Annual Report 2019

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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 2019 our fund was worth approximately $86.6 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 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.

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, 1966 This quote has served as a long-standing reminder to the Trust and its directors of the importance of unity and consensus.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Sii.ngaay’láa Greetings On behalf of the Gwaii Trust Society, its Board of Directors and Staff, we would like to thank the community of Haida Gwaii for their continued support. Whether it be the local business community, not-forprofit organizations, and local leadership across Haida Gwaii, it is through your hard work and dedication to the well-being of our island communities that allows our investments to have a such a positive impact.

Over the course of the year, 2019, the Gwaii Trust Society has undertaken a series of activities ranging from annual strategic planning, board allocations, committee meetings, and conducting a professional review of our investment managers. A snapshot for the year witnessed $5 million approved for new project initiatives, for a combined total of just under $6 million invested into the Haida Gwaii Economy for the year. As

it is the final year of the Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities Initiative, a $7,000,000-dollar investment with one million allocated to each community over a four-year period (2017-2020), it is our hope that we continue to build on our success moving forward.

Investments for the year remained strong despite widespread market volatility. Overall, the Trust earned just under 12% (11.4%) after fees, starting at $128,800,000 and closing the year at $137,031,000: GTS$86.6 million, AGLT-$50.4 million. As we look toward investing on Haida Gwaii, it is our hope to play a major role in building a sustainable future for everyone on island. We will also continue to invest in our staff and support the organization in a professional way.

Haawa thank you Sk’aal Ts’iid Flicker Bird James D. Cowpar Chairman

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I’ve been thinking about this quote, attributed to Margaret Mead, as I reflect on the past and future of the Gwaii Trust. In 2019, we marked 25 years since the Gwaii Trust Society was formally incorporated. The path to that moment started with the stand at Athlii Gwaii and the protection of Gwaii Haanas, and continued with a group of islanders who originally came together in response to a federal plan to spend $38.2 million in just eight years. Although they had differences of opinion and had never worked together before, they were united in the belief that placing the $38.2 million into a permanent, locallycontrolled perpetual fund would be of far greater benefit for Haida Gwaii than spending it in an eight-year spree. It took a few years to persuade government, but through their vision and persistence this group changed the course of history on Haida Gwaii. Since 1994, the Trust has granted over $80 million in areas such as education, language, youth and infrastructure. Board members and staff have changed through the years, but the Gwaii Trust remains much as that original group of islanders envisioned it: a board made up of islanders with equal representation from Haida and neighbouring communities, who work collaboratively and make decisions by consensus, with the goal of making Haida Gwaii a better place.

Twenty-five years later, 2019 was a busy and successful year for the Gwaii Trust. The board approved $5 million in grants, and wrapped up the final year of the Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities Initiative, a program that funded community infrastructure projects. We launched a new website and grant management system. We continued to advocate federally and provincially on the amalgamation of the Athlii Gwaii fund with the Gwaii Trust. And the board was also busy in its role as the steward of the fund, engaging Humanity Financial to perform a financial health check of the organization and hiring George Bell and Brown to do a third party review of our investments.

Of course, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has been consuming our attention since March. All our grants, except the Travel Assistance Grant, remain open at this time. We also moved immediately to create a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, for organizations serving islanders affected by the pandemic, with an initial commitment of $250,000. As the emergency situation continued, we added an additional $250,000. Meanwhile, our investment experts continue to watch over the value of our fund, which was down to $79.8 million on March 31, from $86.6 million at the end of 2019. However, our portfolio is well-balanced and built to withstand economic downturns. We will need to be prudent, but we will get through this.

Haawa thank you Carla Lutner Chief Operations Officer

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GOVERNANCE Director and Alternate Attendance 2019/2020 Term DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE ATTENDANCE 2019/2020 TERM

The following chart presents the attendance record for the Gwaii Trust Chair, Directors and Alternates at Board meetings from May 2019 to April 2020.

The following chart presents the attendance record for the Gwaii Trust Chair, Directors and Alternates at Board meetings from May 2019 to April 2020.

Notes: Names in bold are current Directors and Alternates.

Notes: Alternate attendance is not mandatory.

Names in bold are current Directors and Alternates.

Alternate attendance is not mandatory.

