Taan Forest Hosts Open House
On June 24, 2025, Taan Forest hosted an Open House in Gaw Tlagée Old Massett at Sarah’s Longhouse. The event was well attended in both the afternoon and evening sessions.
The open house had 6 staffed discussion tables, each focusing on a different aspect of Taan’s work. To help make technical forestry topics more approachable, and to give participants a chance to share their experiences and thoughts, we asked participants open-ended questions at each table. We listened carefully and took note of all input provided.
At the Cultural Values table, Dang K’uuk ‘liwaangaa Doug White explained his work as a Council of the Haida Nation Certified Cultural Features Identification Surveyor. He spoke about how he identifies the cultural features in the forest and how they are protected under the Haida Gwaii Land Use Order Objectives (HGLUOO). Dang K’uuk ‘liwaangaa noted that some people were unaware that Haida trails and their markers are identified and protected.
The Water Services table, hosted by Charlie Richards and Jeff Mosher, focused on water quality and the importance and protection of riparian corridors. They wanted to hear from attendees how Taan Forest could improve its practices and what community members would like to see when it comes to protecting rivers and streams.
At the Natural Forest Structure table, James Hageman and Drew Cook highlighted Taan Forest’s riparian restoration work. They shared how forests logged between the 1930s-1990s have become overgrown with dense and spindly spruce/hemlock trees where it is hard for birds and animals to thrive. With support from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation partnership, Forest Enhancement of BC, Forest Investment Program – and with a crew from Gaw Tlagée - Taan Forest has been working to return these to more natural old-growth-like Riparian Forests that better support wildlife.
Bill Crocker led the Conservation Area Network table, where he explained how Taan Forest incorporates connectivity into forestry planning. The includes linking areas with high Cultural Values (Cedar Stewardship Areas, forest reserves and riparian buffers etc.) and ensuring they connect with Parks, Protected Areas and Conservancies. This work also supports Taan Forest’s FSC® Certification, which goes above the HGLUOO.
At the FSC® table, Orrin Quinn and Amy Willox from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) shared how the organisation is actively testing and developing new methods to better recognise and protect cultural values within and around forests, with a strong focus on Indigenous Peoples' rights and leadership. FSC® is especially interested in learning from the Haida Nation on how we identify cultural features, important places and how engage the community.
As we wrapped up the open house, everyone gathered together for the door prize draws.
David Adams - $500
Sean White $250
Christian White $100
Judy Smith $100
We are truly grateful for all who came out, especially knowing how busy this time of year is. A special háw’aa thank you to the youth who asked questions and shared their thoughts. You are the future caretakers of the land.
Háw’aa to all that came.