2023 Gwaii Trust Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

THOSE WHO STOOD ON THE LINE

ATHLII GWAII, 1985

NOVEMBER 16

Ethel Jones

Watson Price

Ada Yovanovich

Adolphus Marks

NOVEMBER 18

Brad Collinson

Frederick Donald Davis

Mervin James Dunn

Andrew Harold Edgars

Lawrence Morris Jones

Colin Stuart Richardson

Ronald Richard Russ

Noel Douglas White

Martin Williams

John Yeltatzie

NOVEMBER 20

Harold L. Yeltatzie

Willard Wilson

Diane Kathleen Brown

Rose Lynn Russ

Laura Carol Williams

Richard Craig Williams

Reginald Max Wesley

James Franklin McGuire

Merle Emily Adams

Henry Grady Wilson

Barbara Grace Stevens

Jacqueline Kim Yovanovich

NOVEMBER 22

Kenneth John Davis

John Thomas Jones

Christopher M. Collison

Barry Deon Bell

Teddy Elroy Williams

NOVEMBER 25

Valerie Jones

Laverne Collinson

Diana Jacqueline Hans

Patricia Ann Gellerman

Paulette Laverne Robinson

Marni Lynn York

Colleen Marissa Williams

Audra Charlyn Collinson

David James M. Brock

James Thomas Stelkia

Mervin James Dunn

Joey Abel T. Parnell

Vincent Paul Pearson

Jody Henry Russ

Ronald Ernest Wilson

Lawrence Drager

Sally Ann Edgars

Kathleen Marie Pearson

Russell Clive Edgars

Harold Owen Wilson

Herman Collinson

Clayton E Gladstone

Gordon Donovan Russ

Stuart McLean

Michael Earl Allen

Troy Pearson

Frank Coleman Baker

Fred M. Richardson

NOVEMBER 27

Marchel Ann Shannon

Shelley Louise Lavoie

Waneeta Ruth Richardson

Jennifer F. Davidson

Ronald Torres Souza

Alfred Setso

James Irvin Stanley

NOVEMBER 28

Dorothy Eva Russ

James Young

NOVEMBER 29

Linda Louise Day

Beatrice Mae Drager

Ronald Alexander George

Nigel Marc Pearson

Harold George Williams

THOSE WHO WERE CHARGED AND CONVICTED

Miles Richardson Jr. Guujaaw

John Yeltatzie

Diane Brown

Arnie Bellis

Frederick Davis

Colin Richardson

Roberta Olsen

Lawrence Jones

Martin Williams

Michael Nicoll Yaghulanaas

Willard Wilson

Image: Ada Yovanovich and Ethel Jones Athlii Gwaii, 1985 (photo courtesy CHN)

ABOUT GWAII TRUST

The Gwaii Trust Society owns and manages a multi-million-dollar perpetual fund for the benefit of all the people of Haida Gwaii. The fund generates investment income and the Society distributes part of that income every year through a variety of grant programs.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 1985, after more than a decade of attempts to work with the provincial government to protect the South Moresby Wilderness area, the Haida Nation designated what is now known as Gwaii Haanas, a Haida Heritage Site and a blockade was held on Lyell Island. The political standoff at Lyell Island brought worldwide attention to the issues of the land title dispute, the environment and economic matters. In 1988, the South Moresby Agreement was signed, which designated the area a National Park Reserve and created a Regional Economic Development Initiative fund.

Representatives of the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and the Residents Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) established an Accord on the Community Development Fund. In spite of legislative hostilities and other societal encumbrances to cross-cultural understanding, and after years of difficult work, the results evolved into the Gwaii Trust Interim Planning Society (GTIPS).

The GTIPS was established in accordance with the Society Act of British Columbia in November 1991. Its purpose was to develop a permanent model for a locally controlled, interest-generating fund. The Gwaii Trust Society would be founded on principles to achieving a sustainable Islands community.

The Gwaii Trust Society was formed in September 1994 to operate the perpetual Gwaii Trust Fund, and the GTIPS was dissolved as a society.

GWAII TRUST TODAY

In 1994 the Society started with $38.2 million contributed by the federal government as part of the agreement that created Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. At the end of 2023 our fund was worth approximately $95 million.

