Every successful event on Haida Gwaii has one thing in common: volunteers. Whether five people show up or ten, that difference can decide whether an event struggles or shines. Our most beloved gatherings depend on a small group of people who keep showing up, often quietly, to do the work no one else wants to do.
This newspaper is no different. Haida Gwaii News is a labour of love. It is powered by long hours, community contributions, and the dedication of people who believe our islands deserve a paper of their own. Like any event, it takes effort behind the scenes to make sure these pages land in your hands every two weeks.
In this edition, we also say goodbye to Chris Williams as he moves on from Haida Gwaii. For the past few years, his writing has brought perspective and heart to these pages. He has shared stories that made us laugh, made us think, and reminded us what is special about living here. His column was one of those steady fixtures that readers came to expect, and that I came to appreciate not just as an editor, but as a fellow writer.
Chris may be heading to the other coast, but the door is always open for his words to appear here again. His departure is a reminder that our community, like our newspaper, is made up of many voices. Each one matters. When someone steps away, there is both a gap and an opportunity for others to step forward.
That lesson applies well beyond the paper.
Events and programs do not magically appear. They take planning, coordination, fundraising, and an army of volunteers. From Hospital Days to the Triathlon, from the Fall Fair to Harbour Day, these events exist because people give their time. The difference between five volunteers and ten can mean the difference between an event that feels strained and one that feels seamless.
The truth is, many of the same faces keep showing up. They plan, they lift, they sort out the messy details no one else wants to deal with. Without fresh energy, the events we all love risk fading away. If you’re interested in participating in an event, consider signing up to help with the planning. Being on the committee is just as valuable as working the event day, sometimes more. The more people who step up, the lighter the load.
During the hlG̱a hlḵ’aats iihlangaa – Agate Man Triathlon, I was struck by how impressive it was to watch Alissa MacMullin in action. As the Haida Gwaii Recreation coordinator, Alissa is everywhere. She is also a beloved community member who seems to carry an endless well of energy. How she does it, no one knows. There have even been whispers in the forest about her superpowers. Maybe it is true. All I know is that Alissa deserves acknowledgment for what she does for the communities of Haida Gwaii.
She is not just the coordinator of Haida Gwaii Recreation. She is everyone’s biggest cheerleader and advocate. Alissa will be running one event while planning another. She is emailing, coordinating, taking photos, and still finding time to cheer people on. She does not stop. Watching her juggle all of this is a reminder that the glue holding this island together is not an institution, it is individuals who care.
I hope Alissa gets the rest and relaxation she deserves after providing the island with such valuable activities. She will likely use that rest to plan her next mission, because that is who she is. We are lucky to have people like her in our community, people who pour their heart into making sure we do not just live here but celebrate here.
So as we thank Chris for his words, Alissa for her superhuman drive, and every person who gives their time to keep this paper running, I want to thank all of the volunteers who give their skills and their heart. Without you, Haida Gwaii would not feel the same.
Stacey
