At the 2025 Coastal Stewardship Network Annual Gathering, held on Haida Gwaii from May 5-8, Coastal Guardians and other stewardship staff from across the North Pacific Coast gathered to share stories, ideas and lessons learned from about their roles protecting their respective territories.
Hosted by the Council of the Haida Nation and CFN’s Coastal Stewardship Network, the event featured four full days of activities—including hands-on training for compliance and enforcement, discussions about working collaboratively with other stewardship agencies, plus extensive learning about Haida culture and heritage from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
“The gathering is a chance for Guardians to take a break from their busy stewardship work, and truly connect with each other,” says Aroha Miller, Program Manager for the Coastal Stewardship Network. “Building relationships takes time, but it’s a vital part of this work. After the gathering, the Guardians were all reminded that they’re part of a much larger family across the North Pacific Coast, and all working toward similar goals.”
For the duration of the gathering, Guardians stayed at Hiellen Longhouse Village, surrounded by lush, ancient forests near Taaw Tldáaw (briefly known as Tow Hill), steps away from the north-facing beaches that reach out to Nee Kun Rose Spit, the location of one of the Haida origin stories. It was a perfect setting for an event that focused so heavily on Haida culture and history.
Images (clockwise from top left): The view from across the Hiellen River, near Hiellen Longhouse Village; Guardians participate in compliance-and-enforcement scenarios with other agencies; the Guardians admire the latest work-in-progress of Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White; Coastal Guardians pose for a picture at the Tluu Xaada Naay Society Longhouse, in Gaw Tlagee Old Massett.
Welcome from Haida Leadership
On May 5, Guardians were welcomed to Haida Gwaii with a speech from President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, who emphasized the value of their stewardship work, and acknowledged the often-heavy weight of their collective responsibilities in caring for their homelands. After welcomes from Laana 7awgaa Irene Bruce, Haida Fisheries Program Manager (on behalf of the CHN Marine Stewardship Director, Gwiisihlgaa Daniel McNeill) and from Iihangaa k’adangaa Ed Davis, Protected Area Program Manager (on behalf of the Lands Stewardship Director, Kung K_ayangas Marlene Liddle), the Guardians made their own introductions, along with a discussion about recent accomplishments and future priorities.
The next day, participants were joined by representatives from BC Parks, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and Parks Canada for presentations at the Tluu Xaada Naay Society Longhouse, in Gaw Tlagee Old Massett. After morning presentations, the full group headed to the beach for compliance-and-enforcement scenarios, where Guardians practised dealing with conflict in challenging situations. The scenarios included instances of people collecting firewood illegally, cutting down a monumental cedar tree in the back country, and fishing without a proper license, with each station involving discussion about techniques, such as “contact and cover,” for dealing with emotional encounters with the public. The Guardians were able to explore their own strategies for diffusing tense situations and educating the public regarding what is (and isn’t) permitted in their territories—with more “seasoned” veterans lending their expertise and support to younger staff, still new to the role.
On Wednesday, the group traveled to the south side of the island for a tour of the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ‘Llnagaay, in HlGaagilda Skidegate. Splitting up into two groups, the Guardians were given a guided tour of the spectacular 50,000-square-foot facility, which includes the museum, a performance house, carving shed, canoe house, two multipurpose classrooms, and the Bill Reid Teaching Centre. It was great way for Guardians from other Nations to learn more about Haida culture and history, perfectly encapsulated by the Centre’s stated mission: “Through our language, art and stories we share our relationship with the land and sea… that shapes, nourishes, and sustains us.”
Images (clockwise from top left): Haida Elders working their magic; the view of Taaw Tldáaw (Tow Hill) from a distance; the guided tour begins at the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ‘Llnagaay; Guardians listen closely as boat-builder John Bennett (seated top right) shares his knowledge.
Haida Culture Day
The final day of activities had Guardians once again immersed in Haida culture. The morning involved weaving demonstrations with Haida Elders from the Adult Day Program, while local artisans came to engage with the Guardians as well, which was highlighted by an impromptu halibut necklace raffle! In the afternoon, Guardians visited local carving studios to learn directly from the artists themselves, including Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White and Jaalen Edenshaw. The Guardians also learned about boat building with long-time builder John Bennett and about traditional net making with a group in Gaw Tlagee that demonstrated the entire process.
At the end of that final busy day, the Guardians still had time to share their thoughts and perspectives about the week in a closing circle. Each participant took the time to thank the Haida hosts for sharing their culture and knowledge so willingly. That openness to share was a common theme throughout the entire gathering and reciprocated by all those who attended.
The sentiment was captured best by Yhaal Xyaalaas Curtis Brown, who attended the gathering as the CHN Protected Area Administrative Coordinator: “Growing up I was taught to sit with the Elders; to sit and listen to what they say and to hold all that in. An Elder taught me long ago that whatever knowledge you gain, you don’t selfishly keep it, you share it. That’s what I try to do, and that’s what I see all these other Nations do too. It’s what this gathering is all about, the sharing of knowledge from one person or Nation to another.”
The Coastal Stewardship Network is grateful to the National Guardian Network and Environment Climate Change Canada for their generous financial support of this gathering.
Images (clockwise from top left): A work-in-progress from Haida Elders; a close-up view of Taaw Tldáaw (Tow Hill); one of the beautiful displays inside the living museum in HlGaagilda; capturing the sunset near a calm Kwahtsiisda (Blow Hole).
