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THE NATION’S ATHLII GWAII SAHGWII BUSINESS RETURN XAANA KAAHLII pg 5 pg 8 NGAAYSDLL NAAY GYAAGANG PG 10

HAIDANews from the Council of the Haida Nation LAAS October 2018

Sahgwii Xaana Kaahlii

Ngaaysdll Naay GyaaGang Full Story on Page 10 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation ’s Connections Expanded Bus Service by Rhonda Lee McIsaac HAIDA LAAS When your health and wellness are an issue, NEWSLETTER of the COUNCIL OF THE HAIDA NATION the last thing you want to worry about is how published by the to get to and from Haida Gwaii for medical Council of the Haida Nation Gidansda named Special Advisor appointments or who will accompany you. by Coastal The Northern Health Connections Bus will Director of Communications take some of the burden and the eligibility Simon Davies Bessie Brown - The CFN board of direc- tors are pleased to announce that Gidan- rules for this service have been expanded. Media Production Supervisor sda has been retained as Special Advisor Patient travel to and from appointments or Mare Levesque to the Coastal First Nations (CFN). facilities continues to be to the main service Writers Gidansda, a founding member and for the Northern Health Connections Bus. Graham Richard past president of the CFN, will provide Access has expanded its eligibility for others Rhonda Lee McIsaac strategic advice and direction, and sup- to access this bus service. Now, seniors Social Media Coordinator port the leadership on key policy files. over 60 years old, those with mobility and Ileah Mattice “As a negotiator, Gidansda is respected accessibility issues and patient escorts all by friend and foe alike” says CFN Executive Assistant qualify under the new operational changes. senior policy advisory Paul Kairya. “He Karen Fladmark These changes are to support the health is an artful strategist known to come up and wellness of patients and their caregivers [email protected] with innovative solutions to complex and to combat loneliness for seniors. It p.250.559.4468 problems.” also aims to support family members Council of the Haida Nation “At this very critical time in our work to protect the environment and build accompanying patients to and from medical Administrator appointments and a further benefit to be Box 589, a sustainable economy, we are very Haida Gwaii pleased to have Gidansda back with able to visit and support a family member V0T 1M0 the CFN,” said CFN President Chief receiving health care away from their home p.250.626.5252 Ga Gwi Ya Marilyn Slett. “He brings a community. f.250.626.3403 1.888.638.7778 wealth of experience and knowledge to Providing comfort while travelling ill or [email protected] the table.” healing is vitally important. To that end, the Gidansda was CFN Chair through the coach buses are accessible for wheelchairs Council of the Haida Nation years of protecting and establishing the and other health care aids. Wider aisles and President ‘’ and has worked roomy restrooms increase the accessibility for Box 98, Queen Charlotte with North and Central coasts leaders patients. Haida Gwaii through the land and marine use plan- V0T 1S0 The benefits have increased but the price p.250.559.4468 ning processes. remains the same. Another change is that one- Gidansda served 13 years as Presi- f.250.559.8951 way travel is also permitted. The Xaaynang. 1.877.559.4468 dent of the Haida Nation and now nga Naay Health Centre, the Old [email protected] carries the name “Gidansda” Hereditary Massett Health Centre, hospital staff, and Chief of the Gak’ya Is KiiGawaay of AugustOctober 2018 Northern Health Connections booking centre the Haida Nation. He has been in the www.haidanation.ca thick of Haida culture and politics all of can help with more information. You can his adult life. He is a canoe maker and book travel by calling 1-888-647-4997, via carver, known to some for his songs e-mail at [email protected] and stories, “There is no reason why we or online at nhconnections.ca. • should spoil the earth to build econo- mies.” says Gidansda, “Art is politics, as surely as our culture is nature.”

2 October 2018 Smart Cookies! CHN Bursary recipients 2018

Brannon Bell Gaadaa – accepted into the Culinary Arts Program at Northwest Com- munity College in Terrace with hopes of returning to Haida Gwaii as a Professional Chef.

Guudangaay Laa Jaad Alexis Buxton – accepted into the Early Childhood Care and Education Program at North Island College in Courtney with hopes of return- ing to Haida Gwaii as an Early Childhood Educator.

Kennedy Jones – accepted into the Human Kinetics Program at the University of Brit- Huux announced as new ish Columbia in with hopes of returning to Haida Gwaii as a Physiotherapist. chair of Coast Funds Coast Funds’ Board of Directors Isgin Xahlsingee Ing Ga Taylor Lantin – accepted into the General Sciences announced that Huux̲ Percy Crosby has Program at Capilano University Vancouver with hopes of returning to Haida Gwaii as a been appointed to the position of Chair. Huux̲ has been a member of Marine Biologist. the board since 2013 when he was nominated by the Council of the Haida Niislant Davin McDonald – accepted into the General Studies Program at Camo- Nation. Since then he has served sun College in Victoria. as Chair of Coast Funds’ Capacity Building Committee and as a member of both the Investment, Finance, and Ku K’adangaa Jaad Heidi Marks – accepted into the First Nations Fine Arts Audit Committee and the Project Program at Northwest Community College in Terrace with hopes of returning to Haida Review Committee. Gwaii as an Artist. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this new position and continue Hannah Parnell – accepted into the General Studies Program at Douglas College in a close collaboration with my fellow Vancouver with hopes of returning to Haida Gwaii as a Business Administrator. directors,” said Huux̲ . “I am energized as I look forward to continuing to steward this organization to achieve our mandate of supporting First Nations to achieve their conservation and economic development goals.” Huux̲ represents HlGaagilda Skidegate as an elected official for the Council of Haida Nation. He has also spent 25 years as a liaison between the Council of the Haida Nation, the provincial government, and the forest industry. Huux̲ also has extensive experience as both chair and committee member on a variety of boards. Prior to his appointment, Huux̲ was Vice-chair of the board of directors and had been working closely with outgoing Chair, Merv Child, to ensure a smooth transition.

