Erica Jean Reid Gidin Jaad (Eagle Woman) follows her matrilineal lineage of her mother Carol Crosby and was born to the Naay ‘Yuwans Xaaydaga (the Big House People) clan of Skidegate on Haida Gwaii. Erica honours her patrilineal lineage of her father William (Butch) Ryan, who is Tsimshian from Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia. Erica is a proud wife and mother. She is a graduate of the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Education majoring in Elementary Education. She is a strong Haida and Tsimshian woman who cares deeply for her children, family, communities, and nations.