Our goals are clear: to work together to promote the health and well-being of our community, and make Haida Gwaii an even better place to live. We make our decisions by consensus and we believe in fairness, equity, collaborating to solve problems, building trust, and being willing to change. We know that to ensure a sustainable community, we must

Cover:

Project: HIGaa IinaGwaay Jaad (Half-Rock Woman)

Grant Stream: Arts

Artist: Cori Savard, Dwyer Cross apprentice (Photo Gwaii Trust)

plan and manage our development in ways that reflect our cultural and environmental uniqueness.

Our fund is invested in equities, bonds and mortgage/ real estate funds, and generates millions of dollars every year in investment income. Every year, we reinvest part of that income to protect our core value from inflation, and distribute most of the remaining money to communities, non-profit societies and individuals on Haida Gwaii through our grant programs.

Our volunteer board is made up of eight directors and eight alternates, representing the Haida and Civic communities equally. Our chair is nominated for appointment by the Council of the Haida Nation. We also have a youth board made up of islanders between the ages of 13 and 21 who make recommendations on our Youth Grants.

OUR MISSION

The Gwaii Trust will enhance environmentally sustainable social and economic benefits to Haida Gwaii through the use of the fund.

OUR VISION

The Gwaii Trust will advocate and support an Islands community characterized by respect for cultural diversity, the environment, and a sustainable and increasingly self-sufficient economy.

LEGAL STATUS

The Gwaii Trust Society is provincially registered as a non-profit society to maximize tax exemption for the Trust.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Sii.ngaay’láa Greetings

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gwaii Trust Society (GTS), it is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the remarkable journey we have all embarked on, and the numerous accomplishments of our Islands’ community.

Back in 1994, GTS began its mission with an initial funding of $38 million from the Federal and Provincial governments. Today we are pleased to announce that our fund has grown to $96 million. Even more remarkable is the fact that we have approved grants totalling $98 million, and by the end of this year, we expect to surpass $100 million in Island grant approvals.

Additionally, the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust Fund (AGLT), which originated as the South Moresby Forest Replacement Fund (SMFRA) with $24 million, has experienced substantial growth and currently stands at $62 million.

While these financial achievements are significant, it is equally important to highlight the projects we have completed over the past year. Among these are the Athlii Gwaii Coming Home initiative and our deep appreciation for the support received from our Islands’ community, which played a pivotal role in pressuring the provincial and federal governments to resolve the matter. Furthermore, we have conducted comprehensive community consultations regarding the use of AGLT funds and look forward to sharing the Strategic Plan with you.

The Haida Gwaii Community Foundation has also had increased activity, forging new partnerships and celebrating our first successful matching of donations for the Gwaii Animal Helpline. Internally, we assessed our staffing capacity in light of the expanding AGLT workload and are pleased to announce the appointment of Chaaw Salee Jaadaas Latasha Williams as our Chief Operating Officer. Moreover, we are also accepting applications for additional positions as we build our team.

An overwhelmingly positive outcome emerged from our 5-year Public Feedback Review, with an impressive 83% of respondents expressing their belief that GTS effectively contributes to the growth and well-being of individuals, communities, and the Islands at large. We also conducted a comprehensive review of our human resources policies, further ensuring our commitment to supporting our employees. As part of an ongoing review of policy and procedures and aligning them with our values we have also directed our Investment Fund managers to divest any investment the fund has in fossil fuels.

As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and belief in our mission. Together, we have overcome challenges, achieved remarkable growth, and made a lasting impact on the communities and individuals we serve.

Amidst these accomplishments, we must also acknowledge the profound loss we have experienced with the sudden passing of our dear friend and director, Guuday Guud Dlaaya Vince Collison. Vince served on the Board in 2004, 2009, and most recently in 2022. His absence is deeply felt, and we cherish the memories and contributions he made to our team and the Islands.

Here’s to 30 years of progress, resilience, and unity. Let us continue to build a brighter future for all.

Haawa Thank you, Huux Percy Crosby, Chair

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In 2023, our 30th year of operations, Gwaii Trust awarded $4.1 million to local nonprofits, governments, and individuals on Haida Gwaii. These 379 grants supported local priorities such as education, Haida language preservation, youth centers, arts mentorships, community events, and island governance, through 20 grant programs. Some of these programs, like the Field Trip Fund and Food Sovereignty initiatives, are new or have evolved to meet Haida Gwaii’s changing needs, while others have been around since the Trust’s inception.

