Photo by: Thomas Nichini
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site is a protected area located in the southernmost part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1988 as a result of a unique partnership between the Canadian government and the Haida Nation, an Indigenous people whose traditional territory includes the islands.
The park reserve encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, marine coastal areas, and archaeological sites. It is home to a rich array of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, salmon, and various marine species. The marine conservation area protects important habitat for marine life, including sea otters, whales, and seabirds.
One of the distinctive features of Gwaii Haanas is its cultural significance. The park reserve is home to numerous Haida village sites, totem poles, and other cultural artifacts that reflect the enduring presence of the Haida people in the region. These sites are of great spiritual and historical significance to the Haida Nation, and their preservation is central to the management of the park reserve.
Gwaii Haanas is managed through a cooperative management framework that involves both the Canadian government and the Haida Nation working together to protect and conserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage. This approach reflects a commitment to reconciliation and to honoring Indigenous rights and perspectives in the management of protected areas.