Haida Origins

Haida origins are credited to several hundred Nang SGáanuwee Supernatural Beings. They created our lands, waters, and ways of life. Our oral records reveal the true beginnings of Haida Gwaii and our people. Prior to European contact, our ways of life developed through living on the land and connection with other coastal peoples, creating relationships that have continued to this day.

Xuuya Kaagang.ngas Raven Travelling
Much of what we see today on Haida Gwaii was created by Nang Kílslaas The One Whose Voice is Obeyed (also known as Raven). Known to transform into anything, Nang Kilslas is not limited by gender or animal. You will often see depictions of them in Haida carvings or paintings in various forms, including making appearances as a pine needle, a human child, and a woman. We show Nang Kílslaas great respect for teaching our people many lessons about caring for Haida Gwaii.

Early Trade
While North America became populated, our people traded with many coastal nations including Ts’msyen, Nisga’a, and Heiltsuk, extending downwards to what is now known as California and beyond. Through intermarriage and exchange of traded items like copper, mountain goat wool, and oolichan grease, coastal relationships were, and continue to be, very important. Our oral records also account for interactions with peoples across the Pacific, noting times of trade between the Japanese, Russian, and Polynesian peoples whose records align with ours.