So You Girls Remember That: Memories of a Haida Elder

Collected wisdoms, reflections and stories from Indigenous Elder Naanii Nora of the Haida Nation.

So You Girls Remember That is an oral history of a Haida Elder, Naanii Nora, who lived from 1902 to 1997. A collaborative effort, this project was initiated and guided by Charlie Bellis and supported and encouraged by Maureen McNamara and other community volunteers. The resulting book, compiled by Jenny Nelson, is a window into Nora's life and her family--from the young girl who "used to sing all the time" and was always bossing her brothers around, to stories of Nora's father born in a canoe travelling to the mainland, to days spent picking berries and afternoons canning and cooking--these are stories of childhood; of people and place, seasons and change; life stages and transitions such as moving and marriage; and Haida songs and meanings.

This book also contains the larger story of Nora's times, a representation of changing political relationships between Canada and the Haida people and a personal part of the Haida tale.

What ultimately shines through is Nora's singular and dynamic voice speaking with the wisdom of years. For example, on giving advice she says: "I like to give anybody advice because when you're young you don't know nothing on this world. What's coming; what's going ... You have to remember it's a steep hill; you're right on the top. You slide down anytime if you don't be careful."

This is a work of great generosity, expressing Nora's spirit of living--her joy, humour, spirituality and resourcefulness; her love of children, music and social life; her kindness, strong will and creativity; and her spirit that has nurtured a community and endures to this day.

Royalties will be donated to the Carl Hart Legacy Trust through the Haida Gwaii Community Foundation, to support the Rediscovery Camp at T'aalan Stl'ang.