Last week, our Manager of Operations, Kyra Gregoire, travelled to Haida Gwaii to represent the First Nations Technology Council at the Haida Gwaii Partnership Gathering. Here, Kyra reflects on her experience at the gathering, in her own words:
I had the opportunity to travel to Haida Gwaii last week to represent FNTC at the Haida Gwaii Partnership Gathering, Building On Opportunities, hosted by the Council of the Haida Nation from September 9–12.
The entire experience was special. We were welcomed by Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Council of the Haida Nation, and Donald "Duffy" Edgars, Chief Councillor of Old Massett Village Council. Duffy was welcoming and wonderful to speak with, and I really appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from community leadership.
Throughout the gathering, we spent time learning about the priorities and vision for Haida Gwaii, building relationships with other partners, and talking about how organizations like FNTC can support opportunities and projects moving forward.
Beyond the roundtable itself, being on Haida Gwaii was an experience I'm very grateful for. The trip felt magical, uplifting, and full of positive energy. I came home with a much deeper appreciation for the people, the land, and the conversations we shared.
I'm grateful to the Council of the Haida Nation and everyone who welcomed us and shared their time, knowledge, and community with us. I hope the vision and connectivity priorities of the Haida Nation continue to grow.
We were given a boat tour, welcomed into Christian White's studio, enjoyed local dinners, toured the Haida Heritage Centre with many of Bill Reid's greatest pieces, and received many warm welcomes.
— Kyra Gregoire, Manager of Operations
