25 Years Ago...

Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a celebration at the K'aay center here in Skidegate. The community gathered to pay tribute to those who drew the line at Athlii Gwaii, Lyell Island. They took a stand to prevent the logging industry from cutting down the forests of what is now known as Gwaii Haanas.

Until very recently, I knew nothing of the stand at Lyell Island. It happened 25 years ago...and I happen to be 25! No chance of seeing it on the news (and even if I had, I wouldn't remember). I hadn't heard Willie speak of it either. It wasn't until some videos of the peaceful protest were uploaded to Facebook that I found out about this courageous fight. I will not even attempt to come off as an expert, although I love to learn, and will continue to do so, but I will pass on the knowledge I have acquired to date.

It was 1985. The forests of the "forgotten" Haida villages were unprotected. The logging companies saw the millions of dollars just within their grasp, ready for the taking. They failed to see the beauty, the spirit, the long-ago ancestors who permeated these islands. They decided to make a move, to collect the wood, make a mess, and destroy one of the most sacred places known to the Haida...

What these cash-hungry companies did not understand, the people of Haida Gwaii did. The beauty and spirit of the old villages still coursed through their veins. The warrior spirit in them took over. The elders said they would be the first to stand in a line, preventing any loggers from trespassing on the land. The younger Haida generations stood firmly behind them. Through the rain and the darkness, through the sunshine and light they stood. The government stepped in, in favour of the loggers...the RCMP were called to stop the protest. They escorted the elders out of the area one November evening, but they did not stay away. The elders were back soon after and stood their ground yet again. Seventy-two Haidas were arrested during this peaceful protest. Of these, twelve were sent before the Supreme Court in Vancouver. In the end, the Haida won their fight...no logging would take place on these sacred islands. (I am proud to say Nuni Pat was one of those arrested for her stand against loggers on Lyell Island).

(Elders at Athlii Gwaii, November 1985 from http://www.gwaiitrust.com/aboutus/messagefromthechair.html )

Today, these islands and old villages are protected under the Government of Canada as the beautiful National Park, Gwaii Haanas. Half of the employees of the park are Haida. There is also a Watchmen program in which several people watch over the old villages during the summer months, give tours, and keep the ancestors company. Maybe Willie and I will be lucky enough to take Noora to one (or all) of these villages soon. I think we'd make a great bunch of Watchmen (and women)!
I'll probably add onto this after tomorrow's HUGE celebration and feast...stay tuned!