Gina’s Story in Photos
My mother Elsie was a Moody from Waglisla, and Georgina’s Grandfather was Woyala. She was Heltsuk. I loved it when we would visit Grandpa, I only knew him as Grandpa. No one told me that my grandpa was the Head Chief. To me, he was someone who could make me laugh. I loved driving in his truck with him. We would drive all over Waglisla when we would visit home, such good times. I miss him and Grandma.
My dad, George, was a Namgis man from Alert Bay, although born a Prevost, Sam Henderson raised him as one of his boys. Dad was a fisherman. I grew up as a fisherman’s daughter. From all accounts, I took to the water instantly, I do remember vividly how being out on the boat was my favourite place to be. Being out on the seining grounds, with all the other boats all trying to be in the sweet spot was wild. Both my brothers were deckhands on Dad’s boat.
From a very early age, I loved my culture, the art, the masks, the regalia, the songs and the dances. I loved to dance and did so every chance I got. I was always interested in all kinds of art. As a teen, I loved drawing with both pencil and pencil crayons. I still love drawing with coloured pencils as they allow you to add so much detail.
I met and married Bud Logan, who was another local artist when I was twenty. At this time I began to bead and it was so captivating that the creative juices flowed freely. I was initially working with the loom to create panels, but I found my greatest pleasure in free beading. I now create a variety of earrings, as well as beaded dolls, and necklaces along with the panels. Quite often, I joined Bud in his art shows.
In the early 90s, Bud and I were invited to join the dance troupe, “A Box of Treasures”. The troupe was the dream of Winadzi (Simon Danial James). We joined. Bud was the lead drummer and narrator. I was one of the dancers. We performed at many venues. we danced at the Commonwealth Games art show in Victoria where Bud was one of 10 artists chosen from across Canada to show his stuff. Our dance troupe had the pleasure of being the opening act for the Inuit singer, Susan Aglukark on two occasions. All in all, working with the troupe was a very special time.
Bud and I love to hike, and we live in Sayward where some of the best hiking around can be found here. Bud still thinks nothing of going into the high country. I on the other hand find the lower trails are my speed these days. Luckily there are so many island trails that can easily be hiked by those of us who want to enjoy nature without the struggle.
Thank You for visiting and reading my story.