A Haida Wedding

Synopsis:

A visual and cultural celebration of a traditional Haida wedding ceremony, exploring its roots, rituals, symbolism, joyfulness, and contemporary significance for a thriving Indigenous Nation.

In 1996, Terri-Lynn Williams and Robert Davidson celebrated their wedding with a traditional ceremony, the first in over a century that was legalized under Haida law. This book provides an intimate photographic window into that momentous day and marks the resurgence of a tradition that was nearly lost to colonial forces.

Relying on recorded knowledge their ancestors had shared with ethnographers and anthropologists, and the few details living Elders could recall about the tradition of guud ‘iina Gihl (“becoming married”) in the time before the arrival of Christian missionaries, the couple carefully planned out a seven-part celebration. It involved a canoe procession, ceremony, feast, dancing, and dowry payment, signifying the coming together of two people, two families, and two clans. The occasion is lovingly and painstakingly recounted through imagery and text in this fascinating tribute to a resilient culture and the unbreakable bonds of love and family.

Reviews
"With photographs and prose, the authors share about a Haida ceremony that has not taken place for 100 years. Under the Indian Act, the government outlawed First Nations ceremonies for 66 years, so when Robert and Terri-Lynn decided to get married they chose to revitalize the traditional ceremony of marriage. This story contains the seven steps of guud ‘inna Gihl, which translates to becoming married. This began with Robert seeking permission to marry Terri-Lynn, a great deal of planning, and making connections with Ancestors and Elders. Many decisions came from researching the recordings of ethnographers and anthropologist. When Terry-Lynn and Rober were unsure of the information, they would go to Elders and community Knowledge Keepers. The couple took a great deal of care in honouring the Ancestors while also making parts relevant to today." - Meredith R., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 8 to 12 for Family Studies and Social Studies.

Includes a Glossary of Haida vocabulary.

Additional Information
128 pages | 8.75" x 10.50"| Hardcover