3 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation

Photo: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac to a growing list of Indigenous languages that may be read and listened to online. An equally important aspect to literacy is respect for community protocols around research and the sharing of intellectual property and cultural knowledge. SGaan jaadgu san glans has come back to Haida Gwaii to work with SHIP elders in person, as she takes her community work seriously and wants to do things right. Doing things right means being present, sharing knowledge about the literacy project, and listening to all the concerns brought up by the language speakers at SHIP, and she spent all day doing just that. In the end, the SHIP Elders were left to make a decision about how they want to proceed with the Indigenous Storybook project. It is now a matter of seeking approval for the newly developed Xaayda Kil SGaan jaadgu san glans Sara keeps her hands busy while she listens to the resources to be used in the online platform, if considerations of the elders at SHIP on the values of using Xaad kil to tell children’s stories. that is what the SHIP Elders would like to do. Not all stories are the same and this is especially true for the stories used by Making Xaayda kil Children’s Indigenous Storybooks. The stories that are available on the platform, developed by Liam Doherty, a PhD candidate at UBC, are Storybooks Accessible open-licensed. Open-licensed stories can be by Rhonda Lee McIsaac accessed online. They can be read online Haida educator SGaan jaadgu san glans Sara as a key to student success. “When I worked by anyone anywhere. Stories can also be Florence Davidson was recently back on in the classroom, I noticed that struggles downloaded, or printed, for later reading – all Haida Gwaii, consulting with SHIP elders with literacy acted as a barrier for many without paying a fee. Permission to do this about a new children’s literacy project that students and limited their ability to graduate. is granted through the Creative Commons has a Haida twist. Because I wanted to find better ways to license that is provided by the authors when the books are initially placed online. This free The project, which is supported by support students to strengthen their print access gives families, community members, Indigenous Storybooks, is based on the literacy, I returned to school to learn more educators, and children options to increase premise that children’s books, which about how I could help. I completed a their reading resources. The aim is to increase are culturally relevant, allow children to diploma, master’s degree, and PhD focused reading and audio resources in Indigenous connect to their traditional language and on how to support students to strengthen languages and to promote a love of reading identity, as well as to literacy. The ability to their abilities with print literacy in the hopes and stories. It also means having exposure read is a valuable skill for all children, but that this might lead to increased graduation to different languages as more audio options for Indigenous children, having access to rates” says SGaan jaadgu san glans. become available in different languages. children’s books written and recorded in their Through the Indigenous Storybooks language is also important and can help foster project, SGaan jaadgu san glans has worked “The bottom line is that I want Indigenous a stronger love for reading. SGaan jaadgu with SHIP to translate four children’s books students and all students to have choices in san glans has been working to create such into Xaayda Kil; SHIP has also has also their lives, and I believe that if we find better resources and she is working collaboratively shared four of their own children’s books with ways to support learners to engage with print with SHIP elders and Xaad Kil speakers the project. In the north, language speaker literacy, we can help them to open doors for in Gaw in an effort to get children’s books Jaskwaan Amanda Bedard also translated themselves,” says SGaan jaadgu san glans. translated into Xaayda and Xaad Kil for and recorded four children’s books into Xaad The educational and cultural benefits children, families, and educators. Kil for the project. These books are being that come with these resources are great for SGaan jaadgu san glans has worked considered for inclusion on the Indigenous students here and also those who are off- as a classroom teacher in both Gaw and Storybooks project website. If approved, this Islands as well. What was of particular K’wan’dlIn Whitehorse, and it was during will increase the number of Haida children’s that time that she began to focus on literacy books. It will also add Xaayda and Xaad Kil Children’s Storybooks continued next page.