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Role

Community

Attendanc e

James Cowpar

Chair

n/a

8/13

Cecil Brown Lisa Bell

Director Alternate

Old Massett Village Council Old Massett Village Council

11/13 4/13

Alfie Setso Sr. Trevor Russ Lawrence Jones

Director Alternate Director

CHN Old Massett CHN Old Massett CHN Old Massett

6/10 0/13 0/3

Kim Goetzinger Jason Alsop

Director Alternate

CHN Skidegate CHN Skidegate

11/13 2/13

Billy Yovanovich Michelle (Ooka) Pineault

Director Alternate

Skidegate Band Council Skidegate Band Council

10/13 11/13

Clyde Greenough Devin Rachar

Director Alternate

Graham Island South Graham Island South

11/13 8/13

Maureen Bailey Christine Cunningham

Director Alternate

Graham Island Central Graham Island Central

13/13 4/8

Bret Johnston Bob Isaacs Lareina Grosse

Director Alternate Alternate

Graham Island North Graham Island North Graham Island North

12/13 6/9 0/4

Laurie Chisholm Warren Foster

Director Alternate

Area E (Moresby) Area E (Moresby)

12/13 5/13

GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

L-R: Maureen Bailey, Laurie Chisholm, Michelle (Ooka) Pineault, Lisa Bell, Warren Foster, Billy Yovanovich, Bret Johnston, Devin Rachar, James Cowpar, Kim Goetzinger, Cecil Brown, Christine Cunningham.

CHAIR James Cowpar

GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH Dir: Bret Johnston Alt: Bob Issacs

CHN MASSETT Dir: Alfie Setso Sr Alt: Trevor Russ

SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL Dir: Billy Yovanovich Alt: Ooka Pineault

GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL Dir: Maureen Bailey Alt: Christine Cunningham

CHN SKIDEGATE Dir: Kim Goetzinger Alt: Jason Alsop

GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH Dir: Clyde Greenough Alt: Devin Racher

OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL Dir: Cecil Brown Alt: Lisa Bell

AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND) Dir: Laurie Chisholm Alt: Warren Foster

YOUTH BOARD CHAIR Ooka Pineault

GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH Sol Reynolds

DIRECTORS Devin Racher Cecil Brown Christine Cunningham

GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL Tia Nichol Caden Bergstrom

CHN OLD MASSETT Haana Edenshaw Kwiadda McEvoy

OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL Destiny Davidson

SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL Xiila Guujaaw Cassidy Beynon GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH Isaac Bowey Greta Romas AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND) Megan Ives

CHN SKIDEGATE Vacant

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FEATURED PROJECTS

YOUTH GRANT - DAY CAMPS PUT THE FUN INTO SUMMER FOR LOCAL KIDS Summer 2019 marked the 39th year that Haida Gwaii Recreation has organized a series of day camps for kids on the islands, offering educational, artistic and athletic programming in Masset, Queen Charlotte, Port Clements and Sandspit.

This summer saw a total of 52 kids between the ages of 5 and 11 attend the four camp sessions, held on weekdays throughout July and August. The summer camp program creates two full-time jobs for local students, as program leader and program assistant, as well as part-time jobs for camp

specialists – community members who come in to share their expertise in elements like ethnobotany, biology, culture, sport and art. The kids also enjoyed healthy food and snacks like local snap peas and carrot sticks, provided through the Haida Gwaii Local Food Pantry.

A Youth Grant of $10,000 provided just under half of the funding needed to make the camps possible, with the balance coming from Canada Summer Jobs and Haida Gwaii Recreation.

IN SANDSPIT, YOUTH GYM NIGHTS PROMOTE FUN AND FITNESS Kids in Sandspit enjoyed a full fall, winter and spring season of gym activities with help from a Youth Grant of $1,935. The money allowed the Sandspit Recreation Committee to buy 12 basketballs, six badminton racquets, plasma car ride-on toys, an obstacle training course, a slackline with rings, rope ladders and swings, and a mini trampoline –equipment that enabled the committee to hold drop-in youth sports five nights a week at the gym.

With 53 youth under the age of 19 in the community, and not a lot of other options for activities, the open gym nights are a big feature. Kids are supervised by their parents and rec committee volunteers, and there is also a paid first aid attendant on site. Enthusiastic support letters from parents noted the many benefits of the evening activities: fitness, learning new skills and forming healthy habits. The Sandspit Recreation Committee’s grant application also included letters from kids.

“I love basketball,” wrote one youth. “Please help us buy more balls for our hoop shoot evenings in the gym.”

