas with others,” said governments and needs to be about the program to many Toledo. supported by . provincial meetings and Crosby “It is in our best interest to make has run Coastal First Nations/ This concern is understandable. this program work. With this Turning Point through the Trying to find a canoe log or program we are able to get the process and how it works. Several large tree for a pole was difficult wood we need and take care First Nations and forest districts in the past and is increasing as of the forest for the following along the coast have asked to see more people are looking to the generations,” he said. “It is the local process in action, and something that we have been examine the policy documents working towards for many years, so that they may use them as the management of our lands.” templates for their own cultural wood programs. Managing the land is important but finding a high quality log “Even though people out there for a canoe to ensure cultural are really interested in our sustainability and complete program, it is interesting that a project may be of equal a lot of our own people don’t importance to some—Christian realize how far along we are and White spent two years looking what we have achieved, other for a tree that would provide First Nations are not close to a 38 cubic metre log and his where we are,” said Percy Crosby. story is not unusual. When Kaay Llnagaay was under construction Access to cultural wood is a right, it was only a very determined but taking care of the forest and effort that secured most of the locating the right wood for the wood, and some wood for large project at hand is a challenge that house beams was never found. faces not only the person looking The other side of this issue is for wood but the forest manager matching the quality of wood as well. The co-management to the project at hand and not agreement is designed to regulate wasting high quality wood on Christian White’s Haida Story and manage access to wood Medicine Pole used wood acquired a project that may not warrant while ensuring the protection of through the CHN/MoFR Cultural it. Crosby says that the program environment and cultural values. Wood Program. can help people filling out This is a difficult job for CHN and applications and work with them the MoFR Toledo says that the forest for resources. With the to determine the quality of wood areas that are easy to get to are new Haida Gwaii Land Plan and needed for their project. being looked at the most and the implementation of Ecological with increased demand comes Based Management both CHN Several years ago people came increased impact on the forest. and MoFR will need to manage to the program looking for wood Managing this impact is at the and monitor with vigilance to to build longhouses. Some of heart of the program. ensure cedar is available for the original proposals had very future generations. Crosby says different calculations for what At issue is sustainable forest that getting people to better was needed in a longhouse. management. As demand understand the program goals And so the program undertook increases those areas that are and objectives will help ensure having plans designed for easy to access are being targeted. that there is cedar for future a small, medium and large “[The program] is facing a big generations. He says that the longhouse. A medium sized, six- challenge in how we balance program is supported by both beam longhouse is calculated

8 September 2009

by the program at 28 x 32’, and without a floor or any inside finishing it would take 80 cubic metres to build. People coming to the program can use these calculations and plans to fill out their applications. For all aspects of the application process, Program Coordinator, Percy Crosby is available to help.

Crosby and the advisory board are thinking ahead—looking to the future. They have identified that an integral piece of cultural work is to make sure the schools have the wood they need for teaching. To that end, Crosby working with the schools to calculate the amount of wood they need and develop strategies to meet current and future needs.

The success of the program is seen in the communities today. Old Massett has embarked on an ambitious program of putting poles up throughout the village. Cultural Wood: Poles carved by Donny Edenshaw and Jaalen Edenshaw were Three have gone up in the last raised in front of the Old Massett Community Hall this past May. few months and in Skidegate, a house along Front St. has been sided —one of the first uses HOW TO APPLY FOR CULTURAL WOOD of cultural wood for domestic purposes on the Islands. 1. Pick up an application and map at either Council of the Haida Nation office. 2. Identify what type of project you want. Crosby says, “There are currently 3. Create blueprints of the project with exact wood requirements. at least 28 applications for 2000 metres of wood at different 4. Identify source of wood: standing trees, salvage, etc. with GPS points (see the Process Coordinator, Percy Crosby, for help with this.) stages of approval and I expect this to increase with our growing 5. Calculate your costs of milling and transport of logs. population and the fact we can 6. Attach any required documentation (letters of support from Band Council, Chiefs, etc.) now approve wood for domestic use. These are exciting times 7. Submit your completed application to the Process Coordinator. for our program and I feel good 8. Wait for an Advisory Board meeting, and to receive your letter recommending approval. when our people are able to get 9. CHN and MoFR will sign your permit. what they need to make art and 10. When you are ready to move your wood, contact the Process Coordinator for a house themselves.” • load slip.

