Skidegate Socialite

Weekly Column for February 17, 2010:

Wait! Are we seriously in the middle of February already? But we just had Christmas. And I know this because our tree is still standing – barely – in the living room. It was such a beautiful tree (Hawa'a to Carla Russ and Marina Berthiaume) and it was my first grown-up tree. I decided when to put it up and I decided when to take it down. Unfortunately, the All Native tournament happened on its' designated day to leave. It had to endure a few more days in the playpen, but it will be gone this week. Makes for a great fire-starter, though!

Thank you, also, to everyone who has read this column and given me feedback. I am honoured to keep you up to date, as much as possible, on the news and events in Skidegate. It's a nice ego boost to hear I'm doing a good job. So, keep reading and keep the comments coming – I just hope my head doesn't get too big. If you have any news to pass along, do not hesitate to stop me on the street, or email me at whiteravenreturns@gmail.com.

Now, I'm sure you have all heard the results from the All Native Basketball Tournament by now. Our Saints, both Intermediate and Senior, all did wonderfully. We have all been glued to our radios and computers, cheering our boys on. Those of us who made it to Prince Rupert must have had quite the show! The Intermediate boys ended up losing a second battle to Friendship House, placing 5^th in their division and the Senior boys battled it out with their home-town rivals, Masset Seniors, losing only by a few points and placing 6^th. Everyone here on Haida Gwaii is proud of what our Saints have accomplished at this year's tournament. And I can't speak for all of the other baller's wives, but I am very happy to have my player home. Now, we need to make up for missing Noora's first birthday! I'm sure she will forgive him.

Another exciting event took place at the All Native Tournament in Prince Rupert this past week;the launching of the book, B is for Basketball. Len Arens stood in for his mom Joanne Yovanovich who could not make it out of Masset due to bad weather. It was a complete success and we will have a launch here in Skidegate at the K'aay Centre on Saturday February 19, from 4-7 pm. Come help us celebrate with Joanne Yovanovich, Beng Favreau, Alison Gear, Tawny Davidson and illustrator Judy Hilgemann. Savoury treats and cake will be served, and there may even be a reading by a few of the Saints! You may even be lucky enough to score an autograph! Don't forget to congratulate any Saint you may see on his hard work and dedication displayed in this year's tournament.

Happy Birthday to Brayden Hill, who celebrated his first birthday on February 13^th, Cenita Sankey who celebrated her 6^th birthday with friends and family February 12^th, and Happy Birthday to Marina Berthiaume who celebrated her birthday on February 14^th. Speaking of February 14^th, I hope everyone survived Valentine's Day! No, I'm kidding. It's not as bad as I make it out to be. Commercial, yes, but the meaning is there. Although, I believe Jerry Seinfeld stated the last thing he associates with romance is a toddler in a diaper coming at him with a weapon. Hmm, I have to agree! But I sincerely hope your day was full of love and happiness, and maybe even a little chocolate.

In other news, I am either going crazy, or I have been spotting penguins on Haida Gwaii. I swear I saw one sitting on a rock in Tlell a few weeks ago, and again on a rock just before entering Skidegate on February 13^th. If anyone else has seen one, or even knows if this is possible, please let me know. I also spotted a black eagle by the mailbox in Skidegate last weekend. What is this world coming to?

A big Hawa'a to Jennifer Pigeon for helping us SunRunners warm up with some Sun Salutations this past Sunday. We are four weeks into our training and need all the warming up we can get. We were soaked at the end of our workout but it felt good (until the stiffness set in because I did not take the time to stretch). Thank you to Sue Gladstone for keeping time and making light of a cold and rainy situation. I hope to see all of the regulars back next Sunday at 9:30am to join us for more yoga and sunshine, hopefully.

For anyone who has seen the kayaks gliding through our waters on Sunday afternoons, you too can take part. Lessons take place in front of the S.H.I.P building on Sundays until February 27 from 2-4pm (Saturdays from 2-4pm for youth). The cost is $20.00. Seems like a great way to spend your afternoon. Check out www.qcirec.com for more information.

And so ends another week in Skidegate!