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OUR STAFF

CARLA LUTNER Chief Operations Officer

ERROL WINTER Chief Investment Officer

CHRISTINE CARTY Finance & Administration Manager

DANA BELLIS Project Officer

JOEY RUDICHUK Communications Officer

PAM HILL Education & Travel Progam Coordinator

FEATURED PROJECT ISLANDERS ENJOY A YEAR OF FREE MUSEUM ADMISSIONS The Gwaii Trust marked its 25 th anniversary in 2019 and to celebrate, we invited islands residents to visit local museums free of charge. The free admission initiative ran from April 1, 2019 until March 31, 2020, and was facilitated by the Gwaii Trust’s gift of $125,000, divided between the Haida Gwaii Museum and Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate, the Port Clements Museum, and the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum in Masset.

“The Gwaii Trust board believes that sharing the history, language, arts and culture of Haida Gwaii is a great way to celebrate the history of the Gwaii Trust,” said Chief Operations Officer Carla Lutner. “The board also recognizes the important contributions that the museums make to life on Haida Gwaii. We’re excited that this gift will allow more residents to visit the museums.”

Learning essential skills in project management.

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FEATURED PROJECTS

NEW FILM EXPLORES JIM HART’S MONUMENTAL DANCE SCREEN Award-winning director Helen Haig Brown’s latest project is a short film revealing the connections between 7idansuu Jim Hart’s Dance Screen and the living culture of Haida Gwaii.

Haig Brown, who co-directed the feature film SGawaay K’uuna (Edge of the Knife), was at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler with her camera in September 2018 for the celebration when 7idansuu and a group of Haida carvers and performers danced the monumental screen. The massive wooden screen, which took years to carve, is considered a modern masterpiece of northwest coast art. Haig Brown and her crew filmed the celebration itself as well as behind the scenes footage of

the dancers, singers and drummers and interviews with the participants.

The film was funded by a grant from Telus Originals, but Haig Brown applied for an Arts Grant of $9,943 to allow her to expand its scope and delve deeper into the cultural significance of this piece, including how it is connected to the living culture on Haida Gwaii and the repatriation efforts Haidas have undertaken with museums around the world.

Titled The Life of Jim Hart’s Dance Screen, the 22-minute film will be available online through the Audain Art Museum and Telus Originals.

PERFORMANCES BRIGHTEN WINTER MONTHS FOR ISLAND AUDIENCES The Haida Gwaii Arts Council has been bringing high calibre performers here for many years, and this year was no exception. A $4,500 Arts Grant helped the Arts Council organize a series of musical evenings at both ends of the island earlier this year featuring off-island bands like Schwey and New Groovement, with warm-ups by local performers Andre and the Minstrel Cramps.

The Arts Council’s performance series is aimed at introducing islanders to new talent as well as local talent, and promoting Haida Gwaii as a place where musicians love to travel and play. Support letters from audience members praised the Arts Council for keeping ticket prices affordable and for providing the joy of gathering for an evening of music and dancing.

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2019 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2019 Financial Highlights

Summary Statement of Financial Position As at December 31

2019

2018

2,401,992

257,550

86,638,313

83,190,167

49,429

48,750

14,918 273,209

9,747 298,068

89,377,861

83,804,282

324,396

223,002

5,402,322

5,133,873

762,596

755,064

6,489,315

6,111,939

62,214,897

60,875,633

273,209

298,068

Unrestricted net assets

20,400,441

16,518,642

Net assets

82,888,547

77,692,343

89,377,862

83,804,282

Report of the Independent Auditor on the Summary Financial Statements

Assets

To the members of The Gwaii Trust Society

Cash and receivables

Opinion

Investments at fair value

The summary financial statements, which comprise the summary statement of financial position as at December 31, 2019, and the summary statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and related notes, are derived from the audited financial statements of Gwaii Trust Society (the "Trust") for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Due from Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust

In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements, in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities

Summary Financial Statements The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditor's report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements and the auditor's report thereon.

The Audited Financial Statements and Our Report Thereon We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial statements in our report dated May 13, 2020.

Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Due from Haida Gwaii Community Foundation Other assets

Program commitments Other liabilities Restricted net assets Invested in tangible capital assets

Summary Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets For the Year Ended December 31

2019

2018

Revenue Investment income

8,120,494

8,432,624

Unrealized gain on investments Other income (loss)

1,655,621 34,091

(9,406,211) 74

9,810,206

(973,513)

Expenses

Auditor’s Responsibility

Investment management and regulatory

494,754

488,144

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standards (CAS) 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial statements.

