Haida Gwaii Observer

National Read a Book Day is Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020 and the Village of Queen Charlotte will be celebrating with a week of literary activities. (Pexels photo)

Queen Charlotte celebrating Read a Book Day with costume contest, free books

'Blind Date With a Book' event starts on Sept. 8

  • Aug 28, 2020
National Read a Book Day is Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020 and the Village of Queen Charlotte will be celebrating with a week of literary activities. (Pexels photo)
Queen Charlotte fire chief Larry Duke is pictured outside the completed steel exterior of the new fire hall on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, with construction continuing behind him in the interior of the building. The red spout to the right of Duke is part of a rainwater catchment system that when complete, will reduce their demand on the village drinking water system. (Karissa Gall/Haida Gwaii Observer)

Construction of new Queen Charlotte fire hall reaches ‘key milestone’

Earthquake-proof exterior of new hall completed by Western Canadian Steel

  • Aug 27, 2020
Queen Charlotte fire chief Larry Duke is pictured outside the completed steel exterior of the new fire hall on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, with construction continuing behind him in the interior of the building. The red spout to the right of Duke is part of a rainwater catchment system that when complete, will reduce their demand on the village drinking water system. (Karissa Gall/Haida Gwaii Observer)
Melissa Paugh of Sandspit (pictured) plans to teach an online sourdough baking program through Haida Gwaii Recreation during the fall and winter 2020. (Jamie Polk/Submitted photo)

Haida Gwaii Recreation proofing new online sourdough program

Program by Melissa Paugh will include online instruction, sourdough starter, recipes and references

  • Aug 27, 2020
Melissa Paugh of Sandspit (pictured) plans to teach an online sourdough baking program through Haida Gwaii Recreation during the fall and winter 2020. (Jamie Polk/Submitted photo)
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Haida Nation webinar focuses on how to move forward after COVID outbreak

Guests included Dr. Tracy Morgan, Dr. Jong Kim, Dr. Gordon Horner, community health nurse Nina Wynne

  • Aug 26, 2020
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needpix.com

Village of Queen Charlotte hosting virtual quiz night

Register a team before Sept. 3 to put your local and general knowledge to the test

  • Aug 25, 2020
needpix.com
FILE - A black bear is pictured on Tow Hill Road in 2018. Conservation officers were called to Tow Hill Road on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 after a black bear climbed into a cabin. The bear was determined to be a threat to public safety and destroyed. (Archie Stocker Sr./Haida Gwaii Observer file)

Black bear killed after climbing into Tow Hill cabin

Conservation Office urging islanders to report negative bear interactions

  • Aug 24, 2020
FILE - A black bear is pictured on Tow Hill Road in 2018. Conservation officers were called to Tow Hill Road on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 after a black bear climbed into a cabin. The bear was determined to be a threat to public safety and destroyed. (Archie Stocker Sr./Haida Gwaii Observer file)
A cooperatively-owned rooftop solar panel project is being proposed for the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre. (Vancouver Renewable Energy Coop photo)

Solar energy array proposed for Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre

Proposal for community-owned solar panels could reduce diesel fuel use by 30,000 liters per year

  • Aug 24, 2020
A cooperatively-owned rooftop solar panel project is being proposed for the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre. (Vancouver Renewable Energy Coop photo)
A photograph of part of the front page of the Haida Gwaii Observer newspaper that was distributed on Thursday, August 21, 1980. (Haida Gwaii Observer file)

From the archives of the Haida Gwaii Observer

50 YEARS AGO (1970): A car owned by Mrs. Jeanne Karlson of Queen Charlotte was stolen early Saturday, Aug. 15. Joyriders apparently rolled the vehicle down the hillside driveway before starting it on the highway. Later the care side-swiped a vehicle driven by Mathew Williams Jr., causing damage to both vehicles. It was then abandoned in the ditch at Skidegate Landing. Investigations were continuing.

  • Aug 23, 2020
A photograph of part of the front page of the Haida Gwaii Observer newspaper that was distributed on Thursday, August 21, 1980. (Haida Gwaii Observer file)
FILE - This little waterfall on the Dempsey Collinson Trail, and the gravel-collecting eddies behind it, came courtesy of local streamkeeping groups who worked to restore the lower part of Crabapple Creek. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)

New program will connect Haida Gwaii locals with on-island contract opportunities

Community and Economic Supports Team administering program to get people back to work amid COVID-19

  • Aug 22, 2020
FILE - This little waterfall on the Dempsey Collinson Trail, and the gravel-collecting eddies behind it, came courtesy of local streamkeeping groups who worked to restore the lower part of Crabapple Creek. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)
Twelve-year-old Sandspit resident Ailish Bouwman took home the top prize of $200 in the under 16 category of Haida GwaiIdol on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (Ailish Bouwman/Submitted photo)

Sarina Kendall, Ailish Bouwman win Haida GwaiIdol 2020

Alanah Mountifield, Sam Chutter named runner-ups in Aug. 20 event

  • Aug 21, 2020
Twelve-year-old Sandspit resident Ailish Bouwman took home the top prize of $200 in the under 16 category of Haida GwaiIdol on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (Ailish Bouwman/Submitted photo)
FILE - A view from the water shows Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre. On Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, the Old Massett emergency operations centre announced there were no active COVID-19 cases. (Haida Gwaii Observer/File Photo)

Haida Gwaii hits zero active COVID-19 cases

Old Massett emergency operations centre made the announcement on Aug. 20

  • Aug 20, 2020
FILE - A view from the water shows Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre. On Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, the Old Massett emergency operations centre announced there were no active COVID-19 cases. (Haida Gwaii Observer/File Photo)
Haida GwaiIdol 2020 contestant S’ya, who is a mindful belly dancer based in Masset, is pictured in this submitted photo. (shayne gray

