Home. What is it to you? A place? A person? Something you have never really known? Something you miss dearly? Something you can find anywhere? A state of mind?
Canada Day will have happened by the time you are reading this, but it is just about to happen as I am writing. I had spent a lot of days on the road for the past number of weeks. I had considered staying a little longer, but in the end, I have returned to Canada for our national holiday.
One of the things that motivated me to return for Canada Day was the patriotism that the citizens of America express. Flags hung proudly on homes where the lawns were immaculate. Businesses flew flags big enough to display in your city during the Olympics, every day of the year. Many folks in the states and counties I visited said they lived in a divided country. What united them all was the pride they felt in being part of it. Somewhere along the road, it became endearing to see so much pride.
With that sentiment, I decided to return to Canada for our nation’s holiday. Whether Canada Day was not a big deal for you, or you did something to celebrate, I would say it’s a helpful practice to think of what you are most grateful for about wherever you call home.
If it’s Haida Gwaii you call home, I’m guessing that list will come to you easily, as I have seen pride in our friends and neighbours who call our corner of the world home. Gratitude is never wasted. Let’s carry that pride through this summer season, to the end of the year and beyond.
With all this travel, I am sometimes asked, “Are you still the mayor?” The answer is yes, proudly! I am attending all meetings by Zoom and will be there again in person soon. Also, if you have not been to Masset in a while, I would encourage you to visit the north end of our communities. It’s sunnier than you probably expect if you live in the south end. Our town has a lot to be proud of with all the infrastructure and development happening.
Projects you can easily see include the roads being paved and new buildings like our library and the addition of a daycare facility at the school. And there are projects you cannot see that are very important, though most people don’t often think about them. Like the water that comes into your house—those lines are being upgraded. We’re updating bylaws. There are projects for the airport that keep us safe and connected with the mainland. Those are all happening now too, along with several developing plans for parks and other infrastructure.
The staff and council this term have worked together so well and have been collaborative with Old Massett in such productive ways. I have great appreciation for everyone who has made this progress possible. Working together really does make all the difference.
As I travel home, I am practicing what I’m suggesting, and feeling the haw’aas in my heart for all the folks in our community who work hard and work together to keep developing and improving the wonderful place we call home.
Lastly, I am sorry to have missed submitting to Haida Gwaii News for the one-year anniversary. So sorry! Since moving back to Haida Gwaii, I have heard and often said that the local newspaper means so much to our communities. There’s something about physically holding a paper to read current events and information (I hope you’re holding a physical copy as you read this). Congratulations on the first year of success. To many more. I can’t wait to see what Haida Gwaii News will do as you grow and keep us connected.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe celebration, and I will see you all soon. Maybe I’ll catch you at the Edge of the World.