4 October 2018

Children’s Storybooks continued. interest to the Elders at SHIP was that Haida students in other parts of the world will be THE NATION’S BUSINESS able to access resources regardless of where they are. This is also Three Days, Two Meetings important to SGaan jaadgu san glans as it is a need she identified while she was growing by Rhonda Lee McIsaac up off-island. hree days and two meetings is what met the agenda. “I went to school off-island, so I did citizens as they filed into the Old Massett Taking time out from the agenda on day not always have access to Haida language. T Community Hall, July 11 for a special House one, the President of the Haida Nation. Because of residential schools, I grew up of Assembly. Although mornings in Gaw Kil tlaats ‘gaa Peter Lantin invited former without hearing Haida spoken on a daily can be slow and easy like the tide going out, politician and Ryerson professor Olivia Chow basis. Although I was lucky to be a part of that vibe changed with a bright sky and heat to speak to the session just after lunch. As the Rainbow Creek Dancers from a young bringing out summer whites, smiles, sandals founder of the Institute for Change Leaders, age which allowed me to learn our songs and and sunglasses! Chow shared an inspirational story about how dances, I know that it would have meant a The special House of Assembly was called Haida Gwaii influenced her late husband, lot to me if I was able to hear Haida in my to deal with resolutions particular to the NDP leader Jack Layton, and his leadership school where I was often the only Indigenous Nation’s business operations as well as health beliefs in all things being related – from the student. I think it would have strengthened my and language programs. The social items eagle to the in the rivers. connection to my Haida ancestry and family” were addressed relatively quickly the house she says of her experience. “We now have the moved on to identifying budgets and moved technology to support those connections for Executive Report: Haida Title Case the item up the Council of the Haida Nation’s students – particularly those who are living Where Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagiida priority list. The business side (HaiCo) away from their traditional territories. We everything depends on everything else, took more debate with procedural motions have begun the project with Xaad Kil and the decision of the Title Case trial judge; and counter-motions taking time but in the Xaayda Kil, but we are hoping to continue Justice Mayer, that Aboriginal Rights end the issues were dealt with and forward to expand as we develop relationships with should be determined in the second phase movement made. Clarifying the roles and other communities and territories” she says of the trial means further delays. CHN’s responsibilities of shareholders and the level of the growing literacy project. move to appeal this decision will mean that of detail that is required to satisfy the need to the issue needs to be resolved before the Indigenous Storybooks is a growing know is part of a long discussion that began parties can meet in court, which is expected project that will continue to develop under with the Letter of Expectations between CHN to be in 2019. the work that SGaan jaadgu san glans puts and HaiCo. in – all while she is teaching full time in the “We have to appeal the decision,” kil During the discussion, there is often Teacher Education Department at University tlaats ‘gaa stated vehemently. CHN’s appeal other activities taking place in the room. of the . “I will be continuing argument states that the judge’s decision People listen in different ways and things to work on this project” she assured the to split the trial into two phases is not in happen. During that first day, there was SHIP Elders as they congratulated her on her question, it is what will be addressed in each wool spinning for a warp and others knitting new position. “I have to work full time to phase and how. The judge chose to take a set up a storm. support my project habit” she laughs brightly, of representative areas (watersheds) intended sharing with the elders that she’s worked On July 12 and 13, the Summer Seasonal to be used as a surrogate by which to assess on multiple projects in the past to ensure Session began in the “summer” for the first damages across Haida Gwaii, and, instead she has the ability to support her passion for time in many years. The session usually slides is asking that the Nation prove title to these literacy. She will be back again next year to into early fall when people aren’t so busy representative areas (watersheds). This spin continue discussions with SHIP elders about with kids and harvesting. The “open house” supports the Province’s assertion that the the options she outlined just as their school format on the morning of the first day allows Haida Nation (and other Nations) must prove program was winding down for the summer. CHN’s Reps and staff to set out information Title over specific locations and not consider “School is almost out” says Gaaying.uuhlas and products to engage citizens who come a whole territory as one – this is referred to as Roy Jones, “that is why we will wait” to make by asking about issues that are of concern to the “postage stamp” argument. them, learn something new, talk hereditary any decisions about how the Xaayda Kil The preferred outcome of the appeal is lineage and register at the citizenship table. resources should be made accessible within to hear the case in the order as originally Some like the new format and others wish the Indigenous Storybooks literacy project. • proposed and use the areas as the Nation’s for the old way, but the informal style is open legal counsel proposed. and allows for one-on-one deeper discussion on important issues and things that may be on Nation’s Business continued on page 6.

5 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation

Nations Business from page 5

Protection is the name of the document CHN Council of the Haida Nation offices. BC and the Land Base recently signed with the federal government and other coastal nations. The signing COMMITTEE REPORTS Kil tlaats ‘gaa spoke to the St’alaa Kun signals the release of funds to CHN’s Marine incident. The injunction filed by CHN to stop Planning department to begin work on some Under the new format at the Seasonal Husby from logging five cut blocks in the key initiatives. The largest being the Maritime Sessions, committee reports are handed out areas resulted in some hard lessons learned, Awareness Information System Enhanced during the open house portion and citizens he said. One is that the Kunst’aa guu- Version (MAISEV) project. Haida Gwaii are encouraged to read them and engage Kunst’aayah Reconcilation Protocol’s dispute is part of the pilot project for northern BC, Reps and staff in discussion about them. resolution, as designed, doesn’t work. It takes which includes building a monitoring system Issues that cannot be addressed or need too long when issues do not have consensus, that will provide real-time data on local broader input can be placed on the next as in the St’alaa Kun blocks. If that process shipping traffic. day’s agenda for a fuller discussion. functioned as was intended then litigation to Following are highlights from the resolve issues like the cut blocks at St’alaa Coastal First Nations Board Meeting committee reports. If you want to pick up a Kun would not be necessary, he said. package they are still available to citizens at Kil tlaats ‘gaa also said that the province in Haida Gwaii the CHN offices. needs to change its legislation to come in line Community members were invited to meet In a recent overhaul of the Secretariat of with reality on Haida Gwaii. This was the the Coastal First Nations Board sometime the Haida Nation structure following the first time since signing the Protocol in 2009 during the week of September 24 at T’agwan increase in staff and programs – specifically that the CHN has gone forward with any Vancouver. This was the first time that the Protected Areas – programs and committees litigation. “It sent shockwaves,” he said. Haida Nation hosted this coast-wide board. were reorganized to fall under one of Vice President, Ginn wadluu un uula CFN works to build a conservation-based four directorates: the Communications isdaa ayagang Trevor Russ, who was also economy that recognizes Title and Rights. Directorate now oversees Internet heavily involved in the St’alaa Kun incident, In recent news founding member of CFN Technologies, Records & Data, Culture and was clear that this is not the end of the story. Gidansda was hired to provide strategic Language, Tourism, and Communications. “We’re already regrouping.” advice and direction to the Board. The Stewardship Directorate has the Heritage and Natural Resource Department, Minister Donaldson visits Land-Sea-People Management Plan Protected Areas, Fisheries, Marine Planning as well as the Solutions Table and Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Since work first began, the Land-Sea-People Haida Gwaii Management Council staff. Resources, Doug Donaldson, visited Haida Management Plan has been taking shape Governance and Operations oversee Policy, Gwaii, June 6-8, 2018. A tour of St’alaa looking at the protection of the land and and Finance, Energy, and Capital Works fall Kun and other areas was conducted in an marine areas and the implementation of under Administration. effort to inform the Minister of the issues in marine zoning in Gwaii Haanas. the area and generally about forestry on the The draft plan sought public feedback Islands. Conversation also covered the broken on priorities for the area through a broad Communications consensus decision-making process and he public consultation process on Haida Gwaii Since April, Communications has been busy was pressed to engage in resolving the issues and throughout the country. The AMB is with day-to-day program operations which in the short-term. looking to ratify the plan with Haida and includes the tracking of third-party research federal governments signing off by the end requests. Throughout the year, the Nation Taa Suu of summer. It is important to note that the receives numerous requests from students Coastal Aggregate has stopped work at plan does not change the ability for citizens and to conduct research on the Islands. Media the Tasu mine site following meetings to practice cultural traditions within the area. companies also apply to shoot productions where the environmental issues were raised. Copies of the draft can be picked up at either here. The communications department vets The result is that environmental assessments and tracks this activity. will be dealt with before any other work The Records & Data department received continues. a UBC Digitization Grant which is supporting the purchase of specialized equipment to

