Video: SGang Gwaay Llanagaay and Gwaii Haanas
A visit to the southern end of Haida Gwaii, where Gwaii Haanas and SGang Gwaay preserve the ancestral heritage of the Haida Nation.
The ancestral homeland of the Haida Nation is Haida Gwaii, a rocky archipelago off the coast of modern Canada’s British Columbia. Once known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the land has been reclaimed by the Haida people after a long period of colonial suppression. The archipelago is now governed by the Council of the Haida Nation, and its communities work to preserve their heritage once threatened with near extinction. In addition, populations of non-indigenous people also continue to live on Haida Gwaii, and Haida communities can be found on the Alaskan Prince of Wales Island.
On Haida Gwaii, several key sites have been set aside as natural and heritage preserves. These include Gwaii Haanas National Park, a nature reserve spanning about 138 small islands on the southern tip of the archipelago. The park safeguards the rich wilderness of the region and its wildlife, which sustained generations of Haida people for thousands of years.
Additionally, Gwaii Haanas contains several historic villages, most notably SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay on Anthony Island. The village’s name is derived from the Haida name for the island, “Red Cod Island.” Visitors to SG̱ang Gwaay can see the remnants of beautifully carved totem poles and longhouses. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, takes us to these remote islands, which are also open to visitors who respect their value and significance.
References
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “SGang Gwaay.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/list/157. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.
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