2024 Featured Project – $123,324 to the Skidegate Band Council for Looking Around and Blinking House Replacement
In 1985, a longhouse called “Looking Around and Blinking House” was built at Hlk’yah GawG̱a Windy Bay to house people during the Athlii Gwaii logging blockade. As the structure aged, safety concerns, functionality issues, and aesthetic wear became pressing challenges. Deteriorating wood led to holes in the perimeter baseboards, allowing rodents to enter freely. The original wooden floor, built with joists resting directly on the ground, along with sleeping benches around the perimeter, was slated for replacement with a full concrete slab and perimeter footing.
The Skidegate Band Council and Parks Canada worked closely together to repair and replace parts of Looking Around and Blinking House. By rebuilding with modern materials, the project aimed to improve safety, usability, and long-term cultural preservation. The Skidegate Band contributed cultural expertise and community engagement, ensuring the new structure honored Haida traditions and met local needs. Parks Canada provided technical support and resources to promote sustainability and regulatory compliance. Together, they combined their strengths to foster cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community development.