Oceans Protection Plan Tyson Brown digitize a backlog of 400 historic audio tapes. The Reconciliation Framework Agreement on Bioregional Oceans Management and

6 October 2018

Tourism of activities designed for the students who the Copper River this year as escapement will in turn develop curriculum that can be number were much lower than expected but The committee has been reviewing used in following years. the Yakoun River had two openings with very guiding and interpretation protocols, ways The committee continues to work on the low numbers caught and Aawan Gandlee of permitting, and visitor orientation. clarification of policy on the use of Haida opened for a weekend mid-June. Orientation of visitors is an ongoing art and names, protocols for the removal/ The Fisheries Committee is involved issue that is receiving a lot of attention relocation of poles, while providing guidance in many organizations and associations. A these days with the perceived increase of to individuals, companies and institutions on few of them are: Area A Crab Association visitors and the concentration of activities topics related to Haida culture. directors and Annual General Meeting, along Gaatguusd North Beach, especially Halibut Advisory Board, Integrated Herring crabbing. The appropriation of Haida art is being monitored online and the committee is Harvest Planning Committee, First Nations The committee held a Tourism Forum developing a strategy to help protect Haida Fisheries Council, and the International this past spring with a lot of discussion intellectual property. To that end, the Haida Pacific Halibut Commission. from 25 guests. Topics included the new Artist List and Authenticity Tag Program guide (Tadswii’ - Kaats’ll Hla This is Haida is being updated. If you are not part of the Gwaii), Protected Area trails and signage, Capital Works program, contact either office for information. the upcoming Gwaii Haanas season, Haida The Capital Works committee is: kil tlaats Owned and Operated, Small business The committee is also working with ‘gaa Peter Lantin, Chair; Xyaalas opportunities and challenges, and a Saahlinda Naay Haida Gwaii Museum vetting Tyler Bellis, Gaw Old Massett; Gaagwiis, breakdown of Indigenous Tourism BC, and and responding to outside inquires best HlGaagilda Skidegate; Stephen Grosse, Destination Development Planning Process answered by museum staff rather than the Gaw; Xylang Jaad Xylaa Leslie Brown, Review. Committee or CHN staff. Gaw; Kung xaang ajee Shawn Cowpar, An All-Islands Forum is being planned HlGaagilda; Ginn waadluu un uula isdaa for November that will welcome all Policy ayagang Trevor Russ, Vice-president operators working on Haida Gwaii. The Policy staff and committee members have and Gya awhlans Roy Collison for the agenda is forming up and will provide been working on the Election Act, Travel Hereditary Chiefs Council. Ginaawaan room for debriefing from the summers Policy, House of Assembly Procedures Darin Swanson is the Program Manager. activities. Please get in touch with Tourism Regulation, and the Citizenship Act. Work The program has focused on building chair Gaagwiis Jason Alsop or call the within the Citizenship Act includes a cabins over the past few months with the building at St’ala Kun being completed and Communications office at 250 559 4468, if citizenship registration drive which is taking two others under construction at K’yuusda you are interested in participating. place now in the regions and will continue on and D’aadans. Cabins at Kang and A Statement of Cooperation between into the Fall. All the forms required to register Sk’áaws are being looked at for possible CHN, Destination BC, Northern BC yourself and family are available online. If, renovations. Tourism Association, and Indigenous you would like more information, please Tourism BC is in draft and sitting with BC. email: [email protected], or In closing the two days of the Seasonal The statement aims to set a collaborative phone the G̱ aw office Session, kil tlaats ‘gaa thanked all who relationship between CHN and the at 250 626 5252. attended and those citizens who stood up at associations which will ensure that language, St’alaa Kun. The President wished citizens a great summer, noting the next session will traditions, protocols, timeframes and culture Fisheries are meaningfully acknowledged, respected be the House of Assembly October 15-19th and represented in the planning, reporting The Hereditary Chiefs Council endorsed the in Gaw. He was followed with a travelling and implementation of a destination policy to not issue Permission to Access cards prayer by Jiixa before everyone disappeared development plan on Haida Gwaii. to other Nation’s citizens who come to Haida like the sun behind a passing cloud. • Gwaii to harvest resources. A site assessment was conducted on the Yakoun River to Culture and Language evaluate areas to establish a sonar station to Requests for the funding of language estimate salmon escapement from the river. programs continues with a recent contribution The equipment to do this is in transit and is made to Kwiiagee iiwaans Maureen expected to be installed by late August in time Yaagun G andlaay LaGroix’s, Xaad Kil language project aimed to catch the ts’iit’an pink run. at this coming years elementary school There was no taaxid sockeye opening on students. The program will provide a variety

7 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation Photo: CHN/ Brady Yu

Xya’ahl Guu’la’as (Colleen Williams), Paulette Robinson, T’sanuu Jaad Laura Brown, Ronald George (We’suwet’en Elder), Mervin Dunn visit the place they stood the line 33 years ago.

