Skidegate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skidegate
Hlg̱aagilda |
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Indigenous reserve
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View of the Kay Llnagaay beach in Skidegate.
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 Skidegate
Location in British Columbia
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province | BC/BCE |
| Region | Haida Gwaii |
| Regional district | Skeena-Queen Charlotte |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.65 km2 (2.18 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 28 m (92 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 837 |
| • Density | 138.3/km2 (358/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Highways |  Hwy 16 (TCH) |
| Waterways | Hecate Strait |
Skidegate, also known as Hlg̱aagilda in the Haida language, is a special community on the Haida Gwaii islands in British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the southeast coast of Graham Island. This is the largest island in the group of islands called an archipelago. Skidegate is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of mainland British Columbia, across a body of water called Hecate Strait.
Skidegate is part of the Skidegate Indian Reserve No. 1. It is also an important place for travel. It is the northern stop for the BC Ferries service. These ferries connect Graham Island with Alliford Bay on Moresby Island.
Contents
Discover Skidegate!
Skidegate is a vibrant community with a rich history and culture. It is a great place to learn about the Haida people and their traditions.
What's in a Name?
The village of Skidegate was named after an earlier village chief. His name was Sg̱iida-gidg̱a Iihllngas, which means "Son of the Chiton." Traders who visited the area in the late 1700s recorded his name as Skidegate. These traders were looking for sea otter furs. From about 1790 to 1820, Skidegate was a busy center for trading these valuable furs.
Amazing Totem Poles
Skidegate is famous for its many beautiful totem poles. These tall, carved poles are important works of art. They tell stories and represent the history and culture of the Haida people. Each pole is unique and often created by a different artist. Some of the totem poles in Skidegate include:
- T'anuu'llnagaay (Tanu) by Giitsxaa
- Hlknul'llnagaay (Cumshewa) by Gidansda Guujaaw
- HlGaagilda'llnagaay (Skidegate) by Norman Price
- K'uuna'llnagaay (Skedans) by Jim Hart
- Ts'aahj'llnagaay (Chaatl) by Garner Moody
- Eagle and Bear Mother by Dick Bellis
- Dogfish, by Bill Reid
- Unity Pole
- Chief Skedans Jimmy Wilson Memorial by Bert Wilson and Joe Mander
- Strongman by Tim Boyko, Skaadgaa Naay elementary school
- Chief Wiiganaad Sid Crosby Naa'uuwans (chieftanship) by Tim Boyko and Jason Goetzinger
- Weeping Woman of Taanu by Norman Price St
- Chieftanship Pole to Honour Matriarch Barb Wilson
- SGang Gwaay'llnagaay (Ninstints) by Tim Boyko
- Kaay Watchman's pole
The Haida Heritage Centre
The Haida Heritage Centre is located in Skidegate. It is right along the eastern edge of the town. This center is a wonderful place to learn even more about the Haida culture, art, and history. It helps keep the traditions of the Haida people alive and shares them with visitors.
Images for kids
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Houses and totem poles in Skidegate, 1878
