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Nan Sdins (SGang Gwaay World Heritage Site)
For 10,000 years the Haida people flourished on the island archipelago located 130 km (80.8 mi) off the coast of British Columbia. Known as the Queen Charlotte Islands or Haida Gwaii (Place of Wonder), this land and its surrounding waters provided a viable livelihood for 7,000 Haida people.
Situated on the east side of Anthony Island, the village of Nan Sdins, an autonomous political empire, prospered for 6,000 years. These 300 people were known as brave warriors, accomplished hunters and fishermen, as well as proficient artists. The long houses, totem poles, canoes and masks belonging to this group were decorated with distinctive and stunning artwork.
In the 18th century European explorers arrived at the island's deep bay. Tragically, accompanying the Europeans was small pox, which would eventually decimate this community leaving only 30 survivors.
In response to this unthinkable catastrophe, the people of Haida built mortuary totem poles to commemorate the lost lives. Adorned with painted carvings, the poles were arranged along the ocean and each individual's remains placed in a hollow at the top of the pole.
The totem poles and remains of the Haida village were officially declared an UNESCO world heritage in 1981.
Address: West of Queen Charlotte Islands BC CAN V0T 1S0
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