Athliiby Ileah Mattice Gwaii Return

n the beautiful summer evening and gave community members a glimpse of with all the names of those who stood on of July 22, a celebration took place the action that took place during the stand at the line engraved into it was presented to the Oin Gaw. It remembered and reunited Athlii Gwaii. group by Xya’ahl Guu’la’as, gifted by Chief a group of people who took a stand against After the feast, each citizen who was Ginaawaan. And, with great ceremony, the logging at Athlii Gwaii, 33 years ago. on the line, or a member of the family for t’aaGuu was danced around the room to close Although some of the original group those who have passed, received a plaque the dinner. have passed on, many of those still with us honouring the person for their strong stance. The next day some of the group travelled were welcomed into the Old Massett Hall The plaques were presented by Gaagwiis to Gwaii Haanas to continue with their with a song that has become very dear to Jason Alsop and Jaad Gudangaa ‘laas Dana reunion, as many of them have never been most citizens of the Nation. The Coming Bellis on behalf of Gwaii Trust, and Tarah to the area since the stand. This gave them into the House Paddle Song which is also Samuels. As those who stood on the line an opportunity to experience Gwaii Haanas known known as The Song received their plaques, they shared their again, visit the sites of the original camp and was adopted as the Haida National anthem stories at the well-attended dinner. Depicted enjoy the area that is now known as a Haida many years ago. The hall was decorated for on the plaque is a copper shield with the Heritage Site. a celebration with photos, news articles on participants name and the inscription: “A True The celebration and trip was put together the wall mingling with greenery. The visuals Warrior – Athlii Gwaii”. by Xya’ahl Guu’la’as Colleen Williams, with sparked memories of that time years back Following the presentations, a t’aaGuu the support of Gwaii Trust.

8 October 2018 Photo: Haida Laas/Ileah Mattice Photo: Haida Laas/Ileah Mattice

“If Gwaii Haanas was saved, that meant there was hope for the rest of Xya’ahl Guu’la’as Colleen Williams holding up the copper with Jen the world to quit destroying things. I believe every Haida has a legacy to Wilson, who engraved the names of those who stood on the line onto honour, and that is to protect and preserve Haida Gwaii.” – GwaaGanad the t’aaGuu. On the base of the copper is the inscription ‘Warrior of Diane Brown Athlii Gwaii”. Photo: CHN/ Brady Yu

Top Row L-R: Guud K’anggudangaa’s Zachary Collison, Jeffrey Gibbs Middle Row: Gavin Brown, Mary Russ, Arlene Ewert, Kara Sievwright, Guudangaay ‘Laa Jaad Alexis Buxton, Raven Dolly, Brady Yu, Penny Hans Bottom Row: Xya’ahl Guu’la’as, Sgaansgid Harold Williams holding up the number of when he was arrested, Ronald George (We’suwet’en Elder), Mervin Dunn, Sg̱ aana Jaads K’yaa Ga X̱ iigangs Kathleen Hans, and Audra Collison sitting in front of the long house at Hlk’yah GawGa Windy Bay.

9 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation Photo: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac

Raven transforming in front of the crowd who came to celebrate the Xaana Kaahlii Ngaaysdll Naay GyaaGang monumental pole. Sahgwii Xaana Kaahlii Ngaaysdll Naay GyaaGang by Rhonda Lee McIsaac with Graham Richard

ith over 500 people pulling together a western doctor. Her stories teach the doctor medicinal doctor in complete regalia, holding Xaana Kaahlii Ngaaysdll Naay about healing and ancestral knowledge. rattles in trance. WGyaaGang Healing House Above them Xuuya raven stands in place Above SGaaga, Ts’aag stands symbolizing Monumental Pole rose slowly to stand high. for all descendants of Kayxal, the raven Kuustak, the eagle matrilineage. For the first time in 200 years, a monumental matrilineage. Gyalaga SnaanGa fungus peers Three tllga kyahts’ii xaaydaGaay pole rose to look out over Kyahjuu Kun out of Xuuya’s ear. Gyalaga SnaanGa steered watchmen stand watch atop the pole. This Beatie Point. the canoe of Nang Kilsdlaas Supernatural is a classical element of Haida monumental Gya k’id llGaayGa expert carver Laada Raven and brought vaginas into the world carvings. In the case of Xaana Kaahlii Tim Boyko carved the 40’ monument from the supernatural realm. In Xuuya’s Ngaaysdll Naay GyaaGang, the three figures from ts’uu Red cedar with a team of three left ear an infant weeps, representing the represent the medical professionals who apprentices Kwakyans Tony Greene, generation who will be born at Ngaaysdll watch over and care for sick and hurt people Kuuhlanuu Billy Yovanovich, and StllnGa Naay Haida Gwaii Hospital. To show his at Ngaaysdll Naay. . affinity with Xuuya, Laada carved his image Together the gyaaGang’s figures depict At the monument’s base, taan Haida within his tail. Laada belongs within Kayxal. welcoming, healing, unity, and the joining Gwaii black bear embraces and speaks with Above Xuuya stands a SGaaga Haida Continued on page 12.

