Masset

Voices from Haida Gwaii, Masset BC.

> Watch Video
The combined Haida Nation communities of Skidegate and Masset were well aligned in their feedback and priorities for the Trust.

Representatives from both communities who provided input identified the priorities of culture, language, and education, as well as overall healing. In terms of managing the Trust, participants from both communities felt in general that the money should be invested for continued benefits over the long term.

Representatives were on hand from the Old Masset Village Council, Skidegate Band Council, the Council of Haida Nations, local social services, education, career development and child and family services organizations.

Community leaders present emphasized the need to re-establish community members’ connections to their cultural heritage and values, particularly through re-establishing the strong connection to the land. It was a consensus that the strength of the culture is integral to the strength and future of the Nation, and should therefore be a priority.

Participants acknowledged the need to address the large percent of the population - both on and off reserve – that is suffering as a result of the impacts of the Indian Act and the residential school system. The need for healing through counseling and reintegration was identified as a priority. Job creation and economic development were also cited as priorities, although this generally fell behind cultural revitalization as a top priority. It was also pointed out and agreed on that the current education system does not work for their children and youth, and leadership would like to see support to educate more meaningfully through culture.

The two communities are aligned in their desires to rebuild and strengthen an integrated Haida community. Efforts on Haida Gwaii have led to a strong level of cooperation amongst villages and amongst clans, and participants were determined that any uses of the Trust money should continue to unite, rather than divide them.

There was a considerable amount of discussion around the management of the Trust, proposal processes, and disbursement of funds. In terms of disbursing the fund, the consensus amongst participants was that the money should be wisely invested. The model of the local Gwaii Haanas Trust was cited. Twenty years ago $48 million was set aside in Trust for Haida Gwaii. The trust was invested, and only interest spent. The fund has grown to $72 million, and accrues $150,000 in interest each week. Everyone raised concerns about the lack of Haida representation on the trust board. It was also agreed that the current request for proposals (RFP) process alienates many First Nations. A consensus was reached that the Haida would like to see an application process that is more personal, respectful, and accessible to all First Nations.

Key concepts that were clearly agreed to at the Masset meeting were the need to invest the Trust money wisely, as well as the need to ensure that its use focuses on strengthening the combined Nations as a unified people.

Quotes:

"What we’re concerned about is getting our young people back on the land… Getting people connected to the land is our priority."- Arnie Bellis

[On the need for healing]
“If you don’t have a good foundation, the rest of it is going to be meaningless in the long run.” - Sandra Dan

“Language and culture is a priority for most communities.” - Hope Setso

"A lot of this could be given to our urban First Nations…I go down to East Hastings and I think 'we as a nation have failed'... how do we reach out to those who are lost?" - Arnie Bellis

“There’s a difference between money and wealth.” - Arnie Bellis

“The school system is not working for our children. When it’s fish time in our communities, we need our whole families together. We don’t need them in school…we need to teach them [about their own traditions at home]… Our children need to know who they are as a First Nations people.” - Isabel Brillon

“[We need] more programs at the grassroots level…more dollars going to therapists. We need more sexual therapists, art therapists for youth and adults. More counselors. We need training for that.” - Beryl Parke