Friday, October 21, 2005
All We Have
"It is a memorial potlatch for Skilay that has brought so many people to Old Masset. Skilay was one of the most powerful members, not just of his clan but of the entire Haida Nation. He was not a chief, but he occupied a position that was equally admired and, in day-to-day life, even more practically important. A talented fisherman, carver, and singer, and dedicated politician and activist, he was one who could transcend boundaries; when everyone else was too angry or too discouraged to talk, he could get them laughing again.
Skilay was known as the Steersman; he was one who made sure the canoe--the Haida's ship of state--was going in the right direction."
--from The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
"I will tell you something about stories. They aren't just entertainment. Don't be fooled. They are all we have, you see, all we have to fight off illness and death."
--from Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
Skilay was known as the Steersman; he was one who made sure the canoe--the Haida's ship of state--was going in the right direction."
--from The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
"I will tell you something about stories. They aren't just entertainment. Don't be fooled. They are all we have, you see, all we have to fight off illness and death."
--from Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
