List of Haida villages facts for kids

This page is all about the villages where the amazing Haida people lived! You'll find these villages in two main places: Haida Gwaii (which used to be called the Queen Charlotte Islands) and Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. This information comes from old books and museums, helping us learn about Haida history.

Active Haida Communities Today

These are the Haida villages that are still active and home to many people today.

Alaskan Haida Villages

• Hydaburg: This village in Alaska was formed in 1911. It brought together people from three older villages: Howkan, Sukkwan, and Klinkwan. Today, about 382 people live here.
• Kasaan: You can find Kasaan on the east coast of Prince of Wales Island, along a place called Skowl Arm.

Haida Gwaii Villages (Canada)

• Masset: Located on the north coast of Graham Island, Masset is home to about 884 people. The name "Masset" actually includes three smaller communities: Atewaas (also known as Old Massett), Jaahguhl, and Kayung. Old Massett alone has about 614 residents.
• Skidegate: This village is on the north shore of Skidegate Inlet, on the southeast coast of Graham Island. Around 781 people live in Skidegate today.

Historical Haida Villages

Many Haida villages existed in the past, some of which are no longer active communities. These places hold important history and stories of the Haida people.

This old photo shows the village of Klinkwan with its traditional totem poles.

• Chaatl: This village was located at the western entrance to Skidegate Inlet.
• Cumshewa: Found at the north entrance of Cumshewa Inlet on Moresby Island.
• Dadens: This village was on the south coast of Langara Island, facing Parry Passage.
• Gahlinskun: Located on the east coast of Graham Island, north of Cape Ball.
• Haina (also spelled Xayna): This village was on the east end of Maude Island, within Skidegate Inlet.
• Hiellen: Found on the right bank of the Hi-ellen River, right where it meets the sea on Graham Island.
• Howkan: This village was on Long Island in Alaska, facing Dall Island.
• Kaisun (Qaysun): Located on the northwest coast of Moresby Island.
• Kayung: This village was on the east side of Masset Inlet, just above the modern Masset.
• Kiusta: Found on the northwest coast of Graham Island, across from Langara Island.
• Klinkwan: Located on Cordova Bay, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.
• Kung: This village was at the mouth of Naden Harbor on Graham Island.
• Kweundlas: Found on the west coast of Long Island, Alaska.
• Naikun: Also known as Rose Spit or Nekoon, this village was at the northeast corner of Graham Island.
• Ninstints (Sgaang Gwaay): This famous village, also known as Anthony Island, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Skedans: Also called Koona or Q'una, this village was on a piece of land reaching into Hecate Strait from the east end of Louise Island.
• Sukkwan: Located on Cordova Bay, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.
• Tanu (New Clew): This village was on Louise Island.
• Tian (Tiahn, Tiiyan, Tiun, or Tigun): Found on the west coast of Graham Island, south of Point Lewis.
• Tlell: A historical village on Graham Island.
• Yaku: Located on the northwest coast of Graham Island, opposite Langara Island.
• Yan: Found on the west side of Masset Inlet, near its entrance.

Smaller Historical Settlements and Camps

Besides the larger villages, the Haida people also had many smaller towns and temporary camps. These places were used for specific activities like hunting, fishing, or gathering resources. They were important parts of the Haida way of life. Here are a few examples:

• Aiodjus: On the west side of Masset Inlet at its mouth.
• Atana: On House or Atana Island off the east coast of Moresby Island.
• Chuga: Near Houston Stewart Channel and the town of Ninstints.
• Dadjingits: On the north shore of Bearskin Bay, Skidegate Inlet.
• Djigogiga: A legendary town on Copper Bay, Moresby Island.
• Gado: There were two traditional Gado towns. One was on the south side of De la Beche Inlet, Moresby Island. The other was on the east side of Lyell Island.
• Hlk'yah GaawGa (also known as Windy Bay): On the outer side of Lyell Island.
• Kadadjans: On the northwest end of Anthony Island.
• Kaisun (Haida: Ḵaysuun Llnagaay): Another smaller settlement with the same name as a larger historical village.
• Kundji: Two legendary towns. One was on the south shore of Copper Bay, Moresby Island, and the other on the west side of Prevost Island.
• Lanahawa: Two towns. One on the west coast of Graham Island opposite Hippa Island, and another on the west coast of Burnaby Island.
• Nagus: In an inlet on the southwest coast of Moresby Island.
• Skae: Close to Cape St. James at the very south end of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
• Skudus: On the north side of Lyell Island.
• Yagun: On the north coast of Graham Island.