CHN Leads Bark Harvesting Field Day on Haida Gwaii

Taan Forest attended a meaningful field day on June 25, 2025, led by Council of the Haida Nation’s Lands Stewardship Director and master weaver Kung K_ayangas Marlene Liddle. The event brought together CHN departments and partners including the Ministry of Forests, Nature Conservancy Canada, HaiCo, and Taan for a day of cultural learning and connection to the land. 

The goal was to strengthen relationships between people and the land, and between departments and organizations that support stewardship on Haida Gwaii. 

In a Taan Forest block, the event focused on the traditional practice of harvesting bark - an integral part of Haida weaving and land-based knowledge. Under the guidance of Kung K_ayangas, and with support from her husband Mike Richard and Jonus Pollard, everyone attending learned the process step by step: from respectfully selecting the right stand and tree, to offering prayers of gratitude, to the technical skill of stripping bark in a way that allows the tree to continue growing and giving for future generations. Kung K_ayangas then guided the group through how to separate the outer and inner bark, preparing it for future use. 

What made the experience especially meaningful was the knowledge that the bark gathered would be used by Haida Elders at the Old Massett Village Council’s Adult Day Program.  

The teachings also offered a broader lesson in Haida stewardship: how each tree, carefully harvested today, becomes a Culturally Modified Tree - its future potentially as a source for carving a canoe or totem pole. These trees tell stories of careful use and deep respect across generations. 

For many in attendance, the experience was transformative. It reinforced how the forest sustains Haida culture—not only as a source of material, but as a living classroom. It was a reminder that, regardless of our roles - whether in government, conservation, or community enterprises - we are all responsible for protecting, learning from, and giving back to the land. 

Taan Forest and HaiCo expressed their deep gratitude for being invited to take part in this special day, calling it both an honor and a privilege. Hawaa | Háw’aa to the cooks and to the CHN First Aid attendants onsite: Travis Abrahams, Tim Davidson and Dakota Russ. 

Haida Laas will be sharing more on this event - follow the CHN’s Facebook page for updates and the full story.