11. You will receive a visit from the Process Coordinator to monitor you project.

9 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

THE HAIDA INDEPENDENCE PROJECT

In the last few issues Haida Laas we have pub- resorts etc. The goal of this corporation is to lished articles on the Haida Independence Proj- develop a sustainable economy that will move the ect, the Treasury Board and the Haida Enterprise nation towards financial independence. Corporation. This article is an overview of the structures being created by CHN to Any profits realized from the CHN businesses will be used to improve the quality of life for the collective CHN is initiating three corporate structures to benefit of Haida people HaiCo is an incorporated oversee and manage economic projects that use company wholly owned by the Haida Nation. the resources and capital of the Haida Nation to generate income and profit. The process of HaiCo has three objectives: establishing the corporate structures is known as the Haida Independence Project. The purpose • to balance societal, environmental and economic of the project is to separate politics from the interests of the Haida Nation. management of businesses and for the businesses and politics to be accountable to the people of the • to provide business and career opportunities. Nation. • to generate revenue that will assist the Nation in There will be three corporate structures to make investing in future opportunities and benefits for this happen: the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, Haida people. a Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo) and the Treasury. (see chart). These three structures are HaiCo will achieve these objectives by being under the control of the Haida Nation, and the responsible for the management of subsidiary Council of the Haida Nation will oversee the corporations, being accountable, ensure that HaiCo operating of the three structures. Reporting on actions support the Haida Nation and the CHN, and activities of the three entities will be through the ensure overall transparency in the operations of its’ Annual House of Assembly. Board and staff to Haida people.

SECRETARIAT of the HAIDA NATION HaiCo will operate with a board of directors. To get The Secretariat of the Haida Nation is in place things started a Selection Committee will be set up and has been for many years—operating at one to put forward 6 names for the Board. The Selection time as the Haida Tribal Society. The SHN receives Committee will be made up of 4 members from and administers funds on behalf of the CHN and the CHN, 1 each from Old Massett and Skidegate, oversees administration of the CHN as a whole. This and 2 from the Hereditary Chiefs Council. Once includes the day-to-day operations of running the the Board of Directors of HEC is formed the CHN and its programs—Haida Fisheries, Land Use directors will appoint HEC management and a Chief Planning etc. Executive Officer. These positions will be subject to approval by CHN. The CHN will hold the shares of HAIDA ENTERPRISE CORPORATION (HaiCo) the corporation on behalf of the Haida Nation. The Haida Enterprise Corporation is being set up to manage business enterprises and economic TREASURY BOARD activities arising from the Nation’s common The Treasury Board will operate with a four- property—forest licenses, mariculture, fishing, person board appointed by the CHN with two of

independent: free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority

10 September 2009

The structure for the Haida Independence Project:

Structure for the Haida Independence Project:

HAIDA NATION

COUNCIL OF THE HAIDA NATION

SECRETARIAT OF THE HAIDA NATION TREASURY BOARD HAIDA ENTERPRISE CORPORATION (HaiCo)

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

PROGRAM SECTORS Revenue/Accountability Expenditure Variance Haida Resorts Haida Fisheries Department Department Haida Forest Land Use Planning Haida Fisheries Communications Haida Transport Cultural Wood etc. etc

the appointed persons from the CHN Executive priorities set by the Haida Nation. The Treasury committee. will be charged with dealing with provincial revenue-sharing and contribution arrangements The Treasury Board will be responsible for the with the federal government. The Treasury is also financial oversight and review of all matters charged with the responsibility to ensure that the concerning the Haida Nation. The Treasury Board is Secretariat of the Haida Nation and HaiCo prepare different from the Secretariat in that the Secretariat annual strategic and business plans. The Treasury is responsible for the day-to-day management, will then review the plans and provide advice and performance and accountability of CHN programs. recommendations to the CHN. • HaiCo likewise, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Haida Nation business enterprises.

