Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson is a multi-disciplinary artist whose career spans over 45 years. She is a singer, speaker, scholar, author, artist, Indigenous activist, and law professional who has worked passionately to preserve the Haida songs and language of her culture.
A unique voice for Indigenous cultures, she is well-known for her work in Indigenous-environmental law and as a recognized keeper of traditions. Deep on the front lines of Indigenous Rights, her work strives to open new vistas to her audiences rooted in Indigenous world views, Haida language and laws, music and oral traditions, and branches out to explore their relevance to contemporary society.
She is a partner of Raven Calling Productions, an entertainment company that shares and showcases Haida traditions and focuses on bridging cultures and people of different backgrounds. She sees her work as part of a larger movement to encourage people to work together respectfully and reach long-lasting reconciliation of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples.
The traditional Haida songs her centenarian great-grandmother sang have motivated and been a beacon throughout her life, leading her to help preserve a legacy of Haida music through the Haida Gwaii Singers Society.
gid7ahl-Gudsllaay lalaxaaygans
Above is Terri-Lynn's Haida name. "Lalaxaaygans" was given to her by her maternal great-grandmother, centenarian and song custodian Susan Williams. It is an ancient Haida name that can be best translated as “Beautiful Sound”.
"gid7ahl-gudsllaay" was the name held by her great-grandmother.
"Gaadaal dyaas" is a name given to her by Elder GwaaGanad, DianBrowne, and she has translated it as "High Woman Waiting In A Canoe".
“Learning the Haida language through Haida songs led to an interest in ceremonies, medicines, and other cultural knowledge. I learned that the songs come from the land, and are a reflection of the land. From this basis, I was inspired to become a lawyer to protect the land. All are connected.”
Terri-Lynn’s cultural resurgence efforts include illustrating a children’s book, sharing traditional dance and songs, and recording for film and television. She is a multiple award-winning singer for her work with Haida Gwaii Singers Society and Raven Calling Productions, including a Keepers of Traditions Award, Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album, and Best Female Artist. In 2017 she released a CD “Grizzly Bear Town” with Canadian music icons, Claire Lawrence, and Bill Henderson of the rock band Chilliwack. It seeks to build bridges of understanding, respectfully blending ancient and contemporary knowledge and music.
Her most recent publication is “A Haida Wedding”, released in January 2024. In 2017, she released the book “Out of Concealment: Female Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii” (forwards by Wade Davis and Gwaganad, Diane Brown) and a multi-media exhibition at the Haida Gwaii Museum, that was also exhibited at the Bill Reid Gallery (2019). She is also co-author of “Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii” (2019) and the “Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii Colouring and Activity Book” (2022), as well as “Haida Box of Knowledge: Guidance from Supernatural Sisters” (2019)
For Terri-Lynn’s full law bio, please visit the White Raven Law website.
Artist Statement
Terri-Lynn as “Cedar Sister”, one of Haida Gwaii’s female Supernatural Beings. Photo by Farah Nosh
Contributing to the preservation of the Haida culture and language is my life’s work. In Haida culture, customs, beliefs, and history were passed down orally through narratives, songs, and dances. I like the idea of blending modern media and ancient traditions to address contemporary challenges, in a way that appeals to people of all ages and cultures. To me this is an important part of how Haida language and tradition is shared and perpetuated.
We live in a time where we need to look at how we can change, to become beings that live in harmony with each other and with the earth. In fact, our survival may depend upon our transformation. Transformation is embraced as a spiritual, powerful, necessary force in Indigenous life, a common theme in traditional oral narratives, which also contains important knowledge for human conduct. Now, more than ever, we need to look at how we can take responsibility not just for who we are, but who (or what) we can become.
Many Canadians have become aware of the cycle of injustice against Indigenous Peoples, as well as the richness of Indigenous cultures, both past and present. This solidarity brings excitement and pride to my work, furthering exploration that celebrates Indigenous culture, and the interlocking of culture.
