Indigenous culture

HMCS Haida was named after the Haida Nation on the west coast of Canada. Upon hearing that the RCN was going to name its latest ship HMCS Haida the Haida Nation undertook to collect donations for the crew. Harry DeWolf, who had taken command of the brand new ship, later sent a letter of thanks on behalf of the crew for this gesture of friendship.

In 2018, the Haida Nation had its first direct contact with its namesake ship in her 75 year existence. Four hereditary chiefs: Chief Stithlda Frank Collison and Chief Gaahlaay Lonnie Young of the Haida Nation, Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Chief G. Ava Hill of the Six Nations of the Grand River, were present at the commemoration of HMCS Haida as the ceremonial flagship of the RCN.

A flag of the Haida Nation was gifted and immediately hoisted up the ship’s yardarm with Chief Gaahlaay proclaiming: “Haida, you have made our people and our country proud. Well done Haida, well done!” You can see the flag of the Council of the Haida Nation on the ship’s yardarm during special events.