Any profits that HaiCo make will go to the Treasury which will then administer them according to

sovereignty: supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself or another state, national sovereignty

11 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

All Systems Go by Gidadguudsliiyas, Kim Goetzinger RMT In my work as a Registered I recently jumped on board How’s your system working for Massage Therapist and a Class with the Sustainable Living you? Whether it be your support 1 truck driver systems have Fair committee to be a part system, your lymphatic system, always interested me. of the all-island Sustainable your cell respiration system Living Fair because I am or your heating and waste While I was away in Victoria passionate about better energy disposal system. Did you know getting my RMT license I studied systems and human systems. that one shaded solar cell can the many systems in the human At a recent information rich affect the overall voltage of the body and found many similarities seminar put on by the The Hecate entire solar panel to which is it with these two seemingly Energy Institute the presenters connected? Did you know there different professions.The common did a fantastic job of opening my is a clever little instrument called ground between these two eyes to solar, geothermal, wind the Solar Pathfinder which can professions is that the knowledge and other energy systems that I find what may be the cause of the of systems will tell you how didn’t know even existed. In fact shade and it can be something as efficient you can be to sustain there are all sorts of great energy little as a shadow from a branch what ever it is you have chose to systems readily available to us. or antennae. Just like solar cells do—whether it be walking Spirit I was probably like you. I know and all other systems every one Lake Trail or driving your B-train I should be doing something of us, directly or indirectly, affect out to Pallant Creek every day. but I just don’t have a clue other systems—everything from where to start, but I left that our own bodies cells right out A Combination Vehicle has an air seminar bursting with hope and to community and island social brake system, a fuel system, and knowledge and somewhere to systems. an electrical system and many begin. more. The human body also has On Saturday morning, October countless systems and everywhere I think to achieve sustainable 17, of the fair I will be presenting you look in the world there is living here on Haida Gwaii a with Dr Tracy Morton. My focus some sort of system at work. question needs to be asked. will be on one the biggest energy users of the human body, the musculoskeletal system. Did you know, that just like fine tuning FYI: Three Committees Blend a solar system that with a few The Lands and Waters, Archaeology and Forestry little tweaks and adjustments you committees have all been blended into one committee too can be more efficient with to help streamline the CHN referral process. The, as yet to your movements, and waste less be named committee’s mandate is to “review all land and energy. resource referrals.” I look forward to seeing The CHN has appointed Robert Davis, Vince Collison, Captain everyone at the fair, October 16, Gold and David Crosby to the committee. The committee 17, 18 at Kaay Llnagaay. This will be meeting to determine a chairperson, staff support joint effort of the Hecate Energy requirements and a name. Institute, the Sierra Club and a bunch of zealous volunteers will Since last reporting three months ago the Lands and have work-shops and speakers Waters committee has dealt with 26 referrals from the Land from all communities eager to Management Bureau, the Ministry of Environment and two help you out with your systems. private This fair is for everyone, so come applications. out with your questions and learn to fine tune yourself and the world around you. • 12 September 2009

The Haida Repatriation Committee delegation at Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, England. Back Row, L-R: Desiree Wilson, Nadine Fournier, Kwiaahwah Jones, Jaalen Edenshaw, Melinda Pick, Nika Collison, Doll Squires, Gaahlaay, Diane Brown, Jason, Alsop, Christian Ancient Treasures White. Front Row L-R: Christie Alsop, Gwaai Edenshaw, by Vince Collison Nadine Wilson, Vince Collison, Vern Williams, Canadace Weir. Missing: Lucy Bell. The Haida Repatriation Committee went to Eng- also always included conversations about Haida land on an inter-cultural exchange to meet with treasures that are contained in their collections. members of the Pitt Rivers Museum, the British Discussing the future of the many objects stored at Museum, heritage professionals, academics and each museum was an important aspect of this and students, and especially curators at Oxford and other trips that have been made. These meetings . also served as future reference for the museums to ready themselves for further visits from us. We Over the years the Haida repatriation committees see a partnership with each museum as the most have worked together to create bentwood boxes practical and sensible solution for us to bring out with painted designs, button blankets, woven mats, of concealment the great treasures stored in these and many other small ceremonial ornaments that places. were worn by the members throughout the very emotional repatriation process. Repatriation has Most members of our delegation to the United helped generate many other cultural activities that Kingdom are actively involved in singing and gives us a finer sense of who we are. We learned drumming and in working, learning, and making over the years to ensure we represented this aspect items using traditional materials and techniques. of ourselves as we traveled to places as strange as This trip included visits to museum store rooms Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, Oakland, , where we were able to see and touch, first hand Chicago, Washington DC, Salem, Oxford these remarkable treasures and to discuss and London. the pieces with the curators who work with the Various trips have been made over the years to treasures. We also participated in a one-day retrieve our ancestors from museums in Canada, and Europe. These trips have Treasures continued next page

13 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

1.

