Submitted by Maggie Stronge, Gwaii Haanas-Gwaii Haanas staff and partners are planning an anniversary celebration. It was 15 years ago this year that the governments of BC and Canada signed the South Moresby Agreement that established Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. And it was 10 years ago that the signing of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement formalised the unique approach to cooperative management of the area by Parks Canada and the Haida people.
"Through the theme 'Working Together to Protect Gwaii Haanas - Celebrating 15 Years of People and Partnerships' we hope to share the memories of the people who worked so hard to protect a very special place," says superintendent Ernie Gladstone. "We will also share the work that is going on in Gwaii Haanas today, and people will also see what exciting things the future holds.
"We want to make this a fun family event with lots of displays, children's activities, games, draws and, of course, food."
The celebration will be Saturday November 22 in Masset, noon until 4 pm. Masset's where the signing of agreement took place in 1993, so it's fitting this is where the anniversary event be held. Free bus service will be provided for people from the Islands' other communities. Watch for ads and posters with more detail in weeks to come.