Xaaydaa – Haida

Overview

Haida oral history states that some Haida people have occupied Haida Gwaii since time immemorial. Haida Gwaii is a northern archipelago west of Prince Rupert, B.C. and north of Vancouver Island, B.C.  Before contact with European travellers and settlers, the population is estimated to have been at least ten thousand, dispersed in villages throughout the islands. The population was reduced to 600 in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to introduced diseases, including measles, typhoid, and smallpox.

Today, there are 5000 Haida people, with approximately half residing on Haida Gwaii in two main centres: Old Massett at the north end of Graham Island, and Skidegate at the south end.

All people of Haida ancestry are citizens of the Haida Nation. Every Haida citizen has the right of access to all Haida Gwaii resources for cultural reasons, and for food or commerce consistent with the laws of nature as reflected in the laws of the Haida Nation.

A map of Haida territory can be found in the Evidence section – choose Haida and map. Please visit the Council of the Haida Nation website for more information www.haidanation.ca.