2021 ANNUAL REPORT
THOSE WHO STOOD ON THE LINE ATHLII GWAII, 1985 NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 27
Ethel Jones Watson Price Ada Yovanovich Adolphus Marks
Kenneth John Davis John Thomas Jones Christopher M. Collison Barry Deon Bell Teddy Elroy Williams
Marchel Ann Shannon Shelley Louise Lavoie Waneeta Ruth Richardson Jennifer F. Davidson Ronald Torres Souza Alfred Setso James Irvin Stanley
NOVEMBER 18 Brad Collinson Frederick Donald Davis Mervin James Dunn Andrew Harold Edgars Lawrence Morris Jones Colin Stuart Richardson Ronald Richard Russ Noel Douglas White Martin Williams John Yeltatzie
NOVEMBER 20 Harold L. Yeltatzie Willard Wilson Diane Kathleen Brown Rose Lynn Russ Laura Carol Williams Richard Craig Williams Reginald Max Wesley James Franklin McGuire Merle Emily Adams Henry Grady Wilson Barbara Grace Stevens Jacqueline Kim Yovanovich
NOVEMBER 25 Valerie Jones Laverne Collinson Diana Jacqueline Hans Patricia Ann Gellerman Paulette Laverne Robinson Marni Lynn York Colleen Marissa Williams Audra Charlyn Collison David James M. Brock James Thomas Stelkia Mervin James Dunn Joey Abel T. Parnell Vincent Paul Pearson Jody Henry Russ Ronald Ernest Wilson Lawrence Drager Sally Ann Edgars Kathleen Marie Pearson Russell Clive Edgars Harold Owen Wilson Herman Collinson Clayton E. Gladstone Gordon Donovan Russ Stuart McLean Michael Earl Allen Troy Pearson Frank Coleman Baker Fred M. Richardson
NOVEMBER 28 Dorothy Eva Russ James Young
NOVEMBER 29 Linda Louise Day Beatrice Mae Drager Ronald Alexander George Nigel Marc Pearson Harold George Williams
THOSE WHO WERE CHARGED & CONVICTED Miles Richardson Jr. Guujaaw John Yeltatzie Diane Brown Arnie Bellis Frederick Davis Colin Richardson Roberta Olsen Lawrence Jones Martin Williams Michael Nicoll Yaghulanaas Willard Wilson
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Gwaii Trust .................................................................................................................................................3 Message from the Chair and COO ........................................................................................................................4 Featured Grants: Food Sovereignty / Kids Camps ...............................................................................................5 Our Staff ...............................................................................................................................................................6 Governance: Attendance & Committees .............................................................................................................7 Governance: Board Members ..............................................................................................................................8 Featured Grants: Arts Mentorship / Arts Grant....................................................................................................9 2021 Financial Highlights ..................................................................................................................................10 Featured Grant: Youth Grant / Covid-19 Response ...........................................................................................11 Where the Money Comes From ..........................................................................................................................12 Featured Grants: Major Contributions / Community Innovations......................................................................13 What We Funded in 2021 ...................................................................................................................................14 Featured Grants: Community Innovation / Continuing Education ....................................................................15 What We Did in 2021 ..........................................................................................................................................16 Congratulations to the Successful Applicants ..................................................................................................17
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ABOUT GWAII TRUST The Gwaii Trust Society owns and manages a multi-milliondollar perpetual fund for the benefit of all the people of Haida Gwaii. The fund generates investment income and the Society distributes part of that income every year through a variety of grant programs.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN In 1985, after more than a decade of attempts to work with the provincial government to protect the South Moresby Wilderness area, the Haida Nation designated what is now known as Gwaii Haanas, a Haida Heritage Site and a blockade was held on Lyell Island. The political standoff at Lyell Island brought worldwide attention to the issues of the land title dispute, the environment and economic matters. In 1988, the South Moresby Agreement was signed, which designated the area a National Park Reserve and created a Regional Economic Development Initiative fund. Representatives of the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and the Residents Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) established an Accord on the Community Development Fund. In spite of legislative hostilities and other societal encumbrances to crosscultural understanding, and after years of difficult work, the results evolved into the Gwaii Trust Interim Planning Society (GTIPS). The GTIPS was established in accordance with the Society Act of British Columbia in November 1991. Its purpose was to develop a permanent model for a locally controlled, interest-generating fund. The Gwaii Trust Society would be founded on principles to achieving a sustainable Islands community. The Gwaii Trust Society was formed in September 1994 to operate the perpetual Gwaii Trust Fund, and the GTIPS was dissolved as a society.
GWAII TRUST TODAY In 1994 the Society started with $38.2 million contributed by the federal government as part of the agreement that created Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. At the end of 2021 our fund was worth approximately $94 million.
