Monumental occasion

Page 7

The morning air was brisk, the sky clouded over with the promise of showers for the island of Haida Gwaii. But stormy weather could not dampen the spirit of the Haida nation as members gathered for an historic event -the raising of six totem poles during the celebration marking the beginning of plans to build the Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre.

The carving of the six poles was delegated to master carvers, each leading their team of skilled artisans and young apprentices. Each pole represented a village and clan of the Haida nation, distinct by the depiction of specific animals symbolic of the religious and social customs of Haida culture.

This week-long event, held from June 4 to 9, highlighted the planned construction of the centre which will showcase Haida culture and provide a place for Haida youth to better learn their customs and traditions. Ruth Gladstone-Davies, one of the many organizers of the event, spoke about her own displacement as a Haida youth, a time when attendance at residential schools was part of an Indian child's experience.

"I was lost and taken away from my people. I am relearning my heritage and this project will help our youth find pride in being Haida."

Sunne Young, a Dakota woman adopted by the Haida nation, was active in the documentation of the pole-raising events. She spoke of the importance of building the heritage centre, which has been years in the planning stages and will begin construction in November this year.

"The documentation of the ceremonies and pole raising not only involve professionals, but our youth. This project is hands-on. The youth are enthusiastic about filming. They have a sense of pride and are learning about the process of film-making and photography. They have brought about the awareness in themselves of their identity and their heritage," said Young.

The Elders of the community recognize that in order to strengthen Haida people, especially youth, a balance between old traditions and new ideals must be met, which is the objective for the heritage centre.