Skidegate

Skidegate
Hlg̱aagilda
Indian Reserve

View of Skidegate from outside the Haida Heritage Centre.

Location of Skidegate in [Haida Gwaii]

Coordinates: 53°16′02″N 131°59′26″W / 53.26722°N 131.99056°WCoordinates: 53°16′02″N 131°59′26″W / 53.26722°N 131.99056°W
Country  Canada
Province  British Columbia
Region Haida Gwaii
Regional district Skeena-Queen Charlotte
Founded 1850
Government
  Chief Councillor Willard Wilson
Area
  Total 5.65 km2 (2.18 sq mi)
Elevation 28 m (92 ft)
Population (2006)[1]
  Total 781
  Density 138.3/km2 (358/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC-8)
Highways 16
Waterways Hecate Strait

Skidegate /ˈskɪdɨɡɨt/ (Haida: Hlg̱aagilda[2] ) is a Haida community in Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) in British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the southeast coast of Graham Island,[3] the largest island in the archipelago, and is approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) west of mainland British Columbia across Hecate Strait. Skidegate, which is located on Skidegate Indian Reserve No. 1 and was formerly home to the Skidegate Mission[4][5] is also the northern terminal for the BC Ferries service between Graham Island and Alliford Bay on Moresby Island.

Skidegate was so named in the early 19th century, after its chief, according to tradition. The community was a hub for the trade of otter furs.[6]

The Haida Heritage Centre is located in Skidegate on the beach at Kay Llnagaay.

Historical photo of Skidegate

See also

References

External links