Hereditary chiefs, political leaders, and carvers from Old Massett and Skidegate gathered at the home of Reynold Russ, Chief Iljuwaas, last Wednesday (July 30) for a ceremony to mark the first cut of a new Unity Pole.
Chief Iljuwaas and Dempsey Collinson, Chief Skidegate, made the first cuts on the pole after a prayer and blessing by Marina Jones. Carver Ron Russ explained that the pole is a unique project which will represent the unity of the Haida Nation.
"The late Chief Matthews always wanted to do something that would bring everybody together," Chief Iljuwaas said after making the first cut on the pole. "We are at the doorstep of the title case. Hopefully, this will be a help for us when we go to the courts to claim the land that is ours."
"It's a good thing for all of us Haida to have a pole like this," added Chief Skidegate. "Howa, in unity."