The Artistic Significance of Haida-Gwai
THE ARTISTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF RECENT POLES RAISED BY THE FIRST NATIONS OF HAIDA-GWAI
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February 15, 2015.
Although it is minute with respect to its land mass, Haida Gwai has attracted an enormous attention owing to its unique history and culture. Until the formation of the First Nation of Haida Gwai, these tiny chains of islands were referred to as Queen Charlotte Islands. However, three years ago, the name, Queen Charlotte Islands, crowned by colonialists, was denounced in a colorful ceremony that mimics ancestral heritage.
Known for its unique culture and natural habitats, The Islands of People, has had a tough time in the past few years following extensive illegal logging in the area. However, in a recent ceremony in which a pole was erected to symbolize the rich history and culture of the First Nation of Haida Gwai, hope was restored. Most importantly, the artistic culture of the Gwai people was once again restored and broadcasted to the rest of the world.
Different analysts have attempted to evaluate the artistic significance of raising the pole. New York Times’ reporter Bruce Kirkby covered the entire proceedings of pole erection. Kirkby examines the robustness of Gwai culture as evidenced by the pole erection ceremony, and what significance the ceremony has on this artful nation1. Kikby posits that the raising of the pole marked a rebirth of the nation that was once wiped away 130 years ago by the dreadful smallpox virus1. In that ceremony, Kirkby denotes that there was an invocation of the ancient artistic works and practices that reminded the current Gwai people of their past1.
Kirkby and his crew watched two colorful war boats filled with youth pass by the nearby river, as police, loggers, fishermen, and government officials came together into an unforgettable reunion1. The pole raising ceremony not only marked the end of bitterness that had been experienced on the islands, but also restored the artistic pride of
NAME
COURSE
SCHOOL
February 15, 2015.
Although it is minute with respect to its land mass, Haida Gwai has attracted an enormous attention owing to its unique history and culture. Until the formation of the First Nation of Haida Gwai, these tiny chains of islands were referred to as Queen Charlotte Islands. However, three years ago, the name, Queen Charlotte Islands, crowned by colonialists, was denounced in a colorful ceremony that mimics ancestral heritage.
Known for its unique culture and natural habitats, The Islands of People, has had a tough time in the past few years following extensive illegal logging in the area. However, in a recent ceremony in which a pole was erected to symbolize the rich history and culture of the First Nation of Haida Gwai, hope was restored. Most importantly, the artistic culture of the Gwai people was once again restored and broadcasted to the rest of the world.
Different analysts have attempted to evaluate the artistic significance of raising the pole. New York Times’ reporter Bruce Kirkby covered the entire proceedings of pole erection. Kirkby examines the robustness of Gwai culture as evidenced by the pole erection ceremony, and what significance the ceremony has on this artful nation1. Kikby posits that the raising of the pole marked a rebirth of the nation that was once wiped away 130 years ago by the dreadful smallpox virus1. In that ceremony, Kirkby denotes that there was an invocation of the ancient artistic works and practices that reminded the current Gwai people of their past1.
Kirkby and his crew watched two colorful war boats filled with youth pass by the nearby river, as police, loggers, fishermen, and government officials came together into an unforgettable reunion1. The pole raising ceremony not only marked the end of bitterness that had been experienced on the islands, but also restored the artistic pride of
Bibliography: Kirkby, Bruce. “Raising a Pole on the Islands of the People.” New York Times, Feb. 15, 2015. Lockeyer, Florence. “New Pole is a New Icon for Jasper.” Haida Laas, July 12, 2011.