10 October 2018 Photo: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac Photo: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac Photo: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac

Top Right Photo: K’uljaad Gaang.nga women held in high esteem wait for the gyaagang to be raised in front of their eyes. Left Photo: The pole is raised. Middle Photo: Tim Boyko still showing his carvers how to dance. Centre Photo Pg 12: Removing any negative energy or feelings from the feast hall made way for positive health and wellness for all to witness. PC: Haida Laas/Rhonda Lee McIsaac

11 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation

Sahgwii Xaana continued. for Naa Gaagudgiikyagangs George Brown Gordon Horner; UBC Dean of the Faculty of traditional and western healing practices. Recreation Centre in HlGaagilda Skidegate of Medicine Dermott Kelleher; and Northern The monument embodies the commitment to feast in commemoration. The Islands’ Savings Credit employee Gidin Jaad of Islands communities to learn from the many medical professionals and friends Erica Ryan. past, heal, and work together towards a better had everything prepared. Dancers brought Haida dancers with Tluu Xaadaa Nee future. had travelled from Gaw to The diversity of lineages sing in full regalia at the represented in the crowd celebration. Their masks, demonstrated this joining dances and songs shook the together of communities. air and brought good feelings Amongst those gathered to to everyone. Witnesses rose raise the monument were from their chairs to show Haida hereditary leaders; their dancing skills. K’uljaad Gaang.nga women Speeches followed from held in high esteem; elected pole raising organizers CHN, local, provincial and including: Xaaynangaa Naay national leaders; local health Skidegate Health Centre administrators; and health Board Chairperson Suudahl professionals from different Cindy Boyko; Ngaaysdll organizations on-Islands. Naay Haida Gwaii Hospital Before raising the pole member Dr Tracey Morton; those gathered fulfilled Queen Charlotte Mayor proper protocols. Speakers Greg Martin; and XaaydaGa recognized hereditary Dlaang board member Gyaa authorities and received Xaagaay Uuance Lauren the proper permissions to Brown. proceed. Esteemed women Speeches followed blessed the gyaaGang and from GwaaGanad Diane washed it with ts’uu branches. Brown; Gwaii Haanas Tibetan guest, Lama Geshe Superintendant Nang Kaa YongDong joined them in Klaagangs Ernie Gladstone; blessing the gyaaGang and First Nations Health in spreading eagle down. Authority Chair Marion Carvers then put life into the Colleen Erickson and Vice- pole by dancing around it. Chairperson Dr Elizabeth A bead ceremony followed, Whynot; MP for Skeena- wherein K’uljaad placed Nathan offerings in a hole in front of Cullen and MLA for North the GyaaGang. They made Coast Jennifer Rice. offerings this way rather than putting them underneath the Haida dancers with bottom of the pole, as the Hltaaxuulang Guud ad gyaaGang’s base rests above K’aajuu then sang and drummed a paddling song as ground. SGaaga through the hall in accordance with they flooded into the hall. The group danced “I really believe in these events. They bring protocol, to flush any maleficent spirits and in tribute to each of the figures carved into the a lot of healing to our community, and they feelings from Naa Gaagudgiikyagangs. gyaaGang. bring a lot of love,” said Gidadguudslilyas Medical professionals and friends then served Kim Goetzinger. “They can bring a lot of stuff food to hundreds of witnesses. To end the evening, Lama Geshe YongDong sang a prayer as the feast came up for everybody, but as we work through Hereditary leaders started speeches, to a close. Having finished all the business them and put our best energies into this to followed by CHN elected representative Islands medical staff distributed gifts to make this a monumental event, we will just Gaagwiis Jason Alsop who spoke on behalf witnesses and people headed into the early feel so great.” of the CHN executive. Subsequent speakers morning to return home. With the gyaaGang standing high above included: Northern Health CEO Cathy Ulrich; Ngaaysdll Naay’s entrance, guests dispersed Haida Gwaii’s Chief of Medical Staff Dr

12 October 2018 Nang Xáldangaas Haida Gwaii’s northern coasts are infused with emblems of a profound history. For thousands of years Kuuniisii lived amongst SGaanuuwee supernatural beings who ensured they thrived in plenty every year. Haida still walk amongst the familiar stones, plants, and creatures that shaped today’s reality.

By Graham Richard

t Tuuhlga, a village west of Yaan, people leader. Her story continues from there. She Nang Xáldangaas’ southern end borders Awalked to Tl’agadiiyaa Hidden Island to brought it about that younger daughters are neighbouring Gámdas Haida Heritage Site. collect ts’a.al Pacific silverweed, an important wiser than elder daughters. From there it’s borders spread north cover- food plant. A stone with a red face growing Stones of Nang Xáldangaas continue to ing Gaw Kaahlii’s western shore. They then on it lived in the centre of a lake behind the provide for us today. The area’s reefs and stretch around Haida Gwaii’s northern coast village. Many laughed at the stone as they rocky shores are foundations for rich intertidal until they reach the mouth of Needan Kaahlii. passed, which was made to grow long in the environments and kelp forests that support Duuwan Kun Allan Point marks Nang sunshine. However, one waded out to the innumerable species. Its streams host sk’aga Xáldangaas’ southern tip. Every day many stone to sprinkle fresh water on it. She did this Coho, taayii Chum, ts’at’aan Pink, taadlaad thousands of tonnes of tidewaters rush whenever they passed the stone on a sunny Dolly varden, Rainbow trout and tak’aal Cut- inland to flood Gaw Kaahlii’s sound. Strong day. throat trout. These enrich the area’s muskeg in-coming currents circulate nutrients for the During one stormy winter the people had and old growth forests that are home to rare, many creatures that shelter in the waterway’s no food. Conditions worsened until one went endemic and beautiful medicines, plants, accompanying network of inlets and bays. to Gwaay T’úuwans Striae Islands to collect animals and fungi. Nang Xáldangaas continued on next page.

skaay Sitka periwinkles. He brought back bas- Photo: Haida Laas/Graham Richard kets full and divided the tiny snails between the people. They were so desperate to eat they paid him thanks with t’aaGuu copper shields and blankets. Then the woman went to see the red-faced stone. It held a taaGun Spring salmon tail in its mouth. This she brought to the village and made broth for the people. The next day the red-faced stone held a whole taaGun, which they also shared. Thereafter she received gifts from the stone’s mouth day after day, includ- ing a xuud harbour seal tail, a whole xuud, a kun whale jaw, two kun jaws, and a kun tail. When the stone gifted her with a whole kun the people brought it in front of the village, rather than cutting it up right away. Finally, the stone provided another kun, which they put beside the first. Then she stopped visiting the stone, because the people were full. This was the youngest daughter of Kilxiigans Sasaa K’iigee Harlequin Ducks pause for a breath between dives at Nang Xáldangaas. Behind Sounding Voice, the village’s hereditary them fields of sGyuu seaweed grow from rocky shores, formed from frozen lava that flowed 25-milllion years ago. These shores have fed Haida since before the late glacial maximum.

