Gwaay

Gwaay, also known as SGang Gwaay or S’Gang Gwaay, is an important archaeological site on Anthony Island in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. It preserves the remains of a large Haida village and contains some of the best-preserved examples of Haida longhouses and carved monumental poles in the region. The site offers significant insight into Haida social organization, architecture, and artistry and is widely regarded as a key source for understanding coastal Indigenous life in the Pacific Northwest.

The village at Gwaay dates from the late pre-contact era and represents a concentrated, multi-family settlement typical of Haida communities. The wooden longhouses and totem poles remain as durable indicators of Haida craftsmanship, land use, and clan relationships. The site’s relatively pristine preservation is aided by the damp, temperate climate and the sheltered location on the island.

Gwaay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 as part of Haida Gwaii: The Council of the Haida Nation, recognized for its outstanding universal value as a well-preserved coastal Indigenous village and its artistic heritage. The site is jointly stewarded by the Haida Nation and Canadian authorities. Access is typically by guided tour or permitted field trips, with strict controls to protect the fragile remains and to respectHaida cultural heritage and sovereignty.