The Board strives for a balance between providing essential programs the community relies on and adapting to evolving priorities. One measure of how successful we

have been in achieving this balance is our 5-year review, a comprehensive review of our operations and impact. While the review affirmed that overall our grant programs and funding decisions align with Haida Gwaii’s priorities, the review also highlighted the need to revise the application and reporting processes.

In response, Gwaii Trust is reaching out to the public for specific feedback on how we can change to make it easier to access funding. We are dependent on our nonprofits, residents, and local governments to run the programs that make Haida Gwaii a better place. I am eager to learn how we make accessing these funds easier while maintaining proper oversight and stewarding these funds responsibly.

Haawa Thank You Carla Lutner, Executive Director

DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE MEETING ATTENDANCE - 2023/2024 TERM

Attendance record for the Gwaii Trust Chair, Directors, and Alternates at board and standing committee meetings from May, 2023 to April, 2024.

(Note: Alternate attendance is not mandatory at board meetings. Directors are in bold, Alternates are in regular text.)

Huux Percy Crosby

Freda Davis

Jade Collison

Lisa Hageman

Vince Collison

Chair 11/12 14/19

Director Old Massett Village Council 10/12 17/19

Alternate Old Massett Village Council 5/12

Director CHN Old Massett 12/12

Alternate CHN Old Massett 2/10 3/3

Gidin Jaad Erica Jean Reid Director CHN Skidegate 11/12 2/3

Xyallaga Daaguuyah Desi Collinson Alternate CHN Skidegate 0/12

Maureen Bailey Director Graham Island Central 11/12 19/19 5/5

Berry Wijdeven Alternate Graham Island Central 11/12

Bret Johnston Director Graham Island North 10/12 4/5

Terry Carty Alternate Graham Island North 4/12

Clyde Greenough Director Graham Island South 10/12 4/4 4/5

Geoffrey Martynuik Alternate Graham Island South 3/12

Billy Yovanovich Director Skidegate Band Council 10/12

Michelle (Ooka) Pinault Alternate Skidegate Band Council 7/12

Flavien Mabit Director Area E (Sandspit) 8/12 4/5

Laurie Chisholm Alternate Area E (Sandspit) 7/12

People are like trees, and groups of people are like the forests.

While the forests are composed of many different kinds of trees, these trees intertwine their roots so strongly that it is impossible for the strongest winds which blow on our islands to uproot the forest, for each tree strengthens its neighbour, and their roots are inextricably intertwined.

In the same way the people of our Islands, composed of members of nations and races from all over the world, are beginning to intertwine their roots so strongly that no troubles will affect them.

Just as one tree standing alone would soon be destroyed by the first strong wind which came along, so it is impossible for any person, any family or any community to stand alone against the troubles of this world.”

~ Chief Skidegate, Lewis Collinson - March, 1966

This quote has served as a long standing reminder to the Trust and its directors of the importance of unity and consensus.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR: Huux Percy Crosby

VICE CHAIR: Ganaay Billy Yovanovich

COMMUNITY

DIRECTOR

GOVERNANCE

ALTERNATE

CHN OLD MASSETT Lisa Hageman Vince Collison

OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL Freda Davis Jade Collison

CHN SKIDEGATE

Gidin Jaad Erica Jean Reid Xyallaga Daaguuyah Desi Collinson

SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL Ganaay Billy Yovanovich Michelle (Ooka) Pineault

GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH Bret Johnston Terry Carty

GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL Maureen Bailey Berry Wijdeven

GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH Clyde Greenough Geoffrey Martynuik

AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND) Flavien Mabit Laurie Chisholm

L to R: Flavien Mabit, Terry Carty, Billy Yovanovich, Vince Collison, COO Carla Lutner, Clyde Greenough, Bret Johnston, Berry Wijdeven, Erica Reid, Percy Crosby, Laurie Chisholm, Maureen Bailey, Ooka Pineault, Freda Davis