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Our goals are clear: to work together to promote the health and well-being of our community, and make Haida Gwaii an even better place to live. We make our decisions by consensus and we believe in fairness, equity, collaborating to solve problems, building trust, and being willing to change. We know that to ensure a sustainable community, we must plan and manage our development in ways that reflect our cultural and environmental uniqueness. Our fund is invested in equities, bonds and mortgage/real estate funds, and generates millions of dollars every year in investment income. Every year, we reinvest part of that income to protect our core value from inflation, and distribute most of the remaining money to communities, non-profit societies and individuals on Haida Gwaii through our grant programs. Our volunteer board is made up of eight directors and eight alternates, representing the Haida and Civic communities equally. Our chair is nominated for appointment by the Council of the Haida Nation. We also have a youth board made up of islanders between the ages of 13 and 21 who make recommendations on our Youth Grants.
OUR MISSION The Gwaii Trust will enhance environmentally sustainable social and economic benefits to Haida Gwaii through the use of the fund.
OUR VISION The Gwaii Trust will advocate and support an Islands community characterized by respect for cultural diversity, the environment, and a sustainable and increasingly self-sufficient economy.
LEGAL STATUS The Gwaii Trust Society is provincially registered as a non-profit society to maximize tax exemption for the Trust.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Sii.ngaay’láa Greetings This has been another year Haida Gwaii can be proud of for its resilience and mutual support. I would like to thank the communities across the islands and my colleagues on the Board of Directors for their continued work together. I would also like to honour the dedication of Gwaii Trust Society (GTS) staff who bring each grant stream to life alongside the businesses, not-for-profits and island leaders whose creativity and passion make this an even better place to live. GTS is dedicated to stewarding a perpetual fund for the benefit of everyone in Haida Gwaii. That fund was worth approximately $94 million at the end of 2021, and we are proud to look back at how this year’s funded projects have improved community wellbeing in tangible ways. We are excited about the addition of a new Food Sovereignty Grant. Paired with our Food Security Grant,
this funding stream will improve the resiliency of Haida Gwaii’s food supply. I would also like to highlight that 273 islanders used Continuing Education Grants. The impact of education will be immeasurable over the long term. The pandemic made 2021 another uncertain year for many people, including our local tourism industry. To assist local businesses and residents who needed a break, Haida Gwaii Staycation Grants were provided to 129 residents. You can read about more of the positive impacts GTS funding has had in this report. I look forward to the continued impact GTS will have on island life this coming year, and I wish you all good health and prosperity. Haawa thank you Sk’aal Ts’iid Flicker Bird James D. Cowpar Chairman
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER To appreciate our position today, it helps to look back to the past. Gwaii Trust started in 1994 with $38.2 million contributed by the federal government as part of the South Moresby agreement and, in the 27 years since, the fund has granted over $91 million dollars on Haida Gwaii. Today’s fund is stronger than ever with a balance of $94 million. Gwaii Trust Society (GTS) has had many ups and downs over the years, but it has proven itself capable of weathering any storm. In many ways, 2021 was a stormy year. The return to normalcy that many of us had longed for ultimately did not happen. The global COVID-19 pandemic stretched into its second year, bringing with it supply chain interruptions, high inflation, labour shortages, and a worsening of mental health and opioid overdose crises. While it was a difficult year full of uncertainty, GTS remained steadfast in delivering on its mission to provide social and economic benefits to Haida Gwaii through the use of the fund. In addition to granting over $2 million to organizations and individuals on Haida Gwaii, the Board of Directors and staff worked on several initiatives, many of which will come of life in 2022. These initiatives include improvements to the grant application and reporting process, a rubric for grant approvals by the Board, and work toward an agreement with the provincial and
federal governments to amalgamate Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust with Gwaii Trust. Through the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation, GTS entered into a partnership with Green Shield Canada to establish the GSC Community Impact Fund. The goal is to invest in local organizations dedicated to improving oral and mental health on Haida Gwaii. This includes an investment of $290,000 for flow-through granting over two years as well as a permanent endowment of $200,000. In 2021, the Gwaii Trust Board of Directors approved a new asset mix for the investments to further diversify the portfolio and ensure strong and steady earnings in perpetuity. In 2022, the Board will be selecting Investment Managers to manage these new asset classes. I am grateful for the commitment and leadership of our current Chair, James Cowpar, who has been at the helm of the Board of Directors since 2016. In 2022, I look forward to welcoming Percy Crosby as incoming Chair. Percy served on the Board as the Director for CHN Skidegate from 2010-2015, and we are excited to have him back. Whether or not the storms cease, there is so much to look forward to this year. We will be here to invest in Haida Gwaii for the benefit of all for whom this is home. Haawa thank you Carla Lutner Chief Operations Officer 4
FOOD SECURITY OVERVIEW ISLANDS-WIDE FOOD SECURITY AND A NEW FOOD SOVEREIGNTY GRANT Gwaii Trust Society has long supported food-related needs across Haida Gwaii through its Food Security Grant, which provides stable, annual funding to organizations that help people gain access to food. This year, a new Food Sovereignty Grant stream became available to help improve local food production, harvesting, and distribution. Over time, greater food sovereignty will improve food security across the islands, ensuring that everyone can get healthy meals with local foods and sustainable practices. Agnes L. Mathers Elementary School was one of this year’s recipients of the new Food Sovereignty Grant. The funds went toward an ongoing community garden project that built 1000 square feet of garden space in raised bed planter boxes. This project has been active for the past 10 years, and its expansion will benefit the school’s students as well as the many seniors who reside in Sandspit, who will be able to care for and harvest from the garden as a community. Meanwhile, the Local Food Pantries (LFP) project led by Local Food 2 School received a Food Security Grant of $48,000. The organization used the funds to hire two part-time Pantry Coordinators to manage LFP operations. LFP serves schools and related groups by making local food and education more accessible. The result? More local food arrives in public food service kitchens throughout the year, and knowledge in the community grows too. Through workshops, field trips, and community gardens, students and others learn about food production and eat healthier meals. The program also has a Haida language component that ties local food with cultural practices and respect for the land and sea.