Terri-Lynn’s Regalia
Photo courtesy of Lisa Fryett and Kein Bradley
Rainbow Cape
Raven’s Tail is an ancient weave from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America that Cheryl Samuel (Terri-Lynn’s teacher) spearheaded bringing back into being. She researched robes and fragments of robes, contained in museums throughout the world and wrote the seminal book “The Raven’s Tail”.
Raven’s Tail weavings are made entirely with finger manipulation, rather than with the assistance of any moving loom parts. The design elements are bold and graphic, such as the “Ancestor” pattern highlighted in the red and black tunic and leggings woven by Kay Field Parker.
The “Rainbow Robe” and “Night Rainbow” apron were both woven by Cheryl Samuel and integrate both Raven’s Tail and Nakiin weaving techniques. The rainbow is a crest of Terri-Lynn’s clan from Skedans and was worn by the “Chief of the Raven Supernatural Beings” when attending potlatches. The Ancestor and Rainbow outfits are both gifts from her husband, renowned artist Robert Davidson.
Spruce Root Hat
The spruce root hat that Terri-Lynn wears was woven by internationally renowned Haida weaver, Isabel Rorick. The hat contains Isabel’s signature weave of three concentric circles at the top, symbolizing her three sons. Robert Davidson painted the hat with two of Terri-Lynn’s crests, the Rainbow and Mountain Goat. It was also a gift from Terri-Lynn’s husband, Robert Davidson.
Performances
2023
Skidegate Community Hall, Haida Solstice SGaanaGwa concert, Skidegate, BC.
Howard Phillips Hall, Haida Solstice SGaanaGwa concert, Massett, BC.
Port Theatre, SGaanaGwa concert, Nanaimo, BC.
2022
Vancouver Folk Festival, SGaanaGwa concert, Vancouver, BC.
University of Victoria, Everything is Connected: Songs, relationships, and Indigenous worldviews – A music education conference, sGaanaGwa Trio guest performance, Victoria, BC.
2021
Sid Williams Theatre, SGaanaGwa concert, Courtenay, BC.
2019
Bill Reid Gallery, Out of Concealment exhibition opening performance, Vancouver BC.
Ryga Arts Festival, Interweaving concert, Summerland, BC.
Vancouver Island University Chancellor’s Dinner honouring Haida Elders, Honour Song, Victoria, BC.
International Listening Association AGM, performance, Vancouver, BC.
Museum of Anthropology, Indigenous Music from Hokkaido & BC, concert and performance with Ainu singers, Vancouver, BC.
2018
Genesis Theatre, concert, Delta, BC.
The Metropolitan Museum, Native America exhibition opening performance, New York NY.
Surrey Fusion Festival, performance, Surrey, BC.
Surrey Canada Day, Main Stage and Maple Leaf Stage performances, Surrey, BC.
Bill Reid Gallery, gallery re-opening solo performance, Vancouver, BC.
Brackendale Art Gallery, concert, Brackendale, BC.
2017
Blue Frog, West Coast Spirit Tour, White Rock, BC.
Alix Goolden Hall, West Coast Spirit Tour, Victoria, BC.
Cultch Historic Theatre, Grizzly Bear Town album release, Vancouver, BC.
Grizzly Bear Town album release, Skidegate, Haida Gwaii.
Grizzly Bear Town album release, Massett, Haida Gwaii.
2015
Gordon Smith Gallery of Art, performance, North Vancouver, BC.
2012
Vogue Theatre, Music BC Charitable Foundation fundraising concert, Vancouver, BC.
Canada Day Celebration, Featured Main Stage Performer, Victoria, BC.
2011
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards Ceremony, performance, Toronto, ON
Edge of the World Music Festival, Tlell, Haida Gwaii.
2009
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards Ceremony, Hamilton, ON
2002
Chan Centre, “Call to the Ancestors”, The Spirit Concert, including the Bach Choir, Vancouver Symphony, Karen Jamieson Dance Company, Rainbow Creek Dancers and Bruce Cockburn, Vancouver, BC.
1996
Dance performances with Rainbow Creek Dancers throughout Canada, the US, and internationally.
