Siing Gaay Laaw, from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. This
greeting means 'good day' in Haida. Apparently, I had it wrong last week - Maawa is 'thank you' in Haida. I've been quite busy as you may have guessed and a little late sitting down to do my Sunday blog. But I've been having a wonderful time, working hard and getting to know people, which is quite easy as everyone has been so nice.
I had a fellow stop and offer me a ride just this morning which was nice. I spend a lot of time walking back and forth so it was a welcome break from hoofing it. His name is Dick Bellis, born and raised in the Haida Gwaii. He is retired and offered to do some inland tours which his occupation at the moment. Nice guy and obviously knows everyone and everything about the islands. I'll likely go with him tomorrow to see some of the sights and get some photos; however, it is also a great opportunity to interview him for my research. As it turns out we both have an agenda of some sort - works for me lol.
I attended my first potlatch on Saturday evening and it was truly amazing. About 650 people attended and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the drumming and the singing. Much more so than I thought I might. Somehow, it is quite different to be physically present so you can feel the beat of the drums and the rhythms of the singers. The costumes were colourful with intricate designs and detailing the two Haida clans: The Ravens and The Eagles. I've included a few pictures to get an idea of what happened.
Oh, and the food was amazing - served from a centre table by designated servers, but the trick is you're supposed to bring your own plate. Of course, I wasn't let in on this little fact so didn't go to get any food. The kind lady sitting next to me suggested that I should go up anyway as they do have some paper plates for people who have forgotten to bring their own. Yes! I was treated to soup, crab, octopus cakes, salads, and gauwa (dried and boiled kelp with salmon eggs on it). Everything, with the exception of the 'gauwa' was great. I'd tried gauwa dried earlier and it was good, but the kind at the meal was soaked in a brine of some sort and didn't appeal to me at all. It was a wonderful experience and one I'd highly recommend. The children and youth did most of the dancing and the excitement to be performing for the new Chief, Reg Young, was obvious.
Although I've been busy, I have managed to go on several walks in the evenings. I headed toward Queen Charlotte City and stopped at a rocky area along the highway to take some photos. It was a beautiful evening and I totally lucked out when I spied an eagle eating something on the shore about 200 yards away from me. I of course hauled out the camera and started working my way towards him. I got close enough to take some amazing photos and included one here for you to see. They are such amazing creatures and he flew right over top of me once he had decided I was close enough. Wow!
On Wednesday, I'm taking a tour down to Louise Island to do some whale watching. Well that's the plan anyway. I'll let you know how it turns out. I didn't get an opportunity to help count the Ancient Murrletes (synthliboramphus antiquus) as they had enough volunteers this time. However, it is still an option for a future date. Hopefully, I will get a chance to do this. I would really like to take part in this conservation effort.
Anyway, I will report back once I've been out with Dick Bellis (his Haida name is 'Skil Q' Aas') and the whale watching tour to Louise Island. I should have some great photos to share with you.
Have a great day! Howaa :)
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