Administrative

908,368

808,166

4,986,492 (1,775,612) 4,614,002

4,220,631 (277,828) 5,239,113

5,196,204

(6,212,626)

Net assets – beginning of year

77,692,343

83,904,969

Net assets – end of year

82,888,547

77,692,343

Terrace, BC May 13, 2020

Chartered Professional Accountants

Project funding Project de-commitments Excess of revenue over expenses for the year

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FEATURED PROJECTS

RAINBOW WHARF REPAIRS EXTEND THE LIFE OF A VILLAGE ICON Port Clements’ Rainbow Wharf, built in 1914, is ready for the 21st century thanks to a $300,000 Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities grant. The aging wharf, located right in the heart of the village, has long been a central attraction for residents and visitors, who regularly walk along it for spectacular views of Masset Inlet. It’s also the site of an annual, very popular, kids’ fishing derby. Until recently, it was also used by local business for loading and unloading commercial transport.

But age was taking a toll on the wooden wharf, with several pilings starting to rot, rendering it too dangerous for

commercial use. The village’s goal was to improve its condition so it could continue to be used for pedestrian and light vehicle traffic. The repairs, based on reports by consultants and engineers, included the installation of seven new piles, replacement of three old piles, and new concrete for two footings.

Once the wharf has been repaired and revitalized, the village hopes to explore new opportunities, such as pop-up stores, or farmers’ market-style portable vendor stalls. And of course the kids’ fishing derby will be going ahead – watch for it as part of Port’s annual Canada Day festivities.

Iconic Rainbow Wharf awaits her makeover.

CARING FOR VULNERABLE ANIMALS IN OUR COMMUNITIES The Animal Helpline, Masset Cat and Kitten Rescue and the Haida Gwaii branch of the BC SPCA are all local volunteer organizations dedicated to caring for lost, abandoned and surrendered companion animals. The volunteers fundraise to pay for food, medication and vet services, and also work directly with animals, often witnessing instances of severe animal neglect and abuse. To help volunteers deal with the emotional effects of their work, the Animal Helpline brought trauma counselor Barbara Allyn to the islands in April 2019 for a full-day workshop as well as an evening public presentation. This well-attended workshop allowed animal first responders to discuss the impacts of this psychological trauma, and develop best practices for dealing with the associated stress so it does not lead to long-term mental and physical illnesses. The Animal Helpline received a Community Innovation Grant of $6,020 to cover the project costs.

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WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM

19 0 2

11.4%

8 1 0 2

-0.9%

7 1 0 2

8.4%

7.9%

2015

7%

10.8%

2014

2016

16.08%

The Trust’s rate of return for 2019 was 11.4%; year to date the Trust has returned -4.2% (April 30, 2020).

The Gwaii Trust Board continues to look for additional revenues through conservative incremental portfolio adjustments as markets evolve.

2013

12.33%

2012

6.04%

2011

2010

7.13%

Our fund is well diversified over a number of economic sectors, geographic areas, and fund managers. We invest in Canadian and global equities, mortgages, bonds, and real estate. We utilize the expertise of three separate fund managers with all trades managed by our custodial teams at RBC & National Trust.

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FEATURED PROJECTS

RECORDING ORIGINAL MUSIC, AND REACHING A GLOBAL AUDIENCE The Haida Gwaii Radio Society has been producing original shows, covering live sports like basketball and softball, and broadcasting political forums for a wide range of listeners on Haida Gwaii. Recently, in collaboration with the Ging Gang Hla tllGad Independent Music and Arts Cooperative, it started recording and filming day-long live sessions with local musicians at the Cedar House in Skidegate. After the first three Cedar House sessions proved popular with audiences, the Radio Society applied for a $6,250 Community Innovation grant to expand the series.

The Gwaii Trust money allowed the Radio Society to purchase new sound equipment and a laptop computer to replace the patchwork of old, faulty and borrowed equipment it had been using. With help from an additional grant from the BC Touring Council’s Youth Hubs initiative, volunteers recorded six new sessions between May and December 2019. The sessions were broadcast live on Haida Gwaii Radio, with an edited video published on Ging Gang Hla tllGad’s Youtube channel, where they are now reaching a global audience. The project was so well done it caught the attention of APTN network Digital Drum, which is using footage and audio from the series in a documentary about the history of the Haida Gwaii music scene. The project also broadened audiences for local music, helped volunteers advance their skills, and gave participating

bands a professional product they can now use for festival and grant applications. The equipment will continue to be used by Haida Gwaii Radio to bring local content to radio listeners and help improve island-wide communication.

SANDSPIT FIRE DEPARTMENT GETS PREPARED TO PROTECT The Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department boosted its skills and equipment in 2019, thanks in part to a $76,435 Major Contributions grant.

