Green Plan
Our philosophy: blue is the new green
If we're going to talk the talk, we'd better walk the walk. Gaaysiigang will be both a green forum
and a people friendly forum.
Reducing Impact
• Green venue - The forum is being held at the locally owned and operated Haida Heritage Centre
at Kaay Llnagaay, an environmental building boasting a green roof, partial geo-thermal heating,
locally processed Haida Gwaii wood, lots of natural light, natural grounds, etc.
• Less paper – by using digital media, we aim to reduce the amount of paper required to
prepare for, promote and present this forum
• Free bus service from Massett to Skidegate on January 23rd and 24th
Click here for bus service schedule
• Less “disposables” – Real plates, cups, cutlery etc. will be used for lunch and snacks. We are avoiding
individual packaging of drinks, foods, etc. Tap water will be offered instead of bottled water.
Reusing Resources
• Real plates, Real cutlery –plates, dishes, cups, bowls and cutlery will be provided for lunch and other food breaks.
• Beautiful tote bags made by local artist April Churchill (made from locally gathered recycled fabrics) will be given
to forum attendees as part of their registration package.
• Forum posters, invitations and newspaper inserts have been printed on recycled FSC approved paper.
Recycling the Rest
• If it cannot be reduced or reused, recycling bins will be available on the grounds.
• Extra food is always taken home by guests
• Food scraps will be brought to the beach for the birds and fish to enjoy
• If we find ourselves having to use some disposables, we will use biodegradable wooden cutlery and paper plates.
We're friendly and happy
• Childcare will be provided (space is limited; pre-registration required)
• Lunch and breaks – Delicious and healthy food options will be provided to forum attendees for both days
(seafood & vegetarian menu)
• Dinner will be provided on Friday, January 23rd.
• Health breaks – if you are interested, optional lunchtime activities include a paddle in a Haida canoe or
a guided walk on the Spirit Lake trail. Too rainy or cold for you? You can also take a free tour of the Haida
Gwaii Museum or watch short films about fisheries on the east coast of Canada.
• Local & organic - Wherever possible we are purchasing local and organic
• Community outreach – Not everyone can or will attend this forum. In order to reach as much of our Island
community as possible, we’ve organized other free events to get people thinking and talking about the ocean:
Family Film Nights, an Ocean Art Show, a Seafood Dinner, visits to school groups, and specialized workshops
following the forum.
What can you do?
• Seafood dinner - please bring your own cups, plates, bowls and cutlery. Out of town guests – we’ll provide you
with your own.
• Transportation - If you are not on the “bus route,” we suggest sharing a ride or, if it’s nice out,
walk or bike! Flying here? If you are flying, we encourage participants to also donate to one of your local
environmental organizations.
• Attend the forum - A healthy ocean is needed to support a healthy community, and community dialogue is needed to
support marine planning on Haida Gwaii.