"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 WILLIAMS-DAVIDSON
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson is a unique voice for indigenous cultures. She is a Haida musician, author, activist, artist, and lawyer, 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.
Born and raised in Haida Gwaii, Terri-Lynn has dedicated herself to the continuation of Haida culture. 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.
A citizen of, and General Counsel to, the Haida Nation, Terri-Lynn has practiced in Indigenous-environmental law since she was called to the BC Bar in 1996. She has represented the Haida Nation at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada in litigation to protect the old growth forests of Haida Gwaii, the Haida case that is the leading case on consultation and accommodation of Indigenous rights. At White Raven Law Corporation, she is counsel for the Haida Nation’s aboriginal title case, as well as the related reconciliation negotiations—which have resulted in innovation agreements with British Columbia and Canada—as well as other litigation such as successfully challenging the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project, and injunctive relief for herring.
Terri-Lynn is an Honourary Director of Ecojustice, a member of the Law Society of British Columbia’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Advisory Committee, and an Affiliated Research Scholar with Canada Climate Law Initiative. Her honours include the People’s Choice Andrew Thompson Award for lifetime contributions to environmental protection and sustainability (2014), and a Courage in Law Award from the Indigenous Law Students Association at Allard Law School (2018). Her recognition includes Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2020 in the category of “Changemakers”, and in 2021 she ranked 21 on Maclean’s “Power List” recognizing 50 Canadians who are breaking ground in their field. She is a scholar in Indigenous Laws at Allard Law School, pursuing her Masters of Law.
Her 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.
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” and the “Haida Box of Knowledge: Guidance from Supernatural Sisters”.
Awards & Honours
Ranked #21 on MacLean’s 2021 “Power List”, which recognizes 50 Canadians who are breaking ground in their field.
Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers of 2020 in the category of “Changemakers”
“Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii” children’s book nominated for 2020 - 2021 Red Cedar Book Awards
"Courage in Law" Award, 2018, from the Indigenous Law Students Association at the UBC Allard Law School.
Winner of the 2014 Andrew Thompson Award | Awarded at West Coast Environmental Law’s 40th Anniversary event, included a judge’s choice – awarded by a panel of judges – and a people’s choice selected by over 6000 votes cast on-line.
Featured on the May 2012 cover of The Advocate magazine | Published by the Vancouver Bar Association
‘Have a Light Heart on Your New Journey’ reached No 2 on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown 2012 and was on this chart for almost 40 weeks
Featured in Turtle Island’s 2012 book ‘IN Tune’ to encourage reluctant readers, promote literacy and connect aboriginal youth with music industry careers
Winner Best Female Artist | 2011 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards
2011 Cited as one of the top 10 most Influential Indigenous Albums of 2011 by RPM Indigenous Music Culture
Winner Best Female Traditional, Cultural Roots Award | 2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards
Winner Keeper of Traditions Special Honour Award | 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards
Exhibits & Performances
2020 - Bill Reid Gallery, “Out of Concealment - Female Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii” exhibit, Oct. 2019 - June 2020.
2018 - Genesis Theatre Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson performs with Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence, joined by Jodi Proznick on bass, and Saffron Henderson and Camille Henderson on background vocals.
2018 - Terri-Lynn performs with Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence at the July 1st Surrey Canada Day Celebration, an event with over 100,000 people.
2017 - Haida Gwaii Museum, “Out of Concealment - Female Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii” exhibit, June - December 2017.
2012 - Featured Main Stage performer at Victoria BC’s Canada Day celebration
2012 - Featured performer at Music BC Charitable Foundation Gala Fundraising Concert, where Terri-Lynn collaborated for the first time with Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence
2011 - Performer at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards ceremony, Toronto, Ontario
