Skidegate Socialite

I've been asked by several people who are not fortunate enough to live on Haida Gwaii, haha, how they can read my new column in the Observer (qciobserver.ca). Well, they do have alot of online content, but the weekly columns are not posted. So, each week I'll post my column on here for anyone who wants to read it! 


I hadn't expected anything to come of it when I sent the rough draft in. Each week there is a column in the paper giving news and tidbits from Queen Charlotte, Port Clements, Tlell, Masset, Old Masset and Tow Hill area...but no Skidegate. Well, I'm on it! Here's hoping I can find "news" to report each week and keep this thing interesting! 


Enjoy!

(A view from the old Band Council building in Skidegate)

I have wondered many times why the Observer has lacked a weekly column representing the community of Skidegate. I was told there used to be one called the Skidegate Scuttlebutt but the author had moved. My next question was, well why doesn’t someone write one now? The response: go ahead! So, here it goes!

I’m not originally from Haida Gwaii, but moved here in March 2009 from Nova Scotia to be with my, now, fiancé. A big change but a worthwhile one. Now we have a beautiful daughter and have made our way back from Nova Scotia to Skidegate once more. And wow, it’s been busy since our return in September!

The title of this column is more a goal than a reality right now, I must say. Being a new mom and just returning to the community, I have not been doing as much as I would like. However, that is all changing. With the wrap-up of basketball season, I will have a bit more freedom! Haha, oh the sacrifices we make for our men! My fiancé and the rest of the Skidegate Saints Seniors will be making their way to the All Native Basketball Tournament to compete against seventeen teams in their division alone. They play their first game on Sunday February 6^th and hopefully will continue to the end! If you are in the area, please go and cheer our team(s) on! If not, send your support from afar. I know they plan to do some fundraising in the next few weeks, so do show your support for the boys! I will keep you posted on all of that.

Another event that took place this past week was the SHIP Seafood Lunch held on Friday January 21^st. I did not make it due to napping conflicts, but I do know they had a great turnout and raised quite a bit of money! This will surely help them on their trip to Hawaii in February where they will be representing Haida Gwaii and the Haida language! Go SHIP!

And last, but not least, the Sun Run training has begun! Sunday January 23^rd a group of us met at the Skidegate Health Centre bright and early (10 am) and eager to get moving. We filled out our medical sheets, picked up some pamphlets, split into two groups (Nordic Walk 10K and LearntoRun 10K), stretched and off we went. Well...for whatever reason, I thought we were maybe just going around the block to get a feel for what was to come. Nope! We warmed up for a few minutes and then proceeded into full-blown training! I am part of the LearntoRun group and MAN, am I out of shape! I will be able to tell you all if the program really does teach you how to run, because I can assure you I have not ran since junior high. We made it halfway between Jags Beanstalk and the Kaay, turned around and made our way back to the Health Center. I had to forgo most of the stretching because I was late to play piano at Skidegate United Church, but it was a great experience and I will be back there next Sunday morning at 9:30am will bells on! So please, come join us and do your body some good! Anyone can join us in the next two sessions, so give Robyn or Michelle a call at 559-4610, or just show up!

So, that is all for now but please help me keep this column up to date and email me your news and events (whiteravenreturns@gmail.com). It takes a village to raise a column! Have a great week, everyone!