KIDS CAMPS ROUNDUP KIDS CAMPS CONNECT PEOPLE AND NATURE Some experiences, cultural wisdom, and community connections are only found outdoors. That’s why Rediscovery T’áalang Stl’áng Camp gathers campers together every summer to spend time together to learn about land stewardship and leadership in the context of Haida culture and mentorship. The camps of summer 2021 hosted 88 total participants across a family camp, preteen camp, teen camp, Xaad Kíl Immersion camp, and a Wilderness First Aid event. On site at T’áalang Stl’áng, briefly known as Lepas Bay and within the Duu Guusd Conservancy on the west coast of Graham Island, people from across Haida Gwaii find a closer connection with land, water, and with one another – face-to-face, no digital devices to be found. The camp has been a place where youth develop in their independence. The family and Xaad kíl camps reported growing numbers of campers this year, which bodes well for local communities and the Haida language. Rediscovery T’áalang Stl’áng Camp’s 2021 operations were supported by a Gwaii Trust Society’s Kids Camps Grant of $15,000. That funding stream also supports both the Mount Moresby Adventure Camp and the Swan Bay Rediscovery Camp in their yearly efforts to connect people with the outdoors.
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OUR STAFF
CARLA LUTNER, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Manages the day-to-day operations for the Gwaii Trust Society, including staff management, public relations and oversight of the various programs Gwaii Trust administers.
PAM HILL, GRANT COORDINATOR Manages the day-to-day operations for the Gwaii Trust Society, including staff management, public relations and oversight of the various programs Gwaii Trust administers.
CHRISTINE CARTY, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Manages the day-to-day financial operations, preparing accounts payable and receivables, payroll and inhouse financial statements.
JOEY RUDICHUK, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Manages Internal and external communications and supports the Gwaii Trust Board of Directors and Youth Board.
JAAD GUDANGAA ‘LAAS DANA BELLIS, PROJECT OFFICER Community resource to support islanders and local organizations through the grant application process and is their focal throughout the life of their project.
MEGHAN CROSS, GRANTS & TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR
DEENA ARENS, ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE ASSISTANT
RUBY DECOCK, ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE ASSISTANT (TEMP)
Manages a small portfolio of grants and assists more senior staff in all grant management activities. She also serves as the internal resource for Gwaii Trust’s technology systems.
Finance and administrative support for Gwaii Trust, Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust and the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation.
Finance and administrative support for Gwaii Trust, Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust and the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation.
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GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE MEETING ATTENDANCE 2021/2022 TERM The following chart presents the attendance record for the Gwaii Trust Chair, Directors and Alternates at board and standing committee meetings from June 24, 2021 to April 27, 2022. Notes: Alternate attendance is not mandatory at board meetings. Meetings of subcommittees and ad hoc committees are not included in the record of attendance. Standing Committees
MEETING ATTENDANCE James Cowpar
Community
Chair
Board Meetings
Executive
9/11
10/10 7/10
n/a
Freda Davis
Director
Old Massett Village Council
8/11
Jade Collison
Alternate
Old Massett Village Council
8/11
Alfie Setso Sr.