The volunteer firefighters used the grant to accomplish a four-part project. The first part was an HVAC upgrade for the fire/ambulance hall, which involved replacing the old ineffi-

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cient and expensive diesel furnace with heat pumps. The fire department estimated this will result in savings of at least $2,000 a year, money that can be directed to things like training, supplies and maintenance. It will also reduce the department’s carbon footprint. The second part was intensive training, required by law, for the fire department volunteers.

The training was delivered by the Justice Institute through a combination of online instruction and an instructor who came up for four weekends. This training ensures the safety of the volunteers and expands their fire-fighting skills.

The third and fourth parts covered the purchase of muchneeded equipment and gear to fight wildfires, as well as a positive pressure ventilation fan. This essential piece of equipment pushes smoke and fire out of a structure, contains the fire, and allows fire fighters to enter a smoky building.

The unit purchased by Sandspit has a misting device to cool fires and a high expansion foam generator for smothering fires.

WHAT WE DID IN 2019

240 171 21 20 $220,000 TO FOOD SECURITY $180,000 TO THE HAIDA LANGUAGE

PROGRAMS

$90,000 FOR KIDS CAMPS $64,000 FOR OFF-ISLAND UNIVERSITY

CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANTS TO HELP ISLANDERS PURSUING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION TRAVEL GRANTS TO HELP PEOPLE ATTEND OFF-ISLAND EVENTS AND TOURNAMENTS ARTS PROGRAM GRANTS AWARDED TO INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS AND NON-PROFIT GROUPS

GRANTS TO YOUTH-FOCUSED INITIATIVES

$125,000 FOR THE GWAII TRUST 25

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ANNIVERSARY MUSEUM PASSES

$100,000 IN COMMUNITY INNOVATION

GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND NONPROFIT GROUPS

$2,000,000 IN VIBRANT COMMUNITY

TOURS FOR LOCAL HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS

GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

$95,000 FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS AND

$600,000 IN MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT GROUPS

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FEATURED PROJECTS

NEW MAPPING OFFICE WILL BENEFIT STUDENTS, TEACHERS, RESEARCHERS AND RESIDENTS Islanders and researchers will be able to access a huge amount of mapping information through the Gowgaia Institute’s new office at the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay, established with help from a $47,983 Major Contributions Grant.

Gowgaia has been creating maps of Haida Gwaii for the past 20 years, as part of its mission to promote sustainability in the region. These maps cover forest economics, logging history, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, Haida marine traditional knowledge and Haida place names, among other subjects. Gowgaia research has played a central role in public education about forestry management and land use planning, as well as legal proceedings related to Haida Title.

The new office space at the Haida Gwaii Museum will house Gowgaia’s collection of GIS data, printed maps and graphic production resources, where they can be accessed by the public and local agencies. They will also be used to produce an atlas of Haida Gwaii in cooperation with the museum, other agencies and local experts. The grant money enabled Gowgaia to purchase new computers for GIS analysis and cartography, software, audiovisual equipment, map storage and display, and furnishings for small meetings. The ultimate

goal: to ensure a new generation of mappers can continue the work of exploring, explaining and sustaining the Haida Gwaii bioregion.

SKIDEGATE’S NEW WELLNESS CENTRE AND ELDERS COMPLEX WILL BE COMMUNITY HUB After years of planning, the Skidegate Band Council is now constructing a new Wellness Centre and 12-unit elders complex on a central site adjacent to the Council of the Haida Nation’s offices. Once complete, the new building will offer

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health programs and services including home and community care, mental health, dietician, maternal-child health, alternative medicine and traditional healing, and life skills programming – all in an open concept space that will allow the 36+ health centre staff to work as a team, focused on a wellness model informed by Haida values. The 1.5 hectare site offers sweeping ocean and community views, and at 30-40 metres above sea level, is safe from any possible tsunamis.

Skidegate is aiming to have the area around the new Wellness Centre become a community hub, attracting new homes and community service buildings. It also hopes to increase local employment opportunities and inspire migration back to Skidegate/Haida Gwaii through jobs, new housing and new community services.

The multi-million dollar project received a substantial funding boost from the Gwaii Trust, which approved three grant applications related to it: a $115,687 Major Contributions grant and a $500,000 Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities grant, both for servicing and site preparation; and a $1 million Special Project grant for construction. The project is also receiving funding from the First Nations Health Authority, the Council of the Haida Nation, and the Skidegate Band Council.

