Startup Beach was filled with quiet reflection and ceremony on Aug. 30 as a new memorial pole was raised to honour those lost at sea.
Carved by Billy Yovanovich Jr. with the Ts’aahl/Kay’ahl Laanas clan, the pole raising drew more than 30 boats to the remote west coast site. Heavy morning fog delayed arrivals, and vessels gathered offshore in the gray water while three shuttle boats ferried people through what many described as “sketchy surf.” Some elders chose to take the risk, braving the swells and potential bruises to make their way onto the small beach to witness and participate.
As the pole was raised, Haida songs and prayers were performed in traditional ways. Witnesses described the moment as solemn, with many watching in silence from their boats as the carved memorial was raised in place.
By the time the ceremony closed, the sun had burned away the fog, granting a clear and calm voyage back to the Daajing Giids dock where the day had begun.