Treasures - from page 13 conference on Haida art and culture to promote • The research will be shared with and stored at and facilitate this interaction at a practical level. the Haida Gwaii Museum. • We have close-up details of many of the objects There were many things that our delegation did that for study by artists. will move along the process to see these ancient • We are establishing long term partnerships treasures brought back to life: and collaborations with museums in the United Kingdom and have had introductions • Haida translations being now used in the to many other museums that hold other Haida museums in the labeling of our treasures. collections. • An accompanying book will show these translations with a picture of the treasure and The overall benefit of this latest repatriation trip is associated phrases. The book will also detail the that the greater Haida community will get to see process of this project and help to serve as an through the eyes of the delegation the ancient works example of how to facilitate in the future. that were accomplished by our ancestors. There • Haida language translations in Old Massett and will be a new publication detailing the process of this Skidegate dialects of specific Haida treasures project that will include illustrations of the Haida to be included as part of the new labels for the treasures that have not been seen or touched by artifacts and also included as part of the new Haidas since they were taken away from these information in databases and for inclusion on Islands the websites for the British Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum.

14 September 2009

2.

1. Three headdresses lined up for study by Repatriation members. 2. Ruth Gladstone, Christian White, Candace Weir, Kwiaahwah Jones and Gaahlaay looking at the three headdresses. 3. Nadine Wilson examines a bowl. 4. Natalie Fournier and Candace Weir with a rattle of Puffin beaks. All photos Vince Collison.

3. 4.

15 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

1. Billy Yovanovich examines a bentwood box. 2. Diane Brown. 3. Candace Weir and Lucy Bell examining one of many carved platters and bowls. 4. Nika Collison with a naxiin robe. 5. Jaalen Edenshaw with a rattle while brother Gwaai peaks over his shoulder. 6. One of the three headdress’ detail. Photos Vince Collison except naxiin, Lucy Bell.

16 September 2009 New law to provide Funding for the Arts

BC protection for submitted by Lois Helmer-Rullin Haida Protected Areas Vancouver Foundation - 604.688.2204 www.vancouver foundation.bc.ca. The BC government has The Vancouver Foundation support culture, education, health, family, introduced legislation that will youth etc. Applicants can send in project descriptions and they are provide increased protection then directed to the appropriate department within the Vancouver to nine conservancies, covering Foundation. more than 111,000 hectares on Haida Gwaii, Environment Min- ister Barry Penner announced Visual Arts Development Award today. www.vada-awards.org. There is also a program called the Visual Arts Development “Listing these conservancies in Award (deadline May 24th), that supports emerging visual artists. the schedules to the act provides For information call Celine at the Contemporary Art Gallery full legislative protection to (604.681.2700 or [email protected] or visit the site at www. these conservancies and fulfills a vada-awards.org. commitment to the Council of the Haida Nation,” Penner said. National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation - 416.926.0775 or “The total area of conservancies 1.800.329.9780 on Haida Gwaii exceeds 255,000 www.naaf.ca hectares and brings the total NAAF has programs that include funding for professional amount of protected land to development, internships, arts scholarships, as well as initiatives that approximately one-half of Haida benefit youth. They also have an art acquisition program. Gwaii.” www.naaf.ca

