We recently had the privilege to visit Haida Gwaii and spent 12 days there. It was great even though it rained for 10 of the 12 days; there is always so much to do. The best was going to the opening of aay aay at the museum in Skidegate, it was so remarkable. The drummers and singers led by Nika Collinson opened and throughout the event, wow, I had goosebumps. The weaving of Aay Aay and his journey to become a weaver were quite remarkable too. There were many speakers, among them Evelyn Vanderhoop, who was gifted the exquisite robe that Aay Aay, also known as Aay Aay Hans, had been creating for the past several months right up until it was cut from the loom and then “given life,” as we in the audience looked on, and then was lovingly gifted to Evelyn. It was a moving experience. There was aay aay’s weaving show itself and the many dressed in their own woven creations in the Haida fashion for the opening, not to mention the hospitality of the fine treats created for the hospitality tables. I can tell you that I certainly enjoyed the sushi. Thank you.
Having first visited Haida Gwaii 40-plus years ago and never having visited Grey Bay, and being told that we had to go and visit as it is so beautiful, we went. I must say that when we left Sandspit on our way, we were met with the remains of logging that had taken place in most parts on either side of the road for about 20 feet. I found that depressing. Give me the bumpy, narrow roads any day. I had thought that logging had slowed on Moresby Island, but I find that nothing could be further from the truth. I am guessing they are cutting these trees and building bigger roads and bridges to log with more and bigger trucks, to take what has not been logged yet. What utter shame and folly. Don’t you know that once the magic is gone, it is lost forever? It will not be back, certainly not in our lifetimes. I found this very sad and wish it were not so.
Thank you, as always, for the memories, Haida Gwaii.
Respectfully submitted,
Howa,
Nancy Gould
Prince Rupert, B.C.