Director
CHN Old Massett
6/11
Trevor Russ
Alternate
CHN Old Massett
10/11
Kim Goetzinger (resigned Oct)
Director
CHN Skidegate
4/4
Jason Alsop
Alternate
CHN Skidegate
8/11
Billy Yovanovich
Director
Skidegate Band Council
8/11
Michelle (Ooka) Pineault
Alternate
Skidegate Band Council
5/11
Audit, Governance & Finance
Youth Board
1/3
2/4
0/1
Clyde Greenough
Director
Graham Island South
11/11
Shelley Sansome
Alternate
Graham, Island South
6/11
2/6
Maureen Bailey
Director
Graham Island Central
11/11
6/6
10/10
4/6
Elizabeth Condrotte
Alternate
Graham Island Central
8/11
Bret Johnson
Director
Graham Island North
7/11
5/6
4/4
Terry Carty
Alternate
Graham Island North
9/11
2/2
Laurie Chisholm
Director
Area E (Moresby)
11/11
Warren Foster
Alternate
Area E (Moresby)
4/11
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (STANDING AND AD HOC) Executive
James Cowpar
•
Freda Davis
•
Audit, Governance & Finance
Youth Board
Economic Dev
Wellness
HGCF Steering Committee
Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust
• •
•
•
Jade Collison
•
Alfie Setso Sr.
•
Trevor Russ
•
Kim Goetzinger
•
•
•
Jason Alsop •
Michelle (Ooka) Pineault
• •
•
Shelley Sansome
•
Maureen Bailey
•
Bret Johnson Laurie Chisholm Warren Foster
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•
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
Elizabeth Condrotte Terry Carty
•
•
Billy Yovanovich Clyde Greenough
Covid-19 Emergency Response
• •
• •
•
•
•
• •
•
• •
GOVERNANCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR: Sk’aal Ts’iid James Cowpar VICE CHAIR: Billy Yovanovich Maureen Bailey (September 2021 - present)
DIRECTOR
ALTERNATE
CHN OLD MASSETT
Alfie Setso Sr.
Trevor Russ
OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL
Freda Davis
Jade Collison
CHN SKIDEGATE
GidadGuudsliiyas Kim Goetzinger (resigned Oct 21)
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop
SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL
Ganaay Billy Yovanovich
Michelle (Ooka) Pineault
GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH
Bret Johnston
Terry Carty
GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL
Maureen Bailey
Elizabeth Condrotte
GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH
Clyde Greenough
Shelley Sansome
AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND)
Laurie Chisholm
Warren Foster
YOUTH BOARD CHAIR:
Michelle (Ooka) Pineault Freda Davis (September 2021 - present) VICE CHAIR: Terry Carty Elizabeth Condrotte (September 2021 - present)
DIRECTORS CHN OLD MASSETT
Kwiadda McEvoy
OLD MASSETT VILLAGE COUNCIL
Tyler Collison, Destiny Davidson
CHN SKIDEGATE
Xiila Guujaw, Tamara Hooper
SKIDEGATE BAND COUNCIL
Marika Gladstone, Taanggunaay Grinder
GRAHAM ISLAND NORTH
Sol Reynolds, Jayden Brown
GRAHAM ISLAND CENTRAL
Tia Nicol, Caden Bergstrom
GRAHAM ISLAND SOUTH
Greta Romas, Zoey Collinson
AREA E (MORESBY ISLAND)
Jordyn Zarry, Riley Dorman
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ARTS MENTORSHIP MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAIDA ARTISTS John Brent Bennett of the Yahgulaanaas Raven Clan is a widely respected Haida artist in a lineage of artistic giants. John is the nephew of Robert Davidson, and has been working under the mentorship of the highly accomplished carver Jim Hart, who, in turn, worked with Bill Reid. Now, John is ready to begin mentoring his nephew Seth Bellis in Gaw Tlagée Old Massett. An Arts Mentorship grant of $3,000 supports this project. Creating art all day is the dream of young artist Seth Bellis. The 12-year-old has shown great promise in his art so far – he has even won the crafting award at his school each year he has been eligible. Seth doesn’t have classical Haida art experience yet, but John is ready to get him started. Some of John’s chosen mediums are wood carving and printmaking. During the mentorship, Seth will learn about tool selection, sketching and identifying Haida form-line shapes, and using an adze, a tool used in carving. Along the way, Seth will assist John in completing a sculpture and begin what may become a lifelong artistic journey.
“Joyce”, 2004. John Brent Bennett.
ARTS GRANT “CONNECTED REALM” ART EXHIBIT SHOWN DESPITE DISTANCE The first pandemic year turned out to be a fruitful one for Massetbased artist Maryanne Wettlaufer, who produced 15 oil paintings and 10 watercolour paintings to be shown in a solo exhibit at the Haida Gwaii Museum. An Arts Grant of $3,209 enabled the careful documentation, framing, and safe delivery of these new works of art enjoyed by islanders. This project marks a significant exhibition on Haida Gwaii, and a milestone for Wettlaufer, who has been showing her work here for over 15 years. The paintings are a reflection of the stunning natural landscapes of Haida Gwaii and the resilience of local communities. The artist’s statement describes her motivation this way: “During this past year I was able to navigate the global pandemic by doing what comes so natural to me – spending time on the land and creating paintings inspired by those solo outings.” Due to the pandemic the exhibit was initially open to the public only limited hours and admission was waved for local residents for almost two months until the museum was finally able to open again full time. To provide extra accessibility it was also available online for visitors who could not make it in person, made possible by professional photography of each painting funded by the Arts Grant. This way, the 25 pieces found their audience, even during times of social distancing. 9
2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Chan Nowosad Boates, CPA REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS To the Directors of the Gwaii Trust Society Opinion The summary financial statements, which comprise the summary statement of financial position as at December 31, 2021 and the summary statement of operations and changes in net assets for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial statements of the Gwaii Trust Society for the year ended December 31, 2021. In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements, in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Summary Financial Statements The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for notfor-profit organizations. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditors' report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements and the auditors' report thereon. The summary financial statements and the audited financial statements do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on the audited financial statements. The Audited Financial Statements and Our Report Thereon We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial statements in our report dated May 14, 2022. Management's Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Auditors’ Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.
