Haida Gwaii is an archipelago comprised of over two-hundred islands divided into three main physiographic regions: the Queen Charlotte Ranges, the Skidegate Plateau, and the Queen Charlotte Lowlands (Banner et al., 2014). These diverse landscapes and climates give rise to a wide range of plant species, which have sustained the Haida and their ancestors for over ten-thousand years (Banner et al., 2014). However, these plants are more than just a source of sustenance for the Haida, as they are a central component of the Haida cultural knowledge and history (Turner & Turner, 2008). This is demonstrated by the carving of the mythical sea wolf found at the entrance to the Spirit Lake trail, symbolizing that the trail is not only hiking path but
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This paper will look at the Haida traditional uses of trees, shrubs, flowers, ferns, and mosses found on the archipelago. Due to the cool and wet climate along with the nutrient-poor soils, conifer species such as Western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and Western red cedar dominate Haida Gwaii’s forests (Banner et al., 2014). However, the deciduous red alder tree dominated the forest at the beginning of the trail as the earlier part of the trail was new growth. This is because red alder thrives in disturbed sites such as old logging areas, and it is fast growing (Pojar & MacKinnon, 1994). According to Tollas, the red alder tree contains a brownish red dye that was used for cedar weaving. Next up was the Western hemlock, Tollas explained that because of it’s dense canopy, very few plants can be found growing underneath. However, the branches of the Western hemlock served as bedding material due to its softness. Next, the Sitka spruce, distinguished by the thin bark that breaks into small scales, was especially valuable to the Haida due to the medicinal purposes in the pitch. The pitch could be used as a topical medicine for burns, slivers, and other skin …show more content…
Firstly, thimbleberry shoots were eaten as they were sweet, juicy, and crunchy, while also being a source of vitamins and minerals (Turner & Turner, 2008). Additionally, Tollas recalled that the large leaves could be used for paper towel and toilet paper. The red huckleberry was also a multi-purpose shrub used by the Haida. According to Tollas, the ends of the new growth red huckleberry had medicinal properties as they were boiled and gargled for coughs and colds. The berries were often made into fruit leather, plus their juices were often used as mouth wash. Lastly, the stems of the red huckleberry served as building supplies as they were often used as pegs and nails. Other shrubs that contained edible berries include the red elder berry, frog berry, salmon berry, salal, and the oval-leaved blueberry shrub. These berries were often harvested and mixed together and would serve as natural sweeteners, or prepped and used in other dishes. For example, Tollas, shared that to prepare for the upcoming potlatch she was canning berries to bring as a present. However, not all berries found on shrubs are edible, for instance berries found on devil’s club are not edible, however it was a valuable shrub to the Haida due to it’s medicinal properties. Often found growing near water, the Haida would use the devil’s club as a
This paper will look at the Haida traditional uses of trees, shrubs, flowers, ferns, and mosses found on the archipelago. Due to the cool and wet climate along with the nutrient-poor soils, conifer species such as Western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and Western red cedar dominate Haida Gwaii’s forests (Banner et al., 2014). However, the deciduous red alder tree dominated the forest at the beginning of the trail as the earlier part of the trail was new growth. This is because red alder thrives in disturbed sites such as old logging areas, and it is fast growing (Pojar & MacKinnon, 1994). According to Tollas, the red alder tree contains a brownish red dye that was used for cedar weaving. Next up was the Western hemlock, Tollas explained that because of it’s dense canopy, very few plants can be found growing underneath. However, the branches of the Western hemlock served as bedding material due to its softness. Next, the Sitka spruce, distinguished by the thin bark that breaks into small scales, was especially valuable to the Haida due to the medicinal purposes in the pitch. The pitch could be used as a topical medicine for burns, slivers, and other skin …show more content…
Firstly, thimbleberry shoots were eaten as they were sweet, juicy, and crunchy, while also being a source of vitamins and minerals (Turner & Turner, 2008). Additionally, Tollas recalled that the large leaves could be used for paper towel and toilet paper. The red huckleberry was also a multi-purpose shrub used by the Haida. According to Tollas, the ends of the new growth red huckleberry had medicinal properties as they were boiled and gargled for coughs and colds. The berries were often made into fruit leather, plus their juices were often used as mouth wash. Lastly, the stems of the red huckleberry served as building supplies as they were often used as pegs and nails. Other shrubs that contained edible berries include the red elder berry, frog berry, salmon berry, salal, and the oval-leaved blueberry shrub. These berries were often harvested and mixed together and would serve as natural sweeteners, or prepped and used in other dishes. For example, Tollas, shared that to prepare for the upcoming potlatch she was canning berries to bring as a present. However, not all berries found on shrubs are edible, for instance berries found on devil’s club are not edible, however it was a valuable shrub to the Haida due to it’s medicinal properties. Often found growing near water, the Haida would use the devil’s club as a