The most isolated archipelago on the west coast of the Americas, inhabited for at least 10,500 years, Haida Gwaii has fascinated scientists, social scientists, historians, and inquisitive travellers for decades. This book brings together the results of extensive and varied field research by both federal agencies and independent researchers, and carefully integrates them with earlier archaeological, ethnohistorical, and paleoenvironmental work in the region. It imparts significant new information about the natural history of Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the adjacent areas of Hecate Strait. Chapters analyze new data on ice retreat, shoreline and sea level change, faunal communities, and culture history, providing a more comprehensive picture of the history of the islands from the late glacial through the prehistoric period, to the time of European contact, known to the Haida as the "time of the Iron People."
In The Haida Gwaii Lesson, former University of California journalism professor and Mother Jones editor Mark Dowie shares the story of the Haida people, relating their struggle for sovereignty and title over their ancient homeland as a strategic playbook for other indigenous peoples. For over 10,000 years, the Haida people thrived on a rugged and fecund archipelago south of Alaska, which they called Haida Gwaii. Nicknamed "the Galapagos of the North," the islands are blessed with a diversity of species unmatched in the northern hemisphere. As western Canada was settled by Europeans, the pressure on natural resources spread with the growing population and its demand for fur, fish, minerals and lumber. Industries found their way to the coastal islands, where they ignored native tribes and commenced what has become one the Pacific coast's most monstrous natural resource extraction campaigns. After almost a century of non-stop exploitation, the Haida people said "enough" and began to resist. Their audacious four-decade struggle involving the courts, human blockades, public testimony and the media became a living object lesson for communities in the same situation the world over.
Haida Gwaii, ancestral home of the Haida Nation, was once as inaccessible and mysterious as it was beautiful. The tight cluster of islands off British Columbia's northwest coast remained virtually untouchable for millennia, allowing its people to develop a distinct and exceptional cultural identity that was revered across the region. Today, Haida Gwaii--a name that means "islands of the people" in the Haida language--has piqued the interest of world travellers. Applying his in-depth knowledge of the islands' geography, social history, and natural and cultural attractions, Dennis Horwood equips travellers with everything they need to know about visiting these gems of the Pacific.
Native artist Bill Reid once called Haida Gwaii, home to the Haida people, the "Shining Islands." This revised edition in Raincoast's popular Journeys series shows why. Known also as "Canada s Galapagos," these islands are a natural marvel, featuring awesome vistas and a rich ecosystem. The islands also offer more than 400 cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage village of Ninstints. Ian Gill's lively text and David Nunuk's dramatic photographs celebrate this unique, still relatively unspoiled place."
Colonialism in settler societies such as Canada depends on a certain understanding of the relationship between time and Indigenous peoples. Too often, these peoples have been portrayed as being without a future, destined either to disappear or assimilate into settler society. This book asserts quite the opposite: Indigenous peoples are not in any sense “out of time” in our contemporary world. Shaping the Future on Haida Gwaii shows how Indigenous peoples in Canada not only continue to have a future, but are at work building many different futures – for themselves and for their non-Indigenous neighbours. Through the experiences of the Haida First Nation, this book explores these possible futures in detail, demonstrating how Haida ways of thinking about time, mobility, and political leadership are at the heart of contemporary strategies for addressing the dilemmas that come with life under settler colonialism. From the threat of ecological crisis to the assertion of sovereign rights and authority, Weiss shows that the Haida people consistently turn towards their possible futures in order to work out how to live in and transform the present.
