Gidansda Guujaaw

Gary Edenshaw (also known by his traditional Haida name Giindajin Haawasti Guujaaw) is a traditional singer, wood carver, traditional medicine practitioner and political activist. He is a Haida, an Indigenous North Pacific People, of the Raven Clan of Skedans. Known as simply as "Guujaaw," he spent much of his young life close to the elders learning the songs, medicines and ways of the land from his uncles.

Background

Beginning in the 1970s, he was in the forefront of efforts to protect Gwaii Haanas from destruction through logging. With a deep regard for the land, guujaaw was amongst the founders of the "Rediscovery" youth program. A prominent artist in his own right, he became an assistant to celebrated Haida carver Bill Reid, working on some of Reid's most important pieces. Guujaaw played an important role in the 'renaissance' of Haida cultural arts in the revival of songs and dances and the building of canoes and longhouses and Coppers. He has totem poles as far away as Indonesia and Japan.

In the year 2000, he was elected President of Haida Nation. Through his tenure he has kept the environment in the forefront, recognizing that every aspect of the culture comes through the Haida relationship to the lands. Through this time he also recognized that the internal conflicts needed to be addressed before there could be any forward movement. With his Council and Chiefs, he amassed allies to the cause of his people, from the island community to the International level. His council filed one of the strongest Aboriginal Title Cases which is before the courts and has already moved Aboriginal Law through the "Haida Taku" Case. He has won five, two year terms handily, 2007 being acclaimed. Guujaaw is also a leader of "Coastal First Nations" who have spearheaded the fight for the "Great Bear Rainforest". Guujaaw is known as a respected and formidable negotiator and accomplished diplomat. He has participated in activities dedicated to Indigenous people and environmental issues around the world.

In late June 2006, he was awarded with the Buffett Award for Indigenous Leadership, on July 19 in Portland, Oregon in recognition of his many devoted years to the political, cultural and environmental advancement of the Haida Nation.

Events involving Guujaaw

• Guujaaw and Chief Tanu challenge the first renewal of a Tree Farm License (TFL), he becomes the first Hunter/Gatherer to receive standing in Court.
• Blockades on Lyell Island leading to the end of logging in that area
• To Japan Dancing in Kobe, later in Expo Tskuba
• To Brazil, (Altimera) with Suzuki, to support Kaiapo Indians in their fight against dams
• to Japan with Ainu in fight against Dams, to Japan speaking at Science and Myth Conference,
• to Japan Pole raising "Tokyo Summerland" ......later, pole raising Sakai
• To Venezuela to advise indigenous on tourism strategy
• To China to advise minorities on tourism strategies
• In 2005 Guujaaw and the Haida Nation took on one of the largest international logging corporation, Weyerhaeuser head on and in the courts. ... and won
• Haida culture was showcased at the First International Forum of United Indigenous Peoples, held in Pau, France, during June 2006.

Books and articles that include accounts of Guujaaw

Skidegate Text and Histories by Swanton ...Enrico (guujaaw forward)

Haida Gwaii by Fedje and Mathews (guujaaw forward)

Mycelium Running by Paul Stamats (guujaaw note)

Raven Travelling (guujaaw quote and art)

• The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed, By John Vaillant. W. W. Norton & Co. 2005.

• David Suzuki: The Autobiography, David Suzuki. Greystone Books. 2006.

External links

• http://www.haidanation.ca
• http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/Sum2002/TreatyHaidaBCCourt.htm
• http://www.qcislands.net/guujaaw/Bio.html
• http://www.sacredbalance.com/web/person.html?linkname=Guujaaw

http://www.wildernesscommittee.org/campaigns/historic/WILD/reports/Vol08No04/key