WHAT WE FUNDED IN 2019

PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT & REGULATORY EXPENSES

78% 14.2% 63% 7.8%

The Gwaii Trust spent approximately $6.8 million in 2019, up $1million from 2018, and set aside a further 2.2% or $1.34 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 2019 the biggest portion of our spending was on projects, the grants we distribute to communities, local non-profit organizations and individual islanders, through our suite of programs.

PROJECTS:

$4,986,462 (78%) ADMINISTRATION:

This represents the total amount distributed by Gwaii Trust as grants in 2019, providing direct benefits to Haida Gwaii.

$908,368 (14.2%)

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: $498,754 (7.8%) *INFLATION PROTECTION: $1,339,264 (2.2%) 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.

(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 2.2%. The core value of the Gwaii Trust was just over $62 million at the end of 2019. Under our bylaws, this money can never be allocated or expended.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANTS FOR 2019 ARTS GRANT Patrick Shannon

Haida Gwaii High - Phase 2

$10,000

XaaydaGa Dlaang Society

Wisdom Project: Women's Gathering in Haida Gwaii

Helen Haig-Brown

Post-Production for The Life of Jim Hart's Dance Screen

$9,943

Heritage Housing Society

Heritage Housing Society/Kal Naay

Dorcas Bell

Dorcas Kathleen Bell

$9,304

Mount Moresby Adventure Camp

MMAC Facility Project

$9,998

Graham Richard

New Album recording "Demoralizing Amusements"

$10,000

Wellness Camp 2019

$4,100

Kayla MacDermid

The Minstrel Cramps Album Phase One: Recording

Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre

$3,268

HGAC 2020 Winter Spring Performances

Archipelago Ground Search & Rescue

$10,000

Haida Gwaii Arts Council Society

Archipelago Ground Search & Rescue

$4,500

International Haida Language Gathering

$10,000

Devin Rachar

When the Storm Fades Film Screening

Skidegate Haida Immersion Program

$2,985

ARTS MENTORSHIP/WORKSHOP

$728

MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS GRANT Village of Port Clements

Port Clements Firehall Exterior Renovations

$75,248

Village of Masset

Masset Mobile Equipment Upgrades

$82,235

QC Heritage Housing Society

Seniors & Family Housing Project (Community Housing Fund Project)

