Haida

By Jeanne Laflamme

 

Who they are

The Haida is an indigenous people from the Northwest coast of North

America. They are known to have a complex social organization and to be  

rich in artistic expression. Their culture offers a great balance between man

and the natural and supernatural world. Their unique way of life became

almost extinct due to the pressure from the modern European culture.

Recently, though, this near-vanished civilization seems to be coming back

to life.

 

 

                                                   Where they live

                                                      The Haida nation is mainly established on the Haida Gwaii Islands,                                                             formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, which is an                                                                           archipelago consisting of one big island and many smaller ones. It’s                                                             located in Northern British Colombia, near the frontier with Alaska. A                                                         small group also lives on the southern parts of the Prince of Whales                                                             Island, which is located in Southeast Alaska. They inhabit villages                                                               consisting of rows of houses along the beach. The town chief’s house is                                                       usually larger and located near the middle of the village.

 

Their traditions

The Haida are divided in two social groups - The Ravens and the Eagles -. Typically, Haida have to marry a member of the opposite clan and the membership to it is matrilineal. This means that children belong to their mother’s clan. Haida express their belonging to a clan with totem poles, family crests or paintings. Potlatches were also a big part of Haida culture. This ceremony, consisting of very elaborate gift giving and rituals, is said to reinforce the social and economic organization as well as the interdependence between clans, lineages and villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haida language

The Haida language is divided into two dialects, Masset which is spoken in the North and Skidegate which is spoken in the South. Unfortunately, both dialects are almost instinct with a total of only 22 speakers among which only nine are fluent. The Old Masset Village Council and Skidegate Band Council are trying to revive the language by offering language programs that are teaching it to over 50 people.

 

 

Their lives today

The Haida still worship their relationship with Haida Gwaii, which means “islands of the people”. Many Haida are known for their fine art, but others simply work as commercial fishers or in forestry. Some are also employed in eco-tourism. Programs such as “Haida Gwaii Watchmen” were founded to protect the archeological, historical sites all through the island.

 

 

 

Sources :

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/haida-native-group/

http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/haida/haindexe.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haida_people