Chartered Professional Accountants Campbell River, BC May 5, 2022
10 Campbell River Office: 980 Alder Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 2P9 | Tel: 250.286.0744 | Fax: 250.286.1067 | Toll Free: 1.888.262.4829
YOUTH GRANT NEW LEADERSHIP AND PROGRAMS AT QUEEN CHARLOTTE YOUTH CENTRE In summer 2021, Queen Charlotte Youth Centre (QCYC) reopened as the home base for teens and programming led by its intrepid new leader, Jay Myers. Gwaii Trust Society provided a grant of $10,000 to support QCYC’s operations, and specifically Jay’s hiring as the new Youth Program Manager. QCYC opened for weekly drop-in times where youth aged 8-19 could hang out after school, and has also hosted several workshops. Some events included physical activities like skateboarding or hiking. Others focused on food or art. During one event, Jay and helpers brought youth out to forage for chanterelle mushrooms and then preserve them by canning. Another time, the kids made venison jerky. Teens have learned to make medicine bags, drums, and linocut prints this year too.
express themselves is a really good way [for young people] to channel those emotions.” Jay and the team at the Village of Queen Charlotte continue to weave together a safe space for youth from across all South Island communities, bringing people together one event and one conversation at a time.
“I’m passionate about this work because I really see the future in our youth,” says Jay, who has a background in community organizing and working with youth in the areas of mental health and addictions. One youth program helped teens express themselves through graffiti on the skate park, learning about the artform’s history and ethics along the way. Having fun with graffiti has opened space for conversations about some tough topics. “Some of the kids we’ve been working with – they’re fully aware of the destructive legacy of colonization and residential schools, and there’s a lot of pain,” Jay says. “Being able to
COVID-19 RESPONSE GRANT STUDENT-LED POTLATCH AT TAHAYGHEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL In June 2021, Grade 7 Tahayghen Elementary Students (TES) capped off their school year by leading an exuberant outdoor potlatch celebrating Haida culture. Gwaii Trust Society funded this Masset-area project with a COVID-19 Response Grant of $10,000. This grant focused on projects that support mental health and reduce social isolation among Haida Gwaii residents. When TES’s Haida Language and Culture teacher Colleen Williams suggested holding a potlatch to close the school year, her colleagues rallied around the idea. And preparations soon began. Many Elders, knowledge keepers, and artists were invited to give workshops to classes. As one example, the Grade 7 students each made their own drums with Haida artist Reg Davidson, who taught them form-line techniques. Students also went on field trips to harvest food for the feast. They gathered chitons, butter clams, rock cod eggs, octopus, seaweed, nettles, spruce tips, and salmon berries. They also made jilts and crabapple jelly with Elders. On the day of the potlatch, students, teachers, and a few guests held their celebration outside the school. Food was eaten, songs were sung, and dances were danced. Each student gave their introduction speech in Xaad kíl. The Grade 7 students also 11
gave longer speeches that included reflections and eulogies for loved ones they lost during the pandemic. This potlatch marked a profound moment for many and it has left everyone with memories to cherish.
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM
7.9%
7%
8.4%
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
11.54%
10.8%
2013
6.84%
16.08%
2012
11.4%
12.33%
The Trust’s rate of return for 2021 was 11.54% as of year-end.
In 2021, the Gwaii Trust Board of Directors approved a new asset mix for the investments which includes the addition of direct lending and infrastructure to the portfolio. In 2022 the Board will be selecting Investment Managers to manage these new asset classes and will be revising their statement of investment policies and procedures to reflect these changes.
-0.9%
Our fund is well diversified over a number of economic sectors, geographic areas, and fund managers. We invest in Canadian and global equities, mortgages, bonds, and real estate. We utilize the expertise of three separate fund managers with all trades managed by our custodial teams at RBC & National Trust.
