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.” 5
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
TH
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. 14
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
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$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
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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