YOUTH BOARD

CHAIR: Gidin Jaad Erica Jean Reid

COMMUNITY

DIRECTORS

CHN OLD MASSETT Kwiadda McEvoy

OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL Tyler Collison, Franklen Edgars

CHN SKIDEGATE Xiila Guujaaw, Kil Daagwiiya Tamara Hooper

SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL Marika Gladstone, Taanggunaay Grinder

GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH Jayden Brown

GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL Sephina Stupke, Max Gomez Bull

GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH Greta Romas, Zoey Collinson

AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND) Jordyn Zarry, Riley Dorman

Food Sovereignty Grant

Graham Islands East Coast Farmers’ Institute

Haida Gwaii Farmers’ Market Expansion

The Graham Islands East Coast Farmers’ Institute facilitated an opportunity to supplement and expand the existing BC Farmers’ Market Association Nutrition Coupon Program. Natalie Affolter, a board member of the Masset Market Collective Society, shares, “The program gave us the freedom to in no way be prescriptive in dictating what food people could buy. It was their choice on whether to spend on fresh vegetables, a sweet treat or a hot lunch. The intention being to give individuals true dignity of choice in the spending power that was offered.” The program was extended and ran until the autumn of 2023.

In support of food access for the residents of Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Trust offers two grants: the Food Security grant, which provides stable, annual funding to organizations that support access to food for the residents of Haida Gwaii; and the Food Sovereignty grant for smaller projects that contribute to improving sustainable local food production, harvesting, and distribution. In 2023 Gwaii Trust funded seven grants for a total of $313,598.

Community Innovation

Agnes L Mathers Elementary School

Pottery Soup Bowls

The Community Innovation grant funds innovative small projects that contribute to enhancing the overall wellbeing of islanders, our communities, and Haida Gwaii.

Under the guidance of Amber Faktor from Sunfish Studio, students participated in workshops to create pottery soup bowls destined for use during hot lunch periods at the school. With ALM providing daily lunches, including soups and other hot dishes, this initiative was designed to instill a feeling of ownership and promote sustainability throughout the school year.

Food Sovereignty & Community Innovation

Photo courtesy Natalie Affolter

Photo courtesy ALM

OUR STAFF

Gwaii Trust staff also work in support of the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust and the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation.

Carla Lutner

Executive Director

Responsible for advancing the organization's vision and leadership.

Latasha Williams Chief Operations

Officer

Manages day-to-day operations, including staff management and public relations.

Pam Hill Grant Coordinator Manages the Continuing Education, Travel Assistance, Community Events, and Winter Holidays grant programs.

Christine

Carty

Finance & Administration Manager

Manages the day-to-day financial operations, preparing accounts payable and receivables, payroll and in-house financial statements.

Ruby Decock Administration & Finance Assistant

Finance, administrative, and board governance support.

Meghan

Cross Project Officer

Manages most of Gwaii Trust’s grant programs. Meghan acts as a community resource supporting islanders and organizations through the application process and project life cycle.

Joey Rudichuk Communications Officer

Internal and external communication and media services, marketing and graphic design.

The Haida Gwaii Drop-In sports programs offer free evening activities held in school gymnasiums throughout the islands. In smaller communities, like ‘Wáan Kún Port Clements, there is a focus on youth usage of the school gyms due to fewer adult sports activities available.

In collaboration with local volunteers, Haida Gwaii Rec, and the Port Clements Rec Commission, a need for increased access to sports equipment was identified, including volleyball nets, balls, and knee pads. During the program in ‘Wáan Kún, led by volunteer Anne Barnes, there was an average attendance of between 10-15 young people ages 12 and up – a significant turnout for this close-knit community.

Youth Grant

Above right: Aubrey & Oren check out the new equipment. Photos courtesy Haida Gwaii Rec

Youth Grant Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission ‘Wáan Kún Youth Drop-In Volleyball

Innovation

90 GRANTS educational, cultural, arts, senior, sports events

Supporting larger projects in community infrastructure and planning.

