In Memoriam Hey Mus Jassee (Sammy Robinson) heriditary chief Haisla Nation

Robin Rowland 

The respected and loved heriditary chief of the Haisla Nation Hey Mus Jassee (Sammy Robinson)  left for the spirit world on February 11, 2025. He was a world renowned carver and artist, a leader of the Haisla Nation during challenging times and a friend to many in the Kitimat community.

Some of the photographs I took over the years.

 

Sammy’s wedding photo which I restored for him in 2009.

 

Speaking at the G’psgolox Pole feast on Oct 27, 2012, Haisla Recreation Centre, (just before the earthquake) Robin Rowland

 

Sammy Robinson always encouraged young Indigenous artists. Here he speaks at the Lyle Wilson exihibit opening Kitimat Museum and Archives, Oct 11 2013. (Robin Rowland)

 

Haisla Chief Sammy Robinson opens the LNG Canada FEED signing ceremony May 20 2014. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson, the eleventh Haimus, hereditary Chief of the Haisla Nation at Kitimaat Village, explains that he will use a traditional Haisla blessing for a new canoe, a ceremony that hasn’t been used for decades, during the christening of the SAR 63, Snowflake Responder III,  Oct, 25,  2014, as Duncan Peacock, seen reflected in the window, listens. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson prepares to bless the Snowflake Responder III and banish any hostile spirits from the boat. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson uses down feathers as part of the blessing ceremony. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson speaks at the Connecting with Coastal Communities. Mount Elizabeth Theatre, June 10, 2015 (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson blesses his pole at the Rio Tinto Modernization Project first hot metal ceremony July 7, 2015 (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson at the Dan Paul Sr Memorial Feast. Nov. 4, 2015. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson speaks at the Rio Tinto One Year of Production Celebration, Oct 21, 2017. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinsoon speaks to the late Premier John Horgan at the Rio Tinto One Year of Production Celebration. (Robin Rowland)

 

Sammy Robinson blesses the new totem pole at the Rio Tinto smelter making the first year of new production. (Robin Rowland)

 

Aiden Robinson speaking to her Ma’ma’o (grandmother) Rose Robinson, Sammy Robinson (He’mas C’esi) amd Basil Grant (He’mas Legaix) at the raising of the friendship pole, May 6, 2018 (Robin Rowland)

 

At the pole blessing, Harvey Grant (He’mas Wiiseks), Sammy Robinson (He’mas C’esi), Nathan Cullen, Cyril Grant Jr. (He’mas Sanaxaid), Phil Germuth and Eugene Stewart (Dlaxwdlaxwaligisc Hai’mas). (Robin Rowland)

 

Cedar boughs are used to cleanse the totem pole. (Robin Rowland)

 

 

At one of his last public appearances, Sammy Robinson, speaks at the Kitmat Museum Haisla Art opening t May 10, 2024. (Robin Rowland)

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