13 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation

Nang Xáldangaas continued. The natural wealth of Nang Xáldangaas sheets of liquid iron- and magnesium-rich ore Clamouring birds and schooling fish attract supported a coastal metropolitan area, once gushed from volcanic peaks protruding from predators like Guud Bald eagles, sdads k’un busy with canoes. A procession of villages, the ocean 25-million years ago. These lava- laingi subspecies, hlGuu with over ten known and recognized village flows quickly cooled upon contact with the Great blue heron and xaguu Pacific halibut. sites, marks the coast. Gaw Tlagee Massett open air, and in areas where waves have torn As the tide turns, currents reverse. Gaw Inlet area became a bustling centre for coastal away sand and soil beautiful formations ap- Kaahlii empties again, sweeping up another trade, where great canoe armadas set forth to pear. These complex geological features serve wave of nutrients, along with its comple- potlatch, visit relatives, trade, raid and seek as an intricate record of a time when this part mentary battalion of sea creatures. The inlet’s revenge on the mainland. of the Islands was still forming as a churn- current-swept floor is covered with xaguu Over millennia archaeological features ing cauldron of lava. Now the lava forms the k’ujuus halibut houses. Each xaguu k’ujuus have concentrated here including culturally rocky reefs and banks that would make short is home to hungry flatfish that snap at the modified trees, lithics, fire broken rock, char- work of the most imposing trade-going cedar morsels drifting by in currents. These fishing coal, shell middens, animal remains, cultural canoes. spots are owned and managed through the depressions, plank houses and bark strips. Rough geology combine with strong legal system ‘waahlGahl potlatch. Old poles stand amongst bones of kuuniisii varying tides, winds, and waves to make this Further along thousands of migrating ancestors resting throughout forests. At Yaan coastline dangerous to navigate. But we have waterfowl and hungry shorebirds wade in a new gyaaGang monumental pole and naay done so for millennia with skill and knowl- wetlands sheltered behind Maasit Gwaayee longhouse stand in memory of this cultural edge aboard the canoes, rowboats and seiners Maast Island. Outflowing tidal currents run abundance, and remind of what is soon to they crafted. into a narrows, pouring over shallow banks return again. In more recent history we harvested thick with eelgrass. Here streams draining As these waters empty around Nang k’uust’an Dungeness crab aboard such boats muskeg and old growth forests of k’aang Xáldangaas’ northern edge the tremendous and packaged them up in a nearby can- Hemlock and ts’uu Western red cedar mix outflow clashes with north and westerly nery. Fishing cabins covered the shoreline with the current, stewing terrestrial and ma- winds. The conflict comes to a head beyond as people set out from Gaw to catch and rine nutrients together. Miiya Kún Seven Mile Point. The resulting preserve the year’s seafood. Today the Haida As outflowing waters pass from the nar- turbulence contrasts the relative security of Gwaii Fisheries program maintains a camp rows and around Sguhljuu Kún Rooney Point nearby Gaw Kaahlii, putting many mariners at Sk’áaws George Point village site, located they meet another influx of fresh water at off-guard before throwing them into sudden just within Needan Naden Harbour. From Kyaawan Gandlee Hancock River. This is disarray. The broader Haida Heritage Site there, Haida Fisheries Guardians monitor the first of Nang Xáldangaas’ three estuaries. takes its name from these waters, which are summer fishing activity in the Nang Xáldan- Here juvenile fish take shelter in calm shal- called Nang Xáldangaas Enslaved One. gaas and neighbouring Duu Guusd Haida lows before entering the cold seas beyond. Here pebble-covered and sandy beaches Heritage Site to the west. As outflowing currents bend along the coast give way to dark, bare rock. Up until this and depart for open seas estuaries inter- point, the shoreline and the forests behind Interesting Features in Nang mingle with kelp forests. This unique marine it rested on a wide foundation of mudstone, Xáldangaas ecosystem is recognized as an “internation- siltstone, and shale called the “Skonun For- Terrestrial component: 6,897 hectares ally significant intertidal estuarine wetland mation”. These deposits settled from eroded complex”. This is a critical wetland habitat rock to ocean floors as recently as 1.6 million Marine component/foreshore area: for waterfowl like st’aak’aats’idGa Pacific years ago. Then Nang Xáladangaas’ eastern 10,255 hectares brant, hiixuudaada Western grebe, ang.aang. portion was submerged beneath shallow, Elevation: 0 to 91 metres. brackish waters. The Skonun Formation is ngii Long-tailed duck, s’aay Red-breasted 592 Monumentals Cedars merganser and k’yaaluu Pelagic cormorant. among the youngest geological formations in 78 Yew Wood Like these many other creatures of the Haida Gwaii. Islands, we thrive from this abundance. Today Atop this, receding glaciers have scattered 22 Bear Dens many visit Nang Xáldangaas to catch salmon, till and moraine deposits. Glaciers 433 Haida Traditional Forest Feature 2 halibut and cod; pick edible seaweed; gather tore these large boulders from mountainsides 110 Haida Traditional Forest Feature 1 and hoisted them ‘down-ice’ before lower- k’aaw herring roe on kelp; dig up shellfish; 29 Heritage Features collect seabird eggs; hunt marine mammals; ing them to the ground as they melted. Today 1490 Culturally Modified Tree’s dive for guuding.ngaay urchins; flush naaw they lie indiscriminately scattered across not octopus from dens; and pull chitons from only sedimentary ground in eastern sections, 32 Archaeological Sites rocks. Forests above rich shores provide but also across neighbouring fields of vol- monumental ts’uu, ts’uu kal cedar bark, xil canic rock lying under northern and western medicinal plants and good hunting and trap- sections. ping. The forests in these sections of Nang Xál- dangaas grow atop ancient lava flows. Thin

