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Golden Spruce

This print honors the memory and story of a Stika Spruce tree called Kiidk’yaas located on the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii. Due to a genetic variant, the tree lacked the same amount of chlorophyll that occurs in other spruces, giving it a golden hue.

Residents of Haida Gwaii told a story of a boy who was punished by being transformed into this tree due to his disrespect of his elders and of nature. His face can be seen as a reflection in the water.

In 1997 Kiidk’yaas was felled by a man attempting to protest the commercial logging industry. A memorial service was held for Kiidk’yaas the same year and served as the inspiration for this piece.