The nine conservancies are a Canada Council for the Arts - 1.800.263.5588 result of the Haida Gwaii land- www.canadacouncil.ca use agreement with the Haida The Canada Council supports artists in all disciplines and have Nation. The conservancies programs that support First Peoples, especially in the areas of dance, recognize the importance of these theatre, music, words and media arts. areas to the people of the Haida Nation and ensure the resources are protected and available to BC Arts Council - 250.356.1718 or toll free through Enquiry BC sustain their communities and 1.800.663.7867 their cultural connections. www.bcartscouncil.ca The Arts Council programs support organizations, festivals, “This goes a long way towards professional artists working in all disciplines. They also have a post reconciling BC’s land-use policies secondary arts scholarship program; contact a Program Officer for with those of the Haida Nation,” details. said Guujaaw, President of the Haida Nation. “Our people The Department of Canadian Heritage - 604.666.5054 (for BC) have long protected these areas www.canadianheritage.bc.ca because of their natural, cultural www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/lst/105-eng.cfm and spiritual values. Now, with Canadian Heritage contributes to Aboriginal museum development the provincial government, we through their Museum Assistance Program. have collaborated to build a more stable platform upon which we design a sustainable future for Haida Gwaii.”

17 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation MARINE PILOTS: KEEPING THE WATERS CLEAR

verybody knows the dramatic consequences of • When pilotage services are required, pilots are a marine accident. Th e catastrophic oil spill caused dispatched to meet vessels as they enter designated Eby the grounding of the Exxon Valdez tanker in Alaska compulsory pilotage areas. Pilots board the vessel by over 20 years ago still brings back a vivid image of means of a pilot ladder and, once aboard, proceed destroyed shorelines and dying birds and animals. One to the bridge area from which they guide the vessel factor that contributed to that tragic event was that the until it has safely transited through the pilotage Exxon Valdez was exempt from rules requiring ships in district, or has safely arrived alongside the dock. the area to have a professional marine pilot on board. During their assignment, pilots provide the bridge She was, in eff ect, sailing without a guide, a marine team with directions as to the safest course and pilot with expert knowledge of the local waters, speed to avoid hazards. who could bring her safely to her destination. • Th e PPA ensures that the pilots are available whenever needed; it sets the pilotage fees which are Fortunately, in British Columbia, the region’s 100 marine collected from the shipping lines using the service, pilots and the federal crown corporation that oversees such that there is no cost to the public. their work, the Pacifi c Pilotage Authority (PPA), enforce rules and procedures that protect citizens and the HOW DOES PILOTAGE WORK IN B.C.? environment from such a disaster. • Th e PPA, the pilots and the shipping industry work in close collaboration to ensure the safety of marine THE PACIFIC PILOTAGE AUTHORITY navigation along B.C.’s coastline. • One of the most important characteristics of Th e PPA’s mission is to provide safe, effi cient pilotage in Canada is that pilots are free to exercise pilotage by working in partnership with Pilots and their professional judgement, independent from the shipping industry to protect the interests of the commercial pressure. It is in the public interest for people of Canada. pilots to ensure safety remains the priority. • Pilot candidates start with an average of 20 years of In 2008, over 12,500 pilotage assignments were maritime experience, often hailing from the tug boat carried out through B.C.’s pristine waters with industry, the Canadian Coast Guard, B.C. Ferries or virtually no incident. Year after year, B.C.’s marine the deep sea and fi shing industry. Along with this pilots consistently maintain a 99.9% incident-free experience, apprentice pilots gain expert knowledge safety record. of local conditions by studying every aspect of the B.C. coastline. MARINE PILOTS: PROTECTING CITIZENS • Once candidates have demonstrated the highest AND THE ENVIRONMENT standards of seamanship, through written and oral • B.C.’s marine pilots are highly skilled mariners who exams, and have been licensed as pilots, specialized safely guide foreign deep sea vessels, using their vast training continues throughout their career so as to experience and local knowledge, into and out of ensure they keep knowledge current and keep pace B.C.’s 60 ports. Th eir contribution to safe navigation with changing technology. Every year, the PPA in B.C’s waters directly benefi ts B.C.’s citizens and spends over $500 million dollars on such training. environment.

18 September 2009

HOW TO BECOME A MARINE PILOT Th e PPA is actively seeking qualifi ed mariners to become marine pilots.

Over the years, a number of fi shermen have successfully passed the pilotage exam and, after an apprenticeship, have become fully qualifi ed marine pilots.