Skidegate Socialite

Weekly column for February 10, 2011

Spring is in the air, Skidegate. On Groundhog Day in Nova Scotia, our resident celebrity Shubenacadie Sam did not see his shadow! Perhaps it is only superstition, and yes, most of the worst snowstorms happen in February and March at home, but he has been in the business for quite some time. I choose to be optimistic and I'm sure all of you are looking forward to longer days and warmer nights. If that isn't enough to get you in the spring spirit, don't forget that Copper Bay season will soon be upon us. So, enjoy the last of your peppered fish, patch up your nets, and maybe take a drive over to make sure your cabins & properties are ready for business.

While we're on the subject of fishing, I'd like to thank everyone who was a part of the celebration of life honouring Jesse Jones (30) on Sunday. He was truly a pirate, a free-spirit, had great taste in music, and as his mother Patti says, “handsome”. George Cuthbert, of West Coast Resorts, announced a fund which has been set up to help those who want to go from “drawing stick figures doing inappropriate things” to carving Haida masks, paddles, and totem poles. It is currently at $10,000. A big Hawa'a to everyone at West Coast Resorts for all the support they have given to Jesse's family.

Another cause for celebration comes from the Skidegate Saints. They left for the 2011 All Native Tournament in Prince Rupert, along with the Intermediates, and I am happy to report the Seniors won their first game on Sunday afternoon, and will continue to fight their way up the ladder, with Coach Robert Russ. The Intermediates will play Monday morning, so good luck to all of you. If you would like to see what's happening, tune into the live video feed on the CFNR website (http://www.classicrockcfnr.ca/index.php/sports/all-native-tournament/the-2011-all-native-basketball-tournament/ ).

Before the boys left, they did some fund-raising and were quite successful. I attended my first-ever Haida Gwaii Loonie/Toonie auction Thursday evening. It was so much fun, although I did not win the jigsaw I wanted. Thank you to Sera Russ for teaching me how to play. I had no idea you could ask for multiple tickets – you can even pick the colours! Congratulations to Yvette Adams for winning the 50/50 prize of over $600. Also, don't forget that once this big tournament is over, the junior boys and girls will continue to fund-raise for their trip to Penticton for the Junior All Native Basketball Tournament being held March 20-25.

On Saturday evening, I had to choose between a reading by Margaret Atwood and partner Graeme Gibson at the Kaay Centre and UFC at Geoff & Tanya Alton's. Well, I chose to attend the reading and I sent Willie & Noora to watch the fights. It worked out quite well. I heard Noora stole the show and she seemed to be enjoying herself when I arrived, and I had a wonderful time at the Kaay. I have to admit, I wasn't familiar with Graeme Gibson's work before Saturday evening, I told him this during intermission, but I absolutely loved his opinions and interest in nature. He mentioned “forest bathing” as a form of therapy which turns out to be how I lived as a child – in the forest for long periods of time to help lift your spirits. I cannot wait to pick up his books and get reading! Margaret Atwood was equally as wonderful, reading several selections and closing with a song from her book, After the Flood. During the question & answer period, I asked how they came to be writers and I received two very different responses. Mr. Gibson is not a fan of writing, but did so to convey his opinions to others, and Ms. Atwood began as a child, trading comic books with her brother whom she considers a far better writer than herself. I left their presence full of inspiration and excitement, knowing one day I could be in their shoes.

While on the topic of books, I should mention that there are new shelves and deskspace at the Kuugin King Naay library, courtesy of the Northern Savings Credit Union Board sponsorship. You can check out all of the newly organized books, as well as a cup of tea or coffee – possibly even a treat – on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10-5pm , as well as on Sundays from 2-8pm. The Homework Club meets on Wednesdays from 6-9pm. So, stop in and join Nicola. Help make our library “The Space and Place to Learn”!

To add to our birthday greetings, we're wishing Chloe Sosick a very happy first birthday on February 7^th. And so ends another busy week in Skidegate. Email me with any news, whiteravenreturns@gmail.com.