GRANTS

Designed to encourage all Haida Gwaii residents to pursue educational opportunities of all kinds, both on and off-island. for for participate in $1,830,219 Haida Parity

KIDS CAMPS All-Islands Protocol Table for HIGH SCHOOL BURSARIES Youth Programs

$220,000 $96,444 $118,148 $90,000 $35,000 $45,000 $84,000 $72,549 $331,159 Community Events & Winter Holidays

in Arts Grants $313,598 for FOOD PROGRAMS supporting initiatives to revitalize and sustain the Haida language

Haida Language Grant

Haida Gwaii Museum Society

Haida Gwaii Mentor-Apprentice Program

The Haida Language grant supports initiatives that revitalize and sustain the Haida language. In 2023, a total of $220,000 was allocated to support the efforts of three Haida language organizations on Haida Gwaii: Xaad Kíl Née, the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP), and the Haida Gwaii Mentor Apprentice Program (HGMAP). This funding enables them to undertake projects geared towards enhancing fluency, transmitting knowledge across generations, and fostering mentorship relationships.

The Haida Gwaii Mentor-Apprentice Program provides language mentorship between both advanced and new Haida speakers. The mentoring process shifted as a result of COVID-19, moving from in-person mentoring to utilising technology like Zoom and Facetime. This grant built on that work to expand offerings including educational videos, online courses and resources, more physical resources like games and language texts, as well as outdoor immersion opportunities.

Haawa to all of our past and present fluent speaking elders, teachers, students and support staff at the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP). Without their tireless dedication to the revitalization of Xaayda kil, the Haida Gwaii Mentor-Apprentice Program could not be a success.

Haida Language

Puppets &. Play, Creating XK Immersive Resources, with fluent mentor, Dr. Taalgyaa’adad, Betty Richardson and apprentice, Nang Jingwas, Russ Jones. Filming and photo courtesy, Gaetan Lamarre, Silent Rapid Productions.

Wordless Picture Books & Creating XK Immersive Resources, with fluent mentor, Dr. GwaaGanad, Diane Brown.

Film and photo courtesy Gaetan Lamarre, Silent Rapid Productions

WHAT WE FUNDED IN 2023

The Gwaii Trust spent approximately $5 million in 2023, and set aside a further 3.4%, or approximately $2.4 million, to protect our perpetual fund from inflation. Our expenses fall into four main categories: project spending, investment management and other professional fees, administration, and inflation protection. As always in 2023 the biggest portion of our spending was on the grants we distribute to communities, local non-profit organizations, and individual islanders, through our suite of programs.

Administration

Investment Management & Regulatory Expenses

$5 Million

Projects

ADMINISTRATION: $740,251 (14.7%)

Almost all this money is spent on Haida Gwaii. It includes wages for our staff, honoraria for our Board of Directors, and rent and other expenses for both our north and south offices.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT & REGULATORY EXPENSES: $559,711(11.1%)

This pays for investment managers and their custodians to look after the perpetual fund and ensure we are balancing the generation of income in the safest way possible with the best possible returns.

PROJECTS: $3,734,460 (74.2%)

This represents the total amount distributed by Gwaii Trust as grants in 2023, providing direct benefits to Haida Gwaii.

INFLATION PROTECTION: $2,372,998

(Not physically spent, just reallocated as protected) We do not include inflation as true spending as it is a reallocation of funds from earned income to protected funds. Every year we reinvest a portion of our income back into the perpetual fund so that its value won’t be eroded by inflation, protecting the original investment for future generations. This year’s amount reflects the Canadian Consumer Price Index of 3.4%. The core value of the Gwaii Trust was just under $72 million at the end of 2023. Under our bylaws this money can never be allocated or expended.

Skidegate Wellness Centre

Since 2019, Gwaii Trust has taken great pride in its contributions to the development of the new Skidegate Wellness Centre (Xaaynangaa Naay House of Life). Through various grant programs, these efforts have provided funding for site preparation, several Supernatural Being poles, and a significant $1 million special grant in 2019 towards the build. In total, Gwaii Trust has provided a total of $1,065,000 towards the Wellness Centre and an additional $616,000 for grants that also included site preparation for the Elders Complex.

This project has been a collaborative endeavour involving the dedication of many individuals. It will stand as a testament to the community’s commitment to providing lasting support and resources for the people of Haida Gwaii for years to come.

