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I am a member of the Eagle Clan of the Haida Nations of Haida Gwaii, or as the Europeans named it, the Queen Charlotte Islands.  My clan is the Tsiij git’anee.   We are matrilineal so we introduce ourselves by saying who our mothers and grandmothers are.  My great grandmother was Susan Yakwosh.  My grandmother, who passed away  when my mother was only a few months old, was Maria Kilthdlaiga.  My mother is Freda Courtney, previously Bagshaw, nee Jones.    In the haida tradition, if you are born to a Haida woman, you are Haida.  

  My artwork has allowed me to learn of my Haida heritage and also to see myself in a different light.    It is pride of my Haida heritage which makes me strive to put my best efforts into my artwork.  I am proud to be a Haida woman!

Although I was denied my Haida Culture growing up, in retrospect, I realize that I did learn much of the Haida tradition from my mother.  No...a name has never been passed on down to me, and no, I don't know the Haida language or the dances, but as I  looked back on my childhood I realize my mom has given me the most valuable and precious gifts.  She has given me the gift of acceptance and tolerance to differences, to treat all living things with respect, to look beyond the obvious, and to be grateful and love this journey I am on.
 Thank you mom.....I love you!!!!!

Five generations of Strong Haida Women

Susan (t'a.angee)  Yakwosh	Nonnie Maria Kilthdlaiga	My mom Freda Courtnay	Carol  Young, Bagshaw	My daughter Alisa Bagshaw