Daawuuxusda Conservancy

Seventeen recorded archaeological sites contain an impressive diversity of cultural items. These include culturally modified trees (CMTs), a ceremonial rock feature, a pictograph, cultural material, shell midden, human remains, a mortuary pole, habitation feature, fish bones inside a cave, a cultural depression, historical log cabin and house posts. Many of these areas have not been inventoried thoroughly which indicates that the heritage site/conservancy likely contains many other unrecorded cultural heritage and archaeological sites.

Of special significance are natural features within the coastal ecological communities of Sitka spruce – Pacific reedgrass as well as the limestone landscapes throughout the area that provide a unique substrate for uncommon plant species.

The cultural heritage values in the conservancy include opportunities for the ongoing continuance of Haida culture through traditional use of the area. Some examples of traditional use within Daawuuxusda Conservancy may include monumental cedar and cedar bark harvesting, seaweed harvesting, medicinal plant harvesting, hunting, fishing, trapping and food gathering. The heritage conservancy also provides a place for the physical expression of culture through monumental art such as totems or establishment of traditional style infrastructure such as longhouses.

There is a tremendous diversity throughout the tidal and non-tidal waters. The conservancy contains nine estuaries that are home to important eelgrass and surfgrass habitat. The area northwest of Kindaken rock has been recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a unique marine ecosystem. Also, Daawuuxusda Conservancy contains four percent of Haida Gwaii’s fish-bearing waters. Freshwater streams such as Gudal, Cone Head and Jiinaanga are known to host coho salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and Steelhead.