Slatechuck Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slatechuck Mountain |
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Location | North Coast of British Columbia, Canada |
Slatechuck Mountain is a special place on Graham Island in Haida Gwaii, Canada. The Haida call it Kaagan. This mountain is located on the North Coast of British Columbia.
It sits about 9 kilometers west of Queen Charlotte City. You can find it near Skidegate Inlet. Just south of the mountain is Yakoun Lake, the biggest lake on the island. This lake is where the Yakoun River begins.
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The Special Stone of Slatechuck Mountain
Slatechuck Mountain is very important to the Haida people. It is the only place in the world where a rare black stone is found. This stone is a type of argillite.
People also call it "black slate." The Haida use this unique stone to create beautiful art.
What is Argillite?
Argillite is a type of rock that looks like slate. The black argillite from Slatechuck Mountain is very smooth. It is perfect for carving detailed sculptures.
This special black argillite is only found in certain spots. You can find it on the mountain's slopes. It is usually above the area of Slatechuck Creek.
Haida Art and the Black Slate
Only the Haida people have the right to collect this black argillite. They have used it for hundreds of years. Their carvings often show animals, spirits, and stories.
These carvings are famous around the world. They are a big part of the Haida culture and history.
Where Does the Name 'Slatechuck' Come From?
The name "Slatechuck" has a special meaning. It comes from a local language called Chinook Jargon. "Slate" refers to the black stone found there.
"Chuck" means water, river, or lake. So, "Slatechuck" means the creek where the slate is found. This name tells us exactly what makes the mountain so important.