Candidates for the pilotage exam must meet three criteria:

1. Possess a Certifi cate of Competency Tips from pilots: To qualify, candidates need a Master 500 Ton, Near • Interested candidates should focus on getting wide Coastal Certifi cate of Competency. While sea-time can be exposure to the B.C. coast, including the Mainland earned while holding a Watchkeeping Mate’s Certifi cate coast, the Queen Charlotte Islands as well as the of Competency (see below), it is necessary to have the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island. Master 500 Ton certifi cate to write the exam. • If marine experience is limited to one part of the coast, it is recommended that candidates fi nd 2. Sea-Time Requirements work with a company servicing the entire coast. Candidates must have served: Alternatively, in order to get better acquainted with • 730 days as a Master in the region; or other parts of the coast, they could travel on either • 365 days as a Master in the region and 547 B.C. Ferries routes or other regional vessels such additional days in the region while holding a as the Lady Rose, from Port Alberni, or the coastal Watchkeeping Mate’s Certifi cate; or supply vessel Klassen which serves coastal fi sh farms. • 1,095 days in the region while holding a • Th e PPA also off ers a pilot familiarization program Watchkeeping Mate’s Certifi cate. which allows qualifi ed candidates to accompany a working pilot on assignments. Such opportunities In the near future, the criteria will be amended to allow potential pilots to become familiar with allow 365 days of required sea time from candidates pilotage in general and to expand their knowledge with a Fishing Master’s Th ird Class certifi cate.. of unfamiliar coastal areas. • Candidates should seek to obtain their 3. Local Knowledge Watchkeeping Mates Certifi cate of Competency B.C. Coast pilots are qualifi ed to navigate along the and ultimately Master 500 Ton, Near Coastal entire coast. Th e admission process ultimately hinges Certifi cate of Competency as soon as they have the on the candidate’s knowledge of, and experience in, required sea time. Th ere are various ways to make local waters. it easier to obtain such certifi cation, for example through the B.C. Institute of Technology (www. bcit.ca) or through self study. It is important to note that Transport Canada (www.tc.gc.ca) provides detailed syllabuses for various levels of marine certifi cation.

CONTACT SOMEONE TODAY If you are interested in becoming a marine pilot, please contact the Pacifi c Pilotage Authority (www.ppa.gc.ca) for more information. You can reach the Authority by phone at (604) 666-6771 or e-mail at [email protected].

If you would like to speak with a marine pilot, contact the B.C. Coast Pilots (www.bccoastpilots.com) by phone at (604) 688-0291 or e-mail at [email protected].

19 Haida Laas - Newsletter of the Haida Nation

Q&A - from page 2

Haida fishermen, and they should NOTICE TO CITIZENS OF THE HAIDA NATION be able to continue to use the area as before. Experiences in other countries show that wind farms can coexist with fishing interests without reducing catch or value over the long term.

SOUND The recent delegation to Europe went by boat to an offshore wind farm and found that there was 2009 no sound from the turbines even HAIDA HOUSE of ASSEMBLY [when] right under them.

TRAINING, JOBS and YOUTH There will be 200 jobs created Skidegate Community Hall while the NaiKun project is being Tuesday – Friday, October 6 – 9 constructed. These jobs will be seasonal (6-months during the 10:00 am – 4:00 pm summer) and are expected to involve shift work. When the wind farm is built, the long term Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm. operations and maintenance activities required for the life of the project will create 50 career Salaries will range depending on courses include Lethbridge jobs that will be year-round position and responsibilities. College in Alberta, Northern positions. To build and operate Lights College in Dawson Creek, this project a variety of skills and TRAINING and NaiKun will explore the trades will be needed. While NaiKun has signed an agree- possibilities of working with some jobs will require specialized ment with the BC Institute of these schools as well. NaiKun is training and experience, many of Technology’s School of Con- interested in additional feedback the jobs match the existing skills struction and the Environment to about what kind of training works sets on the North coast. These work together to develop a skills best for Haidas. include: and training program. NaiKun is also working with local institution • marine vessel operators and like Northwest Community crews College to design a training • construction labourers program that fits the needs of • divers people on Haida Gwaii and in • welders Prince Rupert. Local institution • electricians can also provide mobile training • helicopter pilots which caters to those students • riggers who do not want to leave the • administration staff islands. Other institution that • safety officers and others. offer wind turbine technician

20