Skidegate Socialite

Weekly column for Feb 3, 2011:

Well, this past week has been a busy one! I shouldn't complain, though. I had lots of time to myself even if Willie, Noora and I were all sick! Luckily it was only a cold and we're almost back to normal now! I hope all of you who have suffered with the flu this season are on the mend! My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the community who is going through a rough patch with their health. I just hope the hospital food is better here in Charlotte than in Vancouver. Auntie Mary (Wilson) did not have many good things to say on that subject when she returned home this week! So maybe if you're passing by this week, you might bring something yummy in for Diane Brown, or someone else who may be suffering from bland food syndrome!

“Welcome Back!” to our minister at Skidegate United Church, Nancy O'Higgins and her husband, Eric. They have returned from a busy month-long cycling holiday in Vietnam. Before you get too jealous, I might mention it was probably warmer here than in North Vietnam by the sounds of things! Brrr! I can't wait to see all of the pictures of fog Nancy has promised! We have had lots of fun while they were gone, thanks to Mavis Mark and the other gals who volunteered to lead the services! It was also nice to see Pearl back in church today and I hope to see Thelma back soon! We enjoyed a very casual Camping Sunday with hotdogs, s'mores and lots of fun songs like the Bear Hunt song lead by Sandra Morgan!

And farewell to our new friend, Yota, who has served many a coffee at Jags Beanstalk. Have a safe journey across Canada and back to Japan! I hope we see you back on our islands soon! Make sure you drink from St. Mary's Spring and you'll definitely make it back here one day!

I am happy to see the creative encouragement our kids are getting at school! My nephew, Antony Amero, along with the rest of his grade 1 class at Sk'aadgaa Naay Elementary, was given the task of creating a Mouse Woman storybook with his family. Well...I won't say it was all fun and games, but after some creative thinking and strategic cutting and pasting, Arcade Inferno was born. Fire Eagle, Flaming Raven and Super Bat save Skidegate from an evil Dragonfly, with the help of Mouse Woman and a bug net. It took myself, Willie, Carla (Mom),and Antony as well as Nuni Brenda and Chinni Ding supplying coffee and food, but it was a great chance to bond and create something special! So, Haaw'a to Ms. Jung, and I encourage everyone to help their kids create an amazing story when your turn comes!

In basketball news, the mystery of the disappearing Skidegate Senior Saints' jerseys was solved when they turned up in Port Clements. The boys were very happy to see them and will be putting them to good use in the upcoming weeks. The 50/50 and soup/sandwich lunch was a success Sunday afternoon during the Turkey Shoot at the George Brown Rec. Hall. The Seniors will also be holding a dinner and Loonie Toonie Auction at the Skidegate community hall Thursday evening.

There was a slight disturbance here on Second Avenue Friday. All of the bushes have been cut away from the road to, I assume, improve visibility. Well, the chainsaws did not stop there. Now all the “privacy bushes” have been cut down and we're feeling pretty exposed. But, what's done is done, I just wish they would have done more planning and asked permission from homeowners before stripping bushes/trees from their properties. I guess I will have to hunt elsewhere for salmon berries this year!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this next bit. Our community of Skidegate has suffered another loss this week. Jesse Jones, 29, died while in Thailand. I had not met him, but Willie had gone to school with him. He told me Jesse was one of the most talented people he knew growing up, a free spirit, loved traveling and would be greatly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and I know our beautiful community will help them through this time of great sorrow. Skidegate is a special place. Sometimes when you are grieving, it is not what people say but simply their presence that helps you heal, and here you are never alone.

In times of sorrow, we look for things to lift our spirits, and so I thought I would close this week's column with a few birthdays we have celebrated in the past week and some that are coming up. A very special Happy Birthday goes out to Marcus Moraes who will be celebrating his very first birthday on February 2^nd, and to Noora Russ who will be celebrating her very first birthday on February 9^th, and please wish all other babies celebrating this month a Happy Birthday because the first year is a wonderful achievement! New words, new teeth, and new foods...whew, it's exhausting! Others celebrating birthdays are Nika Collison (Jan.), Dave Brock (Jan.), Kristen Moraes, Dan Burton, Jesse Wilson, and Heather Crosby. If you'd like your birthday added in, please email me (whiteravenreturns@gmail.com).

Well, that ends another week here in Skidegate. Enjoy the Sun, everyone!