2019
2020
2021
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MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS HOLDING BACK THE TIDES AT LIVING AND LEARNING SCHOOL The spectacular waterfront location of Living and Learning School in Daajing Giids Queen Charlotte is a good match for its outdoorfocused philosophy. But the location has one drawback: storm surges have been eroding the land. On average, an estimated six inches of shoreline have been lost to the sea each year for the past 10 years – potentially five feet in total. To stop the water’s advance, the school completed a project to stabilize the shoreline and prevent further erosion of school grounds with the support of a Major Contributions Grant of $25,696. A rock revetment wall was built to hold back the tides, and ramped pathways now give students and staff access to the beach. The construction project has also made room for more outdoor spaces kids can use. The reclaimed ground between the wall and school building was filled in with dirt and grass to provide a safe, level play area. The school also gained green space on the opposite side of the grounds by shortening a large driveway. After construction was complete, community volunteers planted new greenery like shrubs and small alder trees. The new rock wall has already withstood king tides and one Haida Gwaii winter, which is a good sign that the school will remain vibrant and on solid ground for years to come.
COMMUNITY INNOVATION GYM EQUIPMENT FOR JUMPING, CLIMBING PRESCHOOLERS The Community Innovation Grant contributes to small projects that improve well-being among islanders and their communities, and that includes folks of all ages. This year, the Queen Charlotte Child Centre received $2500 in funding from this grant to purchase gym equipment to help preschoolers stay active indoors on rainy days. The QC Child Centre hosts kids aged two to four for playschool, four mornings each week. The playschool’s daily routine includes outdoor play time, weather permitting. Time spent exercising is important in helping young ones develop motor skills, and the class also uses the indoor gym space at Queen Charlotte Community Club for that purpose. The new gym equipment is housed there, and it includes floor mats, a vaulting box, a balance beam, and incline mats, which are ideal for jumps, climbing, summersaults, balancing, sliding, and plenty more fun exercises. This completed project opens the door toward more innovations. The QC Child Centre now has the potential to invite a childrens’ gymnastics teacher to use the equipment for classes on southern Graham Island. Regardless, the preschool kids will be able to keep moving and exploring come rain or shine.
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WHAT WE FUNDED IN 2021 INFLATION PROTECTION $ 3,007,219
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT & REGULATORY EXPENSES $ 512,451
$2.9 million
ADMINISTRATION
2021
$ 587,441
PROJECTS $ 2,139,031
The Gwaii Trust spent approximately $2.9 million in 2021, and set aside a further 4.8%, or approximately $3 million, to protect our perpetual fund from inflation. Our expenses fall into four main categories: project spending, investment management and other professional fees, administration, and inflation protection*. As always in 2021 the biggest portion of our spending was on the grants we distribute to communities, local non-profit organizations, and individual islanders, through our suite of programs.
PROJECTS:
$2,139,031 (66.04%) ADMINISTRATION:
This represents the total amount distributed by Gwaii Trust as grants in 2021, providing direct benefits to Haida Gwaii.
$587,441 (18.14%)
Almost all this money is spent on Haida Gwaii. It includes wages for our staff, honoraria for our board of directors, and rent and other expenses for both our north and south offices.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT & *INFLATION PROTECTION: $3,007,219 (4.8%) REGULATORY EXPENSES: $512,451 (15.82%) (Not physically spent - Just reallocated as protected) This pays for investment managers and their custodians to look after the perpetual fund and ensure we are balancing the generation of income in the safest way possible with the best possible returns.
We do not include inflation as true spending as it is a reallocation of funds from earned income to protected funds. Every year we reinvest a portion of our income back into the perpetual fund so that its value won’t be eroded by inflation, protecting the original investment for future generations. This year’s amount reflects the Canadian Consumer Price Index of 4.8%. The core value of the Gwaii Trust was just under $65.7 million at the end of 2021. Under our bylaws, this money can never be allocated or expended. 14
COMMUNITY & HOLIDAY EVENTS TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN TLELL AND PORT CLEMENTS Residents of Tlell and Port Clements participated in several holiday celebrations funded by a $16,000 Community and Holiday Events Grant. This grant stream supports special events throughout the year, and in 2021 these events created opportunities for connection when many islanders were trying to regain a sense of community following long periods of COVID-19 restrictions.
across Haida Gwaii, provided a little extra light at the end of a challenging year.
Both communities hosted events and celebrated in different ways. Gamadiis/‘Waan Kún Port Clements treated more than 20 seniors to a take-out Christmas meal. A lights display was installed on Rainbow Wharf, adding to the festive mood surrounding a children’s event, which included a bonfire, games, prizes, and refreshments. The event was well-attended by families from central Graham Island. Kids in Tll.aal Tlell enjoyed gifts, and a campaign was launched to provide local families with Christmas food hampers. Like Rainbow Wharf, the Tlell River bridge was also decked with holiday lighting. And, to support local businesses, the two communities provided residents with Port/Tlell Bucks that encouraged local shopping. All these activities, and others
CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANT ELECTRICIAN-IN-TRAINING PLANS A CAREER ON HAIDA GWAII “Trades have always fascinated me,” says Damon Fladmark, who is on his way to becoming a journeyman electrician with a Red Seal. Damon completed his level one electrical training at Camosun College in Victoria with the help of a Continuing Education Grant of $750 toward tuition fees and course material. Damon knows that skilled tradespeople are in high demand on Haida Gwaii. When he finishes his training, he wants to return home and work on the islands. Toward that goal, he has been gradually putting in the hours at job sites, and he has gained enough to qualify him to complete the remaining courses and qualify for the Red Seal certification, a standard that is recognized across Canada and internationally. Though Damon has a few more courses to finish, he’s already finding satisfaction as an electrician working on both commercial and residential projects. “It’s incredibly satisfying when you [...] start flicking on lights and you see them all come on for the first time.” And before long, more homes and businesses on Haida Gwaii will share in that experience too.
