SAH.HLINDAAW NAAY
Haida Gwaii Museum at Qay'llnagaay

Oral Histories and Science “Unfolding our History Together”

Exploring the natural and human history of Haida Gwaii through traditional knowledge and scientific research – comparing the similarities of oral histories, archaeology and geology; how they reinforce each other and provide a clearer picture of the ancient history of Haida Gwaii.

Contact and Conflict

This exhibit tells our story of ‘contact’ with Europeans, and the effects that followed. Visitors will come away from the exhibit with a greater understanding and appreciation of this darker period of Haida history, and how it has shaped the life of Haidas today:

• How Haidas lived before contact
• The prophecy of the coming of ‘pestilence’
• Trade and war with explorers
• Smallpox and TB epidemics
• The missionaries and the laws suppressing Haida and First Nations culture (i.e.: outlawing language, potlatches, songs/dances, poles, regalia, etc.)
• Residential School
• Reservations

Irene Mills, Haida Gwaii Museum