Submitted by Marcia Morash, Gwaii Haanas--Below the surface of the water in Haida Gwaii, lies a world that is powerful, beautiful and mysterious, but except for those who dive, few get to experience it. The documentary, "Gwaii Haanas: From Earth to Ocean"-a co-production of Gwaii Haanas and the Knowledge Network-provides a glimpse into this realm as part of an exploration of the inseparable ecological and cultural connections between the land and the sea.
Shot on location in Gwaii Haanas in 2002, the show focuses on the herring spawn and the fall salmon run-two important and productive times. By taking the audience above and below the water, the documentary looks at the relationships between the terrestrial and marine environments, and the creatures and humans that live here.
"Gwaii Haanas: From Earth to Ocean" also explores the concept of protection. In comparison to our knowledge of the land, we know very little about the marine environment and in Canada, marine protection is in its infancy. The Government of Canada is working to change this. The waters around Gwaii Haanas have been selected as a proposed national marine conservation area reserve (NMCAR)-a type of marine protected area that balances protection and sustainable use and is managed by Parks Canada. This show explains what the NMCA program is about and why Parks Canada wants to establish an NMCAR here.
Gwaii Haanas communication officer Marcia Morash led the project and is the co-producer and writer. A number of other local people also contributed to the production. The Knowledge Network's David Billman, is the director and co-producer. "Gwaii Haanas: From Earth to Ocean" will premiere on-island on Tuesday, February 17 in the Skidegate Community Hall. The doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Admission is free. The production will also air on the Knowledge Network in May.