I was talking to a friend the other day; we were at my other place in Crofton. We were discussing my upcoming trip Home. She said you have been moved off-island for two years, yet you still refer to up there as home. I had to think about it. I may have left Haida Gwaii, but Haida Gwaii has not left me. I still see through that lens. When I say home, my partner, kids, and friends know I am talking about Skidegate.
I was born in Daajing Giids in 1968. Others may know of it as Queen Charlotte. Recently the Council and community embraced the name change. It was rocky, and I watched from afar, needing help understanding the issue. It makes sense; however, some felt it infringed on their rights as community citizens. I am not going to rehash anything; it's done. Tllyahda, it has been made right.
I have wondered if being married to Godfrey made me more a part of Haida Gwaii. Granted, he and my daughters have ancestors here since time immemorial. My settler ancestors came in the early 1900s—a drop in time. I am grateful to the community for allowing me to continue being a part of this magnificent place.
If you have lived or visited, these islands become a part of you. I have heard many stories from people that landed here and couldn't leave or promptly found a way to come back and live. It continues to be on everyone's Bucket-list. Home is where the heart is, true; my heart is always with my late husband, my partner and my daughters. Our love can grow. It can expand infinitely if you let it.
Growing up, I lived in many BC communities, as my father would be transferred with the RCMP, and then when my parents divorced, my mother was a gypsy, and we didn't stay places long. So I attended 13 schools in 12 years. But I always knew where I belonged, Haida Gwaii. The root system helped me survive. Watching my three daughters head out into the world, I see their attachment to this place has allowed them to soar to heights I could never have achieved.
When I drove off the ferry this morning, I pulled off to the side of the road and just looked. I felt myself exhale; I had been holding my breath all this time. I am home.
Even Gypsy's eventually find home. It is a magical place where things go as fast or slow as you want. Mostly slow.