Thank you to David, Vivian, Heather, and Jay for an enjoyable week on Haida Gwaii. David was an attentive and knowledgeable tour guide, sharing his vast knowledge about the flora and fauna, Haida culture, and geography of the islands. Viv was attending the tour for a second time, and Heather and Jay had long-held dreams of visiting the islands.
I was looking to learn more about the Haida culture and their territory as well as spend time in a place not affected by the summer heat and wildfire smoke of other parts of BC and North America. Highlights include – Haida Style boat trip to the village sites of Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans) and T’aanuu Llnagaay – walking in the forests and along beaches – Saahlinda Naay – the Haida Gwaii Museum in Skidegate – meals at KEENAWAII’S KITCHEN (Roberta Olsen) in Skidegate, at the home of Trevor and Myrna in Old Massett, fish and chips in Daajing Giids – Jag’s Coffeeshop and Guest Rooms in Skidegate – visiting the carving sheds of 7idansuu Jim Hart and Kihlyaahda Christian White as well as the home of artist SGaana Jaad April White.
I usually travel to more urban places and create my own itinerary, but I found this small group van tour to be perfect for getting to know Haida Gwaii, with its small communities and wilderness areas. David and Midnight Sun Tours were able to take us places and offer experiences that we may have missed otherwise. We flew into Sandspit and out of Massett Airport. I was surprised that many shops and restaurants were open limited days and hours, despite it being the summer tourist season. I suggest that if you travel there, if you like something, you purchase it when you first see it because you may not see it in another shop. The days were generally a mix of sun and clouds, with just a few rain showers. I was happy in a t-shirt or light sweater most of the time, but other members of the group wore layers of clothing and jackets. Visitors to Haida Gwaii are asked to sign a pledge and respect Haida Ways of Being: 1. Yahguudang • Yahguudáng – Respect for all Beings 2. Ad kyaanang • Ahl kyáanang tláagang – Ask Permission First 3. Tll yahdah • Tll yahda – To Make it Right 4. Gina ‘waadluuxan gud ad kwaagid • Gin ‘wáadluwaan gud ahl kwáagiidang – Everything Depends on Everything Else Finally, thank you to the Haida people for allowing us to be guests on their unceded traditional territory. Haawa / Haw’aa