Today, we explored the island of Sgang Gwaay in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. We took a Zodiac ride to the northern part of the island. We walked down a boardwalk path to the site of Sgang Gwaay Llnagaay, an ancient village and sheltered bay. The area became a UNESCO National Heritage Site in 1981. It is one of the best examples of a traditional Northwest Coast First Nations village. Despite the rainy weather, we had an excellent time exploring the site with our local Watchman guide, Paul.
5/7/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Daajing Giids, Haida Gwaii, Hecate Strait
After an evening cruising from SG̱ang Gwaay, National Geographic Sea Bird made one last stop this morning in Daajing Giids to drop off our cultural interpreters, DeeDee Crosby and Grace Garvie. At dock, we had two unique opportunities. The first, our daily morning stretch class had the opportunity to meet on land, and second, we welcomed the incredible artisan, Aay Aay, aboard. We were familiar with Aay Aay, who we had met two days prior as an interpreter at the Haida Heritage Center. His specialty is a revival of traditional Haida weaving. During Aay Aay’s time on board, he shared with us his personal story about discovering and mastering his art with spruce root, cedar, and wool weaving. He taught us how to hand spin the warp threads that would be the beginnings of a wool piece. After an artistic morning, we embarked on our journey across Hecate Strait to reach our next destination along our expedition, Alaska. This evening, I write as we make our way into Dixon Entrance preparing to wake up to the scenery of the famed Misty Fjords in the morning.
