Louise Island facts for kids
Geography | |
---|---|
Coordinates | 52°57′18″N 131°46′26″W / 52.95500°N 131.77389°W |
Archipelago | Queen Charlotte Islands |
Area | 275 km2 (106 sq mi) |
Administration | |
Demographics | |
Ethnic groups | Haida |
Louise Island is a beautiful island located in Haida Gwaii, which is a group of islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It covers about 275 square kilometers (106 square miles). The island is found east of Moresby Island and south of Cumshewa Inlet.
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Discovering Louise Island
Louise Island was named after Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. She was the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, a famous queen of the United Kingdom. Naming places after important people was a common practice in the past.
The island is part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has rich forests and a long history tied to the Haida people.
Home of the Haida People
Louise Island is very important because it is home to the ancient Haida village of Skedans. The Haida are an Indigenous group who have lived in this region for thousands of years. Their culture is rich with art, stories, and traditions.
The Village of Skedans
Skedans, known as K'uuna in the Haida language, was once a thriving village. It had many longhouses and tall totem poles. These poles told stories of families and important events. Today, Skedans is a protected heritage site. It helps us learn about the history and culture of the Haida people.
Visitors can sometimes see the remains of old longhouses and fallen totem poles. These sites are cared for by Haida Watchmen. They protect the land and share its history with visitors.
Nature and Geography
Louise Island features a rugged landscape. It has dense forests and a coastline shaped by the ocean. The island is part of a larger ecosystem. This means many different plants and animals live there.
Mountains of Louise Island
There are two officially named mountains on Louise Island. They are Mount Kermode and Mount Carl. These mountains add to the island's wild and natural beauty. They are part of the landscape that makes Haida Gwaii so special.
Local Activities
Besides its historical sites, Louise Island also has some modern activities. For example, Beatty Anchorage is a logging camp located on the island. Logging is an industry that involves cutting down trees for wood.