Board of Directors

The Rediscovery T'aalan Stl'ang program operates as a non-profit society and has been active since 1978. Its governance comprises an eight-member Board of Directors, convening no fewer than twelve times annually to oversee the RTS Executive Director. Funding for RTS is entirely sourced through proposal writing and fundraising efforts.

Rosemary Hart

Chair/President

Adopted member (1996) of Gakyaal Kiigawaay Skedans Clan, given the name Xidgwang Jaad (Flying Woman). I had 4 children with Chief 7idansuu, all have participated in Rediscovery Camps. A lifetime of summers living on a small isolated island off the grid has taught me the importance of being connected to our family, history, the land, ocean, tides, and the weather. Our safety and survival depend on sharing this knowledge. Rediscovery at T’aalan Stl’ang facilitates learning to live a healthy life while connecting youth and families to Haida culture, and each other. Participants find themselves, their voices, learning yahguudang (respect), instilling awareness knowledge and confidence, consistency, dedication and enthusiasm, to grow into who they really are! I believe strong minds and strong bodies are the tools for the Haida future ahead. I am honoured to serve on the board for Rediscovery, the philosophy is so true to my heart.

James Hart

Director

Jim was born in 1952 in Dal Kaahlii, Masset, son of Joan (nee White) and Jim Hart Sr. Once discovering Haida art and his culture in the last year of high school, he became captivated and forever turned on. Jim coming from a long line of important carvers and Chiefs continues the legacy. He has received many different awards throughout his career as a Haida artist. Working in different mediums Jim carries on with great enthusiasm inspired by his ancestors and culture.

Since its inception in 1978 Rediscovery T'aalan Stl'ang has been a notably life-changing experience for all participants. It provides the opportunity to reconnect through cultural and community teachings. The goal is to continue Rediscovery T'alaan Stl'ang with all it has to offer for everyone.

Sáandlanee T’ak’an Jáadas (Diana White)

Director

Sáandlanee T’ak’an Jáadas hánuu xaad kihl ga díi kyaang, my Haida name is Granddaughter of the Dawn. Diana White hánuu díi kyaang, my English name is Diana White. Yahgu’Janaas gaagang. Gaw Tlagée sdu díi ‘isgaagang. I was born in Masset, and raised in Old Massett, Haida Gwaii.

She is deeply rooted in her family’s Haida traditions, where cultural expression through art, song, and dance is a way of life. Her ancestry is rooted in a rich legacy of Master Carvers and Weavers.

Diana is dedicated to passing down these traditions to the younger generation, fostering growth, learning, and a connection to their cultural heritage.

In addition to her work with the Tluu Xaadaa Naay Society, Diana serves with the Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace, supporting women who are fleeing violence, seeking recovery, or experiencing homelessness. This role is a heartfelt mission, as she offers guidance and compassionate support to those in need.

Diana's commitment to cultural preservation extends beyond her professional roles. With over seven years of volunteering experience with Rediscovery T’aalan Stl’ang, she has honed valuable skills in cultural traditions, communication, and community problem-solving. Her work bridges generations, addressing intergenerational trauma and fostering cultural reconnection through traditional practices, land stewardship, and a profound respect for nature’s significance.

Embracing her responsibilities with deep respect, Diana’s passion for the arts and commitment to cultural continuity align seamlessly with the values of the Haida Nation. She is wholeheartedly dedicated to creating, learning, and preserving the living legacy of her ancestors, empowering her community every step of the way.

"Our children are the future of our people, and we honour them as sacred. We are committed to nurturing their growth, teaching them the ways of our ancestors, and providing them with the wisdom and strength to live in harmony with the land, the sea, and all our relations."

Laanas (Tamara Davidson)

Director

Tamara is a member of the Haida Nation and proudly serves as a Vancouver Regional Representative for the Council of the Haida Nation. She has worked in the federal public service for more than 25 years in the areas of land stewardship, strategic planning, community planning, visitor experience, and policy development, working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Indigenous Services Canada, and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site.

Previously, Tamara served as the co-chair for the Haida Gwaii/QCI Land Use Planning Process on behalf of the Council of the Haida Nation. Through her work in planning and policy development, she developed strong facilitation skills and a collaborative approach to conflict resolution. Tamara served on various boards over the years such as the First Peoples Heritage, Language, and Culture Council; the First People’s Foundation; and the Haida Enterprise Corporation. Currently, she serves as Secretary of the Board for the Rediscovery T’aalan Stl’ang Haida Gwaii Society. Tamara has also worked in property management for four years and managed more than 25 commercial/residential strata buildings in and around Vancouver.

Owen Jones

Director

I am a proud member of the Haida Nation born and raised in HlGaagilda (Skidegate). My parents are Teresa Adams and Clifford Jones Jr. I have been adopted into the Yaahglaanas clan in Massett, where I have lived and worked for the Haida Nation for the past 19 years. I was one of two original hires that started the Haida Mapping program with the CHN and have continued in that program with various titles and statuses throughout my career.

Although I've never attended Rediscovery, I did attend family camp for my daughter's first ever rediscovery experience. I've always known that rediscovery has and will continue to be important to our youth and culture. Since that time I've also gained a new understanding of the rediscovery program. I would like to utilize the skills I've learned to provide and support the program in visioning and strategizing, in the hopes of stabilizing our youths' cultural future.

Cynthia Samuels

Director

Guulee (Cynthia) is from the Ts’aahl laanas eagle clan. Daughter of Nora and the late Eugene Samuels. Guulee has three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Guulee is a former elected rep of both CHN & OMVC; employed by OMVC with experience in policy, HR and finance.

Guulee feels it important for all Haidas to be connected to our culture and values which is why ReDiscovery is so important now and generations to come.

Carrie Anne Vanderhoop

Director

Carrie Anne is Haida of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii. She belongs to the Gawa Git’ans, Massett Inlet Eagle clan. She is a weaver of Raven’s Tail and Naaxiin (Chilkat) northwest coast textiles. Her father is Aquinnah Wampanoag from Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) Massachusetts. She is a mother, aunty, weaver and educator. Carrie Anne is currently the Indigenous and Community Initiatives Manager at the Haida Gwaii Institute. Previously, she worked as the Curriculum Manager at the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health leading the development of the UBC 23 23 Indigenous Cultural Safety learning experience, which is required learning for students in 12 UBC
health science programs. She also serves on the Aboriginal Steering Committee at the UBC Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), the Board of Directors of the Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY) and the Board of Directors of the Rediscovery Taalan Stl'ang Haida Gwaii Society.
Carrie Anne has over 20 years of experience in teaching and education. She earned her BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied Comparative Literature and Sociology, and her Med from Harvard University.

Andrea Suffredine

Director

My name is Andrea Suffredine, I was born and raised on Haida Gwaii. I am currently working at the Old Massett Village Council in the finance department.
I am from the Git’nee clan. I have one son who attended Chief Matthews School. I was one of the lucky ones that got to attend T’aalan Stl’ang with the Chief Matthews students and families. I have to agree with Leslie Bellis, it truly is magical and I will treasure those memories forever.

I feel blessed to be able to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers who focus is to keep the T’aalan Stl’ang camp thriving while allowing youth and families to experience the Haida culture and the beautiful outdoors. I am looking forward to the upcoming season.