Today we awoke before sunrise and made our way onto the buses that would take us up to the small community of Old Masset on the northern end of Haida Gwaii. Our group took turns visiting two incredibly important Haida artists, Jim Hart and Christian White. Jim welcomed us into his home and workshop to share his projects, enrapturing us with his stories along the way. At Christian’s we learned about the totem poles he raised out front, and then he brought us to his carving shed where he was working on a new totem pole and a canoe. The previous canoes he’s carved hung on the walls behind him, telling the story of Haida past and present. We were welcomed back into the longhouse for a traditional Haida lunch, including venison stew, smoked sockeye salmon, pickled sea asparagus, and other wonderful treats. Christian and his family and friends performed several songs and dances for us, which we were so honored to witness. Before heading back to the ship, we were able to stop in some local stores and support Haida artists in the area. A truly special day here in Haida Gwaii!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 20 Sep 2024
Old Masset, 9/20/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Canada
Gemina Garland-Lewis, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Gemina Garland-Lewis is a professional documentary photographer based in Baja California Sur, Mexico, with experience in over 30 countries across seven continents. Her photography explores the myriad connections between humans, animals, and their sha...
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Voyage to Alaska, British Columbia and Haida Gwaii
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