“Journey of Song” Series 1 Episode 8

Songs remain one of the strongest links to the nearly extinct Haida language. Three women explain how art is linked to songs and language and how all are intertwined with Haida culture. Terri Lynne Davidson is re-learning the ancestral songs once sung by her Nonnie (grandmother in Haida), an exploration that brings the singer closer to her heritage and to Haida art, history and lineage. Nika Collison and Irene Mills work together to learn their people's ancient and sacred songs. They delve into the meaning of Haida dances, highlighting the significance of crests on blankets and the songs to which they are connected. The pair also share the conviction that masks were not originally carved to hang on walls, but to be used in performance and ceremony. Together these three women reveal the vitality that can come from a journey of song.

Shot on British Columbia's rugged northwest coast, Ravens and Eagles: Haida Art delves into the roots of traditional Haida art and traces the genesis of today's generation of Haida carvers, singers, dancers, weavers and performers. Over two series, Ravens and Eagles explores some of the wider historical and political issues of the repatriation of Haida artifacts, the vital potlatch ceremony once declared illegal by the Canadian government, and the fight to preserve old growth forest on Haida land. Created by Haida filmmaker Marianne Jones and Jeff Bear, Ravens and Eagles approaches Haida art and culture from the Haida perspective.

Produced by: Jeff Bear, Marianne Jones, Ravens and Eagles Productions