I'm beginning to realize why the Haida are so exceptional, and why they are winning their struggle for sovereignty. It's not their carving (which is world famous) or their weaving, or fishing, or forestry, or their art, all of which they excell at. It's their philosophy; and it's so simple.

They know that they come from the sea, so they respect it in ways that few other cultures do. And they know that the land has to be cared for as well as their children if they are to survive. So the essence of their agenda is care of the land and the sea. 

"It's that simple, and our agenda hasn't changed for ten thousand years," a wise matriarch told me yesterday. And it's why they will never surrender title -- "Haida Title" -- to their islands or the sea  around them, where they have thrived for millennia. And it's why they are gradually winning back a homeland lost to the Crown a mere 200 years ago.

Greetings from Haida Gwaii. 

If you ever get a chance to travel here, do so. There really is nowhere in the world quite like it. I wish I could attach photos to these updates, but alas I am reduced to a word: FANTASTIC .... to describe this mountainous archipelago that rises out of the turbulent seas of the north Pacific. Amazing that people ever found and settled the place (the Haida truly believe they origninated here ...the truest of "aboriginals"). 

There is ample archiological proof that they were here at least 13,000 years ago, surviving the ice age and watching the first tree appear on the islands, a cedar. Imagine that, people before trees. And when the trees finally came they carved them into giant canoes that eventually carried them across the Pacific. In spirit they remain as rugged and resilient as the giant spruce and cedars from which they still carve their boats.

Haa Wa (thank you in Haida) for sending me here. You'll see the result of your generosity in less than a year.

Mark

Hi. 

This is a pre-departure postcard from edge of the world, setting for The Haida Gwaii Lesson, the Inkshares book you are supporting, and to where I am headed tomorrow. 

I will stay on the islands (there are 158 of them) indefinitely; for as long as it takes to gather what I need from the amazing and exceptional Haida people about their long, determined and successful struggle for land title and sovereignty. 

Their homeland is remote and communications uncertain, so you may not hear from me again until I'm home, probably some time before summer ends, hopefully full of insight and inspiration which I will share with you then.

Thanks again for your support.

Mark Dowie

Yes, this time it's real. We're over the goal line. And  when I say "we" I mean you and the 317 other friends and colleagues who are supporting this project. So congratulate yourselves, not me. I just happened to be blessed with a list of generous people.

I have begun work in earnest on the book, a daunting task given the fact that I'm really trying to communicate to almost 4,000 vey diverse communities situated in over 90 countries, living under as many different governments and legal systems. In late May I'll head up the Haida Gwaii for a few weeks of on-site research. I'll send you updates, insights and other news from there.

If you have any insights, advice, suggestions or questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks you again so much. It really feels so much better to be working on something that is supported by a few hundred generous friends than by one big corporate publishing house.  

With deepest gratitude,

Mark Dowie