Sii.ngaay ‘laa! Good day!
As of next Wednesday, June 1st, we will be giving daily tours included with your admission into the Museum. At 11am, we begin our Pole Tour outside, and at 2:30 we have our Weaving Tour in the Museum exhibit.
If you plan on attending these tours, you’ll get to meet and learn from one of our fabulous Cultural Ambassadors! These summer employees will be returning to College or University in the fall season, and have had previous experience and knowledge of Haida Culture.
Here they are!
Meet Raven Ryland:
Haida name: Gaad Gas (Old clan name, no longer has a translation)
Clan: Yaahguujaanas
What are you studying this fall?
Recreation and Sports Management
(First Nations-focussed)
Why did you want to work at the Haida Heritage Centre?
“I wanted to still speak about the Haida Culture, but be closer to home compared to working for 2 weeks-2 months as a Haida Watchmen in Gwaii Haanas.”
What are you looking forward to this summer?
“Talking to new people about Haida Culture and sharing some of my knowledge from the Watchmen Program.”
Meet Ryan Barnes:
Haida name: Guudaxuula (Thoughtful)
Clan: Juus Kaahlii
What are you studying this fall?
Education/Phys Ed at VIU
Why did you want to work at the Haida Heritage Centre?
“I’ve worked at the Museum in the past, and I heard great things from friends.”
What are you looking forward to this summer?
“Getting the canoes on the water.”
Meet Brandon Gibbard:
Haida name: Giinawn (Old clan name, no longer has a translation)
Clan: Naa’yuu’ans Xaaydaga, Big House People of Skidegate
What will you be studying this fall?
“I will be heading off to Simon Fraser University in the month of August to get ready for the 2016 SFU Football season. While I am at SFU I will be pursuing my Bachelors of Resource Management. This is a four year program. This will allow me to bring some knowledge back to the islands and further educate people on current world issues.”
Why did you want to work at the Haida Heritage Centre?
“I wanted to work at the Haida Heritage Centre because of the wonderful experience you gain through meeting and interacting with so many people from around the world, and all the different cultures you get to learn about through simple conversations with those many people. Working here also allows for me to study my culture’s rich history and many of its art forms. This job opportunity is wonderful also due to the ability of representing my nation as a Cultural Ambassador here at the Haida Heritage Centre.”
What are you looking forward to this summer?
“What I am looking forward to this summer is the many awesome people I will get to meet, and create bonds between those people. I am also looking forward to giving pole and weaving tours along with my self made presentation on something related to the Haida Nation. Another thing to look forward to also is the ability to make a strong connection with my co-workers and really create an awesome team environment that any employer would be happy to see within employee’s. Another thing to look forward to also would be the pole raising happening in Skidegate around the middle of July, it’s a once in a lifetime kind of experience, so why not enjoy it!”
Meet Wenonah Kettunen:
Haida Name: Jaada Laas (Good Girl)
Clan: Taas Laanas
What are you studying this fall?
“I haven’t decided yet what I will be doing this fall, though I have a few options to consider. I’m excited to see where the season takes me!”
Why did you want to work at the Haida Heritage Centre?
“When I got offered the job I had to say yes! I knew it would be a great place to meet people, and it’s a new experience for me.”
What are you looking forward to this summer?
“The delectable food at the Kay Bistro.”
Meet Alix Goetzinger (Supervisor):
Haida Name: Haana Jaad (Beautiful Girl)
Clan: Kayhll ‘Laanas
What are you studying this fall?
“I’m not returning back to school this year, but I’ve had previous schooling in Anthropology and First Nations Education. I will be sticking around HHC this fall, because I love it so much! This job has opened so many doors for me already, and has really pushed me to learn more about my culture, which is most important to me as a young Haida person.”
Why did you want to work at the Haida Heritage Centre?
“After returning home from school last summer, I had applied for this job because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone with public speaking, and to really take the time to dig a little deeper while learning about my culture. Plus the view from the front desk is amazing!”
What are you looking forward to this summer?
“Meeting visitors from places I haven’t heard of yet, and learning a bit about their culture! I also hope to re-meet some visitors from last year, a lot of them said they’d be back!”
We will also be hiring a local high school student near the end of next month. You’ll get to know them when they arrive!
Until then, we look forward to meeting you and sharing our knowledge with you this summer!
The Haida Heritage Centre Blog 
I am so looking forward to visiting later in June – and enjoying both the Pole and Weaving tours!!
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So great to hear! See you soon!
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