Haida Gwaii And All That It Offers
The First Nation archipelago of Haida Gwaii is a unique destination in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The islands were originally named the Queen Charlotte Islands after the ship that brought the British to the islands in the 1700s.
Fur trading was the dominant activity of the Europeans. Sea otter pelts were particularly prized in Europe and China. Eventually the economy of the region shifted to destructive timber harvesting. This change was seen as a threat by the First Nation natives of the islands.
After much protest of the massive deforestation of the islands, the Haida Tribe won rights to their land. In 2010, the Canadian government renamed the islands Haida Gwaii, the Islands of the People. In honor of the efforts of the Haida tribe to preserve their way of life, the United Nations created a World Heritage Site that included the ancient Haida villages.
Haida Gwaii’s Islands of Wonder national park has been voted best park in North America. Tourists can explore the natural scenery and local Indian life. A key feature of the islands are the many totems that are scattered around. Other attractions include the many longhouses that are located in the Haida villages.
Accommodations of all types can be found in the Haida Gwaii area. They include hotels, lodges, bed and breakfast inns and campsites. Tourists can choose easily between a luxury vacation or roughing it during their visit.
The Haida Gwaii islands abound with First Nation Culture and natural wonder. Give credit to the Haida Indians for their successful efforts to preserve the primitive beauty of their island home.