Why a remote Haida village is intentionally left to return to the earth
In short: On a secluded island in British Columbia, the ancient village of SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay stands as a monument to Haida culture. While it holds the world's largest collection of original totem poles, the Haida are choosing to let these masterpieces succumb to natural decay, honoring their cycle of life.
Known commonly as Ninstints, this UNESCO World Heritage Site on Anthony Island dates back to at least 360 CE. It served as a major settlement for the Kunghit Haida, featuring up to twenty longhouses at its peak. The name Ninstints actually refers to a powerful 19th-century chief, a common naming convention adopted by visiting ship captains during the maritime fur trade era. The site became a focal point for early European contact, beginning with George Dixon in 1787, though relations eventually soured before shifting as the population dwindled.
The village’s decline was accelerated by the 1862 smallpox epidemic and other introduced diseases, leading the remaining inhabitants to relocate to Skidegate by 1878. Today, the site is managed by the Archipelago Management Board, a cooperative body of the Haida Nation and the Canadian government. Rather than attempting to freeze the village in time, the Haida allow the cedar poles and house remains to weather naturally in the temperate rainforest, viewing this process as a return to the earth.
While the Haida have occasionally stabilized specific poles—such as in 1995 and 1997—the overarching philosophy remains one of respect for the natural lifecycle of the materials. The site is protected by the Haida Watchmen, who guide visitors and ensure the sanctity of the territory. This unique approach ensures that SG̱ang Gwaay remains an authentic expression of Haida culture, illustrating the deep, evolving relationship between the people, their art, and the land they have inhabited for at least 10,000 years.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ninstints
- Also: SGang Gwaay
- Also: Wikidata — Ninstints · CC0
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