Skidegate Wellness Centre

Left: Health Director Debbie Crosby, and Gwaii Trust Projects Officer, Meghan Cross

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM

Our fund is well diversified over a number of economic sectors, geographic areas, and fund managers. We invest in Canadian and global equities, mortgages, direct lending funds, infrastructure, bonds, and real estate. We utilize the expertise of four separate fund managers, including Nicola Wealth, PH&N, Axium Infrastructure and Northleaf Capital Partners. We also work with George and Bell who provide advice and investment expertise to the Board. The Trust’s rate of return for 2023 was 6.96% as of year-end.

INVESTMENT TRANSITION

In 2022 the Trust began the transition to a revised investment strategy to further diversify the funds. The new strategy decreases the equities and bonds in the portfolio and adds investments which have more predictable returns, such as infrastructure and direct lending.

In addition to reducing the volatility of the portfolio, the new strategy puts an emphasis on sustainable, fossil fuel-free investments. The Board moved its traditional investments from unrestricted pooled funds to fossil fuel free funds, Tla Yahda / Tll Yahda making right an error that had inadvertently allowed investment in companies that don’t align with Haida Gwaii values, including Enbridge, Suncor, and TC Energy.

The Board also selected two new Investment managers, Northleaf Capital and Axium Infrastructure, who have a focus on renewables and energy transition with investments such as wind and solar farms, and battery storage facilities. Moving the funds over to the new investments will take time, with the full process taking up to two years to fully fund. We anticipate lower returns during this transition. These changes, over the long term, however, will reduce risk and smooth returns, ensuring strong and steady earnings in perpetuity.

Community Events

Sandspit Community Society

Sandspit Wild Harvest Festival

The annual Wild Harvest Festival in K’il Kun Sandspit is a dynamic weekend gathering dedicated to the celebration of the untamed wonders of nature. The event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and appreciation for the practices of wild harvesting, processing, and admiration of diverse natural elements, including plants, fungi, animals, and marine life on Haida Gwaii.

During the 2023 festival, which welcomed 250 guests, attendees engaged with vendors and experts who shared their expertise through guided outdoor presentations and nature walks, informative displays, talks, presentations, and workshops.

Continuing Education Grant

Daymon Wrubel

Culinary Management

Congratulations to Daymon Wrubel on completing his first year in Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Management Program. This year provides Daymon with a Culinary Arts Certificate, allowing him to be recognized as a chef. He is currently enrolled in his second year, which focuses on restaurant management, with his ultimate goal to become a restaurant owner on Haida Gwaii. With his dedication and perseverance, Daymon is well on his way to achieving his goal.

“My dream is to create a restaurant that showcases the Islands through healthy food and a comfortable environment.”

Community Events & Continuing Education

Photo courtesy Daymon Wrubel

Traditional Cedar Weaving Workshop with artist Sgaas Sgwaansing Shyla Cross

Photo courtesy SCS

2023

Major Contributions

Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission

GidGalang Kuuyas Naay Weight Room Revitalization

The GidGalang Kuuyas Naay Weight Room Revitalization project brought new life to the school and community weight room in Daajing Giids. With over 250 active memberships only 6 months after the re-opening, students and the broader community were supported by a fitness space that is high quality and affordable, with student memberships as low as $20 per year.

Best of all, the equipment was intentionally purchased to foster inclusivity. Key improvements include enhanced safety features, easier maintenance with new flooring, ongoing access for residents, and an improved user experience to attract more members.

Major Contributions

Photos courtesy Haida Gwaii Rec

HAIDA GWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Haida Gwaii Community Foundation (HGCF) was established by the Gwaii Trust Society in the fall of 2016 as an opportunity to receive funds and issue tax receipts to donors.

Three funds are accepting donations, including the Gwaii Animal Helpline Fund, the Carl Hart Legacy Fund, and a General Fund that is used to meet future priorities and ever-changing needs in our communities such as medical travel for Haida Gwaii residents through Hope Air. It also manages the Green Shield Canada Community Impact Fund which invests in local organizations dedicated to improving oral and mental health on Haida Gwaii.

On September 28, 2023, the Gwaii Trust Board approved the establishment of the Gwaii Animal Helpline Fund to support the well-being of companion animals in Haida Gwaii on a long-term basis.

