Congratulations are in order for Gid7ahl-Gudsllaay Lalaxaaygans, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, and Guud San Glans, Robert Davidson, who were awarded the Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize at the 41st annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. Their book, A Haida Wedding (Heritage House, 2024), took home the honour at a gala held Sept. 21 at the University Golf Club in Vancouver.
Hosted by CBC broadcaster Margaret Gallagher, the ceremony celebrated writers, illustrators, and publishers from across the province and territory. A Haida Wedding earned Williams-Davidson and Davidson a $3,000 prize. Though the authors were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, the Heritage House team was on hand to celebrate their achievement.
The book presents a photographic window into Williams-Davidson and Davidson’s wedding in 1996, the first in more than a century to be legalized under Haida law. It marks a resurgence of traditions once nearly lost to colonial forces.
Williams-Davidson is a Haida musician, artist, and lawyer known for her work in Indigenous-environmental law. She has published Out of Concealment: Female Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii and co-authored Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii. Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, she has dedicated herself to the continuation of Haida culture, drawing from Haida language, law, music, and oral traditions.
Davidson, an internationally acclaimed artist for more than 50 years, has played a central role in the renaissance of Haida art. His work is featured in major galleries across Canada and beyond. His honours include the Inspire Award, the Order of BC, the Order of Canada, and the Governor General’s Award for Visual Arts. He is also a founding member of the Rainbow Creek Dancers and Haida Gwaii Singers Society.
Jurors Dalys Barney, Jamella Hagen, and Dr. Alyce Johnson praised the book’s role in cultural revival. “A Haida Wedding works at reviving cultural traditions in BC, particularly with the Haida people,” they wrote. “A story of resurgence and love, A Haida Wedding contributes deeply to our shared understanding of Indigenous peoples in BC.”
The BC and Yukon Book Prizes have celebrated the achievements of authors and publishers since 1985. The Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize recognizes works that contribute most to the enjoyment and understanding of British Columbia and the Yukon.
