Yesterday we stopped by the Canadian Embassy to see the “Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Black Canoe” by British Columbia Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998). The sculpture was featured on Canadian $20 bills between 2004 and 2012.

This work of art shows a traditional Haida cedar dugout canoe that totals six meters in length. The canoe carries the following passengers: Raven, the traditional trickster of Haida mythology, holding the steering oar; Mouse Woman, crouched under Raven's tail; Grizzly Bear, sitting at the bow and staring toward Raven; Bear Mother, Grizzly's human wife; their cubs, Good Bear (ears pointed forward) and Bad Bear (ears pointed back); Beaver, Raven's uncle; Dogfish Woman; Eagle; Frog; Wolf, claws imbedded in Beaver's back and teeth in Eagle's wing; a small human paddler in Haida garb known as the Ancient Reluctant Conscript; and, at the sculpture's focal point, the human Shaman (or Kilstlaai in Haida), who wears the Haida cloak and woven spruce root hat and holds a tall staff carved with images of Seabear, Raven and Killer Whale.

Thanks to both Raymond and David, who suggested I go see this powerful sculpture. I wouldn’t have even known it existed if they hadn’t alerted me to it.

‘Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Black Canoe’ (1), posted earlier: