Free interpretive programs

Haida name: K’iiwaay
Scientific name: Mercenaria
English name: Clams
Traditional use: Shells used to make tools and utensils, and the meat harvested, prepared, and eaten. 
Fact: The beach at the Haida Heritage Centre is actually a geoduck clam bed. These unique animals are the largest burrowing clams in the world, weighing an average of 1.5 pounds.  However, individuals weighing over 8 pounds and as much as 3 feet in length are not unheard of.

Haida name: Ḵ'uust'an
Scientific name: Metacarcinus magister
English name: Crab
Traditional use: Food
Fact: All crabs are crustaceans, which means they have an exoskeleton – which essentially means they have their skeleton on the outside. This protects them from predators by acting like a suit of armor.

Haida name: Naw
Scientific name: Enteroctopus dofleini
English name: Giant Pacific Octopus 
Traditional use: Harvested, prepared and eaten
Fact: Octopuses are ranked as the most intelligent invertebrates. They have the ability to solve simple puzzles, open childproof bottles, and use tools.

Haida name: Sgan sgwan
Scientific name: Lysichiton americanus
English name: Skunk cabbage 
Traditional use: Preserve food – much like wax paper. 
Fact: Skunk cabbage is found in wet areas, and along streams and in swamps. Although there are no skunks on Haida Gwaii, you may catch is skunky ‘whiff’ which can be attributed to the Skunk Cabbage flower.

Haida name: Ts’uu
Scientific name: Thuja plicata
English name: Red cedar
Traditional use: Diapers, clothing, longhouses, monumental poles, dance regalia, etc. 
Fact: Red cedar, often referred to as the Tree of Live, is used for a wide array of important items. From monumental poles, canoes, and cedar bark weaving, and much more. 

Haida name: Sḵ’awG̱an
Scientific name: Rubus spectabilis
English name: Salmon berry
Traditional use: Food, paint 
Fact: In addition to being an important food source, these berries would be crushed into a paste, and used to paint monumental poles.