14 October 2018 Photo: Tanisha Salomons

Ts’a.al Pacific Silverweed is a low-growing perennial with green leaves and silvery undersides. Ts’a.al is an important food plant and is used for it’s roots. This plant can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted or dried then steamed. Photo: Wikimedia/H.Zell

The bright yellow flower of Potentilla anserina, one of 4,825 species in the rose family, and part of a species complex containing its sibling species ts’a.al Argentina pacifica.

15 Haida Laas - News from the Council of the Haida Nation THE GREAT LIST 2018 This year, the Haida Nation is proud to celebrate and acknowledge graduates in Gaw, HlGaagilda and beyond. Throughout the past few months, ceremonies and celebrations have honoured the graduates as they were recognized for their hard work and achievements. The following is a Great List presenting the names of those who have completed certification in their field of choice! Congratulations to you all and we look forward to acknowledging the many citizens who are furthering their education today and will be graduating in the years to come. HLGAAGILDA GAW First Nations Language Diploma Isaac Smith Post Secondary Erinn Taggart – Medical Office Assistant Xayna Jaad Kristy Alsop Jhett Collinson Jaskwaan Amanda Bedard – Social Studies Certificate Jaad Xaay.ya Fallon Crosby Davin McDonald Teacher’s Professional Development Program Sk’ud sgwansing Nico York – Adventure Tour- Kuunaa Jaad Jennifer Cross Kenny Brillon Stephanie Watkins – Master of Education, ism & Recreation Certificate K’una Jaad Patti Gladstone Mike Hughan-Blazic Counselling Daall Jaad Melody Gravelle Jessica Brooks Xnia Brown – Bachelor of Social Work Adult Dogwood Haahlginanguu Joan Moody Jessica Hughan Brittany Grosse – Bachelor of Arts Jordon Williams Guud Xang.nga Melinda Pick Jenna Shelford Gahlaang Daay Jaadaa Charlene Lawrence – Oot kook eonce Danielle Stewart St’aay Taw.waay Carla Russ Brynna Williams Associate of Arts Degree Sam Derrick-York – Kyah Wiget Gidin Jaad Erica Ryan Hailey Bennett – Associate of Arts and Science Education Society Taawgulaad Linda Tollas Grade 12 – Off-Islands Degree Jaad Tlaw Paula Varnell Ethan Kuhn Robert Brown – Stewardship Technician Gudangaay Tlaats’gaa Naay Siina Cindy Williams Starnita Nyce Training Program Brannon Bell Madison Roy Evan Edgars – Stewardship Technician Train- Caylene Bell Post Secondary ing Program Rochelle Drager Heather Burch – Bachelor of Criminology, Jordan Jones – Stewardship Technician Train- Ethan Edgars ing Program Gavin Edgars Trevor Casey – Bachelor of Commerce, Jonas Prevost – Stewardship Technician Taylor Lantin University of Training Program Dion Lewis Roxanne Defant Jutkenjus Laverne Hamilton – Business Heidi Marks Megan Dorrington Management Hannah Parnell Aaron Grant – Bachelor in First Nations Stud- Naad Kaa, Wang Roger Smith – Freda Diesing Carol-Lynn Roberts ies with Minor in Psychology, University Fine Arts Diploma Paige Setso of Northern British Columbia Guus Gudangee Tlaagaa Jordan Holt – Jour- Anna Williams Niisii Guujaaw – Bachelor of Science, Global neyman Powerline Technician Resources combining Marine Biology Tristan Montjoy – Conservation Officer at Grade 12 – Off-Islands and Indigenous Studies, UBC University Dezirae DeLill Stacy McNeill – Bachelor of Science in Nurs- Dora Bedard – Health Unit Coordinator Cullen Brown ing, Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Brandon Bell – Harmonized Carpentry Angie Kermer Nursing Program Foundation Salal Ewasiuk Jaad Gudgihljiwah Michaela McGuire – Bach- Gyaagan Sgwaansang Shane Bell – Adven- Sydney Parnell elor’s of Arts Major in Criminology, Minor ture Tourism & Recreation Coordinator Malcolm Brown in Sociology, with Distinction, SFU Richard Brennan – Harmonized Gaagwiis Jason Alsop – Master of Arts in Tour- Carpentry Foundation ism Management at Royal Roads University Chase Collison – Harmonized Gyaa XaagaayUance Lauren Brown– Masters Carpentry Foundation of Arts in Leadership, Royal Roads University Kelsey Fitzgerald – Business Administration Certificate Adult Dogwood Jeannie Lawson – Health Care Assistant Shelby Collinson Certificate Alina Mearns Jessie Marks – Harmonized Carpentry Yannick Levesque Foundation Jack Nychyporuk – Harmonized GidGalang Kuuyas Naay Carpentry Foundation Kennedy Jones Shaun Smith – Harmonized Carpentry Alexis Buxton Foundation Dylan Barnes Danny Stewart Jr. – Harmonized Carpentry Foundation

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