Haida Gwaii, ancestral home of the Haida First Nation, was once as inaccessible and mysterious as it was beautiful. The tight cluster of islands off British Columbia’s northwest coast remained virtually untouchable for millennia, allowing its people to develop a distinct and exceptional cultural identity that was known and revered across the region. Today, Haida Gwaii—a name that means “islands of the people” in the Haida language—has piqued the interest of world travellers. Its magnificent beaches, unique flora and fauna, and world heritage sites have earned international acclaim. Gwaii Haanas National Park in the southern region of the archipelago was named “Best National Park in North America” by National Geographic Traveler. In Haida Gwaii: Islands of the People, the newly updated edition of his bestselling guidebook, Dennis Horwood applies his in-depth knowledge of the islands’ geography, social history, and natural and cultural attractions to equip travellers with everything they need to know about visiting these glorious gems of the Pacific. This indispensible guide includes maps, regional histories, accommodation listings, sample itineraries, wildlife descriptions, recreation tips, and sixteen pages of colour photos.
Based on ancient Haida narratives, this vibrantly illustrated children's book empowers young people and teaches them to live in harmony with nature. Haida Gwaii is home to a rich and vibrant culture whose origins date back thousands of years. Today, the Haida People are known throughout Canada and the world for their artistic achievements, their commitment to social justice and environmental protection, and their deep connection to the natural world. Embedded in Haida culture and drawn from ancient oral narratives are a number of Supernatural Beings, many of them female, who embody these connections to the land, the sea, and the sky. Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii features ten of these ancient figures and presents them to children as visually engaging, empowering, and meaningful examples of living in balance with nature. Developed by renowned Haida activist, lawyer, performer, and artist Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Haida educator Sara Florence Davidson, this book challenges stereotypes, helps advance reconciliation, and celebrates Indigenous identity and culture.
Revised Edition Available, Spring 2010 The Pacific Coast has long attracted adventurers, explorers and environmentalists. From the early beginnings of coastal voyaging, which began with Native paddlers in large canoes and foreign explorers under sail, to modern travellers in kayaks, skiffs and private yachts, exploration has always been an integral part of life on the coast. Boat Camping Haida Gwaii, written by a modern-day explorer with environmental interests, is a practical guide for coastal explorers interested in a weekend off-shore adventure or a major expedition to remote and wild areas. With information on ancient native settlements, hidden campsites and everything in between, Boat Camping Haida Gwai offers a fascinating - and comprehensive - look at the wild beauty of the Queen Charlotte coast. Boat Camping Haida Gwaii is the definitive guidebook for people interested in camping by boat. The book features a wide range of detailed maps of the Queen Charlotte coast, along with numerous photographs, offering a clear sense of the geography - and the majesty - of the area. Detailed descriptions are given of each campsite and special appendices are provided with helpful hints on bear safety, tides and currents. The book also contains information about the history and culture of the Haida, the indigenous people of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Intended to serve primarily as an on-board reference, the book can be opened flat, and used in conjunction with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and chart references. Its compact size ensures the book can easily fit in kayak cockpit storage sleeves, or tossed in a backpack for day trips. It fits perfectly in zip-lock storage bags for waterproof protection. This guide's comprehensive information will be valuable to kayakers, canoeists, those in small motorboats and everyone interested in exploring this unique area. Yachters and sailors willing to go adventuring in their skiffs will also find this guide helpful in exploring Haida Gwaii -- as will armchair adventurers.
Elegant and evocative, this is a classic that pays tribute to one of the great sculptural works of this century. The artist Bill Reid, who is part Haida, is internationally renowned for his totem poles and other large pieces, as well as for his work on a small scale in silver and gold. His masterpiece, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, is a bronze canoe six meters (20 feet) long, filled to overflowing with the creatures of Haida mythology. Its ten passengers include the Raven, the Eagle, the Bear and his human wife, the Mouse Woman and the Dogfish Woman. In the middle stands the Chief holding in his hand a smaller sculpture: a talking stick that depicts the story of creation in Haida terms. Ulli Steltzer’s superb black-and-white photographs record and reveal intimate insights into the creative process of this sculpture, as well as the parts and the whole of this monumental work. The story of the sculpture and of its creator, Bill Reid, is engagingly related by Robin Laurence. And Bill Reid’s own descriptions of the creatures in the canoe provide glimpses into the mythic complexity and power of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii.
