We boarded busses for an excursion to the Haida village of Old Massett as the sun rose over our port city of Queen Charlotte City in the islands of Haida Gwaii. A most welcome sunny day loomed as we began our explorations.
Haida cultural guides accompanied our buses and eloquently spoke about the Hiada’s deep connection to the Islands. They spoke of their history here, a history of perhaps eight thousand years. They spoke of their lifestyle, cultural identity, clan structure, and perhaps most impressively, of their intimate association with the land itself.
A visit to Old Massett is special, a privilege granted by the Haida leadership, and today our Haida hosts extended us an insight into their culture beyond a normal visit. We began at the stunning home and carving studio of Jim Hart. Jim’s wife Rosemary introduced us to the art and style of Haida woodcarving art both in her home and at the outdoor studio. After our visit we made the short trek to Sarah’s Gallery before transitioning to the traditional “long house” and carving shed of Christian White. He spoke of his carving, his culture, his traditions, and many of his canoe adventures before we enjoyed an amazing buffet lunch in the long house of traditional Haida foods. An intricate, colorful, passionate performance of traditional Haida songs, stories, and dances highlighted our day at Old Massett with all of us invited to dance along with the Haida dancers!
Throughout our day we enjoyed the good company, wonderful guidance, and expertise of Gaagiiaawa (Linda), our local interpretive guide. Her knowledge and passion shined brightly as the autumn sun as she shared so much of her Haida heritage and history.
Our day was spent immersed in the stories, songs, history, and culture of the Haida people here in their traditional homeland of Haida Gwaii. The Haida have no specific words to say goodbye to their visitors. Closing our dance performance the singers sang a most lovely song whose words mean simply “until we meet again.”
