Faces – May 2019

T

he Haida are one of Canada’s First Nations

groups. They live on Haida Gwaii (the

Queen Charlotte Islands), an archipelago off

British Columbia’s northwestern coast.

Haida society consists of matriarchal

villages made up of one group, or several

groups, of houses. Ruled by hereditary

chiefs, they are divided into Eagle and Raven

subgroups. Expert fishermen and sailors, they

are equally famous for their craftwork and

traditional ways of life.

The abundance of red cedar trees on

Haida Gwaii led to the carving of huge dugout

canoes, large homes, and totem poles. Smaller

items, such as boxes and dishes, were also

produced from the endless supply of cedar.

All the items, whether massive or tiny, were

decorated with traditional Haida designs.

The Haida were famous for their

potlatches. Given by the Eagle groups for

the Ravens or vice versa, potlatches lasted

for days and involved feasting, dancing, and

extravagant gift giving. To ensure good health

or success at fishing for those in attendance,

religious leaders called shamans invoked their

spirit powers. Often, the potlatch culminated

in the raising of a new totem pole to honor an

elder or recorded tribal folklore.

Younger generations of Haida lost interest

in the ancient traditions, preferring to live

and work more like the young people on the

mainland. Some left the islands in search of

what they felt was a better life. Totem poles

decayed, their bright paint faded, and few were

willing to take an interest in them.

Young people are again interested in

learning the skills of their ancestors. Carving

and preserving totem poles has become an

honored profession. Haida art pieces (many of

them representing the eagles, frogs, and bears

that are important in folklore) have become

much sought-after and appreciated.

The Haida: Fishermen and Craftsmen

by Ann Stalcup

Canada Indigenous Population*

By Province/Territory

Newfoundland & Labrador 512,250 45,

Prince Edward Island 139,685 2,

Nova Scotia 908,340 51,

New Brunswick 730,705 29,

Quebec 7,965,450 182,

Ontario 13,242,160 374,

Manitoba 1,240,695 223,

Saskatchewan 1,070,560 175,

Alberta 3,978,145 258,

British Columbia 4,560,240 270,

Yukon 35,110 8,

Northwest Territories 41,135 20,

Nunavut 35,580 30,

*2016 Canadian Census

Population That

Identifies with

Indigenous or

First Nations:

1,673,

Total

Population:

34,460,

Haida artist Eric Parnell paints a boardroom

table that he carved out of cedar.