‘Indelible Lands’ is a limited edition image from the mountains of Haida Gwaii. During an immersive personal journey accompanying my chosen Uncle, Des (Sihlgyang) and his family to return to his homeland, Haida Gwaii. Des’s birth mother put him up for adoption so he had the opportunity for a better life. At this time, the Canadian government was extending its colonial influence and beginning a process of forced adoption, taking indigenous children and placing them with non-indigenous families and residential schools. This era is known as the 60s Scoop. Residential schools were a horrendous situation where may children were severely abused and many times killed. It was only a few years ago the genocide was acknowledged by the Canadian government when mass graves of children were found at many of these schools.

Colonization silenced the Haida and their traditions, separated families and decimated their lands. This journey home for Des, powered by the indelible force of reunion represents the lasting and immovable connection to homeland, culture and blood right. During this recent trip when this photo was captured, Des received his Haida name, Sihlgyang, meaning ‘came back’ – a powerful gift for his adoption journey.

In the past 50 years, the Haida people have had an incredible resurgence in culture and reconnection with tradition - with artist Robert Davidson’s famed totem pole rising in 1969 helping ignite the path. The land continues to return to what it is and always should be – Haida Gwaii (land of the Haida). With the most recent victory being an agreement between The Haida Nation and the Province of British Columbia recognizing Haida Aboriginal title to all of Haida Gwaii. The beauty and power of this scene is impossible to erase or forget and my time spent here will forever impact me.