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WHAT WE DID IN 2021
LORE
280 78%
$120,000 For Haida Language Support
Continuing Education Grants
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$272,000
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For Food Security
TIMER 2015
129
$14,500
44
Haida Gwaii Staycation Grants
For Food Sovereignty
High School Bursaries
$110,000 TO COVID-19 RESPONSE
MARIA $378,000 FORENDUS CONTINUING EDUCATION
$95,500 FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS
$149,000 FOR COMMUNITY INNOVATION
$400,000 FOR MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS
$26,000 FOR ARTS GRANTS
$45,000 FOR KIDS CAMPS
$96,000 FOR COMMUNITY & HOLIDAY
$45,000 FOR HIGH SCHOOL BURSARIES $272,000 FOR FOOD SECURITY
2015
2015
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EVENTS
$52,600 FOR STAYCATION GRANTS
$14,500 FOR FOOD SOVEREIGNTY 16
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANTS FOR 2021 ALL ISLANDS PROTOCOL TABLE Secretariat (Council) of the Haida Nation
All-Islands Protocol Table Funding 2021-2022
$60,000.00
ARTS GRANT Jay Myers Maryanne Wettlaufer Micheal Moody
Surf Band Recording, Printing and Music Video Logistics to Deliver Exhibition to the Haida Gwaii Museum Ts’amos Prints: The First of the Sea Monster Series
$9,829.20 $3,209.29 $10,000.00
ARTS MENTORSHIP John Brent Bennett
Seth's mentorship
COMMUNITY AND HOLIDAY EVENTS Village of Queen Charlotte Skidegate Band Council Village of Port Clements Old Massett Village Council Village of Masset The Lord of Life Community Church
Miscellaneous Holiday Events, Holiday Donations to Local Non-Profits Gift Cards, Old Massett Christmas Tree Event, Masset Senior's Christmas Miscellaneous Holiday Events in Port Clements and Tlell Turkey Hampers Gift Cards, Old Massett Christmas Tree Event, Masset Senior's Christmas Winter Lights Festival, Christmas Hampers, Gift Cards
$16,000.00 $16,000.00 $16,000.00 $16,000.00 $16,000.00 $16,000.00
COMMUNITY INNOVATION Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission Massett Marine Rescue Society Queen Charlotte Child Centre Laskeek Bay Conservation Society Sandspit Volunteer Fire Department Queen Charlotte City Community Club Literacy Haida Gwaii QC Heritage Housing Society Misty Isles Economic Development Society Rediscovery T'aalan Stl'ang Niislaa Naay Healing House Society Archipelago Ground Search & Rescue Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital Old Massett Village Council Village of Masset Village of Queen Charlotte QCC Volunteer Fire Prevention Society Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum Masset Seniors Club Branch #101 Gwaii Animal Helpline Society
Haida Gwaii Recreation Digital Infrastructure Enhancement Project Radio Operator's Course for Crew Members Gym Equipment Summer Student Road & Rope Rescue Training & Equipment Project New office space at Queen Charlotte Community Club Youth Technology Mentorship program Gardeneers Shop Local Holiday Passport Rediscovery T'aalan St'lang Board Training Workshop Series GAW KAAYGANG GYAAHLANGEE : Volume 2 Radio Communications Equipment Project Wellness Camp 2021 Healing Language Immersion Xaad Kil Camps Water Treatment Plant Safety Update Generator for Queen Charlotte Emergency Operations Centre Wellness Program Outdoor Signs and Website Flooring and Furniture Upgrade for Masset Seniors Room Improving Companion Animal Wellbeing on Haida Gwaii
$10,000.00 $787.50 $2,456.44 $10,000.00 $9,522.00 $6,352.00 $10,000.00 $2,081.95 $7,080.03 $6,300.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $1,821.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,683.00 $6,895.00 $10,000.00
CONTINUING EDUCATION
280 Grants
$377,917.89
FOOD SECURITY School District 50 Haida Gwaii Local Food 2 School The Haida Gwaii Healthy Communities Society Islands Wellness Society St. John's Anglican Church Old Massett Village Council
School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) Haida Gwaii Local Food Pantry Soup Kitchen 2021 Feed the People Foodbank Caring and Sharing Northern Haida Gwaii Food Bank
$116,430.00 $48,000.00 $7,720.00 $45,000.00 $5,220.00 $50,000.00
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY Agnes L. Mathers Elementary School Kay llnagaay Heritage Centre Society
Community Garden Local Market at Haida Heritage Centre
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$3,000.00
$4,500.00 $10,000.00