Gowgaia Institute

Gowgaia Institute Mapping Infrastructure Project

Sandspit Community Society

High Hopes for Hoops

Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department

2019 Sandspit Fire Protection Project

$76,435

SD 50

Wellness Spaces

$26,785

Robyn Irvine

Pottery Slab Building with Sarah Pike

$3,000

Allison Kozak

Appalachian Singing Study Camp

$2,214

Maryanne Wettlaufer

Connected Realm - A Painting Workshop

$3,000

Tessie Harris

Learning the Art of Felt Making with Zoë Lianga

$2,095

Kara Sievewright

Writers Mentorship at the Banff Centre

$2,434

Kara Sievewright

Parent Residency on Toronto Island

$1,374

Robert Vogstad

Drone Construction - Haida Warrior Conduct Program

$3,000

Dominic Legault

Throwing, Glazing and Firing

$3,000

Skidegate Band Council

Elder Complex and Wellness Centre Servicing and Site Preparation

$500,000

Teresa Wiltse

Appalachian Singing Study Camp

$3,000

Village of Port Clements

Rainbow Wharf Repairs

$300,000

Owen Daniel Harris

Mentorship Program

$3,000

Village of Masset

Roller Rink Roof Insulation

$64,125

Benedicte Hansen

"Earthed" workshop

$1,719

Etchi Zaleski

Etchi Zaleski

$1,550

Village of Masset

Equipment Upgrade for MVFD

$14,000

Alfred Davidson

Alfred Davidson

$3,000

Village of Masset

Masset Wastewater Infrastructure Review

$24,600

Amber Faktor

Understanding Glaze Workshop

Village of Masset

Masset Airport Septic System Replacement

$45,222

Village of Masset

Masset Airport Sweeper

$52,953

$4,500

Village of Queen Charlotte

Village Protocol Items

$10,000

Village of Queen Charlotte

New Firehall / EOC / Emergency Support Services Centre

$614

COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANT

15

$9,970

$185,345 $47,984 $105,465

VIBRANT HAIDA GWAII COMMUNITIES GRANT

Laskeek Bay Conservation Society

Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Book Launch

Village of Port Clements

Municipal Internship Assistance

Edge of the World Music Festival

Community Consultations on Youth Alcohol & Drug Abuse

$4,869

2019 Spring Clean Up

Haida Gwaii Radio Society

Cedar House Sessions Expansion Project

Village of Queen Charlotte

$6,250

Elder Complex and Wellness Centre Servicing / Site Prep

$115,688

Hecate Strait Streamkeepers Society

Skidegate Band Council

Salmon Stream Restoration Prescription Writing Project

$8,130

OMVC Adult Day Program

OMVC Commercial Kitchens Upgrade

$173,155

Secretariat of the Haida Nation

SHN Summer Student Employment Program

$10,000

Old Massett Village Council

Heavy Duty Equipment Purchase

$105,000

Gwaii Rollergirls Society

Gwaii Roller Girls Society Equipment Purchase.

$2,139

Old Massett Village Council

Housing Coordinator

Tawlang ga Tlaayds Program

GAW KAAYGANG GYAAHLANGEE: Volume 2

$4,000

Haida Gwaii Community Futures

Sandspit Mural Project

$3,225

Animal Helpline

Animal Helpline Trauma Workshops

$6,020

The Lord of Life Community Church

Lord of Life Community Church Heating Upgrade

$7,878

$2,859 $412,086 $2,448

$80,000

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANTS FOR 2019 Tlell Firefighters Association

Tlell Firefighters Rescue Truck Replacement

Naay Kagandas Saving House Soc.

Project Management

$17,024 $200,000

YOUTH CENTERED COMMUNITIES GRANT

Village of Masset

Masset Harbour Days

$5,000

Sandspit Community Society

Sandspit Loggers Sports Day

$5,000

Skidegate Band Council

Skidegate Days

$5,000

Village of Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte Youth Centre Operations

$10,000

Council of the Haida Nation

Gaaysiigang Sding Haida Gwaii Ocean Forum

$5,000

Secretariat of the Haida Nation

2019 Haida Gwaii Youth Assembly

$10,000

Old Massett Village Council

Lift Our Spirits Event

$5,000

Old Massett Youth Center

Old Massett Youth Center

$10,000

Village of Port Clements

Teen Centre Upgrade

Skidegate Youth Centre

Peer2Peer Program

Haida Gwaii Rec

The Explor-A-Door Program

GTNSS Athletics

GTN - Vancouver Sun Run

$8,000

Tidal Elements Whole School Soc.

Creative Campers Musical Theatre Camp

Haida Gwaii Rec

WINTER HOLIDAYS GRANT Village of Queen Charlotte

Gift Cards, Hampers, Community Events

$10,000

$10,000

Village of Port Clements

Port Bucks, Community Events

$10,000

$10,000

Village of Masset

Gift Cards, Community Event

$10,000

Sandspit Community Society

Hampers, Community Events

$10,000

$10,000

Skidegate Band Council

Gift Cards

$10,000

Haida Gwaii Rec Annual Summer Program 2019

$10,000

Old Massett Village Council

Hampers

$10,000

Laskeek Bay Conservation Society

Project Limestone Summer Camp 2019

$10,000

Haida Gwaii Museum

Midnight at the Museum Pilot Program

$9,450

GTNSS

GTN Outdoor Pursuits Kayak Gear

$2,164

Old Massett Youth Center

Old Massett Youth Center

School District #50

All-Island Youth SOGI Committee

Haida Nation Girls Basketball Team

Culture Sharing/basketball tournament in New Zealand

Haida Gwaii Rec

AYO Summer Camp

Sandspit Recreation Committee

Youth Fall Winter Spring Gym Activities 2019/20

$5,546

YOUTH GRANT

Council of the Haida Nation

Administration Office Replacement (Temporary)

$375,000

SPECIAL PROJECTS Haida Gwaii Museum

Anniversary Museum Passes

$42,500

$10,000

Haida Heritage Centre

Anniversary Museum Passes

$42,500

$4,745

Port Clements Museum

Anniversary Museum Passes

$20,000

$10,000

Dixon Entrance Museum

Anniversary Museum Passes

$20,000

$6,234

Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

Bursary - 1 Student

$1,936

Skidegate Band Council

Skidegate Health Centre Wellness Centre

MIEDS

Visitor Exit Survey

Scholarship Foundation of the Pacific

SFU Scholarships and Endowment

HAIDA LANGUAGE SHIP

Immersion Classes

$60,000

Xaad Kil

Xaad Xiinanga; Haida Life

$60,000

MAPP

Mentor Apprentice Program

$60,000

SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 Post Secondary Institution Tours Youth Leadership Award