The Gwaii Trust Society also agreed to match donations up to a total of $50,000 in the first year. This fund was established as a legacy project, where the Gwaii Animal Helpline can direct the income generated to support the long-term improvement of companion animal wellbeing in Haida Gwaii. It will take time to generate sufficient income to support initiatives such as low-income support

programs, so additional fundraising will continue to take place.

In November, the Gwaii Trust ran a campaign to support the new fund, and Haida Gwaii responded enthusiastically. In a mere six months, the community raised $19,940, which was then matched by Gwaii Trust for a total of $39,880.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation and the Gwaii Trust Society to build a financial foundation to sustain animal well-being in Haida Gwaii!”

Peter Grundmann, Chair, Gwaii Animal Helpline Society

Photos courtesy Gwaii Animal Helpline Gwaii

Clockwise from top left: HlGaagilda Skidegate; Trustees Maureen Baily, Freda Davis, Huux Percy Crosby, and Executive Director Carla Lutner; K’il Kun Sandspit; ‘Wáan Kún Port Clements; Gaw Tlagée Old Massett; director-in-training, Haaywas, waits for his turn to speak

Gwaii

ATHLII GWAII LEGACY TRUST

The Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust (AGLT) is a fund managed by the Gwaii Trust Society, currently valued at over 60 million dollars.

Unfortunately, Athlii Gwaii only funded one round of granting before the market crash of 2008 when the fund dropped below its minimum level. It took until 2013 for the fund to recover and for a sufficient buffer to build up. When the fund had recovered enough to resume granting, the Trustees discovered that the fund was set up incorrectly and that it couldn’t be spent.

The Trustees have been working with the provincial and federal government since to make those changes through legislation. In April of 2023, as the time drew closer to this happening, a series of community consultation sessions were set up in Skidegate, Sandspit, Old Massett, and Port Clements, to discuss the next steps forward.

In March of 2024, the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust Act was passed, facilitating the transfer of the AGLT funds to the Gwaii Trust Society, unlocking new opportunities for economic development, job creation, and sustainability.

The society intends to utilize the new fund to support projects aligned with three core pillars, which we refer to as the “Three R’s”:

1. Restoration (Including natural habitat protection and environmental restoration)

2. Renewables (Focusing on transitioning to renewable energy)

3. Revitalization (Supporting economic development and diversification initiatives

Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust 1. 2. 3.

RENEWABLES

Goal: Support the transitioning of fossil fuel dependent electrical grids to renewable energy sources. Support the productive and sustainable use of Haida Gwaii’s natural resources in perpetuity.

RESTORATION REVITALIZATION

Goal: Protect and restore the natural environment and ecological integrity of Haida Gwaii’s land, air, and waters.

Goal: Support the increase of economic diversification, resilience and selfsustainability of the communities and residents of Haida Gwaii

ALL-ISLAND PROTOCOL TABLE

Secretariat of the Haida Nation All-Islands Protocol Table 2023

Jaasaljuus Yakgujanaas

Hliing Sḵ'adasaang Learning Spruce Roots $10,000.00

Kayla MacDermid The Minstrel Cramps Album Completion

Simon Davies The Plinth Project

Shyla Cross

Mentorship with Holly Churchill

David Archer Music composition – HG Museum show

jaalen edenshaw

Learning Bronze Casting

Carsen Gray Carsen Gray Gospel Album

Jesse Brillon Copper Maker

Tluu Xaada Naay Society “Dláaya ‘laagée t'aláng salíiga”

Elim Sly-Hooton On Film with Feeling

ARTS MENTORSHIP

Alison Laura Keery Mentorship with Candice Irwin

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND WINTER HOLIDAYS

Village of Daajing Giids

Tlell Fall Fair Committee

Village of Port Clements

Village of Daajing Giids Community Events

Tlell Fall Fair $2,000.00

Front Cover: Arts Grant

Dwyer Cross

HIGaa IinaGwaay Jaad (Half-Rock Woman)

Under the guidance of master carver Cori Savard, Dwyer Cross honed his craft while contributing to the creation of one of the eight female supernatural being poles, known as HIGaa IinaGwaay Jaad, now located at the recently constructed Skidegate Wellness Centre. Through this apprenticeship, Dwyer acquired fundamental skills in sculpting Haida formline into wood blocks and deepened his understanding of traditional Haida art.