Sah Laana, ah haay.yah dang gahl kill la ga. Creator, for today I thank you. As you can see, I have been practicing some Haida over the past week. Noora and I have learned a few new words, thanks to Diane Brown and www.firstvoices.ca. Gundul (water) and daawjay (cat). The phrase, or prayer, above was one I learned before coming to Haida Gwaii, and it is one that I said over and over while in my kayak Sunday afternoon.
Yes, that’s right, I went kayaking! Bev Yovanovich inspired me to try it out. Well, she planted the idea in my head. As I reached the shore in front of the SHIP building, I started to second-guess myself. If Upsy Moody and the gang hadn’t been so encouraging, I may have only been a spectator. Not so. I quickly got in the groove and off we went towards the K’aay, around Indian Head island, along the shores of Skyass and across to the SHIP building, again. The best part was seeing the pack of sealions up-close. They were so curious! I had a wonderful time and our guide was wonderful. I will be back there again next Sunday after the SunRun training for another round.
Before my seafaring adventure, I had been enjoying the tastes and sights of Vietnam, courtesy of Rev. Nancy and Eric O’Higgins at Skidegate United Church. The soup was great and the pictures were amazing. We had a great turnout, as well. The church will be busy in the next few weeks with some members going to Presbytery meetings and the Pancake Supper on March 8 at 4:30pm. Make sure you mark it on your calendars. There will be lots of pancakes, bacon and laughs, so come join us. For more information, keep your eye out for the upcoming Skidegate newsletter.
On February 19th, we celebrated the book, B is for Basketball, at the K’aay. Members of the Saints team made an appearance, and we were fortunate to have three original members present in the audience; Lonnie Young, Dull Brown, and Richie Hans. Coach Robert Russ would like to invite all artists to compose a new logo for the Saints to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2013. Please submit them to him, or pass it on to one of the players and the team will vote on them. Make it good, folks! 50 years is something special.
In other celebratory news, Gary Russ and Tosha Pearson, along with big sister Lexi, are awaiting the arrival of their baby boy or girl in Prince Rupert. Aunty Tanya (Alton) is also waiting, not so patiently, but will hopefully be with them when the baby is born. Good luck! More birthdays to celebrate this week, also. Happy Birthday to Harold Williams and Erin Wilson, who both celebrated on February 19th.
Don’t forget to come out and show your support for Dena Russ on February 25th from 5pm-10pm at the Skidegate Community Hall. There will be a dinner, followed by a Loonie Auction. Thank you to all who have donated items to this cause, and continue to send healing prayers to Dena and her family. If you come out Friday night, you’ll be all practiced up for the Loonie Auction with Wine & Dessert Bar at the Charlotte Hall on April 9 in support of the Haida Gwaii SPCA. If you have donations for goods or services, please contact Lisa at 559-8644 or lisap@haidagwaii.net.
Don’t forget to welcome back our elders from Hawaii. If you see a slightly tired, very much tanned person, chances are you’ve spotted an elder. And to all who will be travelling to and from our islands, have a safe journey. To all of you staying put, take some time to enjoy the fresh octopus and clams that seem to be coming in with the tides. Enjoy your week.
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