The power of the Internet is undeniably strong and tends to be a first point of reference when trying to learn about anything. Whether or not that’s a good thing I don’t know but it’s a fact. I have been looking at many band websites over the course of this course and I’m happy to say that I think Haisla.ca is definitely on the right track. Like many websites it’s difficult to maintain especially when you’re first starting out but I think this site has great bones. You can see there’s multimedia capabilities, forum capabilities, a newsletter etc. There are also links to local artists and their work, the local Haisla-run radio station and its archives, as well as links to important documents pertaining to things like treaty negotiations. The news and events are kept up-to-date and there are specific calls to action such as youth events and Council meetings etc. It’s not perfect by any stretch but I myself think it’s wonderful to see the Haisla maintaining authority over this space in cyberspace.

This film, Totem: the Return of the G’psgolox Pole, is such a wonderful story and example of respect and cross cultural collaboration. I know from speaking to people in this community what an important moment it was for the Haisla and how much respect and healing resulted from the entire process. In addition to this film, you have to love how comprehensive a resource the NFB site is, for First Nation subject matter and beyond. Yes, as taxpayers it often seems we have to pay dearly to be Canadian, but cultural resources like this one make it seem worth it.