1979
Performances at Indigenous potlatches and ceremonies, throughout BC and USA.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2021
Comox Valley Art Gallery, Tlgaa K’aaysguuXan SGaanaGwas | The Supernatural Realm; SGaan Tlagée | Land of Supernatural Beings, Courtenay, BC.
2019
Bill Reid Gallery, Out of Concealment, Vancouver, BC.
2017
Haida Gwaii Museum, Out of Concealment, Haida Gwaii.
Group Exhibitions
2022
Libby Leshgold Gallery, “Meymey’em / Ripple”, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Vancouver BC.
2018
Resilience, artworks by 50 Indigenous Women on billboards coast to coast, Canada.
2016
Loungeworks Pop Up Gallery, Testify, Vancouver, BC; travelled to Nanaimo, BC; Toronto, ON; Montreal, QC; Victoria, BC.
Public Studio, What We Lose in Metrics, Art Gallery of York University, Toronto, ON.
2013
Bill Reid Gallery, RezErect: Native Erotica, Vancouver, BC.
Awards & Recognition
2023
Indigenous Leadership Award. Ecotrust
2022
Top Recommended Reads for Magical Beings. TD Summer Reading Club.
2020
BC Young Readers’ Choice Award, shortlisted. Magical Beings. Red Cedar Book Award.
First Nation Communities READ Awards, longlisted. Magical Beings.
2017
George Ryga Award, longlisted. Out of Concealment.
2015
Traditional copper, Wigaanad, Hereditary Chief of the Haida Nation (coppers are one of the highest honours in the Haida Nation, generally reserved to Hereditary Chiefs).
2012
#2 on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown for almost 40 weeks, for “Have a Light Heart on Your New Journey,” from New Journeys.
2011
Best Female Artist, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Best Folk/Acoustic CD, nominated. New Journeys album, Aboriginal Peoples’ Choice Music Awards.
Single of the year, nominated. “Call to the Ancestors,” New Journeys, Aboriginal Peoples’ Choice Music Awards.
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year, nominated. New Journeys, Canadian Folk Music Awards.
World Solo Artist of the Year, nominated. New Journeys, Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Nominated for three awards. New Journeys, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Nominated for an award. New Journeys, Western Canada Music Award.
Nominated for two awards. New Journeys, Native American Music Awards.
Top 10 Most Influential Indigenous Albums of 2011. New Journeys, RPM Indigenous Music Culture.
2009
Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album, winner. Lalaxaaygans: Beautiful Sound, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
2008
Keepers of Traditions, winner. Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Radio & Television
2024
Bear, Jeff, and Marianne Jones. Petroglyphs to Pixels. Urban Rez Productions., in association with APTN with the support of the Canada Media Fund (forthcoming).
2024
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” January 14th.
2023
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” December 17th.
2022
Telus Talks – Podcast with Tamara Taggart, May 17th.
2019
ELMNT FM – “Moment of Truth with David Moses,” December 5th.
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” October 27th.
2017
Roundhouse Radio 98.3, August 30th
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” August 27th.
CITR Radio – Interview, August 18th
CBC Radio – Interview, June 16th.
Ladies First CHUO – “Step Into the Light with Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson,” October 22nd.
2016
Roundhouse Radio 98.3 – “Sense of Place,” March 3rd.
2015
Marchfelder, Bruce. Haida Gwaii: Restoring the Balance. Documentary. Syniad Innovations, University of British Columbia; Telus Optik Local.
2014
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” June 21st.
CTV – “First Story,” April 20th.
2011
APTN – “Music Making Haida Language Universal,” September 9th.
CKUA Radio – “World Spinning”
Shaw TV – “The Fanny Keifer Show,” June 22nd.
CBC Radio – “North by Northwest,” May 25th.
2002
Bear, Jeff, and Marianne Jones. Ravens and Eagles: Journey of Song. Raven and Eagles Productions Ltd., with the support of Telefilm Canada.
1999
Mimbres Fever Productions. Keeping the Spirit Alive. Documentary broadcast on PBS.
1994
Welsh, Christine. Keepers of the Fire. Documentary. Omni Film Productions and the National Film Board of Canada.
1989
Wisnicki, Nina. I called Her Lootaas. Documentary. William Reid Ltd.