HAIDA PARITY

63 Students

$64,000

2 Students

$1,000

KIDS CAMPS

$7,000 $1,000,000 $38,363 $150,000

FOOD SECURITY Skidegate Health Centre

Green House Seeds

Islands Wellness Society

Feed the People Food Bank

$34,500

Adult Day Program Masset

ADP North End Food Bank

$38,500 $45,880

Mount Moresby Adventure Camp

MMCA Forest Stewardship Program

$30,000

Local Foods to School Program

Haida Gwaii Local Foods Pantry

Swan Bay Rediscovery

2019 Camps

$30,000

Healthy Communities

Feed the Hungry

Secretariat of the Haida Nation

T'aalan Stl'ang' Culture Camps 2019

$30,000

Noni Lil's

Caring and Sharing

School District 50

School Food

$1,000

$5,000 $5,120 $90,000

EDUCATION & TRAVEL GRANTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS GRANT Village of Queen Charlotte

Community Events 2019

$5,000

Village of Port Clements

Canada Day, Tlell Fall Fair, Edge of the World Festival

$5,000

Continuing Education

240 Grants

$410,049

Travel Assistance

171 Grants

$180,518

16

FEATURED PROJECT

REUNION BRINGS TOGETHER THOSE WHO STOOD ON THE LINE In 2018, 33 years after the 1985 blockade at Athlii Gwaii, volunteers organized a reunion trip to Gwaii Haanas and community dinners to remember and honour those who stood on the line, as well as all the people who helped out at that time.

The reunion journey took place in July 2018 and involved 25 of the 79 people who were arrested at Athlii Gwaii during the protest to stop logging. Most live here, but some came from Vancouver and Vancouver Island, others from Prince Rupert and Terrace. The five-day trip involved time at Athlii Gwaii and other village sites in Gwaii Haanas, and marked the first time the blockade participants had come together. The night before the journey, a send-off dinner was held in Old Massett, attended by hundreds of people. An honouring ceremony at the dinner acknowledged every person who stood on the line, including those who have now passed away, with plaques and jackets presented. A second community dinner in Skidegate

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in October brought participants together again, and acknowledged all the people who gave time, food, money and helped out in other ways during the blockade.

“We are coming together to show our respect, and honour those that have stood on the line at Athlii Gwaii,” wrote Colleen Williams in the grant application. “We feel it is time to honour these people with utmost respect, as true warriors.”

During the dinners, participants got up to tell their stories from the time of the protests – passing on this living history to the younger generation. The Athlii Gwaii protest was an incredibly important event, leading directly to the creation of Gwaii Haanas and the Gwaii Trust. The reunion dinners and journey were funded as a Special Project with a grant of $168,377.

Top: In forest (on the line, standing on remnants of the road) L-R: Colleen Williams, Paulette Robinson, Laura Williams, Ron George, Mervin Dunn Below, left: Martin Williams. Middle: Juanita Richardson. Right: Laura Williams

THOSE WHO STOOD ON THE LINE ATHLII GWAII, 1985

NOVEMBER 16

NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 27

Ethel Jones Watson Price Ada Yovanovich Adolphus Marks

Kenneth John Davis John Thomas Jones Christopher M. Collison Barry Deon Bell Teddy Elroy Williams

Marchel Ann Shannon Shelley Louise Lavoie Waneeta Ruth Richardson Jennifer F. Davidson Ronald Torres Souza Alfred Setso James Irvin Stanley

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 25 Valerie Jones Laverne Collinson Diana Jacqueline Hans Patricia Ann Gellerman Paulette Laverne Robinson Marni Lynn York Colleen Marissa Williams Audra Charlyn Collison 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 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 & 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

Photo in front of longhouse at Windy Bay, L-R: Colleen Williams, Harold Williams, Ron George, Mervin Dunn, Goalie Hans, Audra Collison

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Back Cover: Colleen Williams dances the Athlii Gwaii Copper. The copper records the names of all who stood on the line in 1985 and was created as part of the Athlii Gwaii Reunion Project. Photo by Jeffrey Gibbs.

Front Cover: Athlii Gwaii Copper. Artist Darin Swanson, Etching by Jenn Wilson. Photo by Jack Litrell

PO Box 588, Masset, BC V0T 1M0 162 Raven Ave, Old Massett Phone: 1-800-663-2388 • 250-626-3654

gwaiitrust.com

PO Box 1257, Skidegate, BC V0T 1S1 226 Front Street, Skidegate Phone: 1-877-559-8883 • 250-559-8883