Guujaaw is a traditional singer, wood carver, traditional medicine practitioner and political activist. He is a Haida, of the Raven Clan of Skedans.
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Beginning in the 1970s, Guujaaw worked to protect Gwaii Haanas from logging activity. He was in the forefront of the fight for the protection of Gwaii Haanas (South Moresby) and took part in the blockades of logging operations at Lyell Island in the mid 1980s.[1] He had worked as an assistant to Haida carver Bill Reid. Guujaaw participated in the revival of Haida songs and dances[2] and other dying arts such as the building of canoes, longhouses and Coppers. Some of his totem poles are on display in Indonesia and Japan.[3][4]
He was elected President of Haida Nation in 2000. His council filed one of the first Aboriginal Title Cases which is before the courts and has already moved Aboriginal Law through the "Haida Taku" Case.[5]
In June 2006, he was awarded with the Buffett Award for Indigenous Leadership, on July 19 in Portland, Oregon in recognition of his longstanding engagement for the political, cultural and environmental advancement of the Haida nation.[6] The same month he showcased Haida Culture at the First International Forum of United Indigenous Peoples, held in Pau, France.[7]
In 2008, his engagement for the Black Bear population endemic to Haida Gwaii was featured in an award-winning CTV documentary.[8]