Along with being a well-known lawyer representing the Haida Nation, in the area of environmental law, Terri-Lynn’s life’s work and passion has been to preserve Haida songs. Inspired by her great-grandmother and grandmother, she began promoting traditional Haida Songs at the age of 13. In 2008 she was honoured with a ‘Keeper of Traditions’ Canadian Aboriginal Music Award (CAMA) for her work on the Songs of Haida Gwaii Legacy Project, which preserved over 450 Haida songs. A singer, Terri-Lynn’s Haida name also became the name of her first CD of traditional Haida songs; ‘Lalaxaaygans: Beautiful Sound’, for which
she received the 2009 ‘Best Female Traditional | Cultural Roots’ CAMA award.
In 2011, Terri-Lynn was named Best Female Artist at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for her first CD of original compositions New Journeys, a collaboration with renowned classical composer Bruce Ruddell and her husband Robert Davidson, who wrote lyrics for some of the songs. Terri-Lynn creates music that is innovative and healing, combining ancient Haida words with beautiful contemporary soundscapes. Motivated to share her culture with a wider audience, and bring renewal to her ancestral language, the CD bridges traditional with contemporary and has been acknowledged with many awards nominations and recognition since its release in 2011.
Terri Lynn was born in Haida Gwaii and raised in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii.
“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 is the principal and founder of White Raven Law Corporation.