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANTS FOR 2021 HAIDA GWAII COVID-19 RESPONSE GidGalang Kuuyas Naay Secondary School Tahayghen Elementary School Skidegate Youth Centre Haida Gwaii Mental Health & Addictions Advisory Committee Gudangaay Tlaats'gaa Naay Secondary School Sk'aadgaa Naay Elementary School Tahayghen Elementary School Ts'uu Kuuyas Precious Cedar Society Sk'aadgaa Naay Elementary School Skidegate Youth Centre Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission
Wellness Week Tahayghen Elementary School Potlatch Youth Holistic Health COVID Emergency Fund Disc Golf Course Gym Equipment Potlatch Postpartum Care Packages Literacy Resources Youth Kayak Building Haida Gwaii Junior NBA
$2,000.00 $10,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $8,859.05 $1,091.56 $10,000.00 $9,599.59 $3,600.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00
Old Massett Village Council Skidegate Band Council
Xaad Kil Nee Haida Language Immersion Classes
$60,000.00 $60,000.00
KIDS CAMPS Swan Bay Rediscovery Program Society Rediscovery T'aalan Stl'ang
Swan Bay Rediscovery Program Rediscovery T'aalang Stl'ang Camp 2021
$15,000.00 $15,000.00
Mount Moresby Adventure Camp
Forest Stewardship Program
$15,000.00
MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS Living and Learning School
Shoreline Stabilization and Driveway/Yard Realignment
$25,696.34
Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace XaaydaGa Dlaang Society Village of Masset
Greening the Roofs Project Phase 2 - Solar Installation Restoring the Balance: Female Supernatural Being Carvings Howard Phillips Community Hall Upgrade
$28,577.50 $45,082.00 $44,496.00
Old Massett Village Council Haida Gwaii Fitness Association Sandspit Harbour Society Old Massett Village Council Secretariat of the Haida Nation
OMVC District Heating Project (Masset Hospital) Equipment and Infrastructure Upgrade Major Capital Planning Study Old Massett Warrior Program Growing Synergy - For a Healthy Haida Gwaii Economy
$65,000.00 $28,406.00 $59,245.00 $49,245.16 $54,252.00
SCHOOL DISTRICT #50 Youth Leadership Award
1 student
Highschool Bursaries
44 Bursaries
$45,000.00
STAYCATION
129 Grants
$52,576.53
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
36 Grants
$28,625.64
YOUTH GRANT Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission GidGalang Kuuyas Naay GidGalang Kuuyas Naay Village of Queen Charlotte
Annual Summer Camp Program 2021 Grad Trip FoodSafe Level 1 for Youth Queen Charlotte Youth Centre: Outdoor Empowerment
$10,000.00 $3,937.50 $1,552.50 $10,000.00
Skidegate Youth Centre Village of Queen Charlotte
Youth Music and Culture Queen Charlotte Youth Centre Staff
$10,000.00 $10,000.00
YOUTH CENTRED COMMUNITIES Village of Queen Charlotte Skidegate Youth Centre Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission Port Clements Historical Society
Queen Charlotte Youth Centre Operations 2021 Peer2Peer Support Staff Youth Centre at Gudangaay Tlaats'gaa Naay Secondary School Developing Virtual Tours for Port Clements Museum
$10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
HAIDA LANGUAGE
$500.00
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People are like trees, and groups of people are like the forests. While the forests are composed of many different kinds of trees, these trees intertwine their roots so strongly that it is impossible for the strongest winds which blow on our islands to uproot the forest, for each tree strengthens its neighbour, and their roots are inextricably intertwined. In the same way the people of our Islands, composed of members of nations and races from all over the world, are beginning to intertwine their roots so strongly that no troubles will affect them. Just as one tree standing alone would soon be destroyed by the first strong wind which came along, so it is impossible for any person, any family or any community to stand alone against the troubles of this world. Chief Skidegate – Lewis Collinson, March 1966 This quote has served as a long-standing reminder to the Trust and its directors of the importance of unity and consensus.
P.O. Box 588, Masset, B.C. V0T 1M0 162 Raven Ave, Gaw Tlagée Old Massett Phone: 1-800-663-2388 • 250-626-3654
gwaiitrust.com
P.O. Box 1257, Skidegate, B.C. V0T 1S1 226 Front Street, HlGaagilda Skidegate Phone: 1-877-559-8883 • 250-559-8883
Image: Connected Realm, Mayryanne Wettlaufer. Oil on canvas, 64" x 36"