Skidegate

Skidegate is a district municipality and Haida community located on the southeastern coast of Graham Island in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. It sits along Skidegate Inlet, opposite Moresby Island, and serves as one of the principal Haida villages in the archipelago.

The community is primarily inhabited by Haida people and is part of the Haida Nation’s traditional territory. Local governance includes the District of Skidegate, and the Haida Nation maintains its own structures for cultural and regional governance in the area. Skidegate is closely connected with other Haida communities on Haida Gwaii.

Historically, Skidegate is part of a region with thousands of years of Haida culture, including strong traditions of carving, weaving, and potlatch. The area preserves significant cultural and archaeological sites and remains a center for Haida language and heritage.

Cultural and tourist highlights include the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay, a major institution dedicated to Haida art, history, and language, which features exhibits, totem poles, and educational programs. The village is also known for traditional cedar carvings and craftsmanship that contribute to its cultural economy.

Economically, Skidegate relies on a mix of fishing, tourism, arts and crafts, and supporting services. It is accessible by road and is connected to Haida Gwaii’s inter-island transportation network via a BC Ferries route between Skidegate and Alliford Bay on Moresby Island, facilitating travel to the broader archipelago.