Meet some of the Haida GwaiIdol contestants of 2020

Ailish Bouwman and S'ya among the GwaiIdol contestants set to show their talent on Aug. 20

  • Aug 19, 2020
Haida GwaiIdol 2020 contestant S’ya, who is a mindful belly dancer based in Masset, is pictured in this submitted photo. (shayne gray
Xplornet has announced that by Dec. 31, 2020 it will be discontinuing the satellite service some islanders, including those in the dead zone north of Tlell, use to access the internet. (Xplornet Communications Inc./Facebook photo)

‘When it gets pulled there’s nothing left’: Haida Gwaii losing Xplornet

Discontinuation of satellite service leaving dozens of residents across Haida Gwaii with no options

  • Aug 18, 2020
Xplornet has announced that by Dec. 31, 2020 it will be discontinuing the satellite service some islanders, including those in the dead zone north of Tlell, use to access the internet. (Xplornet Communications Inc./Facebook photo)
Tom and Michelle Argue purchased the fish processing plant in Queen Charlotte from Intercity Packers and Albion Fisheries, and reopened the business on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 with the name T&M Seafood Ltd. (Tom Argue/Submitted photo)

Haida Gwaii couple purchases Queen Charlotte fish plant

Tom and Michelle Argue reopened the plant at the end of the causeway Aug. 14 as T&M Seafood Ltd.

  • Aug 18, 2020
Tom and Michelle Argue purchased the fish processing plant in Queen Charlotte from Intercity Packers and Albion Fisheries, and reopened the business on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 with the name T&M Seafood Ltd. (Tom Argue/Submitted photo)
A view of Masset harbour. (Kate Gannon/Submitted)

All-Islands Protocol Table working to restore Haida place names

Council of the Haida Nation send list of 12 priority names to Geographical Names Office

  • Aug 17, 2020
A view of Masset harbour. (Kate Gannon/Submitted)
The Haida Nation, federal government and shipping industry will embark on a voluntary shipping protection zone trial for the west coast of Haida Gwaii starting in September 2020.

Voluntary shipping protection zone trial for Haida Gwaii to start in fall

Vessels weighing 500 tonnes or more asked to observe minimum distance of 50 miles from west coast

  • Aug 17, 2020
The Haida Nation, federal government and shipping industry will embark on a voluntary shipping protection zone trial for the west coast of Haida Gwaii starting in September 2020.
FILE - Ben Greenough, public works superintendent for Queen Charlotte, looks over a landslide that knocked out power and shut the highway east of the village in October 2017. On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District engineering and recreation officer Larry Duke announced rainfall levels had exceeded the threshold for landslides. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)

Weekend rain on Haida Gwaii exceeds threshold for landslides

Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District warning against backcountry travel

  • Aug 17, 2020
FILE - Ben Greenough, public works superintendent for Queen Charlotte, looks over a landslide that knocked out power and shut the highway east of the village in October 2017. On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District engineering and recreation officer Larry Duke announced rainfall levels had exceeded the threshold for landslides. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)
A photograph of part of the front page of the Haida Gwaii Observer newspaper that was distributed on Thursday, August 13, 1970. (Haida Gwaii Observer file)

From the archives of the Haida Gwaii Observer

50 YEARS AGO (1970): A house in Queen Charlotte burned early on a Saturday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Herb Saunders noticed the fire at 12:10 a.m., and tried to call the fire department. After dialing both emergency numbers and receiving no answer, Mrs. Saunders dialed "0," but could not get the operator. She then phoned Howie Monk who alerted the firemen and the fire truck was at the scene within five minutes, but too late to save the small dwelling. It was believed the fire started from an oil heater.

  • Aug 16, 2020
A photograph of part of the front page of the Haida Gwaii Observer newspaper that was distributed on Thursday, August 13, 1970. (Haida Gwaii Observer file)
FILE - Dr. Tracy Morton is pictured with his sons Sol and Lief, as well as Ike Batten, during the Canada Days Paddle Race in Port Clements in June 2017. Morton has been announced as one of three recipients of the Rural Coordination Centre of BC 2020 Excellence in Rural Medicine: Lifetime Achievement award. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)

Haida Gwaii doctor wins lifetime achievement award

Dr. Tracy Morton recognized by Rural Coordination Centre of BC

  • Aug 13, 2020
FILE - Dr. Tracy Morton is pictured with his sons Sol and Lief, as well as Ike Batten, during the Canada Days Paddle Race in Port Clements in June 2017. Morton has been announced as one of three recipients of the Rural Coordination Centre of BC 2020 Excellence in Rural Medicine: Lifetime Achievement award. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer file)
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale) speaks as Indigenous nations and supporters gather to show support for the Wet’suwet’en Nation before marching together in solidarity, in Smithers, B.C., on Wednesday January 16, 2019.(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale) speaks as Indigenous nations and supporters gather to show support for the Wet’suwet’en Nation before marching together in solidarity, in Smithers, B.C., on Wednesday January 16, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Province, feds, Wet’suwet’en announce progress in MOU talks

External community engagement process launched to help implement Wet'suwet'en rights and title

  • Aug 13, 2020
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale) speaks as Indigenous nations and supporters gather to show support for the Wet’suwet’en Nation before marching together in solidarity, in Smithers, B.C., on Wednesday January 16, 2019.(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale) speaks as Indigenous nations and supporters gather to show support for the Wet’suwet’en Nation before marching together in solidarity, in Smithers, B.C., on Wednesday January 16, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)