Critical Habitat

CRITICAL HABITAT

In order to have a grasp of conservation needs on Haida Gwaii, one has to understand that the way the outside world views the species on the islands is very different from the Haida view of the world. While the outside world singles out the rare and the unique as making Haida Gwaii special, we see all components of the ecosystem as equally important. This is because our very existence as a culture is defined by our relationship to the land in its totality, not our relationship to only a few isolated elements. All the components of the ecosystem are important, even if certain species are of higher food value, such as the SGIDAANA (Ancient Murrelet) and HLGID-UN
(Canada Goose), or are interwoven with Haida culture and mythology such as the YAHL (Raven), GUUD (Eagle), Kingfisher and Hummingbird. We understand that even the species that we do not obviously depend on are a part of a much greater web of being, wherein all life supports all other life. Some species we depend on for food, some are integral parts of our histories, clans, and lineages, and some give of themselves to become part of our material culture through art forms and other uses. We depend on all of these beings.

The Forest Guardians are working to protect habitats that support the many
species our people depend on. Critical habitat areas which support culturally
valuable plants, birds and animals have been identified by elders, Haida Land
Value Surveys, and government agencies. These areas are being incorporated
into a land use planning process.

Following are a few of the important forest species that are a part of our lives
and stories on Haida Gwaii.

CEDAR
Perhaps the single most important thing for our cultural, spiritual, and material
needs. The full range of artistic, ceremonial, and household uses, from bowls
and bentwood boxes to canoes and robes, makes this species vital
to our culture.

SPRUCE
Spruce roots are one of the most prized materials for weaving. From these roots
beautiful hats of unmatched quality are woven. The pitch of the Spruce tree is
used as medicine. We also have strong spiritual links with the spruce; Kiid
K'iyaas (the Golden Spruce), cut down in 1997, was an important figure from
our histories, and a living connection between our ancestors and ourselves.

HEMLOCK
Hemlock boughs are used to gather herring eggs at spawning time. The soft
inner layer of bark, also known as the cambium, was eaten fresh and stored
for winter use.

GREAT BLUE HERON
A crest animal for Chaath village people. The heron often appears in our stories
as a wise old watchman, who others come to seek advice from.

ANCIENT MURRELET
Ancient Murrelets were an important food source before their numbers
plummeted due to the impacts of introduced species. Their eggs were also
gathered, as were the eggs of seagulls, and eaten fresh.

RAVEN
All Haida are either of the Raven or the Eagle clan. Raven is very important in
our stories; Raven discovered the first people in a clam shell at Nai Kun, Raven
stole the light, and was always playing tricks.

EAGLE
The eagle is the crest for the other half of our people. Eagle down is used in
many dances; to have it land on you means good luck.

ERMINE
The ermine is a very rare species, but it is very important in regalia.
Their fine white pelts hang from blankets, hats, and robes.