The great totem pole that was stood up today from the @CHN_HaidaNation to the Haíłzaqv Nation!

The Heiltsuk Nation in BC built the first ceremonial Big House in the territory in modern history. Built of red and yellow cedar from the territory, it is an appropriate space for spiritual and ceremonial events like potlatches and the naming of babies. Absolutely stunning!

The @CHN_HaidaNation is rocking the house tonight!!!

Here are the guys that make it happen, the Haíłzaqv singers!!

The crane crew that assisted in erecting this great totem pole. All Heiltsuk boys, Kevin Bolton Jr., Robert Johnson and William Dixon Jr.

Another priceless day in our new big house!

Here is the Haida pole gifted to the Haíłzaqv!

Shout out to brothers and sisters south of the border in Quinault Washington, they dressed 600lb worth of elk meat and transported it to Bella Bella. We’ve been enjoying the meat everyday! Ǧiáxsix̌a

Shout out to one of our elderly chiefs Q̓úman̓akvḷa Wilfred Humchitt, who came up to the potlatch today despite his health, great to see you Yíṃás! Wilfred was one of the very first Dhayaci society members when we first started talking about building our big house!

Our w̓áw̓áx̌tus from Klemtu are now on the floor celebrating with us! Ǧiáxsix̌a to them for being here!

🔥🔥🔥 Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv

This is what it looks like when the @CHN_HaidaNation and the Haíłzaqv take to the floor to celebrate!

Anyone else wish we were still in the big house? #TakeUsBack

This is what #community-led transformation looks like. The new Big House (Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv) and soon to be open Kunsoot Wellness Project healing centre showcase the strength and perseverance of the Heiltsuk people. via The Narwhal thenarwhal.ca/heiltsuk-risin… #Heiltsuk

Wasting no time- we have our first potlatch booking for November 11/12, 2019!! #Can’tWait

“There’s a sense of pride knowing the dreams of...ancestors are now being lived by our generation, people like my late grandfather who...talked about the Big House & how important it was." More on the historic opening of the new Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv via Haida Gwaii Observer ow.ly/HMBZ50wLf3Z

Proud to have this symbol of peace and unity stand in front of our great house! #Hawaa #Ǧiáxsix̌a #Hawaxsix̌a

Here is the finished board room table in the Chiefs room in the Big house. The design was painted by Max Johnson Sr., who replicated a design originally done by late chief Clarence Martin in the early 90’s. This is where the Chiefs will hold all of their meetings!

Follow Haíɫzaqvḷa for regular posts in our mother tongue, Haíłzaqvḷa! #SpeakYourLanguage

hi li gáx̌v qṇts c̓xc̓uíɫas Gvúkva'áus Haíɫzaqv. Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv c̓uíɫ - indoor totem pole c̓xc̓uíɫ - indoor totem poles